Bachelor of Science in Biology - Microbiology Option

at California State University, Dominguez Hills - Carson Campus USA

The field of Child Development is dedicated to understanding how individuals change over time from conception through adolescence. Knowledge of developmental processes and the factors that influence development is essential for effectively working with children and for making sound decisions regarding their welfare and for promoting individual success. The program in Child Development includes in-class and field experiences to prepare students to become knowledgeable and effective child and family professionals. Foundational coursework prepares students to master the basics of development across different developmental periods. As students advance through the program, they take specialized courses to develop a deeper understanding of the factors related to development, its study, and its application.

The Philosophy department offers a major and a minor in Philosophy and a minor in Religious Studies. The program provides a strong foundation in the history of Western thought and deals with a variety of ongoing philosophical and religious issues, tracing them from their origins in early Greek and other historical sources to current theories and disputes. The department offers a variety of courses in contemporary philosophy, including phenomenology and applied ethics. The department recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and through its course offerings addresses multicultural concerns.

The department offers an established graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Sociology. The program is designed to provide all students with a strong foundation in sociological theory and research methodology. The graduate program is designed to allow for a substantial degree of student choice. Students may choose a macro- or micro-based program of study and select from several areas for further specialization or experience. These areas include, but are not restricted to, such concentrations as social research and computer applications; sociology of education; community and clinical sociology; law and society; criminology and deviance; and general sociology. Students are expected to select a major advisor who can best facilitate their specific interests in the program. Finally, students may choose one of the following options to complete their program of graduate study: comprehensive exam, thematic project or thesis. Students with an interest in teaching and administrative applications of the degree are encouraged to complete via examination. Those with research interests or who may wish to pursue advanced graduate study toward a doctoral degree are encouraged to opt for the thesis or thematic project options.

The Department of Sociology has an established record of success in graduate education. Many of the department's graduates have found careers in research, teaching and a wide range of other fields. Special emphasis is placed on practical and policy-relevant research participation by graduate students in the Urban Community Research Center. Students are encouraged to take an active role in the department, the discipline and the wider community. Students may apprentice in one or more of the many advanced forms of social scientific research, including evaluation research, social impact analysis, ethnographic field research, etc. Students who wish to pursue advanced study beyond the M.A. degree may elect to take additional work necessary to acquire the Graduate Certificate in Social Research.

The Biology Program at CSU Dominguez Hills is designed to provide students with intensive, progressive and balanced learning experiences in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, population and community biology, and environmental science.

As a major, English offers a varied and soundly-based program that unifies the study of composition, language, and literature.

It prepares the student for a career in business, communications media, teaching, and for advanced study in graduate and professional schools. It is truly a versatile major.

Students may prepare for a career in teaching English at the secondary level (junior high or high school) by completing an approved "Subject Matter Preparation Program" such as our B.A. in English (English Education Option). Completion of such a program is the first step in meeting the state requirements for a teaching credential. Interested students should consult the departmentally designated advisor for current information.

The Asian-Pacific Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary major and minor in the study of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, emphasizing a transnational perspective. Concentrations are offered in the major:

• The Asian-Pacific Studies Concentration focuses on Asian-Pacific peoples, societies, and nations from the perspective of their historical, cultural and political experiences from antiquity to the present. It covers ancient civilizations, history, culture, philosophy, religion, politics, economics, and gender and family relations. It also explores the interconnections of Asian Pacific societies with the rest of the world. Though not required, Study Abroad and Asian language classes are highly recommended.

The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations degree program is designed to help students develop an in-depth understanding of the role and impact of advertising and public relations in both for-pro?t and nonpro?t organizations. The program focuses on preparing students to become logical and innovative advertising and public relations professionals who also examine the ethical and cultural values in their practice. The course sequence is designed to emphasize professional skills, analytic abilities, and critical approaches in dealing with advertising and public relations issues. Speci?cally, the students will polish creative ideas and gain a variety of professional skills, including creating AD/PR messages; planning AD/PR media; organizing integrated communication plans; and developing sponsorships and promotional strategies.

The program also stresses both analytical approaches and critical thinking skills. Students will learn the theoretical foundations underlying persuasive messaging as well as analytical tools applied to advertising and public relations research. With this knowledge, students will improve their ability to identify and investigate current AD/PR-related issues by using an appropriate methodology and develop further strategic directions. In conjunction with the practical techniques, the program will also guide students to appreciate the cultural aspects and ethical issues in advertising and public relations practices. Students can tailor their messages on the basis of understanding of cultural differences and engage with ethical concerns. Upon completing the program, students will achieve a wealth of knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to think critically and strategically in developing promotional media messages and strategies.

The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations is housed in the Communications Department. All production-related courses utilize the department’s facilities and equipment.

The Department of Art and Design programs at California State University, Dominguez Hills are characterized by a unique and close correlation among the Art History, Studio Art, and Design Options, and by a strong coordination among the different studio areas. These Options introduce students to potential careers in the art world as well as providing personal fulfillment through creative and scholarly endeavors. Although a minor is not required, those who foresee a career in art are encouraged to complete a minor in the Department of Art and Design.

The Art History option offers a diverse range of courses with emphasis on the cultures of the Americas, Asia, and Africa, as well as the achievements of contemporary and women artists. The Studio Art Option offers students a solid background in both traditional and contemporary media in closely supervised small classes. The Design Option introduces students to careers in the graphic design field. In addition to the major and minor options, the Department of Art and Design offers courses for both General Education and Liberal Studies.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at California State University, Dominguez Hills is intentionally designed to address the diverse social service needs, issues and problems particular to a large metropolitan area such as Los Angeles County. Building on the diversity of the various ethnic groups and cultures residing in the area, the program will prepare social work students for contextually competent social work practice, inclusive of the issues of culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, class, sexual orientation and gender. The effects of bias, prejudice and institutionalized racism are examined so that students understand how these issues can affect social work practice, policy development and program implementation. Students learn a variety of perspectives and ways of identifying strategies and interventions for addressing these concerns and other problems in social work practice with individuals, families and communities.

The Department of Social Work promotes a psychosocial, ecological and cross-cultural approach to social work practice with Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality serving as the theoretical framework for contextually competent practice. The curriculum is developed and organized as a coherent and integrated whole consistent with program goals and objectives. California State University, Dominguez Hills offers one concentration: Social Work Practice in Communities (SWPC) and three specializations that students can choose from: Children, Youth and Families, Community Mental Health and Community Capacity Building.

Students who have academic or professional goals that are not easily met by one of the regular degree programs at CSU Dominguez Hills may find that the undergraduate Special Majors program is more suitable to their unique needs and interests. Through these programs, students will integrate studies from two (or more) departments or colleges, either concentrating on each equally or choosing one department or option as the primary emphasis with the other(s) as secondary.

Liberal Studies (LBS) is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major for students who intend to become elementary and special education teachers or to pursue related graduate work. Courses leading to the B.A. in Liberal Studies focus on the subject areas taught in elementary schools as well as professional preparation and early fieldwork.