Master of Science in Environmental Science

at California State University, Dominguez Hills - Carson Campus USA

The Spanish Language has become an important global language and those who hold a degree in Spanish is of invaluable asset in California, across the country and the world. Over 534 million people worldwide speak Spanish as a first and second language. More than 41 million people in the U.S. speak Spanish. The US Census Bureau reports that the population of Latino origin is expected to jump to 119 million by 2060. Moreover, the employment opportunities for Spanish majors continue to grow with both the passage of Proposition 58, which removes restrictions on bilingual education programs for California, and with the Global California 2030 Initiative that calls for the expansion of the teaching and learning of world languages and the number of in more than one language over the next 12 years.

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.

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.

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 Africana Studies in the College of Arts and Humanities offers a major and a minor in Africana Studies. Africana Studies is primarily a peoples- and culture-based discipline that investigates Africana peoples’ experiences. These experiences range from earliest human civilizations through the tragic era of enslavement, colonization, uprootment, to the forced migration and displacement of African peoples. The intellectual framework that sets Africana Studies apart from other disciplines is that it explores the subject area from the perspective of Africana peoples’ interests, aspirations, possibilities, and envisioned destinies. The foundation of the discipline rests on an understanding and appreciation of African peoples’ worldview and philosophy of life as the starting point for all Africana intellectual inquiry.  The BA degree and minor program offered by the department emphasize an examination of the theoretical and empirical characteristics of the African world experience from both a contemporary and historical perspective.

 The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts Degree. The B.A. Degree also has a Biochemistry Option.

Students graduating with this degree will be certified to the Society and will receive a certificate from the ACS. The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry fulfills the need of those students who are pursuing pre-medical or pre-dental programs as well as those who plan to enter fields such as business, environmental or patent law, where a background in chemistry can be of great utility.

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.

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.

The Special Education Program is designed to offer candidates both core and advanced specialization in the delivery of special education services from infancy to adulthood. The program meets the needs of college graduates who wish to pursue careers in special education. Candidates can obtain the following: Master of Arts degree in Special Education, Education Specialist Instruction Preliminary Credentials (Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, and Early Childhood Special Education), Teacher Induction Program (Clear Credential), Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization, and Assistive Technology Certificate. Credential, authorization, and certificate coursework combines theory, methods, and field experiences that enrich candidates teaching practices. Master degree level courses combine theory, field assignments, and a culminating experience that enhances candidates' professional expertise and specialized knowledge.

The MA program prepares candidates to assume advanced roles in the field of Special Education. Current research and best practices in the field of Special Education underpin the curriculum. The program consists of a core of advanced coursework, electives, and a culminating experience (thesis or comprehensive exam) that support advance study in the field of Special Education. There are 30 units of course work with a minimum of 21 semester units completed in residence. Candidates who apply to both the Master of Arts Degree and the Teacher Induction Program must adhere to the requirements for both programs (e.g., GPA and course grade requirements).

The Humanities Graduate Program provides post-baccalaureate students the opportunity to study the traditional humanities fields - philosophy, literature, history, music, and art - in the context of contemporary interdisciplinary topics, as well as in courses devoted to the methodology and current concerns of specific disciplines. Courses enable the critical evaluation of the visual and performing arts, as well as the ideas, cultures and individuals which have shaped our society. Program courses are designed around the theme of the city. Skills in advanced writing, research, and presentation are exercised in seminars and in a final research or creative project.
 
Designed for professionals such as teachers for whom the possession of a master's degree has practical as well as personal value, the program also serves the student who is continuing his/her college education for the enrichment of lifelong learning.