Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with Concentration in Liberal Arts

at California State University - East Bay USA

This degree program, offered through the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, provides the opportunity for students to acquire a practical and theoretical education in the marine sciences to prepare them for careers as marine specialists, scientists, and teachers. The program at Moss Landing provides interdepartmental work and a field facility for advanced study in the marine sciences which cannot be duplicated on the Cal State East Bay campus.

Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S.in Marine Science from Cal State East Bay will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in a particular category of oceanography and marine science and
  • be able to synthesize and integrate across all of these fields, yet achieve a depth of understanding in the student’s individual specialty or field of study (MLML specialties include Physical Oceanography, Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Geological Oceanography, Marine Phycology, Marine Ichthyology, Marine Turtle, Bird and Mammal Ecology, and Marine Invertebrate Zoology.)
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze scientific research, whether the student’s own research, or that performed by others.
• Pose relevant scientific hypotheses or questions that may then serve to guide thesis research.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the design and implementation of experiments or data collection methodologies to address specific hypotheses/questions.
• Master the skills and tools of data collection and analysis (including analytical and statistical techniques as appropriate) specific to the student’s scientific field of study.
• Demonstrate the ability to place ones own research within the larger context of relevant field of scientific study and to clearly identify the implications of this research for that field.
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication by being able to present research clearly and concisely. This includes thoughtful and thorough oral and written presentation of their thesis and their responses to questions. 

The Department of Computer Science offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science. This program is designed to extend the student’s knowledge in a broad manner beyond the baccalaureate degree major in Computer Science. It will both (1) deepen general understanding of theoretical principles and (2) provide exposure to important applications of Computer Science such as security, software engineering, database, networking, and others. This approach is especially important in Computer Science, where training in specific languages and systems and on specific machines is transitory, as these languages, systems, and machines evolve. In contrast, many of the principles will last, and generally apply to a wide variety of specializations within the field.  The breadth of subject material is important as many students will have a number of different job classifications in their working lives.

Human Development is an interdisciplinary program that integrates theory and methodology from disciplines such as anthropology, biology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. The program explores the processes and mechanisms underlying developmental change and stability across the lifespan and the socio-cultural and historical contexts in which development takes place.

The Program’s curriculum aims to develop in students a basic understanding of major research findings and core concepts in human development, the ability to analyze and evaluate theoretical and practical issues in the field, and the skills to apply learning to diverse communities outside the University. The Program strives to create an optimal learning community that values and fosters collaborative learning and dialogue between and among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

The Department of Criminal Justice offers an undergraduate degree designed for the development of knowledge and understanding of practices, criminological theory, and concepts of the criminal justice system. Through the examination of crime prevention, forensic science and investigation, corrections and community-based programs, equity and diversity, and impact of victimization students will be provided with a general understanding of the issues facing the criminal and juvenile justice systems. This major will prepare students to be leaders for positive change in the community along with careers in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, law, and community-based programs.

Many local, state, federal and private agencies employ Cal State East Bay criminal justice graduates. Senior majors may qualify for internship placement in criminal justice agencies throughout the Bay Area.

Local level agencies include municipal police departments, county sheriffs’ offices, probation departments, halfway and pre-release houses, group homes, crisis centers, juvenile halls, welfare fraud units, computer crime analysis, and retail and industrial security agencies. State level agencies include: the Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Departments of Justice, Fish and Game, and Forestry. Federal level agencies include the Border Patrol; F.B.I.; Secret Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Internal Revenue Service; National Park Service; Customs; Postal Inspection Service; and Federal Prisons.

Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Many psychologists work primarily with people to understand how they think, respond to stress, learn and forget, develop into unique personalities, and interact with one another. Others study the behavior and nervous systems of animals in order to find general principles that apply across species. Psychologists apply their knowledge to do therapy and counseling, to improve practices in schools, prisons, and rehabilitation centers, and to enhance performance in industrial and business settings.

The B.S. programs are designed for more specialized purposes. Students in the B.S. program must select one of the two concentrations in that program: Industrial/Organizational Psychology or Ergonomics and Human Factors. The concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology provides preparation for careers related to business, with an emphasis on personnel management. The concentration in Ergonomics and Human Factors provides preparation for careers in the design of work environments to take account of human limitations and strengths, for example, the design of equipment (computers, aircraft, automobiles) or the design of industrial procedures.

Biology is concerned with living matter in all its forms, responses, and interactions. It deals with the study of anything that has been or is alive: microbes, fungi, plants, “protists” and all animals, including humans. The science of biology includes a large number of highly integrated sub-disciplines such as microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, systematics, and behavior. Biologists must draw upon a wide variety of academic disciplines to make observations and form conclusions, and well-trained biologists have solid backgrounds in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics, and the humanities, as required by graduate programs and professional schools, to meet the demands of professions in the life sciences.

The Mathematics Department offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mathematics. The department prides itself on providing excellent instruction in advanced mathematics and maintaining a supportive learning environment for graduate students. Students in the program will be exposed to the fundamental areas of pure and applied mathematics and have the opportunity to explore specialized areas in depth. The completed program prepares students for careers in community college teaching, positions in industry that require knowledge of mathematics beyond the undergraduate level, as well as for advanced study toward a Ph.D. degree in mathematics or a related field.

The M.S. program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty. Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Mathematics should speak with the Mathematics Graduate Coordinator.

Kinesiology is the disciplinary study of physical activity and how it impacts individual and societal health and well-being.  The discipline explores physical activity from a wide range of cognate disciplines, including, but not limited to, biomechanics, physiology, history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and pedagogy.  It involves areas of study that include sports performance, fitness leadership, sports medicine and related allied health professions, socio-cultural analysis of sport, sport and exercise psychology, physical education, and coaching.    

The BS in Kinesiology degree prepares students for careers in the fitness and exercise and allied health professions. Our mission is to prepare graduates who are knowledgeable, professional, and take a multidisciplinary approach to promoting physical activity.  The degree not only examines the theoretical underpinning of sport, exercise, fitness and health, but is committed to addressing the practical issues concerning coaching and instructing, exercise, fitness and sport. It also addresses prescription; programming and safety in promoting health and performance-related physical activity; and issues of social justice in and through sport. The diverse curriculum strives to be innovative and encourage creative thinking and practice.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides a strong education in chemistry and biochemistry that prepares its students to function and thrive in society. The department attempts to increase the problem solving and critical thinking skills of all students. Non-science students learn about the scientific and chemical aspects of everyday life that allow them to understand issues related to the environment, energy production, disease prevention, and nutrition. Students of the sciences learn the fundamentals of chemistry that control the interactions of elements and molecules. Building on an understanding of mathematics, physics, and biology, biochemistry majors receive a background in the major disciplines of chemistry including inorganic, analytical, organic, and physical, and take in-depth coursework in biochemistry. Students learn the protocols and techniques for working safely with chemicals and biochemicals. The department recognizes the importance of the pursuit of new knowledge in the development of skilled scientists and productive members of society, and encourages its students to participate in research projects and cooperative educational opportunities.

The Biochemistry, B.A. degree prepares students for employment in biochemistry, biotechnology and related fields. It can also serve as preparation for professional health-related programs such as pharmacy or medicine. The Biochemistry, B.A.: Chemistry Education Concentration is designed for students interested in teaching chemistry at the high school level but also prepares graduates to work as biochemists in industry or government. This program prepares students to enter a single subject credential program.

The College of Business and Economics, which offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) program, is committed to providing life-changing, quality business education to prepare students from diverse backgrounds to become successful business professionals and leaders. The B.S.B.A. program imparts students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the changing global business environment and to prepare students for success in their professional careers.

The B.S.B.A. major program is structured around a set of core courses enabling students to develop general business perspective and skills. Students are required to choose an area of specialization, i.e., concentration, corresponding to their desired career path. In addition, the program allows students flexibility to customize their specialization by choosing business elective courses. These electives may be chosen to further strengthen their preparation in their chosen concentration.

The undergraduate and the graduate programs in the College of Business and Economics are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).