Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Special Option (Pre-Business)

at California State University - Fresno USA

The Department of Finance and Business Law offers three options (areas of emphasis) within the Bachelor of Science in the Business Administration degree program.

The International Business Option introduces students to the fastest growing part of business today. The information and communications revolution - and declining travel costs - have made all businesses aware of global markets. The option stresses the role of global communications and the growth of entrepreneurial opportunities in worldwide markets, with special attention to California and the markets of the Pacific Rim.

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis is a two-year, full-time graduate program that meets the degree, coursework, and experience requirements needed in preparation for national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students are required to take 44 units of coursework, including 3 thesis units and 4 practicum units. Students are also able to acquire the required number of supervised experience hours over the two years of the program. Students must apply for admission to the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis during the graduate application process.

This degree program, particularly the practicum, emphasizes behavior analytic applications with typically developing and developmentally disabled children and adults.

The Department of Public Health offers curricula based on principles of public health practices leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, including a major and minor in health science with options in community health, environmental/occupational health and safety, and health administration.

The Health Science Bachelor of Science curriculum consists of a core of five courses providing a foundation of knowledge and skills critical to the theory and practice of the health professional. In addition, students complete a specialized cluster of courses in an option that provides the depth and breadth for the area. A variety of combinations between and within options is possible to meet professional goals.

The Department of Art and Design offers many exciting and creative opportunities for students to nurture and expand their artistic and design senses. Entering the 21st century, the department provides a broad range of experiences that prepare its graduates for art- and design-related career opportunities and artistic endeavors. Students study and produce works that include state-of-the-art computer applications, conceptual art, graphic design, and interior design. The department has fine arts as its core and foundation, while offering areas of study that allow for occupational preparation in a variety of areas. The award-winning faculty is committed to the idea that a foundation in the crafts of art and design is an essential prerequisite to the production of works that show sophistication both conceptually and visually.

The term kinesiology means "the study of movement," and the academic discipline of kinesiology comprises the subdisciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport and exercise psychology, athletic training and sports medicine, sports administration, physical education, and fitness and health promotion. The overall objective of the programs in kinesiology is to improve the lives of students by providing insight, education, and practical experience in exercise, sport, and physical activity. Programs in kinesiology open doors to relevant and rewarding professional careers.

The Department of Kinesiology is composed of a cohesive, creative, and dynamic group of well-educated faculty with a wealth of practical and professional experience. Students are engaged in educational and clinical research programs and practical experiences which incorporate leading-edge technology and best practices. The curriculum and associated instruction provide a solid foundation for future learning and professional growth. The program incorporates many opportunities for professional certification through prestigious national organizations and governing bodies. Students become experts in exercise, fitness, performance, and wellness.

The undergraduate Sport Administration Option prepares students for entry-level careers in the sport industry and graduate studies in Sport Administration. Students learn a combination of skills related to sport and undergo a strategic career analysis, evaluate their marketability within the sport industry, learn how to differentiate themselves from the competition, network with leading sport personnel and organizations, and develop a career plan and resume -- all while gaining essential hands-on sport industry experience.

The M.P.A. Program builds on the belief that effective leadership of public agencies requires a basic set of abilities and public values irrespective of the particular characteristics of an organization. Courses in the program focus on the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as an appreciation for ethical decision making.

All students in the program complete a core program of 21 units within the 36 units required for the M.P.A. In consultation with their advisers, students will select the remaining units from graduate public administration courses and courses offered by other departments and programs. These units can be used to further develop a general competence in public administration or to provide students with an opportunity to pursue additional topics of interest. The M.P.A. student can meet the university Graduate Writing Requirement by passing the writing component of the course MPA 210. Please see program director for the written policy. To finish the program students may elect to write a thesis or to take a comprehensive examination.

The Criminology major is designed to prepare students for beginning professional work in criminal justice and to provide preparation for graduate work including law school. Criminology courses at the undergraduate level include integration of theoretical and applied materials of an interdisciplinary nature. The corrections option is designed for students interested in careers in probation, parole, correctional institutions, and other affiliated forms of work. The law enforcement option is designed for students interested in careers with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, or law enforcement careers within the private sector. The victimology option is designed for students interested in careers in domestic violence programs, rape counseling programs, victim/witness programs, or other victim-related programs at the local, state, or federal level; these programs can either be criminal justice based or community based. An internship course is required in the corrections, law enforcement, and victimology options. The Forensic Behavioral Sciences major prepares students interested in the application of other behavioral sciences — such as psychology, anthropology, social work, and linguistics — to the criminal justice system. However, it is also designed to prepare students interested in traditional criminal justice careers. 

The Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences prepares students for the rapidly growing fields of Information Systems and Technology and Data Analytics for Decision-Making. Producing new intelligence from raw data, collected by computer-based information systems, can help businesses enhance products and services, and organizations to meet their strategic goals. Computer-based data analysis and information-sharing lead to better, more informed decisions. In addition to traditional methods of classroom instruction and guest speakers, students in these options are exposed through hands-on experiences to new developments in computer technology, software, and applications.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) is the practice of developing and maintaining systems to support operations, management, and decision-making. It combines technology, people, and business organizations in a single field. An information system can collect, store, process, analyze, and distribute information with an enterprise-wide view and make it available to all users across functional departments and across organizations to support their business operation and decision-making processes. Topics covered in this option include computer programming, database design, systems analysis and design, computer networks, project management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile and Web application development, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence.

The theatre arts major and dance major offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in acting, directing, dance theory, research and performance, choreography, playwriting, children's theatre, technical production, scene design, costume design, sound design, stage management, lighting design, history, literature, and teaching. After completing our program, you will have the background that will enhance your ability to pursue either a teaching credential, advanced degree or a professional career.

Our professionally trained instructors will guide you through a program that is not only educational but fascinating. A major or minor in theatre or dance can be one of the more exciting times in your life because it will develop communication and performing skills that will aid you no matter what career you finally decide to pursue. If theatre or dance is what you want, then the California State University, Fresno Theatre Arts Department is ready to serve you.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences offers an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, and geology. This degree is designed for students interested in areas such as pollution abatement, water resources, ecosystem protection, restoration, or management.