Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Instruction Option

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 Finance Option stresses the financial structure of businesses through a common set of courses and specialized courses directed at various applications. It is designed to provide students with the basic skills required to plan, supervise, and control the financial activities of business organizations. These include understanding the trade-off between risk and return, the time value of money, and the magnifying effect of leverage. Students also gain the skills related to evaluating the financial needs of a business, obtaining the funds required by the firm, and using these funds in such a way that the company's goals are met.

The Entrepreneurship Option offers students a comprehensive academic experience in entrepreneurship that starts with the classroom and links to the community. It integrates core business concepts around the formation, start-up, and growth of an entrepreneurial firm. By taking a select group of entrepreneurship courses, the students learn how to launch their own business idea.

Students can facilitate their learning experience through active involvement in the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Craig School's Small Business Institute, and the Institute for Family Business.

The Department of Mathematics offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics. A bachelor's degree is required in order to be admitted to a graduate program at California State University, Fresno.

In order to be admitted to classified graduate standing, applicants must have undergraduate preparation comparable to a California State University, Fresno mathematics major and have a 3.0 grade point average in their upper-division mathematics courses. Applicants lacking the above preparation may be admitted conditionally. These students will become classified after meeting additional requirements as set by the graduate coordinator. Coursework taken to achieve classified standing may not be applied towards credits for the graduate program.

Sociology majors receive strong grounding in traditional and contemporary social theory, methods of conducting social research, and techniques of analyzing social data. Courses with a service-learning component provide students with an opportunity to engage in participant-observation studies, while the Social Research Laboratory (SRL) gives them a chance to participate in survey research. Encouraging student research is one of the hallmarks of sociology at Fresno State.

The program also offers advanced courses on topics ranging from medical sociology, religion, and family to popular culture, deviance, and social movements and social change.

The Bachelor of Science in Geology prepares students for employment in petroleum geology, mineral exploration, land-use planning, environmental assessment, hydrology, and engineering geology, or for teaching earth science or physical science at the secondary level. The Master of Science program provides a graduate degree for students who want to work in industry or government on the professional level, for students who want to teach earth science in junior college, or for students who wish to pursue further graduate study.

A major in music is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, performance, or music-related fields. It enhances their knowledge of the musical art and increases their sensitivity to the musical world around them.

The Department of Music provides the following:

• undergraduate instruction in music for those planning professional careers as performers, composers, and studio teachers, as well as those preparing for advanced degrees in performance and composition
• state-approved subject matter preparation required for a California teaching credential in music
• graduate education for students planning professional and academic careers or seeking professional growth as K-12 teachers or junior college instructors
• broad acquaintance with music for the community and non-music majors

Mechanical engineering is the use of basic science in the design and manufacture of components and systems. This requires the application of physical and mechanical principles in the development of machines, energy conversion systems, materials, and equipment for measurement and control. Knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry lies at the core of this field. Application of this knowledge uses engineering technology -- a disciplined way of thinking, modeling, and testing that enables development of new systems despite incomplete information and uncertainty.

The graduate program in mechanical engineering provide basics and advanced studies in design, advanced materials, alternative energy and sustainable systems, thermo-fluids, engineering mechanics, mechatronics and controls. All areas include statics, dynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and experimental methods. Application areas in design include mechanics of materials, applied mechanics, structural and manufacturing aspects of producing equipment, and vibrations. Application areas in thermal and fluid mechanics focus on energy conversion and include combustion, heat engines, refrigeration, and fluid flow.

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies is a new pilot program starting in the Fall of 2020. Students in this program are being prepared for a career in the architectural design field. Our program incorporates interdisciplinary courses that not only provide students with a solid understanding of architectural design concepts but with a firm understanding of design graphics, urban studies, city and regional planning and constructability to make them competitive in the architecture industry.

The Master of Arts degree program in psychology may be arranged to include interest areas such as general experimental, as well as special master of arts programs for individuals. The General Experimental program is a 30-unit degree program is intended primarily to prepare graduates for entry into doctoral programs in general experimental, developmental, social, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, perception, decision making, data analytics, or clinical psychology, and may serve as preparation for community college teaching or professional employment requiring a master's degree.

Philosophy is one of the fundamental domains of human thought. It grows out of basic life questions, including questions of ethics, religion, politics, and science. The study of philosophy has had an historic role in the core of sound education, because it helps sharpen skills of careful, independent thinking and aids people of all ages in defining their most important values and beliefs. The examination of great philosophical ideas, and the emphasis on clear reasoning and personal development that are involved in philosophy serve as a strong foundation for life, regardless of one's career objectives.

The Department of Philosophy offers students the following opportunities for a rich and rewarding undergraduate experience: the traditional B.A. philosophy major, the prelaw option, the religious studies option, and the philosophy minor. The department provides ample opportunity for individual attention and student participation in its activities, e.g., student Philosophy Club, symposia, colloquia, etc.

The Prelaw Option emphasizes analytical skills, ethics, and values courses. Law schools seek a broad general education background and do not recommend any specific major. Students who enjoy philosophy and are interested in law should find this option an excellent way to combine their interests.