Master of Arts in English - Rhetoric and Writing Studies Option

at California State University - Fresno USA

Marketing is the process by which organizations define and select target markets, design products and services, set prices, determine distribution channels, develop promotions, and design after-sale customer service. When all of these elements are correctly mixed, the firm is able to build long term relationships with its customers. Building on marketing theories and concepts, marketing students study the basics of marketing information systems. They also learn about exchanging relationships, personal communication, market segmentation, positioning strategies, Internet marketing, and marketing strategic planning. In addition, students can explore special interest areas such as promotion, retailing, international marketing, services marketing, logistics and supply chain strategies, sales management, distribution management, buyer behavior, and sports marketing. Particular emphasis is placed on marketing applications through experiential learning projects, service-learning experiences, hands-on projects with local companies, and semester long internships. Marketing is an exciting, fast-paced, dynamic field that offers career opportunities in e-marketing, marketing research, product design, retail and wholesale management, distribution, sales, sales management, purchasing, advertising and public relations, and marketing management. These exciting careers stimulate personal growth, challenge your creativity and imagination, and appeal to a variety of interests.

The Department of Linguistics offers an M.A. in Linguistics with an option in General Linguistics and an M.A. in Linguistics with an option in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. At California State University, Fresno, students may also get a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Computational Linguistics or Cognitive Science. Department faculty will assist students in planning such a program. For specific requirements, see Degree Requirements below; for general requirements see Division of Research and Graduate Studies.

The Master of Arts degree program in Linguistics assumes a baccalaureate degree major in an appropriate field and at least three upper-division courses in linguistics as prerequisites. Graduate students are required to complete at least 30 units of courses with a minimum of 21 units of graduate level courses, and to pass a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis.

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 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 Electrical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Electrical engineers design and develop electronic circuits, equipment and systems in the areas of electromagnetics (antennas; radar, radio, and television systems), communications (telephone systems, satellite communications; laser and optical fiber communications; aircraft and missile guidance systems), computers and digital systems (computers, microprocessors, and microcomputers; artificial intelligence), physical electronics and optics (transistors; integrated circuits; optical display devices; lasers; optical fibers), power systems and energy conversion (electric power generation; analysis and synthesis of power transmission and distribution protection systems design; on-line power control protection systems design), and control systems (computer control, robotics, automated manufacturing, intelligent sensors). Hands-on experiences are emphasized and gained through laboratory work and design projects.

Co-op Program
The department participates in the Valley Industry Partnership Program which allows students to integrate planned industrial experiences into their academic programs. Students interested in this program should contact the chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the college's co-op coordinator.

The Department of Kinesiology offers advanced study designed to enhance professional competencies in pedagogy (M.A. in Kinesiology), exercise science (Exercise Science Option), sport administration (Sport Administration Option), and sport psychology (Sport Psychology Option). These offerings prepare students for more advanced degrees, applied research, and/or careers in clinical settings, teaching, administration, coaching, or the sport industry.

The Industrial Technology program at California State University, Fresno is geared towards preparing students for managerial and leadership roles in the industry. The program equips students with the necessary skills to use and manage state-of-the-art technologies in the fields of agricultural information systems, manufacturing, processing and packaging, quality systems and transportation. A blend of lectures, online instruction and hands-on lab activities together with engaged faculty and staff provides students with an environment that nurtures critical thinking and encourages innovation. The undergraduate curriculum includes technical concentrations in the areas of automotive technologies, food processing, and packaging, manufacturing quality and spatial technology which build on the strong foundations of our technology and management core courses.

The program for the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology is accredited by the Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). The department was awarded the highest possible accreditation, six years which is valid until 2024.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an approach that places women in the center of inquiry. The primary mission of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is to analyze gender. Students acquire both a local and global perspective on gender. Attentiveness to diversity, privilege and power, and women's unique creative contributions to human experience are central aspects of this training. More than simply a body of knowledge, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies encourages students to apply their learning to transform their lives and their communities. Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers a vital perspective everywhere gender impacts our world.

English is a general major or minor designed to give proficiency in skills that traditionally have been among the most highly prized by society: an ability to read with comprehension and critical judgment; to communicate accurately and clearly both orally and in writing; to grasp difficult ideas and think logically; to do research and organize materials; to make ethical and moral judgments from an historical and humanistic framework; and to appreciate literature and the arts.

The core of the English major consists of four basic kinds of courses in the upper division: literary history courses, literary genre courses, literacy seminars, and writing courses. The masterpiece courses apply to the minor and may meet General Education requirements. The department also offers courses in mythology and folklore, methods of research, film, and women's studies.

The Subject Matter Program for teaching credential candidates contains a number of specific prerequisites and special required courses, some of which are outside the Department of English. For specific program requirements, consult with the credential adviser each semester.