Bachelor of Science in Film Studies

at EDUCO - University of Nebraska - Lincoln USA

Philosophy is the critical study of the fundamental concepts and assumptions involved in all central areas of human experience, including religion, morality, science, and art. The department offers an introduction to philosophy course designed for the general student, as well as introductory courses in logic and current issues.

The basic philosophy curriculum includes courses in the history of philosophy covering the period which begins with the development of rational inquiry by the philosophers of ancient Greece and which concludes with the construction of the modern philosophical systems of the Enlightenment as well as courses in each of the major fields of philosophical study: ethics, which is concerned with the basis of morality; metaphysics, which explores different views about what fundamentally exists; epistemology, which examines the nature and limits of human knowledge; and logic, which studies general methods of reasoned argument and analysis.

A number of courses reflect the role of philosophy in investigating the fundamental concepts and assumptions of other disciplines, including courses in medical ethics, the philosophy of law, the philosophy of science, and the philosophy of mathematics.

Other courses focus on the role of philosophy in the critical analysis of basic evaluative conceptions and assumptions. Courses in political philosophy critically examine the evaluative concepts and assumptions involved in our beliefs about government, individual liberty, and social and economic justice. Courses in the philosophy of religion do the same for beliefs about the nature and existence of God and about the relations between faith and knowledge.

The department also offers courses in aesthetics, the philosophical study of art, music, and literature understood as fundamental forms of human culture and significant expressions of the human spirit.

The interdisciplinary character of philosophy, together with its focus on evaluative issues and its unique emphasis on general methods of reasoned argument and analysis, leads to an unusually broad and intellectually sound major for students preparing themselves for such professions as law, medicine, social work, government service, and the ministry. The philosophy major is indispensable for those who wish to prepare for a career as a philosopher within a college or university setting.

Geography is a comprehensive discipline that, via spatial patterns analysis, reveals the intricate attributes and connectivity of human cultures and the natural environment. As such, geography is critical to understanding the complexities of global change. Students may specialize in one of many areas, including climate and weather, cultural/human geography, geographic information systems, historical geography of the Great Plains, natural resources, physical geography, pre-community and regional planning, regional studies, or remote sensing.

An education in geography prepares students for careers in government agencies as well as those involved with foreign service, land management, tourism, health care delivery systems, environmental assessment, transportation development, land use planning, air traffic control, and GIS and cartographic analysis, and in a wide variety of businesses, particularly those concerned with environmental mapping, geographic information systems, and planning. A geography major also prepares students for graduate-level degrees in geography, law (especially environmental law), international business, urban and regional planning, and teaching at all levels.

Economics is a popular major for undergraduates because the content taught has broad application to decisions made by individuals, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. An economics major also helps students understand major economic issues that are discussed and debated at the local, state, national, and international levels of society. In addition, an economics major offers sound preparation in analytical thinking and quantitative methods for students planning to enter professional and graduate programs, particularly those in law, business, finance, public policy, and international relations. Professional economists are employed at colleges and universities as teachers and academic researchers; in many branches of governments as policy analysts and data scientists; and in businesses of all types as economic experts, consultants, and applied researchers. Economists study a wide range of topics that include competition in markets, technology and innovation, public finance (taxes and spending), labor and education, environmental issues, income distribution, money and monetary policy, and international trade and finance.

The nutrition, exercise and health science option is designed for those students interested in planning, conducting, and managing health-related fitness and wellness programs in a variety of settings. Graduates are prepared to enter a variety of health/fitness/recreation-related positions such as fitness/wellness programs provided by corporations for their employees; fitness, health assessment, and cardiac rehabilitation programs provided by hospitals or medical clinics; programs provided by YMCAs, private health clubs, and commercial fitness clubs; government or private agencies which provide health or fitness assessment or lifestyle behavior modification programs for employees or other groups of individuals; and community recreation centers and other health, fitness, or lifestyle-related endeavors. The nutrition, exercise and health science option provides an appropriate vehicle for premedical, predental, pre-chiropractic, and pre-physical therapy majors who may be able to obtain a degree in nutrition and simultaneously meet entrance requirements for a professional program.

The Department of History offers topical and period courses of general cultural and educational value to all University students to broaden their range of historical experience and sense of perspective. The particular aim of the history program is not only to provide knowledge for students who are preparing for a career in education, but also to give instruction that will aid those with interests in law, journalism, library, and museum work; in local, state, and national public service; and in business where knowledge of domestic and foreign affairs is particularly useful.

A strong mathematics background is essential to an increasing variety of careers. The Department of Mathematics encourages students to select a coherent body of courses in mathematics and in other disciplines that are consistent with their academic and career goals.

An actuary is a mathematically-oriented business person who will most likely be a manager or supervisor at some point in his/her career. Thus, a course of study culminating in a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a major in actuarial science is an excellent educational background for prospective actuaries.

The actuarial science program is designed to prepare students for the current industry demands. Because the demands change on a regular basis, oftentimes the number of hours, the sequencing of courses, and the specific requirements change for this major. Students should continue to consult with the department for the appropriate selection and listing of course requirements.

The actuarial science program is proud to have been named one of the first Centers of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries.

What you will learn
The work of an actuary typically involves analyzing the various contingencies (birth, death, marriage, retirement, sickness, and losses due to accidents or negligence), which face society, and their impact on the many types of financial security arrangements, both public and private. A creative aspect of actuarial work lies in the forecasting of events. Actuaries are frequently called upon to make decisions that affect the fiscal soundness of financial security programs well into the future. Quality actuaries are in high demand resulting in a high job placement rate and high starting salaries.

The School of Biological Sciences offers educational opportunities in various areas of biology leading toward either the bachelor of science or the bachelor of arts degree. Our research and teaching cover all levels of biological organization—from molecules to ecosystems—with a focus on integrating across levels. Study in the biological sciences prepares students for a variety of careers, including medicine, allied health, government, industry, education, and research.

Geography is a comprehensive discipline that, via spatial patterns analysis, reveals the intricate attributes and connectivity of human cultures and the natural environment. As such, geography is critical to understanding the complexities of global change. Students may specialize in one of many areas, including climate and weather, cultural/human geography, geographic information systems, historical geography of the Great Plains, natural resources, physical geography, pre-community and regional planning, regional studies, or remote sensing.

An education in geography prepares students for careers in government agencies as well as those involved with foreign service, land management, tourism, health care delivery systems, environmental assessment, transportation development, land use planning, air traffic control, and GIS and cartographic analysis, and in a wide variety of businesses, particularly those concerned with environmental mapping, geographic information systems, and planning. A geography major also prepares students for graduate-level degrees in geography, law (especially environmental law), international business, urban and regional planning, and teaching at all levels.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees. Students preparing for either graduate study or a professional career in physics should pursue a bachelor of science degree with a professional option. For students who have special interests, the department offers options in optics and lasers, materials physics, and computational physics.

The courses required for the bachelor of arts degree in physics offer a broader program in science and the liberal arts suitable for a variety of pre-professional curricula and for interdisciplinary studies in areas including biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics.