Bachelor of Arts in English

at EDUCO - University of West Florida USA

The B.A. in Psychology enables students to study human behavior. An understanding of psychological processes entails understanding the multiple influences created by the biological characteristics of the organism, the effects of learning and experience, social and cultural dynamics, and developmental change. As a scientific discipline, the study of psychology requires competence in research methodology and critical thinking. Psychology is also an applied discipline, with applications in behavioral and physical health, business, education, and law, among others. Students completing a major in psychology will be prepared to pursue a wide range of careers at the bachelor's level or to pursue advanced training in psychology or other professional schools (such as medicine and law). Students will attain a high-quality liberal arts degree focused on knowledge in the discipline of psychology, integrity in the application of that knowledge, effective project management, and excellent critical thinking and communication skills.

The Sport Management program prepares students for entry-level careers as potential leaders and administrators in the sport industry and for further study in graduate school. Possible positions may be found in collegiate athletics, municipal parks and recreation departments, community sports programs, professional sports leagues, amateur sports organizations, and commercial sport industries such as fitness and activity centers, sport camps, and other private sport organizations. An internship in the field along with a capstone course for students is required in this degree.

The B.S. in Physics focuses on the study of matter and its motion.  Ultimately, the goal of physics is to understand how nature behaves from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the entire universe, making it the most fundamental natural science. The various topics covered include electricity and magnetism, electronics, fluids, mechanics, optics, quantum phenomena, concepts of relativity, thermodynamics, waves, and several related laboratory activities.

The Physics Department offers the traditional B.S. program in Physics with specializations in Physics or Engineering Physics.  In addition to graduate school, a trained physicist may enter the employment market as a research scientist. Those with an engineering physics background are eligible for entry-level jobs as engineers in organizations such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and the various national labs.

Students interested in obtaining certification to teach this subject area in secondary education need to contact an advisor in this department to carefully plan the course work to satisfy degree and some teacher certification requirements. A degree in this major is required for participation in teacher education certification options.

UWF's Interdisciplinary Humanities programs promote excellence in education, personal growth, civic awareness and unique learning experiences by offering cutting-edge curricula relevant to the needs of employers. Designed for students desiring exposure to issues that transcend a single discipline, interdisciplinary studies offer students the opportunity to raise questions, create new knowledge, and solve problems in ways that are not possible in a singular disciplinary context. In the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies specialization, students critically and creatively explore the significance of gender in all areas of life, examining the social formation of human identities, practices, and institutions. This specialization requires the completion of an approved minor or double major and participation in the university’s annual Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Conference. The combination of this interdisciplinary specialization with a related minor or double major prepares students for a wide array of careers in community relations, law, criminal justice, politics, business, communications, counseling, social work, and teaching and provides students with an enhanced understanding of how gender operates in these professional environments. The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program also offers a host of co-curricular events and activities that help students to cultivate their professional skills and put theory into practice. Beyond the annual Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Conference, the students host art exhibitions, poetry open mic nights and community reading groups and publish a national feminist student journal.

The B.A. in History is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to research and interpret the past. Emphasis is placed upon active participation in the creative process of historical inquiry.

Students planning to go to graduate school are strongly advised to attain proficiency in foreign languages.

Students interested in obtaining certification to teach this subject area in secondary education need to contact an advisor in this department to carefully plan the course work to satisfy degree and some teacher certification requirements. A degree in this major is required for participation in teacher education certification options.

The B.A. in Economics is typically of interest to students with strong academic credentials and a desire to make a difference by helping to shape policy in a wide range of areas in society. Economics majors will develop conceptual and analytical skills for making policy-oriented decisions based on analysis of fundamental resource allocation issues. Economists work in a broad range of policy areas and address questions such as the following: What is the best way to fight environmental pollution? What is the appropriate role of government in economy? What rules should govern trade among nations? What is the appropriate economic policy for developing and increasing immigration? What are the effects of tax cuts, budget deficits, and welfare policies on the overall economy? Economists may address fundamental policy issues such as these and others within narrower fields such as health care, agriculture, education, crime, politics, urban and regional development, law, history, energy, and the environment, among many others. The B.A. in Economics is structured to provide the opportunity for students to earn minor degrees in many of these specialized fields.

Most economists are concerned with practical applications of economic policy and work for a wide variety of public, private, and governmental organizations. The job market for individuals with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics is robust and tends to be less cyclical than the market for students with many other degrees. The B.A. in Economics provides a comprehensive foundation for students who wish to obtain a graduate degree in economics and is also recognized as excellent preparation for graduate programs such as Law or the MBA.

Students are urged to consult with faculty members associated with the Economics program and its recommended minors for detailed information about the program’s academic learning outcomes and to develop an appropriate course of study for their intended career path.

The B.S. in Mathematics prepares students for graduate study; teaching; service in science, government and industry; and supporting roles in the social, biological, and physical sciences. This program emphasizes mathematics and statistics and provides students with considerable flexibility in choosing electives outside the major. It is recommended that students seek the advice of faculty regarding career opportunities and choice of a suitable minor.

The BS in Interdisciplinary Sciences is a multidisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in one area of the sciences and flexibility to add content and skills from other HMCSE STEM programs.  The academic goal of this program is to afford students the opportunity to make connections between ideas and concepts across disciplinary boundaries and to be capable of defining and examining scientific problems from an interdisciplinary perspective.

The BS in Interdisciplinary Sciences is built upon a foundation within the UWF HMCSE STEM disciplines (Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences, and Computer Science, ) and allows for additional coursework from Chemistry, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.

The B.A. in Political Science provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts and social sciences. Courses in the degree plan cover fundamental questions pertaining to the governance of human societies, the origin and evolution of law and justice, the comparative performance of democracies and dictatorships, the exercise of political leadership, the origins of war, and the maintenance of peace. Students will analyze competing theories of human nature and political organization subjecting them to the test of reason, history, and experience. The political science major is appropriate for many students, including those seeking a professional degree in government and public service, specific expertise in international security and diplomacy, familiarity with political organizations, and preparation for employment in advocacy, corporate, education, or non-profit sectors.

The Pre-Law Specialization emphasizes core courses in American government, with attention paid to American political thought, constitutional law, and judicial politics. Students then take courses across a broad array of subjects, including political theory, as well as history, economics and business, philosophy, literature, communications, and statistics. The political science/pre-law major is appropriate for students seeking a pre-professional degree in law.

The Department of Computer Science offers several graduate programs that provide instruction on a variety of modern topics in data analytics, software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, and cybersecurity giving graduates the edge to be highly competitive in today's IT job market.

With one of the most affordable tuition plans in Florida and state-of-the-art facilities, our Computer Science Master's program offers cutting-edge curricula and learning environments, with professionally-oriented, hands-on study material.

The department annually awards several scholarships, fellowships, and out-of-state tuition waivers to new and returning students. The department also has limited opportunities for teaching/research assistantships for new and returning students. Please see the departmental website for additional information.