Master of Arts in Communication Studies

at INTO Group - Colorado State University USA

Social work is distinguished by a tradition of concern for people and their interactions with society. Social work professionals are community problem solvers who intervene in organizational settings, communities, social service agencies, groups, individuals, and families with goals of enhancing well-being and promoting social and economic justice. Most social workers are employed in fields such as child welfare and family services, mental health, medical social work, school social work, corrections, community organization, or advocacy.

The Social Work curriculum focuses on the practical application of social work principles, policies, and practices within human rights and social justice perspectives. Students acquire a professional social work foundation transferable to different settings, population groups, and problem areas. Attention is devoted to understanding the social welfare system in the U.S., and working with individuals, families, and communities to effect the desired change. At the global level, human rights and economic, environmental and social needs are explored through international travel courses. Several practical experiences are required. Students work with an agency participant throughout their sophomore year, and then as seniors, participate in a social work agency internship. International placements may be available. The curriculum also includes a strong liberal arts base in social science research and statistics, arts, humanities, social science, and natural sciences.

Zoologists study animals—their origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes. Some experiment with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings while others study the structure and function of animal cells, tissues, and organ systems. Some zoologists go on to study veterinary medicine. Zoologists participate in research that has practical outcomes in farming, medicine, pharmacy, wildlife conservation, and pest control. Zoology encompasses many specialties. At CSU, students may focus on general training in animal biology or choose a concentration in the following areas: animal behavior, development, aquatic biology, ecology (how animals adapt to their environments), genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular/molecular biology and physiology, systematics, and morphology of vertebrate organisms.

The curriculum is designed to provide a basic understanding of zoology through a variety of laboratory experiences in combination with the study of basic theories and defining concepts. The program encourages flexibility, strength, and depth. The course work includes a two-semester introductory biology sequence, one course each in invertebrates and vertebrates, and courses in evolution and ecology. Required courses in the physical sciences include a minimum of one year of introductory chemistry and at least one course in organic chemistry, two courses in physics (all with labs) and one in biochemistry. A course each in calculus and statistics is also required. In addition, students select a minimum of 15 credits of Zoology courses in their chosen areas of concentration.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences  is a major location for biomedical education from undergraduate through postdoctorate and for translational biomedical research for Colorado State University.  Faculty members’ interests vary greatly from reproductive biology and endocrinology to neurotransmitters and molecular signal transduction.

Areas of Study

• Animal reproduction
• Assisted reproductive technologies
• Cardiovascular/pulmonary physiology
• Cell and molecular neurobiology
• CNS regeneration and plasticity
• Computer-assisted multimedia approaches to teaching
• Developmental neurobiology
• Developmental reproductive biology
• Equine reproduction
• Ion channel receptor structure/function
• Molecular endocrinology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Neurophysiology
• Neurotransmitter receptor structure/function
• Regulatory mechanisms of male & female reproduction
• Reproductive physiology
• Reproductive toxicology
• Sensory physiology
• Signal transduction
• Structure and function correlation of the nervous system
• Structure of membrane complexes
• Theriogenology
• Veterinary neurobiology

The B.F.A. in Art is considered the professional degree for studio art and art education majors, allowing you to explore various mediums and gain a foundational knowledge base in art history. You’ll get opportunities to learn from masters of their crafts as well as look back upon art throughout the ages, different forms of expression, and their impact on society.

Printmaking - Concentration
Printmaking courses at the undergraduate level are structured to develop a strong personal artistic vision and instill the self-confidence necessary to allow ongoing creative growth through a variety of media. A sound technical background in Lithography, Screen-Printing, Intaglio, Relief Woodcut, Post-Digital methods and encouragement of experimental hybrid techniques will provide students with the professional skills needed to cultivate a robust studio practice and explore new innovative research based on that foundation. The community workshop atmosphere of the printmaking area immerses students in group collaboration as well as personal exploration, thus preparing each student for real-world occupational applications of their research. Through sharing visual concepts and technical investigations on a regular basis, students learn how to apply newly acquired knowledge productively and intuitively, while simultaneously developing skill sets desired by prospective employers. Interactive artistic dialog between highly motivated printmakers is a cornerstone to the printmaking curriculum, leading to a wide array of unique and diverse avenues for creative inquiry.

Public interest regarding the importance of nutrition to health and fitness is at a high level and increasing. The Major in Nutrition and Food Science involves integration of the biological, medical, and social sciences and their application to the improvement of human nutrition and fitness, prevention of chronic disease, and improved quality of life. The major is both science- and human service-oriented.

Nutrition and Food Science graduates gain a scientific understanding of the principles of human nutrition, the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of disease, delivery of nutritional care, and the principles of nutrition assessment and food preparation. Additionally, graduates know the techniques of interviewing, counseling, information management, and effective communication.

You might be interested in the “boots on the ground” side of agriculture, but you also might be interested in policies that affect it. Maybe you want to work in the government to help support the businesses that grow/develop food. Maybe you’re adept at numbers and economics, ready to help ranchers and farmers stay on top of their operations. Whatever your passion, this major offers a wide variety of career paths along with the hands-on experiences you need to discover and achieve your dreams.

The Business major encourages critical thinking while exploring modern management theories, relevant business practices, and current industry trends. You’ll discover your interests along the way and begin to focus your studies based on your interests and talents. Then you can choose from 10 concentrations to merge your academic focus with your career goals.

Supply Chain Management - Concentration
Supply chain management connects you directly with the resources that keep businesses moving. Customer demands drive much of the world economy, and businesses that can best meet these needs in the most cost- and time-effective manner enjoy the most success. Developing systems and strategies for connecting people with goods, services, and other resources quickly is the core of the supply chain management concentration.

Soil and Crop Sciences can prepare you for a challenging career in many areas including: soil and crop management, plant breeding and genetics, seed science, environmental soil science, soil resources and conservation, and ecosystem management.

Areas of Study

• Crop science
• Plant biotechnology, genetics, and breeding
• Soil science

The Major in Restoration Ecology emphasizes interdisciplinary study, research, and restoration of damaged, degraded or destroyed rangelands and forested ecosystems of the world. More specifically, this major focuses on the restoration of rangelands and forests for multiple uses. These uses include both consumptive and non-consumptive activities such as recreation, preservation of wildlife habitat, providing for aesthetic beauty, livestock grazing, and timber production. Forests and rangelands occupy the vast majority of the earth’s land surface and Colorado is an ideal setting for the study of restoration ecology with many different types of rangeland and forest ecosystems in close proximity.

Students in this program will gain the important knowledge and skills necessary to restore damaged ecosystems. They will learn how to manipulate soil, water, vegetation and animal resources in order to implement successful restoration for local, state and federal land management agencies as well as for a variety of private entities, landowners and non-governmental agencies. Students develop an in-depth understanding of basic plant and animal biology; a basic understanding of the physical sciences as they relate to restoration ecology; knowledge of important concepts of ecology and natural resources management; an understanding of economics related to evaluating alternatives; and analytical and decision-making skills. Students also develop communication, political and interpersonal skills to make their education effective. Examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to restoration ecologist, soil conservationist, plant ecologist, riparian ecologist, researcher, commercial sales and service representative, consultants, and mine reclamation specialist.

The major in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability provides a strong scientific foundation in ecosystem ecology integrated with a broad knowledge of the cultural, social, economic, and political issues that are shaping the issue of sustainability. Students in the major learn to integrate science into real-world decision making, with the goal of developing sustainable strategies to maintain ecosystem services around the globe. We provide students with a broad base of experiential and collaborative learning opportunities, opportunities for undergraduate research, and the latest scientific knowledge about sustainability science and how organisms interact with their environments to form complex ecosystems. Opportunities for research, internships, practical and group-based learning, and field experiences in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and around the world, combined with an outstanding classroom education, build a solid foundation for applying sustainable resource management principles.