Bachelor of Science in Sociology

at MSM Group - Montana State University - Billings USA

The History Department provides a broad general education, an intensive study of history, proficiency in a foreign language, and courses in a selected minor field of study. The department offers a variety of courses in the areas of Early America, Modern U.S., the Ancient World and Archaeology, Early Modern and Modern Europe, Women’s and Gender History and Global History.

A thorough understanding of history is the hallmark of an enlightened, concerned and self-critical citizen. In our history courses, students examine the discipline and methods of history in order to cultivate an appreciation for the past. Students study various approaches to the past, craft historical questions, understand historical methodology and theory, learn and practice research and writing skills and challenge themselves to think historically.

The Department of Music educates musicians by combining a thorough professional training in music with sound general education. It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The MSU Billings Department of Music stresses high standards of performance, a strong theoretical background, a broad exposure to music history, opportunities in pedagogy, and a significant encounter with other academic disciplines.

The varied functions of music in the world today present many interesting and challenging opportunities to students as educators, performers, creative artists and employees in the music industry. Because of the many opportunities available to students, the faculty of the Department of Music has established a program of training which allows first year students to determine the course of study they may wish to follow.

Through an emphasis in music history and theory as well as performance instruction and participation in various ensembles, students are prepared for graduate study, studio teaching, teaching in the public schools, and employment in the field of music.

The curriculum builds students’ understanding of environmental issues as reflections of societal values and behaviors, environmental technologies and sciences, and environmental policies. As an interdisciplinary program, students have course options in beginning and advanced Geographical Information Systems (GIS), advanced ecology, environmental advocacy and applied social media campaigns, historical perspectives of the environmental movement, Native American perspectives on environmental issues, environmental sociology, and artistic and literary representation of the environment, and more.

The mission of the undergraduate English Program is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the development and aesthetic achievement of literatures in English, including the cultural, linguistic, and historical influences on English, American and world literatures.

Programs offered through the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences share many outcomes.  Upon program completion students will:

• Understand the basic principles and laws governing our world and have a global awareness of their discipline.
• Demonstrate basic competency in laboratory, field and computer skills related to the sciences.
• Be familiar with accessing and interpreting the scientific literature.
• Be proficient in written and oral communication in the sciences.
• Understand scientific methodology, and conduct scientific investigations using it.
• Be prepared to participate in professional activities.

Through coursework, research, laboratory, and internship experiences, the Human Performance Option prepares students with a thorough understanding of human movement.

Students in this option are equally well-prepared for work in professional positions in medical, community, corporate, or school settings such as:

• Strength Training Facilities
• Rehabilitation Programs
• Fitness Centers
• Medical Sales

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Accurately assess, plan, supervise, and evaluate a person's health and human performance.
• Critically and ethically evaluate human movement and performance.
• Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions in health and fitness activities
• Correctly interpret, apply and conduct research in human movement and performance.
• Effectively communicate to diverse constituencies.

The B.F.A. in Art is considered the professional undergraduate degree in studio art and is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in fundamental principles and techniques with opportunities for emphasis in one or more specific studio art areas.

Programs offered through the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences share many outcomes.  Upon program completion students will:

• Understand the basic principles and laws governing our world and have a global awareness of their discipline.
• Demonstrate basic competency in laboratory, field and computer skills related to the sciences.
• Be familiar with accessing and interpreting the scientific literature.
• Be proficient in written and oral communication in the sciences.
• Understand scientific methodology, and conduct scientific investigations using it.
• Be prepared to participate in professional activities.

Management Option

The Management Option is designed to provide students with the problem-solving and leadership skills needed to manage employee productivity, company operations, and the 21st century challenges in the business environment.  A degree in management provides the advantage needed to succeed in a competitive business environment.

A degree focusing on management teaches students how to innovate; create competitive business strategies; use best practices in hiring, developing, and leading employees; and develop the analytical skills that are needed to facilitate decision-making in complex situations. Management students take courses focusing on international business, sustainable business practices, project management, interpersonal skills, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. These are built on a broad foundation of learning in the areas of accounting, economics, business law, finance, business analytics, management information systems, and marketing.

Students are given opportunities to practice leadership, motivation, and team building in their courses. Students get hands-on experience developing business plans for real clients and interacting with community businesses on classroom projects. Internship opportunities exist to provide practical and networking experiences important to obtaining employment.

Studying management prepares students for careers in a variety of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, wholesale and retail trade, service industries, banking, construction, transportation, finance, education, utilities, entertainment, and government.

The Health and Wellness Option will prepare health professionals to seek employment in a variety of agencies such as local, state, national, international non-profit and corporate wellness programs.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual and community needs for health and wellness education.
• Plan evidence-based, health and wellness programs in healthcare, worksite and community settings.
• Correctly interpret, apply and conduct research in health and wellness
• Effectively communicate to diverse constituencies.