Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

at MSM Group - University of Missouri-St. Louis USA

Cybersecurity is currently one of the most critical issues facing individuals, organizations, governments and society. Media reports are replete with breaches of information security and the adverse consequences for all stakeholders involved. At the same time, industry and government reports indicate a continued severe shortage of skilled cybersecurity talent across both public and private sectors.

UMSL offers dynamic, industry-driven cybersecurity curricula at the master’s level. The Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program jointly provided by the departments of Information Systems and Technology (College of Business Administration) and Computer Science (College of Arts and Sciences). It is designed to equip students with a vital combination of business and technical knowledge, and it produces professionals who can protect information resources and manage people while making cybersecurity a priority in each technology initiative.

The BS in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in Chemistry, prepares students to teach in secondary school settings, grades 9-12. This program requires the selection and completion of required coursework in chemistry and includes field and practicum experiences in high school settings, culminating in Missouri teacher certification.

This program coordinates with the Department of Chemistry where you’ll be exposed to research and teaching laboratories and a wide variety of modern research instrumentation. Much of the discipline-specific coursework parallels the BA or BS degree in Chemistry; however, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires specific coursework for teacher certification.

The BS in Mathematics provides a substantial background in mathematics, statistics and computer science to produce graduates who can work as mathematicians. The BA in Mathematics provides a broad grounding in different areas of mathematics, giving students the depth necessary to pursue graduate studies or other career choices like market research and business. Optional courses enable students to focus on areas of interest like pure or applied mathematics.

Students seeking to major in mathematics are first designated as “pre-mathematics majors” until they have completed both Math 1900 and Math 2000 or equivalent courses with grades of C or better.

The Master of Social Work at UMSL is a two year program that prepares its graduates for professional social work practice. Graduates will have the knowledge, skills and values for direct social work practice with individuals, families, or older adults, or the knowledge, skills and values to effectively manage and lead human service agencies. Social justice principles will guide graduates in their practice at all levels of intervention particularly with persons who are oppressed because of their color, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation or physical or mental ability.

Bachelor of Science students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BS degree is intended for those who want to become professional chemists or as preparation for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.

The BS in Actuarial Science is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students with solid preparation to take exams needed to begin a career as an actuary by providing students with the quantitative skills used by actuaries. Students are required to complete courses offered by the College of Arts & Sciences as well as the College of Business Administration. Students take coursework in calculus, financial mathematics, statistics, economics, econometrics, accounting and finance.

To become an actuary students must meet specific requirements of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) including: Pass the exams and requirements administered by the SOA, fulfill Validated Educational Experience (VEE) courses offered outside the SOA, and undertake additional professional training provided by the SOA.

The BS in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Middle School Education, is a small, personalized program that combines the child-centered philosophy of elementary certification with a content specialization more typical of secondary certification. Middle school majors earn certification in one or more content areas for grades 5-9: math; science; communication arts or social studies.

Students gain skills and insights that can be applied as innovative educators, managers and directors, program planners and curriculum developers. You’ll have the opportunity to earn specific credentials, as needed, and to pursue academic minors related to your individual career goals.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to improve and enhance student learning; integrate technology to create meaningful student learning within the context of a global digital society; apply content and pedagogical knowledge to create authentic and deep learning experiences; use learning science principles to design, implement and evaluate curriculum based on learning standards; design and establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, social and personal development of all students; and use equitable frameworks and inclusive practices to create a variety of instructional and assessment opportunities adapted to diverse learners to encourage all students’ critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.

The BS in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in Biology, prepares students to teach in secondary school settings, grades 9-12. This program requires the selection and completion of required coursework in biology and includes field and practicum experiences in high school settings, culminating in Missouri teacher certification.

This program coordinates with the Department of Biology where you’ll be exposed to research and teaching laboratories, field studies, greenhouses and a wide variety of modern research instrumentation. Much of the discipline-specific coursework parallels the BA or BS degree in Biology; however, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires specific coursework for teacher certification.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations is designed for students who want to change the world through careers in government service, nonprofits, business, think tanks and consulting. Students are able to select international relations and comparative politics courses that will prepare them for their specific career and academic needs. Throughout the program, students will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, quantitative analysis and cultural awareness along with deeper knowledge of cross-cultural and international phenomena. These skills will prepare students for the workforce as well as for graduate study. Students have opportunities to apply these skills through internships and study abroad.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression (Performance)
• Understand the common elements and organizational patters of music and their interaction (Musicianship Skills and Analysis)
• Have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music (Composition/Improvisation)
• Have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time (History and Repertory)
•  Be Able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; history and repertory (Synthesis)