Bachelor of Liberal Studies

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

The BA in English is designed for students with an interest in developing critical thinking and clear communication skills. Employers in many fields actively seek out and welcome English graduates because of the diversity and proficiency of their skills. Additionally, undergraduate English majors tend to score better on standardized tests like the LSAT, GMAT and GRE than many of their classmates.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be strong writers, composing ideas with clarity, using effective writing processes and participating in conversations via reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking; astute analysts and content creators, able to engage with a wide variety of texts and situations; and culturally and historically aware citizens and professionals.

The BS in Physics with an Emphasis in Biophysics is designed to prepare students for a professional career in biophysics, biological physics or a related interdisciplinary field; for graduate studies in biophysics, biological physics, or a related interdisciplinary field; for training as a medical physicist; or for professional training such as medical school. Other emphasis areas offered include: Astrophysics; Engineering Physics; and General Physics.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the BS in Physics, with an emphasis in Biophysics graduates will be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of basic physics concepts including classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, modern electronics and quantum mechanics; understand basic biological concepts, from organ systems to biochemistry; understand the basic concepts of biophysics, and the various areas of interdisciplinary science where biophysics concepts and techniques are applicable; solve problems, think critically and use analytical reasoning as applied to scientific problems; be proficient in communication of the results of scientific work; conduct original scientific research as part of an interdisciplinary problem-solving team; identify possible errors in scientific data; and assess the significance of observed results.

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies enables students to combine structured areas of academic emphasis in ways more relevant to their interests than the standard academic major. This degree may be completed online, at one of UMSL’s off-campus sites or in person on the UMSL campus offering convenience and flexibility. Students who participate in this online program must declare their areas of study (two minors or a minor and undergraduate certificate) at the time they declare that BLS is their intended degree. The plan of study must be approved at the beginning of the program.

The BS in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Special Education, is designed for students who are interested in obtaining Missouri teacher certification. This campus-based program offers field and practicum experiences in elementary school settings. In addition to general education requirements, the program includes education foundation courses, required education courses, clinical experiences and early childhood education courses.

The program, based on best practices, addresses child development theories and practice, curriculum emergence and development, developmentally appropriate practice, differentiated learning, diversity, advocacy, and family partnerships.

The M.S. in Computer Science has three different options to choose from, offering a wide range of career opportunities. All graduates will have a broad computing background and will be exposed to a wide range of technologies. They will also be prepared for team work, independent research, and technical reporting and presentations.

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 Computer Science is designed for those interested in software and computer systems on the technical side. Graduates can find fulfilling careers in many related areas such as cybersecurity, networks, Internet programming, software and mobile apps development, data science, AI, graphics or they can pursue additional graduate studies in computer science or in a more specialized area. Some courses are available online, and the entire program can be completed in the evening.

The Master of Science (M.S.) 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).

The Computer Science emphasis builds on the foundation of an undergraduate cybersecurity or computer science degree and expects students to have prior background in foundational computer science areas or complete some foundational courses upon entry. This emphasis is designed to be focused on technical aspects of cybersecurity and provides greater depth than that afforded at an undergraduate level.

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.

The Psychological Sciences Department offers a master's (M.A.) degree with an emphasis in Behavioral Neuroscience (BN). The BN program has adopted an apprenticeship model of graduate training in which each student works closely and continuously with a faculty member within the realm of the faculty member's research interests. In your personal statement, it is important that you indicate the faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work. The research interests of the core faculty may be found on the Faculty page.