Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

at Northwest Missouri State University USA

Agricultural Education majors at Northwest learn about the fundamentals of agriculture in secondary education (middle school and high school). This major must be completed as part of the Bachelor of Science in education to align with Missouri teacher certification standards. A minor is not required as agricultural education is considered a comprehensive major. Recent graduates have obtained teaching positions in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, yet the particular certification for each state varies.

Students learn skills in the fundamentals of the agricultural education program and adult education while gaining an understanding of techniques within the teaching profession. This includes classroom management, lesson planning, special education and technology for classrooms.

Geography is a holistic discipline that studies the relationship between humans, the unique cultures of construct and the environments in which they live. This major prepares students for a wide range of careers in varied areas of geography and culture. This major offers three different areas of focus:

• Culture and Society
• Environmental Geography
• Geographic Information Science

Each emphasis allows students to specialize in one of these fields and tailor classes within that emphasis to fit their interest beyond the core courses within the program.

As a student majoring in geography at Northwest, you learn the importance and impacts of space, the uniqueness of places and regions, and how humans and environment interact.

The major focuses on culture and regional geography with a wide range of tropical and regional courses available. Students will develop physical geography expertise in areas like geomorphology, atmospheric processes and sustainability. The major also teaches skills in analyzing, planning and critical thinking to prepare you for success in your career.

Business Economics majors at Northwest develop analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills in preparation of evaluating the decisions made by businesses, consumers and government while gaining the fundamental knowledge of business management, accounting, marketing and finance.

The early childhood education program prepares students to successfully complete the licensure requirements of the program and earn their teaching license with an endorsement in early childhood education. This license enables students to teach children birth through the third grade in multiple settings including public and non-public schools, homes and other community settings.

This program offers a strengths-based approach in working with all children including those with special needs and rights. Along with coursework that is focused on child-centered and culturally sensitive practices, students participate in embedded field experiences in the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center and Horace Mann Laboratory School and partnering community settings. Combined, these learning experiences provide the basis from which theories about development, learning and curriculum come to life for our students.

Individually and as a cohort of learners, students learn an integrated approach to teaching and learning through constructivist curriculum practices and strategies that offer meaningful learning within diverse systems and settings. Opportunities to learn together as critical colleagues who further each other’s reflective thinking skills prepares students for professional collaboration in their future careers.

Across the country, the importance of early childhood education continues to grow as studies indicate the long-term benefits educational opportunities in the early years have on shaping future learning outcomes. Faculty focus on preparing childhood teachers, decision makers and intellectual and ethical leaders to create opportunities for learning that ensures the well-being of children and families in their communities and beyond.

The Organizational Behavior and Human Resources major at Northwest is a multidisciplinary program intended for students interested in behavioral science with a foundation in business. Faculty focus on ensuring students have knowledge in the benefits, recruiting, selection, professional development and compensation of human employment; understanding behaviors behind teamwork and group dynamics; and leadership within a business or organization.

Students majoring in mass media with an emphasis in multimedia journalism learn about the creation of news content. Faculty teach the practice of compelling writing skills and research techniques as well as production including layout, formatting, editing, photography and videography. At Northwest, students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience as soon as freshman year.

Comprehensive communication majors emphasizing in public relations learn methods to understanding targeted audiences, and explaining products, services and missions to a specific audience. Faculty focus on oral, written and verbal communication skills as well as problem-solving skills to effectively meet the needs of management and the targeted audience.

All faculty members teaching public relations classes have professional experience, providing practical knowledge as well as professional contacts in the field.

A major in Agricultural Media with an emphasis in journalism focuses on the development of stories that are relevant to the agriculture community. Students learn to advocate for agriculture by explaining science, technologies and complex agricultural issues through various platforms. Coursework includes classes in agricultural science, advertising, marketing, journalism and media.

The Agricultural Science major at Northwest is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for a career in a variety of agricultural-related occupations and farm operations. This major provides an opportunity to explore interests in agriculture. Students will gain the fundamental skills in agricultural economics, plant science, animal science and soils.

Accounting majors at Northwest have the choice of two accounting tracks, one for students who wish to become Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and the other for students wishing to work in managerial accounting. The courses offer the highest quality education to prepare students for employment in public accounting, managerial accounting, financial services and corporate finance.

Depending on the state in which students reside, legislation has made it mandatory for students to complete a minimum of 150 credit hours prior to taking the CPA exam. Most states, including Missouri, have passed this legislation, known as the 150-hour requirement. At Northwest, however, students are not required to complete 150 credit hours to obtain an accounting degree.

Northwest recognizes that public accounting isn’t for all students and therefore you may tailor classes toward your own interests through the private industry track as an alternative. Many accountants have chosen careers outside public accounting (income tax, auditing and management services), which prove to be extremely successful, rewarding and satisfying. However, students interested in public accounting, you are encouraged to fulfill the 150-hour requirement.