Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

at Northwest Missouri State University USA

The elementary education program focuses on ensuring that teacher candidates are proficient in the use of instructional strategies, teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques that engage all children in a variety of settings. The program emphasizes diverse field experiences and teaching opportunities beginning in the first semester of classes. The School of Education is dedicated to ensuring students are career-ready and prepared for a successful career as an educator.

Graduates of the elementary education program are certified to teach first through sixth grades and have completed a 21-hour concentration in a content area of their choice. Concentrations can be completed in language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, physical education, special education, technology or other content areas of choice.

Earning a Political Science degree at Northwest prepares students for multiple employment opportunities in public service and private sectors including federal, state and local government, law, criminal justice system, municipal planning, city management, urban affairs, education, non-profit administration, campaigns and elections, public policy analysis and internal development and relations.

The major has three areas of emphasis: the american institutions (formerly criminal justice) emphasis provides an understanding of legislatures, police prosecutors, public offenders and courts and corrections; the public administration emphasis focuses on the decision making process and job opportunities in public organizations and local, state, federal and international agencies; and the global affairs emphasis studies the global trends and events, and enhances intercultural understanding.

The art education major is designed for students who want to teach in schools, museums or community centers. This interdisciplinary program focuses on children’s artistic development, skills-based learning with two- and three-dimensional art, critical thinking regarding images in pop culture including logos, advertisements, television shows and memes; and issues-based learning that promotes problem-solving.

The digital media major at Northwest is an interdisciplinary program involving an emphasis in computer science, art or mass media. Courses offer a cross-section of skills in design as well as written and visual communication. The major produces graduates who are proficient in art, photography, design, communication, computer programming and legal or ethical considerations as they relate to media.

Students majoring in digital media with an emphasis in visual imaging learn to create computer programs and the visual appearance of internet graphics as well as enhance experience of the web users.

The comprehensive major in nanoscience is the study of structures in nanometer size which is smaller than cells but larger than most molecules. At Northwest, this interdisciplinary majors focuses on providing practical laboratory experiences, isolating DNA and synthesizing nanoparticles to construct solar cells. Students can choose to specialize in nanoscale biology, nanoscale chemistry or nanoscale physics.

• Nanoscale biology applies nanotechnology at the cellular level. Two approaches include using nanotechnology to study part of a living cell or use part of the living system as a model for creating nanoscale devices. This major utilizes cellular mechanisms to create new technologies.
• Nanoscale chemistry focuses on utilizing nanomaterials for drug delivery systems, carbon nanotubes, dye-sensitized solar cells and semiconductor nanowires. This major continues to evolve as chemists use their skills in synthesis and chemical modification, and employ state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology to characterize and manipulate nanostructures.
• Nanoscale physics focuses on the interaction of light and electromagnetic radiation at a nano level, the change in properties from the large scale to the nanoscale, and practical experience in designing and looking at materials at a nano level.

Theatre performance majors engage in a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to performance. Students learn through improvisation and script analysis; acting techniques that include knowledge through a variety of historical and physical styles including Greek, Elizabethan, restoration and 20th century “isms”; as well as techniques to increase vocal and physical awareness of the actor. Students gain hands-on experiences through classroom work, work-shopping, internships and on-stage productions from seasoned professionals in performance theatre.

Chemistry is the study of the science of matter and it’s transformations from one form to another. At Northwest, students majoring in chemistry will gain practical laboratory experience and foundational knowledge in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry.

The medicinal chemistry emphasis focuses on the synthesis of drug substances, the influence of properties and chemical structure on the activity and potency of drug substances, and how different classes of drugs work in the body. The program gives students the flexibility to tailor their curriculum to various career paths in research and development or admission into pharmacy, medical or graduate school.

Psychology majors at Northwest learn the scientific study of a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Northwest faculty help students understand three core areas: scientific research methods that enhance critical thinking skills, evidence and claims knowledge; insight of an individual’s personal behavior, motives and thought processes; and the understanding of the biological and social factors that contribute to human development, cognitive skills, relationships and personality.

Animal Science is the study of the production with livestock. Coursework focuses on three core areas: science, research and experiential learning. Science refers to students learning the anatomy, physiology, hormones and appropriate nutrition for livestock; research teaches students how to conduct research; and experiential learning provides student with opportunities for experience at the R.T. Wright Farm including annual procedures such as pregnancy tests on cows, castration and vaccination.

If students are interested in becoming a veterinarian, the Animal Science (Pre-Vet) program is an option. This is a rigorous program that emphasizes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and histology.

Comprehensive communication majors emphasizing in rhetoric at Northwest learn to research, create and deliver persuasive messages and listen critically to these messages. In this major, students study the core areas of communication theory, public speaking, writing, group behavior, persuasion and interpersonal communication. Additional areas of study include intercultural communication, argumentation and classical, modern and postmodern rhetorical theory and method as applied to an American issue.

Professionals in the field are civically engaged, critically analyze how people develop persuasive messages as well as how those messages affect public perception of the subject. They identify logical and ethical problems within persuasive messages, or with their effects on particular groups or communities and intervene to increase awareness and understanding.