Bachelor of Science in Physics - Computer Science

at Northwest Missouri State University USA

The business education major provides hands-on, cutting-edge courses in the areas of business, technology, marketing, accounting and economics while providing the core principles of effective education. This major is designed to prepare students to teach at the secondary level (grades 9-12). The business education major is recognized nationally and by the state as an outstanding business education program, and Northwest is the only public institution in Missouri north of I-70 that offers a business education program.

At the high school level, teachers are trained to educate students on more specialized content such as the theories of business, marketing, accounting and technology. At the middle school level, teachers focus on the basics of keyboarding, computer applications, introduction to business and money management.

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.

Clinical laboratory science is the study of medical samples during the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Northwest’s unique 3+1 program provides students with pre-requisite courses in general education, math, chemistry and biology for three years; during the program’s fourth year, students attend one of three affiliated hospitals: St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, North Kansas City Hospital or Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, for a year of hands-on clinical training.

While at Northwest, students learn human biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Human biology courses teach students the methods in which a normal, healthy body functions; organic chemistry and analytical chemistry teaches students how to identify and quantify the substances found in a sample; biochemistry teaches students the fundamental molecules and pathways of the body.

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.

Recreation majors at Northwest is the study of play and leisure in an individual’s life and methods to improve quality of life. Student can emphasize in:

• Recreation and Park Management which prepares students for program leadership and development, and budget and facility management;
• Corporation Recreation/Wellness which involve programs related to a person’s physical well-being;
• Therapeutic Recreation which prepares students with the skills to assess and evaluate the needs for individuals with special needs; and
• Sport Management prepares students for leadership roles in professional, collegiate and community sports organizations.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (comprehensive) is for students who desire a broad approach to their Music education, including applied study, ensemble experiences, music composition, history and theory.

The B.A. in Music can also be paired with an emphasis area, which can include Audio Production, Business or Wellness. The B.A. in Music with Emphasis is intended to provide students with the same broad experience in Music that, when paired with the emphasis area, can lead to careers in Music Production, Arts Management/Administration, Entrepreneurship, Counseling, Studio Teaching and other Music-enhanced careers.

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.

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.

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.

The Human Services major at Northwest is designed to meet human needs through interdisciplinary knowledge, focus on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintain a commitment to improving the overall quality of life. Faculty focus on preparing students to effectively serve individuals, families, groups and communities in the human services field; communicate efficiently with clients and professionals; and develop culturally competent skills.

A career in the human service profession promotes improved service by refining accessibility, accountability and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.