Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics with Emphasis in Astrophysics

at Pittsburg State University USA

Pittsburg State University’s Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences consists of those specialties that have emerged as so desirable in the 21st century labor force. Students use the tools from Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Sociology and Social Work programs and coursework to examine issues and to find sustainable solutions to complex problems affecting individuals, families, and society.

The mission of the History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences department’s programs is to provide high quality instruction to students in ways that emphasize active learning, problem solving, and critical thinking through transformative experiences. Through our efforts, we aim to increase everyone’s awareness of how the ethnic, cultural, and other forms of diversity affect society. We invite you to visit the individual program areas to learn more about each field of study.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to collaboration, respect, understanding for all students, staff, and faculty. The programs of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences department at Pittsburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity as a community of individuals and programs which seek to reduce prejudice, disparities, discrimination and build a supportive environment for all.  

The B.S.T. in Graphic Communications is a 120-credit Graphic Communications Degree that can be completed in four years of full-time study. Students are asked to declare one of the following areas of emphasis: Digital Media, Graphic Design, Graphics Management, Print Media, Packaging Graphics, or Web/Interactive Media.

All six areas of emphasis within the Graphic Communications program share a core curriculum, classes necessary for the field of graphic communications. In addition to these classes, each of the six distinct areas have specific emphasis and support courses, to round out the major, as well as elective graphics classes, allowing students to customize their degree.

The curriculum offered by the GIT department is under constant review and is always updated to ensure students get exposure to contemporary changes in this dynamic field.

Graphic Design - Emphasis
The Graphic Design emphasis blends the artistic and creative side with the technical aspects of graphics production while also including the study and application of design fundamentals.

The core curriculum within the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies (GIT) includes courses common among all of our six emphasis areas. These courses are primarily introductory classes that provide students with the basic information needed to succeed in the graphics industry. Within the core curriculum, there are also two upper-division classes, an internship and a capstone class.
Graphic Design Emphasis Courses:

• Web Graphics Software
• Intro to Packaging Technology
• Photography
• Web and Motion Graphics
• Print File Preparation and Preflighting
• Printing Technologies
• Portfolio Management
• Color Reproduction

The Department of English and Modern Languages offers baccalaureate degrees and a master’s degree program. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs are offered in English and in Modern Languages. A Bachelor of Science in Education and a master’s program are also offered in English. The department offers minors in English, English Teaching, Creative Writing, French, Professional Writing, and Spanish.

Creative Writing - Emphasis
There are few things in life as personally fulfilling as writing a story or poem others want to read. The best authors understand how to use the tools of their craft to convey emotion and move people to action.

With the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing, students have two avenues to choose from in the emphasis: Poetry or Fiction. Whichever path students decide to take, they will be guided by our experienced and encouraging staff. Students will be guided through classes such as Intro to Creative Writing, Multi-Genre Writing, and The Craft of Fiction/Poetry. Students will grow and learn to express themselves in a nurturing environment while they strive for their career goals.

The Department of Music offers a Master of Music degree, with a variety of emphasis areas, including, performance, conducting, and music education. Within the area of performance, students may select an instrumental (string, wind, brass, percussion, or keyboard) emphasis. This degree is designed to prepare individuals for professional advancement or for entry into further study at the doctoral level.

Awards for full-time graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Recipients of these positions will take active leadership roles in the department's ensembles, teaching and accompanying private lessons, and/or serving as an assistant to the ensemble director.

We have undergraduate programs covering the range of modern biology including: pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical technology, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education.

There are almost 400 students in the undergraduate program and about 20 in the graduate division. The Department of Biology has 13 full-time faculty with a wide range of interests. The faculty are dedicated and committed to Pittsburg State University and the department, but most importantly, to students. Most faculty are actively engaged in research activities, national professional organizations, and professional service.

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences - Emphasis
Explore the fascinating diversity of aquatic ecosystems and discover practical solutions to real-world issues as part of the Pittsburg State University Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program. The emphasis in the Department of Biology gives students the opportunities for hands-on, interactive research into rivers, lakes, wetlands, and all of their living inhabitants.

Students in this program work alongside professional biologists on a wide range of projects focused important environmental issues such as disease, pollution, preservation, and restoration of aquatic habitats.

Aspiring aquatic scientists and those inspired to serve in state and federal resource agencies should strongly consider the Pittsburg State University Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences emphasis.

Located within the Kansas Technology Center, the Department of Automotive Technology is recognized by industry as offering one of the best academic programs in the nation. Our professors are accomplished professionals with industry experience and our laboratories offer students access to the latest technology. Learn more about our department and discover why you belong at Pittsburg State University.

Diesel and Heavy Equipment - Emphasis
This program provides students the opportunity to dive into three areas of diesel technology including: agricultural equipment, construction equipment and on highway truck systems. An emphasis area within our 4-year Automotive Technology program, the Managerial Management program, prepares students for a successful career in the automotive and diesel & heavy equipment manufacturing industry.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Psychology. Within the program, students will select from two different emphasis areas, General or Clinical.

The Clinical emphasis is designed for students who wish to pursue master’s level licensure in psychology or counseling and provide direct clinical service to individuals with psychological disorders. Students who earn the degree, complete post-degree supervision, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology are eligible for designation as Licensed Clinical Psychotherapists in Kansas. The program includes a 750 clock hour practicum and internship sequence. The program meets educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in most states, including Missouri, but requirements vary by state. Additional post-degree supervision and national examination are required for licensure as a professional counselor and also varies by state.

Pittsburg State University’s Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences consists of those specialties that have emerged as so desirable in the 21st century labor force. Students use the tools from Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Sociology and Social Work programs and coursework to examine issues and to find sustainable solutions to complex problems affecting individuals, families, and society.

The mission of the History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences department’s programs is to provide high quality instruction to students in ways that emphasize active learning, problem solving, and critical thinking through transformative experiences. Through our efforts, we aim to increase everyone’s awareness of how the ethnic, cultural, and other forms of diversity affect society. We invite you to visit the individual program areas to learn more about each field of study.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to collaboration, respect, understanding for all students, staff, and faculty. The programs of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences department at Pittsburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity as a community of individuals and programs which seek to reduce prejudice, disparities, discrimination and build a supportive environment for all. 

The Master of Science in Technology is the most flexible of the College of Technology graduate programs because it can be tailored to address a wide range of career goals, based on emphasis selected. The Master of Science in Technology program provides advanced instruction in technical, scientific, managerial and supervisory areas for those working in technical and management positions in business and industry. The online degree program is designed for the full-time, workplace-bound individual.

The Master of Science in Technology program offers a 15-hour core of course work in research, global issues, leadership, quality systems and management, and statistics-based analysis; and one credit hour of assessment. Remaining nine hours of emphasis–related courses and nine hours of enrichment electives complete the 33-hour program to address candidates’ specific career goals. Candidates in program typically have undergraduate degree related to a specific technology area. Depending upon academic background and emphasis selected, candidates may be required to take pre-requisites or foundation course work.

The Department of Music offers a Master of Music degree, with a variety of emphasis areas, including performance, conducting, and music education. Within the area of conducting, students may select a choral emphasis. This degree is designed to prepare individuals for professional advancement or for entry into further study at the doctoral level.  

Awards for graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Recipients of these awards will assist with teaching as well as the administration of ensembles or other areas of the program.