Bachelor of Science, Major in Sociology with Emphasis in Criminology

at Pittsburg State University USA

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.

The Department of Music offers courses leading to the degree of Master of Music with emphases in the following areas:

• Music, Choral Conducting
• Music, Instrumental Conducting
• Music, Orchestral Instrument Performance
• Music, Vocal Performance
• Music, Organ, Piano or Harpsichord Performance

The Master of Music is designed to provide advanced training to prepare students for enhanced career opportunities as well as for further study at the doctoral level. Although the training varies according to the emphasis, this preparation includes, for all students, improving interpretive and technical skills in performance and/or conducting as well as the ability to analyze and write about music.

The College of Arts and Sciences along with College of Technology offer a Master of Materials Science degree program. The Master of Materials Science prepares students for careers in industry and also for postgraduate degrees in materials science, engineering and related fields. This program is collaboratively designed to be an interdisciplinary degree between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Technology. Such an interdisciplinary STEM program will provide hands-on, academic activities and practical experiences for students, readying them to join the workforce.

Social Work is a practice-based profession which seeks to meet the basic needs of all people. Social workers help people at the individual, family, group, and community levels.  Social workers practice in a wide variety of settings, with licensed positions at the bachelor level, master level, and clinical level.

The Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Social Work (BSW) prepares students for generalist practice in settings such as (but not limited to) child welfare, mental health, addictions, probation/parole, disability, health care, older adults/end of life, schools, and more. The BSW also prepares students for graduate school. Students who have a BSW from an accredited program are generally eligible for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. This means that after earning a BSW, a student may achieve an MSW in one additional calendar year.

A minor is not required for the social work major, but students frequently choose minors in Psychology, Public Health, Criminology, or Youth and Adolescence.

Social Work
The Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Social Work (BSW) prepares students for generalist practice in a variety of settings. It also prepares students for graduate school. Students who have a BSW from an accredited program are generally eligible for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. This means that after earning a BSW, a student may achieve an MSW in one additional calendar year.

The mission of PSU’s Social Work Program is to prepare bachelor level social workers to utilize the knowledge, skills, and values of the social work profession in order to enhance the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities and to promote social and economic justice locally, nationally, and globally.  

To that end, the PSU Social Work Program aims to prepare students for:

• Generalist practice at all levels of the social environment and across the lifespan
• Utilization of the professional self which includes adherence to the Code of Ethics, professional demeanor, effective communication skills, self-awareness, and self-care
• Critical examination of and contribution to research, policies, and practices
• Living and working in a diverse environment
• Promoting human rights and social justice
• Graduate education
• Licensure

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Pittsburg State University (PSU) provide quality opportunities in the development and growth of competent CTE teachers through a variety of options. Students can select a certificate, two-year degree, four-year degree or a graduate level degree to expand their teaching options and professional advancement.

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 Department of Engineering Technology is housed in the Kansas Technology Center on the Pittsburg State University  campus. Engineering Technology Programs are comprised of elements of the technological spectrum requiring scientific and engineering knowledge plus the operational methods and skills devoted to achieving practical purpose in support of product producing industries.

The Department of Physics at Pittsburg State University was founded in 1962 and has been dedicated to the outstanding teaching of undergraduate and graduate physics students ever since. Our faculty members are trained in a wide variety of physics-related fields and have industrial and research laboratory experience. We pride ourselves in getting to know our students and helping them through their years of academic growth at PSU.

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.

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.

Collision Repair and Insurance Management - Emphasis
This program, the most popular of our options, is the perfect choice for students whose career plans are to work in automotive corporate or dealer positions. An emphasis area within our 4-year Automotive Technology program, the Service Management and Marketing program, focuses on the business aspect of the automotive and diesel & have equipment industry.