Bachelor of General Studies in Communication Studies

at Shorelight Group - University of Kansas USA

Astronomy is often called the oldest science -- in many ways, it is also one of the newest! Astronomers today rely on cutting-edge technology and  computer programming skills to generate and analyze the enormous data sets we use to examine the universe around us. Our business is studying the physics of objects like exoplanets, stars, gas, black holes, and galaxies in the observable universe, which is why we are sometimes referred to as astrophysicists. Because the objects we study are too distant and too large to bring back samples or replicate them here on earth, astronomy is very different from most other experimental laboratory sciences. Astronomers that work with data are called observers, as the only experiments we can run consist of pointing our telescopes at different parts of the sky to gather information about new objects that will test our hypotheses. We rely on the information we can infer just from light (color, temperature, velocity, and chemical composition) to get insight into the formation and evolution of objects ranging from extrasolar planets to stars to entire galaxies.

The BS program provides intensive training in geology and other sciences. BS majors may emphasize traditional geology, environmental geology (with a specialized track in hydrogeology), engineering geology, geophysics, or earth and space science licensure. The hydrogeology track, the engineering geology option, and the geophysics option combine basic training in geology with training in mathematics, engineering, physics, and geophysics. The environmental geology option combines training in geology with many different sciences.

In the Department of Visual Art, you get the best of both worlds. You will work side by side with world-class, practicing artists. Small classes provide time for directed and individual instruction and space for developing big ideas. You can explore all seven studio areas to create an education as individual as you are.

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art is a four-year, 120 credit hour degree program. The B.A. in Visual Art is a more traditional liberal arts undergraduate degree, requiring only 24 credit hours in Visual Art beyond the Foundations, as opposed to the 49 required by the more art intensive B.F.A. Because of this, students interested in pursuing a double major may find it easier to pair the B.A. with other more traditional undergraduate degrees. Popular double majors in Visual Art include: Visual Art/Psychology; Visual Art/Chemistry; Visual Art/Museum Studies.

The first year is spent in Foundations where students focus on the development of their creative and technical skills.

Undergraduates in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders study the basic processes of human communication. Programs are designed for the student who seeks a career in speech, language, or hearing or is interested in normal communication development and communication disorders.

Beginning with the undergraduate experience, you'll find stimulating course work, clinical observation, and a variety of hands-on laboratory projects. To practice as a speech-language pathologist, you will need to earn a master’s degree. Plan to pursue doctoral studies if you want to practice audiology or do research in speech, language, and hearing processes and disorders.

This concentration is designed for students interested in studying the cultural and social underpinnings of theatre and performance along with courses in acting, directing and design and with participation in University Theatre production. The TCS concentration provides the critical, analytical, and historical education that is the foundation of a liberal arts degree. Both the B.A. and B.G.S. in Theatre, Culture & Society require 40 hours in the major. In addition to KU Core requirement, the B.A. requires foreign language, math, and laboratory experience. 

Architectural engineering is the engineering discipline concerned with the planning, analysis, design, construction, and operation of engineered systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, and large residential facilities. Engineered systems include electric power, communications, and control; lighting and acoustics; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC); fire and life safety; structural systems; and green buildings and sustainability.

Architectural engineering at KU is a challenging ABET-accredited four-year course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering (BS ARCE). At KU, the BS ARCE program is administered by the School of Engineering in consultation with the School of Architecture & Design. Undergraduate students in the ARCE program have full access to the resources in both schools including scholarships, courses, computer and instructional laboratories, shops, student organizations and activities, and libraries.

The Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology focuses on the integration of biological systems at the whole organism level, and on how living organisms exist in populations, species, and communities within their environment. Core classes such as genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology are combined with courses such as statistics, biochemistry, systematics, and organismal diversity to provide a strong foundation in biology. Students choose electives from a diverse set of classes that allow them to focus on areas of interest.

Students in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies develop a broad set of skills to critically analyze social issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including anthropology, history, law, literature, political science, psychology, and sociology. They learn to employ different methods and modes of analysis to better identify, critique, and productively understand the status of women in society and how structures of inequality interact with gender and sexuality.

With a major in WGSS, you'll be able to:

• Confront social problems around gender and sexuality
• Collaborate with students and faculty from across the social sciences and humanities
• Build expertise on issues that matter most to you

Welcome to American Studies, undergraduates! We are one of the best majors at KU for those students seeking a critically engaged and socially relevant area studies program. As an interdisciplinary department, we take an integrative approach to the study of the United States in relationship to the broader world, using history, literature, philosophy, popular culture, psychology, religion and sociology. In our department, undergraduates study hipsters to hip hop, old and new media, labor movements and changing work habits, popular media and music as an expression of American identity, local communities and globalization, social justice movements and changing cultural mores in American politics on race, gender, religion and sexuality covering the gamut from conservatives to left wingers. Our aim as an interdisciplinary department is not to indoctrinate students. It is our goal to teach you to use analytical tools for understanding our country and world and assist you in articulating your vision of leadership in it.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textiles/Fibers is a four-year, 120 credit hour immersive course of study of the Textiles/Fibers medium.

The first year is spent in Foundations where students focus on the development of their creative and technical skills.

After the foundation year, Textiles/Fibers students will pursue instruction on a broad range of textile approaches and techniques including complex weave structures, textile design software and technology skills, sewing, screen printing, fabric and yarn dyeing, felting, quilting, knitting, knotting, bound resist, transfer printing, embroidery, and other techniques depending on interests and coursework.