Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy with Concentration in Communications and Critical Thinking

at University of Massachusetts Lowell USA

Sociologists study many different subjects: race and ethnicity, social policy, gender and sexuality, family and kinship, the nature of industrial capitalism, the effect of technology on modern society and interpersonal relationships. These are just a few of the many areas sociologists are interested in understanding. What draws these different areas together is the emphasis on understanding social life, both in our own society and cross-culturally.

The sociology major offers students the opportunity to learn about our social world. Courses cover a wide range of fields. As part of their program, students are encouraged to work in the Lowell community. Many students complete corporate or agency internships in which they work within a field setting to gain needed job experience.

Department members value the search for meaningful social change. Students who are interested in working in human services, social work, personnel management, urban planning, elder services, communications, law, education, research, community activism or full-time academic work might consider a major in sociology.   

Policy and Social Problems Concentration
Students may choose a concentration in Policy and Social Problems, which provides a pathway for those who want to focus specifically on applying analytical tools of sociological thinking to social problems and their solutions.

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell adopts the scientist-practitioner model to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to enter both applied professional and research positions, and be well-prepared for future matriculation into doctoral programs. Through required and elective coursework, fieldwork experience, and available research opportunities, students are exposed to a wide range of scientific perspectives within Psychology.

The ABA and Autism Studies Program at UMass Lowell welcome, value, and respect all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, belief system, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and (dis)ability. We are a community that thrives from our diversity. We encourage you to speak and listen in order to learn from other perspectives, as we believe this creates a more meaningful educational experience for students and faculty alike.

• Principles, processes, and concepts of applied behavior analysis
• Methods of behavioral assessment and selection of intervention strategies
• Measurement of behavior and techniques for displaying and interpreting data
• Experimental evaluation of interventions
• Legal and ethical aspects of intervention
• Training and supervision of direct service providers
• Coordination of programs and services with families, schools, and the community
• Definitions and characteristics of autism and other developmental psychopathologies

The Master of Science program in Security Studies prepares students for careers in the rapid expanding field of cyber security, as well as weapons of mass destruction (CBRNE) and how to address threats to our critical infrastructure.

Homeland Defense - Concentration
Students pursuing this area of concentration will develop competencies and knowledge relating to homeland security strategy and policy development, critical infrastructure protection, regional and national security intelligence, land and maritime border protection, and the use of new technologies in homeland security. Emphasis is placed on integrating a “big picture” policy perspective with an understanding of human behavior, systems, and intelligence analysis.

Computer Science is the study of the design and use of computer systems. The curriculum’s required courses give students a strong foundation in both the software and hardware aspects of computing, as well as the mathematics and science that underlie the discipline. The electives in the later years allow students to study a particular area of computer science in greater depth.

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program at UMass Lowell offers an opportunity to pursue a broad range of interests in the fields of environmental and water resources engineering. The course of study is designed to meet an individual student's interests and career goals. Programs consist of civil engineering courses in

• Water and wastewater treatment,
• Environmental chemistry,
• Hydrology,
• Hydraulics,
• Air pollution control,
• Environmental law and policy,
• And may include courses from allied disciplines such as biological and health sciences, environmental studies, chemistry and work environment.

The first year of undergraduate study is devoted to developing writing skills and subjects in mathematics and science that serve as a foundation for upper level professional studies.

During the second year of study, students learn the principles of engineering mechanics, strength of materials and surveying.

Junior and senior year course work gives students a working knowledge of structural, environmental, geotechnical and transportation engineering. In addition to education in these four basic areas of civil engineering practice, advanced elective courses are available in each area during the senior year. Engineering design, concepts and computer aided engineering are integrated throughout the program.

Industrial engineers apply science, mathematics and fundamental engineering principles to complex systems and operations in order to make them better. Our industrial engineering program emphasizes manufacturing and automation and gives students hands-on experience through problem-based learning.

n the newly developed industrial engineering program at UMass Lowell, students learn to design, improve and implement integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment and energy.

Our students follow a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum that provides a solid science and engineering foundation, with advanced coursework in automation and control, manufacturing process, ergonomics, analytics and operations management. Designed to be multidisciplinary, the program offers students the opportunity to take courses within the Francis College of Engineering, the Kennedy College of Sciences and the Manning School of Business. In addition, students may also pursue minors in areas such as robotics, production and operations management.

The B.F.A. degree prepares students for careers in studio arts and graphic design. Within these disciplines, students may choose to focus on photography, sculpture, painting, ceramics, animation, 3D modeling, drawing, printmaking or interactive digital media.

The art major is designed to develop a rigorous art practice. Students gain a deep knowledge of the technical and conceptual abilities needed to succeed in the professional world. The Art & Design Department offers the professional degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.).

Animation and Interactive Media are vibrant and rapidly evolving fields of cultural production. Both of these disciplines play key roles in art (video, installation, net art, etc.), design (user experience, interaction), entertainment (films, games), and communication and journalism (infographics and data visualization). Animation and Interactive Media are two sides of the same coin: the former focusing on time-based narratives and emotional communication and the later involving user feedback and affect. Combining the two disciplines will make each practice stronger and prepare students to become animators, game designers, communicators, and artists.

Assignments focus on sequential imagery techniques as well as interactivity in arts and as arts. In addition to the core courses students can take advantage of courses in web design, motion graphics, animation, interactive design, graphic design, game design, data visualization and advanced independent studies.

The final year, students focus on their capstone project either in animation, interactive media or a combined project. The Senior Studio project is a year-long exploration where students create a self-directed project that reflects their talent and skills using our state-of-the art facilities. In addition, students develop their online portfolio and resume. The capstone project results in excellent portfolios that prepare students for today’s rapidly evolving art world and technology.

As a history major at UMass Lowell, you will be trained to think and write critically about history. Department alumni have careers in a wide array of fields including teaching, law, government service, business and research. More than half our graduates go on to graduate school in history, education and other fields.

The Master of Science in Accounting at UMass Lowell prepares students for careers in public, corporate, government and non-profit accounting, in addition to qualifying students to meet licensing requirements to become certified public accountants.

The Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy has classified MSA program at Manning School of Business as “Level 1” and deemed the program to be substantially equivalent to AACSB standards. Any student who earns a graduate degree in accounting from a Level 1 program is judged to have satisfied the educational requirements to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Students who earn degrees from non-Level 1 programs must demonstrate that they have satisfied such educational requirements. Therefore, our MSA program’s Level 1 status makes it easier for UMass Lowell accounting graduates to eventually become Certified Public Accountants (CPA).

The MSA will prepare graduates to succeed in a competitive environment and a respected profession, one whose members continue to be in high demand from public accounting firms, financial institutions, industry, government agencies, municipalities, schools, hospitals and charitable organizations.