Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Art with Concentration in Studio Art

at University of Massachusetts Lowell USA

The introductory courses for majors provide the freshmen experience and create common bonds among students in Political Science. Core offerings on American Politics and Policy have been augmented by others on comparative policies of countries ranging from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia to Southern Africa. The Department also offers specialized courses related to gender and citizenship, political economy, race and ethnicity, and public policy of interest to students in a variety of majors across the University.

In addition to traditional courses in political thought, recent course offerings have included work in state theory, feminist political theory, current theoretical conflicts in constitutional interpretation, and the politics of arts and culture.

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in World Languages and Cultures that allows students to pursue one of four options:

• French Option
• French / Spanish Option
• Italian / Spanish Option
• Spanish Option

Each option requires specific foundation courses that prepare students for advanced study; students then select specialized courses that complement this core and allow for exploration of individual interests.

The main purpose of the World Languages major is to provide students with the ability to function more effectively in the multicultural world we live in. The courses offer students the opportunity to acquire an ability to use a second language and to become aware of the cultures in which they flourish.

The options focus on the major intellectual concerns, culture and communication. Serving as the paradigmatic model for thinking in the human sciences, language occupies a high rung in the conceptualization of numerous disciplines. Language courses offer an understanding of language as a system and a model of communication in its cultural context, in addition to providing skills in a number of languages. The learning of languages facilitates the cultural connections with the various linguistic groups of a region. The specific areas of study include instruction in language, literature, linguistics, civilization and culture.

The UMass Lowell Chemical Engineering program provides the opportunity for graduate students to study the fundamentals and applications of chemical engineering principles at an advanced level.

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 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.).

Through a broad, competence-building sequence of core courses, students are introduced to the language of several disciplines, various materials and techniques. They study the fundamentals of studio art along with a wide variety of skills including visual communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, oral communication and project development. In addition, they learn how to constantly adapt to new technology.

Assignments focus on self-expression, material/technical competencies, building a personal language and life practice. In addition to core studio courses, students can take advantage of courses in web design, motion graphics, interactive design, typography, art history, art theory, video, and the huge array of science and humanities courses available at the university.

High quality professors, rigorous and relevant curriculum and state-of-the art facilities create an environment that produces excellent student achievement.

The Studio Art concentration prepares artists for careers in animation, digital imaging, drawing, interactive-media, painting, photography, and sculpture. Graduates have built successful careers in photography, teaching, animation, gallery management and studio arts. The Studio Art concentration at UMass Lowell provides students with the tools necessary to reach their highest potential as creative practitioners.

This program provides students with knowledge of the key issues, research, and theories in the important and emerging field of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Students are challenged to answer the following key content questions:

• How do factors such as poverty, lack of education and social inequity lead to conflict, both internationally and domestically
• What are the causes and conditions which generate and sustain conflict and violence?
• What are the principles and methods for the resolution of conflict and violence?
• What are the norms, practices and institutions for conflict transformation and building peace?

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.

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.

Mathematics has long played an integral role in advances in science and technology. And in today’s high-tech, information-based economy, a background in mathematics is a highly valued commodity.

At UMass Lowell, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics develop valuable and transferable skills in critical thinking, quantitative analysis and problem solving — skills that are necessary for success in a broad range of fields.

Offered by UMass Lowell’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, this flexible program features a robust curriculum designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the science of mathematics. Topics covered include calculus, physics, discrete structures, applied statistics, propositional logic, methods of proof, relations and functions, applications to computer science and more.

The Master of Science in Plastics Engineering program offers professional training at the master's level designed to provide the opportunity for the study of more advanced theory and practice in plastics materials, design, and manufacturing. There also are concentrations in elastomer technology, medical plastics, and sustainability. This graduate program also is designed to broaden the background of experienced professionals to help them keep up with the latest fundamental developments in the field.