2013-14 Academic Catalog

Division of Arts and Sciences

This is an archived copy of the 2013-14 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Dr. Dennis J. Mitchell, Division Head

Associate Professors: Vicki Gier, James Kelley, Marian Swindell
Assistant Professors: Toby Bates, Rhonda G Carr, Lin Ge, Rodney T Wilson
Instructors: Cliff Sosis, Angela Savage, Jarrod Fogarty
Lecturer: Amanda Cook

The Division of Arts and Sciences offers nine degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, English, General Liberal Arts (GLA), History, Psychology, Communication –Concentration in Broadcasting, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS), Bachelor of Applied Technology in Healthcare Services (BAT), and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Advisor:  Amanda Cook

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology degree program offers students the opportunity to explore the nature and causes of crime as well as examine the social response to crime and its effect on society.

The degree emphasizes the study of types, patterns, and trends in criminal behavior, and trains students to analyze crime data, test explanations of crime and victimization, and critically evaluate crime theory and policy.

Criminology

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Languages
3 Semesters - one Foreign Language – see advisor9
Humanities
Literature – see General Education Courses3
History – see General Education Courses3
Philosophy – see General Education Courses3
Humanities Electives - Must be from 2 different areas – see A&S Core9
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
Elective Mathematics higher than MA 13133
Fine Arts
See A&S Core3
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) see General Education Courses3-4
Life Sciences w/lab (BIO, EPP, PO) see General Education Courses3-4
Natural Science Elective3
Social Sciences
SO 1003Introduction to Sociology3
PS 1113American Government3
PSY 1013General Psychology3
see A&S Core9
Major Core
CRM 1003Crime and Justice in America3
CRM 2003Crime, Justice, and Inequality3
CRM 3603Criminological Theory3
SO 3213Introduction to Social Research3
SO 4803Social Research Practice3
CRM 4803Senior Seminar in Criminology3
Major Electives
Criminal Behavior and Motivation Area
Choose two of the following:6
Violence in the United States
Juvenile Delinquency
Drugs, Crime and Control
White Collar Crime and Elite Deviance
Social Dimensions of Crime Area
Choose two of the following:6
Gender, Crime, and Justice
Race, Crime and Justice
Globalization and Crime
Victimology
Crime Control Policy and Practice Area
Choose two of the following:6
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
Community Crime Prevention and Policy
Correctional Systems
Law and Society
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
Writing Requirement
Satisfied by successful completion of CRM 3603
Computer Literacy
Satisfied by successful completion of SO 3213
General Electives
Consult advisor15
Total Hours123
(31 hours must be 3000/4000 from A&S)

Bachelor of Arts in English

Advisor:  Dr. James Kelley

In addition to providing an overview of literature, the Bachelor of Arts in English degree program improves student’s ability to read perceptively, think critically, conduct research, and write persuasively.  This degree has some flexibility which allows students to tailor their program of study to meet their specific needs.


General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters: One Foreign Language (see advisor) 9
Humanities
Philosophy Elective - see advisor3
History Sequence - select one of the following: 6
Early U.S. History
   and Modern U.S. History
World History Before 1500
   and World History Since 1500
Math
MA 1313College Algebra3
3 hours above College Algebra3
Fine Arts
See A&S requirements3
Natural Sciences
Physical Science w/Lab 13-4
Biological Science w/Lab 23-4
Natural Science Elective 33-4
Social Sciences 4
See A&S requirements6
Social Sciences Electives12
Major Core
Fourth semester in chosen Foreign Language3
Upper Division A&S Humanities (HI, FL, PHI) or Study Abroad Elective3
EN 1111English Studies1
EN 2213English Literature before 18003
EN 2223English Literature After 18003
EN 2243American Literature Before 18653
EN 2253American Literature After 18653
EN 3414Critical Writing and Research in Literary Studies4
EN 4111Portfolios and Reflective Writing1
Upper Division Requirements
Pre-1660 English Lit Elective3
Post-1660 English Lit Elective3
American Lit Elective3
American or contemporary Lit Elective3
English Lit Elective3
English Vocational Elective
Select one of the following: 3
Writing for the Workplace
Literary Criticism from Plato-Present
Critical Theory Since 1900
Introduction to Linguistics
Creative Writing
Principles of Legal Writing
Composition Pedagogy
Writing Center Tutor Training
Elective
Elective3
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
General Electives
General Electives - Consult advisor15
Total Hours124

(Must maintain a 2.5 GPA in upper-division English courses. Must make a grade of C or higher in all upper-division English courses. Must complete 31 upper division A&S hours. Must take 15 hours at the 4000 level in residence.)

1

CH, GG, or PH; see General Education courses.

2

BIO, EPP, or PO; see General Education courses. 

3

Consult advisor.

4

Must be from 2 different areas and must cross 4 disciplines over the 18 hours. Only one Economics allowed. See advisor.


General Liberal Arts Program (GLA)

Advisor: Dr. James Kelley

Students who prefer to specialize in more than one field of study may earn a B.A. degree in General Liberal Arts. Requirements for this degree include all of the following: satisfactory completion of the University and College Core curriculum; satisfactory completion of the College of Arts and Sciences B.A. requirements; approval of the proposed G.L.A. program; satisfactory completion of twelve hours of upper-division courses (courses numbered 3000 and above) in each of three fields of study. The three fields may all be within the College of Arts and Sciences, or one of the three may be within another school/college of the University if that field is related to the student’s educational or career goals. To insure an orderly progression of work toward the degree, interested students should meet with the program’s advisor as early as possible. Furthermore, admittance into the program requires a GPA of at least 2.5 and the approval of the GLA Committee and the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. General Liberal Arts is not suitable for students who are uncertain about their choice of a major; these students should see the Undecided listing in this section.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters - one Foreign Language (see advisor)9
Humanities
Literature - see Major Core3
History - see A&S listing3
Philosophy Elective - see advisor3
Humanities Electives - consult advisor9
Math
MA 1313College Algebra3
Above College Algebra3
Fine Arts
See A&S listing3
Natural Sciences
Physical Science w/Lab 13-4
Biological Science w/Lab 23-4
Natural Science Elective 33-4
Social Sciences
See A&S Listing6
Social Sciences Electives 412
Major Core
Students must choose 3 areas with 12 upper division hours in each area. Consult advisor.
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Computer Requirement
Consult advisor for approved courses
Writing Requirement
Consult advisor for approved courses
Electives
8 or more hours to equal 124
Total Hours124

1

CH, GG, or PH; see General Education courses.

2

BIO, EPP, or PO; see General Education courses.

3

Consult advisor.

4

Must be from 2 different areas and must cross 4 disciplines over the 18 hours. Only one Economics allowed. See advisor.

 

Bachelor of Arts in History

Advisor: Dr. Toby Bates

The Bachelor of Arts in History degree prepares students to think critically beyond their immediate environment, learn research skills and the proper method of collecting data, develop historical arguments, and successfully communicate their conclusions. 
Students will achieve a detailed understanding of the political, cultural, economic, and racial aspects found within American history, European history, as well as Latin American history.  Through a study of Mississippi history students will also find great insight into their local and state narratives.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor9
Humanities
Literature - see General Education courses3
History - see major3
Philosophy Elective - see A&S requirements3
Humanities Elective - see A&S core (Must be from 2 different areas. Can be upper division hours; 6 hours may be HI courses; 3 hours must be from another area.)9
Math
MA 1313College Algebra3
MA 1323Trigonometry3
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
Fine Arts
See A&S requirements3
Natural Sciences
Physical Science w/Lab 13-4
Biological Science w/Lab 23-4
Natural Science Elective 33-4
Social Sciences 4
See A&S requirements6
Social Sciences Electives12
Major Core
Must choose two of the following sequences:
World History
HI 1163World History Before 15003
HI 1173World History Since 15003
Western World
HI 1213Early Western World3
HI 1223Modern Western World3
U.S. History
HI 1063Early U.S. History3
HI 1073Modern U.S. History3
East Asian Civ
HI 1313East Asian Civilizations to 13003
HI 1323East Asian Civilizations since 13003
Students declaring a history major prior to Fall 2008
U.S. history U/D Electives6
African, Ancient, Asian or Latin American U/D Electives6
European history U/D Electives6
U/D Electives6
Students declaring a history major after Summer 2008
Category I History U/D Electives6
Category II History U/D Electives6
Category III History U/D Electives6
U/D Electives6
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
HI 3903Historiography and Historical Method3
Computer Literacy
BIS 1012Introduction to Business Information Systems2
or TKT 1273 Computer Applications
General Electives 5
Consult advisor12
Total Hours124
(31 hours must be A&S 3000 or above)

1

CH, GG, or PH; see General Education courses.

2

BIO, EPP, or PO; see General Education courses.

3

Consult advisor.

4

Must be from 2 different areas and must cross 4 disciplines over the 18 hours. Only one Economics allowed. Can be upper division hours. See advisor.

5

13 hours of general electives required if BIS 1012 is chosen for computer requirement.

 

 


Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Advisor:  Dr. Vicki Gier

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree offers students the opportunity to learn unique insights into human behavior and mental processes which enable them to have a positive impact on people’s day-to-day lives.  Students will develop good research, writing, and problem solving skills, and the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.

Psychology majors are encouraged to work with faculty members on research projects and to share authorship of posters and journal articles.  Students also have an opportunity to experience an internship in area mental health facilities.

Required Curriculum

Undergraduate students wishing to major in psychology must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average on all college work attempted prior to entering the major. The Bachelor of Arts degree program in psychology is designated to provide training for advanced study in psychology or related fields. Advanced study is recommended for students desiring a career in psychology. Psychology majors must earn a C or better in all required psychology courses.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor9
Humanities
Literature - see General Education courses3
History - see General Education courses3
Philosophy Elective
Consult advisor3
Humanities Elective
Must be from 2 different areas - see A&S Core9
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
MA 1323Trigonometry (or higher math)3
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
Fine Arts
See A&S Core List3
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 13-4
Biological Sciences w/lab (BIO, EPP, PO) 13-4
Natural Science Elective 23-4
Social Sciences Core
PSY 1013General Psychology3
See A&S Core listing3
Social Sciences Electives 3
Social Sciences Electives12
Major Core
PSY 1021Careers in Psychology1
PSY 3314Experimental Psychology4
PSY 3104Introductory Psychological Statistics4
Choose two of the following:6
Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
Social Psychology
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Theories of Personality
Choose one of the following:3
Psychology of Learning
Cognitive Psychology
Choose one of the following:3
Biological Psychology
Sensation and Perception
Choose one unused course from the groups above3
PSY Upper Division Electives12
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
PSY 3314Experimental Psychology4
Computer Literacy
PSY 3314Experimental Psychology4
General Electives
Consult advisor
Total Hours120
32 hours of course work must be A&S 3000/4000

1

See General Education courses.

2

Consult advisor.

3

Must be from 2 different areas and must cross 4 disciplines over the 18 hours (6 hours from the Social Science core and 12 hours of SS electives). Only one Economics allowed. See advisor.

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS)

Advisor: Dr. Jarod Fogarty

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is a university-wide degree coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs by the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This multi-discipline academic program is appropriate for students motivated by specific interests not recognized in traditional majors and is not intended to compete with existing programs. All University requirements, including 32 hours of upper division course work and a year’s residence, must be met for graduation.

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is intended to allow students maximum flexibility to custom-design a curriculum to meet their personal and career goals. Such a program of study must assure depth of study as well as breadth. Therefore, it must insure that students take at least 36 upper-division hours in the areas they have chosen for emphasis and that they select a minimum of 12 hours in each of three areas or 18 hours in two. Emphasis areas must be selected from at least two colleges. General education requirements (45 hours) must be met in addition to a general studies core of 15 hours. A total of 122 semester hours is required for graduation, along with an MSU and cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To insure coherence in the program, the student must construct and explain in writing the rationale for the interdisciplinary studies program’s direct relationship to the student’s personal and career goals. Each student will be required to find advisors in the academic disciplines who will agree to sponsor the student in drawing up the proposed curriculum, formulating the rationale, and presenting the case in writing to the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This should be done prior to the senior year.

If approved, the student may proceed with the curriculum. The Committee will meet during the fall, spring and summer semesters, and students must make written application by September 15 or February 1. Application for a degree must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. For further information, contact Dr. James Kelley, Office 088 of the MSU-Meridian Campus.

 

Bachelor of Social Work

Advisor:  Rhonda G Carr

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice.  Students learn ways to properly assess and develop therapeutic working relationships with diverse populations, utilize varying intervention approaches, identify strengths and enhance client problem-solving and coping skills, as well as program evaluation, advocacy, research, and community outreach.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
2 semesters - one Foreign Language – see advisor6
Humanities
Literature – see General Education courses3
History – see General Education courses3
Philosophy
PHI 1103Introduction to Philosophy3
or PHI 1113 Introduction to Logic
Humanities Elective 1
Literature Elective3
History Elective3
Humanities Elective3
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics3
Fine Arts
See Arts & Sciences Core List3
Natural Sciences
BIO 1004Anatomy and Physiology4
Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 23-4
Natural Science Elective 13-4
Social Sciences
SO 1003Introduction to Sociology3
PS 1113American Government3
Social Sciences Electives
Required:
PSY 1013General Psychology3
EC 2113Principles of Macroeconomics3
AN 1103Introduction to Anthropology3
AN 1143Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
Major Core
Social Work curriculum is completed as sequenced.
SW 2313Introduction to Social Work/Social Welfare3
SW 2303Social Welfare Policy I3
SW 3003Social work with At-Risk Populations 13
SW 3013Human Behavior and the Social Environment I3
Students must successfully complete a formal admissions process prior to taking the following courses:
SW 2323Social Welfare Policy II 33
SW 3023Human Behavior and the social Environment II 33
SW 3213Research Methods in Social Work 33
SW 4613Child Welfare Services3
SW 3513Social Work Practice I 33
SW 3523Social Work Practice II 33
SW 3533Social Work with Communities and Organizations 33
Social Work Elective3
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
SW 4713Social Work Senior Seminar 33
Computer Literacy
Consult Advisor
General Electives
Consult Advisor
Field Work includes full-time placement for one semester in a supervised agency setting.
SW 4916Social Work Field Practicum/Seminar I 36
SW 4926Social Work Practicum/Seminar II 36
Total Hours124
32 hours of course work must be A&S 3000/4000

1

Consult Advisor.

2

See General Education courses.

3

Course has prerequisite. Please check course description in back of catalog or consult advisor.

 

Bachelor of Applied Technology in Healthcare Services

Advisor:  Dr. Dennis Mitchell

The Bachelor of Applied Technology in Healthcare Services will offer students in healthcare technology programs like Health Information, Medical Lab, Radiological and even nursing, the advantage of applying some of their technical credits to a bachelor’s degree.  This degree will also benefit those who are already working in health occupations but would like to further their education by earning a bachelor’s degree.

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Humanities
See General Education courses6
Fine Arts
See General Education courses3
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
MA 2113Introduction to Statistics3
Natural Sciences
Select 2 lab-based sciences from General Education courses7-8
Math/Science Elective
Math/Science elective (from Gen Ed) - Consult Advisor3
Social Sciences
EC 2113Principles of Macroeconomics3
PSY 1013General Psychology3
Major Core
EN 3313Writing for the Workplace3
PHI 3013Business Ethics3
PSY 3503Health Psychology3
PSY 4223Drug Use and Abuse3
SW 3003Social work with At-Risk Populations3
SW 4633Social Work in Health Care3
SO 3213Introduction to Social Research3
MGT 3114Principles of Management and Production4
MGT 3513Introduction to Human Resource Management3
MGT 3823Socially Responsible Leadership3
MKT 3013Principles of Marketing3
Concentration Courses
BIS 3233Management Information Systems3
HCA 3313Healthcare Systems3
HCA 3813Healthcare Regulations3
HCA 4243Managed Care3
HCA 4803Healthcare Policy3
Oral Communication
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
Satisfied by successful completion of EN 3313
Computer Literacy
Satisfied by successful completion of BIS 3233
Technical Core28
Arts & Sciences Upper Division Electives
Upper Division Electives - Consult Advisor3
General Electives
General Electives - Consult Advisor3-4
Total Hours124