Division of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Dennis J. Mitchell, Division Head
Associate Professors: Vicki Gier, James Kelley, Marian Swindell
Assistant Professors: Toby Bates, Rhonda G Carr, Amanda Cook, Lin Ge, Rodney T Wilson
Instructors: Greg Johnson, Angela Savage, Jarrod Fogarty
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 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| Spanish for the Professional | 3 | |
| Spanish I and Spanish II are also recommended (see Free Electives) | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Math higher than MA 1313 | 3 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| ART 1113 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
| or MU 1113 | History and Appreciation of Music | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Biological Science w/lab (BIO) | 4 | |
| Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 2 | 4 | |
| Natural Science Elective- no lab required (BIO, PH, GG, CH) 1 | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| English – see General Education courses | 3 | |
| History – see General Education courses | 3 | |
| Philopsohy - see General Education courses | 3 | |
| Humanities Electives (HI, EN, PHI, REL) | 9 | |
| Communication | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Social Sciences | ||
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| AN/GR/PS/PSY/SO - See General Education | 3 | |
| AN/GR/PS/PSY/SO/CO/CRM - Social Sciences Electives | 12 | |
| Major Required Courses | ||
| CRM 1003 | Crime and Justice in America | 3 |
| CRM 2003 | Crime, Justice, and Inequality | 3 |
| CRM 3603 | Criminological Theory | 3 |
| CRM 4803 | Senior Seminar in Criminology | 3 |
| SO 3213 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 |
| or SW 3213 | Research Methods in Social Work | |
| SO 4803 | Social Research Practice | 3 |
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Violence in the United States | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Drugs, Crime and Control | ||
| White Collar Crime and Elite Deviance | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice | ||
| Community Crime Prevention and Policy | ||
| Correctional Systems | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Gender, Crime, and Justice | ||
| Race, Crime and Justice | ||
| Globalization and Crime | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| A&S Upper Division Elective (3000/4000-level) | 3 | |
| Other electives - see advisor (Spanish I and II recommended) | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 125 | |
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 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| 3 semesters - one Foreign Language (see advisor) | 9 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Literature - see Major Core | 3 | |
| History - see A&S listing | 3 | |
| Philosophy Elective - see advisor | 3 | |
| Humanities Electives - consult advisor | 9 | |
| Math | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Above College Algebra | 3 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See A&S listing | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Physical Science w/Lab 1 | 3-4 | |
| Biological Science w/Lab 2 | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective 3 | 3-4 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| See A&S Listing | 6 | |
| Social Sciences Electives 4 | 12 | |
| Major Core | ||
| Students must choose 3 areas with 12 upper division hours in each area. Consult advisor. | ||
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Computer Requirement | ||
| Consult advisor for approved courses | ||
| Writing Requirement | ||
| Consult advisor for approved courses | ||
| Electives | ||
| 8 or more hours to equal 124 | ||
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 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 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| 3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor | 9 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Literature - see General Education courses | 3 | |
| History - see major | 3 | |
| Philosophy Elective - see A&S requirements | 3 | |
| 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 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 1323 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| or ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See A&S requirements | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Physical Science w/Lab 1 | 3-4 | |
| Biological Science w/Lab 2 | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective 3 | 3-4 | |
| Social Sciences 4 | ||
| See A&S requirements | 6 | |
| Social Sciences Electives | 12 | |
| Major Core | ||
| Must choose two of the following sequences: | ||
| World History | ||
| HI 1163 | World History Before 1500 | 3 |
| HI 1173 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| Western World | ||
| HI 1213 | Early Western World | 3 |
| HI 1223 | Modern Western World | 3 |
| U.S. History | ||
| HI 1063 | Early U.S. History | 3 |
| HI 1073 | Modern U.S. History | 3 |
| East Asian Civ | ||
| HI 1313 | East Asian Civilizations to 1300 | 3 |
| HI 1323 | East Asian Civilizations since 1300 | 3 |
| Students declaring a history major prior to Fall 2008 | ||
| U.S. history U/D Electives | 6 | |
| African, Ancient, Asian or Latin American U/D Electives | 6 | |
| European history U/D Electives | 6 | |
| U/D Electives | 6 | |
| Students declaring a history major after Summer 2008 | ||
| Category I History U/D Electives | 6 | |
| Category II History U/D Electives | 6 | |
| Category III History U/D Electives | 6 | |
| U/D Electives | 6 | |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| HI 3903 | Historiography and Historical Method | 3 |
| Computer Literacy | ||
| BIS 1012 | Introduction to Business Information Systems | 2 |
| or TKT 1273 | Computer Applications | |
| General Electives 5 | ||
| Consult advisor | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| (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. Rodney Wilson
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 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| 3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor | 9 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Literature - see General Education courses | 3 | |
| History - see General Education courses | 3 | |
| Philosophy Elective | ||
| Consult advisor | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | ||
| Must be from 2 different areas - see A&S Core | 9 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 1323 | Trigonometry (or higher math) | 3 |
| or ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See A&S Core List | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 1 | 3-4 | |
| Biological Sciences w/lab (BIO, EPP, PO) 1 | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective 2 | 3-4 | |
| Social Sciences Core | ||
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology | 3 |
| See A&S Core listing | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Electives 3 | ||
| Social Sciences Electives | 12 | |
| Major Core | ||
| PSY 1021 | Careers in Psychology | 1 |
| PSY 3314 | Experimental Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 3104 | Introductory Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| 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 above | 3 | |
| PSY Upper Division Electives | 12 | |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| PSY 3314 | Experimental Psychology | 4 |
| Computer Literacy | ||
| PSY 3314 | Experimental Psychology | 4 |
| General Electives | ||
| Consult advisor | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 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
Program Director: Rhonda G. Carr, MSW, LCSW
The Social Work Program at Mississippi State University Meridian Campus is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The purpose of the social work profession is to promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, the purpose of social work is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally. (CSWE, 2015)
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.
The Social Work curriculum is grounded in a liberal arts perspective. This liberal arts perspective enhances the person-in-environment focus of generalist social work practice.
Although students may enroll in social work as their major, there is a formal admission process into the social work program. To be eligible for admission to the social work program students must meet the following criteria for admission into the program:
1. Cumulative GPA of 2.0
2. Completion of the following liberal arts requirements:
▪ English Composition I and II
▪ College Algebra
▪ Introduction to Sociology
▪ American Government
▪ General Psychology
▪ Anatomy & Physiology
▪ Principles of Economics
▪ Fundamentals of Public Speech
▪ Basic Computer Concepts & Applications
▪ Social Work with At-Risk Populations
3. Completion of two of the following social work courses with a minimum grade of C:
- SW 3003 Social Work with At-Risk Populations
- SW 2303 Social Welfare Policy I
- SW 3013 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
4. Completion of SW 2313 Introduction to Social Work (including 20 hours of service learning experience) with a minimum grade of B.
5. Completion of an Application for Admission to the Social Work Program.
- Students must provide three reference letters on provided forms
- Authorize a Background Check, Child Abuse/Neglect and Sex Offender Registries
- Participate in a personal interview with Social Work Program Admissions Committee.
Before enrolling in any social work classes, it is the responsibility of the student to consult with their social work advisor regarding any prerequisites for social work classes.
The criteria for remaining in the program include:
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0, with a 2.75 GPA for all social work courses.
- Must earn a minimum of a "C" in each social work course.
- Continue to demonstrate an aptitude for a social work career.
- Adhere to all academic expectations of the university and the social
work program. - Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
General Education and College Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| 2 semesters - one Foreign Language – see advisor | 6 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Literature – see General Education courses | 3 | |
| History – see General Education courses | 3 | |
| Philosophy | ||
| PHI 1103 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| or PHI 1113 | Introduction to Logic | |
| Humanities Elective 1 | ||
| Literature Elective | 3 | |
| History Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See Arts & Sciences Core List | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| BIO 1004 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 2 | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective 1 | 3-4 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PS 1113 | American Government | 3 |
| Social Sciences Electives | ||
| Required: | ||
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology | 3 |
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| AN 1103 | Introduction to Anthropology | 3 |
| AN 1143 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| Major Core | ||
| Social Work curriculum is completed as sequenced. | ||
| SW 2313 | Introduction to Social Work/Social Welfare | 3 |
| SW 2303 | Social Welfare Policy I | 3 |
| SW 3003 | Social work with At-Risk Populations 1 | 3 |
| SW 3013 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I | 3 |
| Students must successfully complete a formal admissions process prior to taking the following courses: | ||
| SW 2323 | Social Welfare Policy II 3 | 3 |
| SW 3023 | Human Behavior and the social Environment II 3 | 3 |
| SW 3213 | Research Methods in Social Work 3 | 3 |
| SW 4613 | Child Welfare Services | 3 |
| SW 3513 | Social Work Practice I 3 | 3 |
| SW 3523 | Social Work Practice II 3 | 3 |
| SW 3533 | Social Work with Communities and Organizations 3 | 3 |
| Social Work Elective | 3 | |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| SW 4713 | Social Work Senior Seminar 3 | 3 |
| Computer Literacy | ||
| Consult Advisor | ||
| General Electives | ||
| Consult Advisor | ||
| Field Work includes full-time placement for one semester in a supervised agency setting. | ||
| SW 4916 | Social Work Field Practicum/Seminar I 3 | 6 |
| SW 4926 | Social Work Practicum/Seminar II 3 | 6 |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 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 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Humanities | ||
| See General Education courses | 6 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See General Education courses | 3 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Select 2 lab-based sciences from General Education courses | 7-8 | |
| Math/Science Elective | ||
| Math/Science elective (from Gen Ed) - Consult Advisor | 3 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Major Core | ||
| EN 3313 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
| PHI 3013 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| PSY 3503 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 4223 | Drug Use and Abuse | 3 |
| SW 3003 | Social work with At-Risk Populations | 3 |
| SW 4633 | Social Work in Health Care | 3 |
| SO 3213 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 |
| MGT 3114 | Principles of Management and Production | 4 |
| MGT 3513 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
| MGT 3823 | Socially Responsible Leadership | 3 |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BIS 3233 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| HCA 3313 | Healthcare Systems | 3 |
| HCA 3813 | Healthcare Regulations | 3 |
| HCA 4243 | Managed Care | 3 |
| HCA 4803 | Healthcare Policy | 3 |
| Oral Communication | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| Satisfied by successful completion of EN 3313 | ||
| Computer Literacy | ||
| Satisfied by successful completion of BIS 3233 | ||
| Technical Core | 28 | |
| Arts & Sciences Upper Division Electives | ||
| Upper Division Electives - Consult Advisor | 3 | |
| General Electives | ||
| General Electives - Consult Advisor | 3-4 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |