Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

at California State University - Fresno USA

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Plant Science is a 30-unit program designed to provide advanced studies and in-depth knowledge in the fundamentals of plant science, as well as experimental design, technical writing, and formal presentation of research. Coursework provides a broad understanding of crop production and physiology, and thesis research allows for specialization. Areas of specialization include agronomy, pomology, horticulture, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, soils and irrigation, and mechanized agriculture. Graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening permitting students to earn a degree within two or three years when working closely with an adviser.

Contemplating a vibrant career in media, communications or journalism? Check out the MCJ Department. An exciting array of options awaits students, including advertising, broadcast journalism, film and media arts, digital journalism and public relations.

Graduates of the MCJ Department work for many of America’s leading print and digital news outlets, radio and television stations, broadcast and film production companies, advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporations, government agencies, and community-based organizations.

Advertising/public relations. Ready to grab the attention of your audience? Want to use strategic communication to help an organization succeed? The department’s advertising and public relations students work for such agencies as J. Walter Thompson, Chiat/Day, Publicis and Hal Riney, American Airlines, Google, Facebook, Twitter, FleishmanHillard, Salvation Army, Valley Children’s Hospital, Coca Cola, and Orbitz.

The Criminology major is designed to prepare students for beginning professional work in criminal justice and to provide preparation for graduate work including law school. Criminology courses at the undergraduate level include integration of theoretical and applied materials of an interdisciplinary nature. The corrections option is designed for students interested in careers in probation, parole, correctional institutions, and other affiliated forms of work. The law enforcement option is designed for students interested in careers with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, or law enforcement careers within the private sector. The victimology option is designed for students interested in careers in domestic violence programs, rape counseling programs, victim/witness programs, or other victim-related programs at the local, state, or federal level; these programs can either be criminal justice based or community based. An internship course is required in the corrections, law enforcement, and victimology options. The Forensic Behavioral Sciences major prepares students interested in the application of other behavioral sciences — such as psychology, anthropology, social work, and linguistics — to the criminal justice system. However, it is also designed to prepare students interested in traditional criminal justice careers. 

Our deaf education program gives you a broad background in bilingual-bicultural education, total communication, and cued speech philosophies along with speech, language, auditory training, deaf culture, and American Sign Language. This program includes all of the essential elements of a good education for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The program is nationally accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf (CED).

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is intended for students who plan a career in chemistry. The B.S. is accredited by the American Chemical Society. Students who satisfactorily complete this program are recommended by the department for certification as graduate chemists by the American Chemical Society. The B.S. prepares students to enter the job market or for graduate study leading to an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department provides (1) undergraduate training in chemistry for students planning professional careers in chemistry, biochemistry and allied professions, and for those contemplating graduate work for advanced degrees; (2) undergraduate training in chemistry for those planning careers in professions such as medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.; (3) participation in the preparation of teachers of chemistry and the other physical sciences in the teaching credential programs; (4) teaching of the basic chemical sciences required by students majoring in related fields such as physics, biology, nursing, engineering, geology, agriculture, home economics, and criminology; (5) stimulation of interest in and understanding of the achievements and contributions of chemistry to our civilization for non-science students, as a part of General Education; and (6) graduate instruction in chemistry for the Master of Science degree for students who intend to enter the chemical industry, pursue further advanced study, or who wish to improve their qualifications as teachers in secondary schools and community colleges. The multi-disciplinary forensic science degree program prepares students for continued success by integrating instruction with active forensic research, collaboration with local crime laboratories, and real world experiences.

The M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is a 60-unit CORE accredited program that aims to prepare professionals who are culturally competent, and able to provide rehabilitation and mental health counseling to individuals with disabilities in an ethical manner while adhering to the Code of Professional Ethics and Scope of Practice for the profession. Students have the ability to pursue certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and National Certified Counselor, as well as undergo requirements that position them for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credential. The program has earned top rankings in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and is a national leader in hands-on, real world rehabilitation in California and beyond.

The Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation offers three master’s degrees and one credential program for post-baccalaureate students seeking careers in the counseling and rehabilitation profession. All academic offerings utilize the services and facilities of community agencies and school districts within the university service area and throughout the Central Valley. Emphasis is placed on preparing highly trained, culturally competent, well-rounded professionals who are civic-minded in their service and leadership to clients and communities.

The Computer Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Computer engineering is a discipline which allows the student to obtain expertise in the design, programming, and applications of computers. It prepares the graduate for professional practice or graduate studies.

The program combines the following:
a. A strong emphasis on electrical engineering (primarily electronic circuits and systems)
b. A broad basis in mathematics, physical science, and general engineering
c. Fundamentals of computer science including programming methodology, software engineering, and operating systems
d. Introductory and advanced concepts in the design of computers and computer systems

A rich set of technical area courses is available to allow students to broaden their knowledge within any of several computer engineering areas.

Contemplating a vibrant career in media, communications or journalism? Check out the MCJ Department. An exciting array of options awaits students, including advertising, broadcast journalism, film and media arts, digital journalism and public relations.

Graduates of the MCJ Department work for many of America’s leading print and digital news outlets, radio and television stations, broadcast and film production companies, advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporations, government agencies, and community-based organizations.

Broadcast journalism. Broadcast journalism students learn the importance of producing responsible news coverage while maintaining strong ethical standards. Our program’s core focuses on teaching the principles of storytelling through video, audio, and powerful writing. Our students learn through their experiences, which include producing content for television, radio, and digital platforms in English and Spanish. Broadcast journalism graduates are now reporters, producers, and anchors at local and national radio and television stations. Other alumni have embarked on careers at technology and social media companies including Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Banjo.

At California State University, Fresno, the interdisciplinary studies major under either the Master of Science (MS) degree is available to qualified graduate students when there is a need for advanced study in subject matter that is multidisciplinary and that is not reasonably available through existing graduate degree programs. In such instances, a formal proposal for an Interdisciplinary Studies major (see Section II) that includes a cohesive curriculum with interrelated coursework and graduate experiences from two or more departments may be submitted for approval. Proposals that could be accommodated by an existing master's degree or option, as in the use of elective courses, are not approved.

The MS in Interdisciplinary Studies is awarded for programs that include breadth of scientific knowledge as well as attainment of specific professional competencies in scientific research methodologies and data-driven analysis. MS degrees are appropriate for those who wish to engage in professional science-related careers that cross over several traditional specializations.

The Master of Arts degree program in music is designed to increase the candidate's professional competence, to increase the ability for continued self-directed study, and to provide opportunity for greater depth in the chosen area of concentration within the field of music.

Two options are offered within the MA. in Music program: Performance and Music Education.
Emphases within the area of Performance include: choral conducting, composition, instrumental conducting, instrumental performance, and vocal performance.