Bachelor of Arts in Women Studies

at California State University - Fresno USA

English is a general major or minor designed to give proficiency in skills that traditionally have been among the most highly prized by society: an ability to read with comprehension and critical judgment; to communicate accurately and clearly both orally and in writing; to grasp difficult ideas and think logically; to do research and organize materials; to make ethical and moral judgments from an historical and humanistic framework; and to appreciate literature and the arts.

The Master of Arts program in English, Literature Option, serves several categories of students: those teaching high school and community college, those anticipating doctoral studies, those studying creative or expository writing, and those simply interested in extending and intensifying the knowledge acquired in their undergraduate studies.

The B.A. in Integrated Design allows students many unique opportunities in the field of design, helping them acquire skills in specific advanced technologies crucial to the design industry. The program prepares students for diverse design jobs in the industry right after graduation and also prepares students to go into a graduate M.A. or M.F.A. program.

Philosophy is one of the fundamental domains of human thought. It grows out of basic life questions, including questions of ethics, religion, politics, and science. The study of philosophy has had an historic role in the core of sound education, because it helps sharpen skills of careful, independent thinking and aids people of all ages in defining their most important values and beliefs. The examination of great philosophical ideas, and the emphasis on clear reasoning and personal development that are involved in philosophy serve as a strong foundation for life, regardless of one's career objectives.

The Department of Philosophy offers students the following opportunities for a rich and rewarding undergraduate experience: the traditional B.A. philosophy major, the prelaw option, the religious studies option, and the philosophy minor. The department provides ample opportunity for individual attention and student participation in its activities, e.g., student Philosophy Club, symposia, colloquia, etc.

The Prelaw Option emphasizes analytical skills, ethics, and values courses. Law schools seek a broad general education background and do not recommend any specific major. Students who enjoy philosophy and are interested in law should find this option an excellent way to combine their interests.

Mathematics and related subjects play important dual roles in our culture. On the one hand, mathematics is a study in its own right; on the other hand, it is an indispensable tool for expressing and understanding ideas in the sciences, engineering, and an increasing number of other fields. As a consequence, employment opportunities for mathematicians have been expanding in recent years. The courses offered by the department are designed to develop skills in, and an appreciation and understanding of, both roles.

Because there are so many different areas in which a trained mathematician can find employment or continue studies, the department offers a large number of electives within the mathematics major. By selecting appropriate courses, students have considerable flexibility to accommodate their individual interests. Students should consult with a department adviser for specific recommendations as to which electives are suited to their career paths.

Electives in statistics and probability provide a foundation for students planning to work as statisticians for industry or government agencies. They also can enhance employment opportunities in the bioscience and health-related fields. Statistics courses (in addition to MATH 75 [or 75A and B], 76, and 77) are essential for the first two Actuarial Examinations offered by the Society of Actuaries.

The English Studies Major at Fresno State is designed to help prepare future middle and high school English teachers. Through this California state-approved program, students may demonstrate the English Language Arts subject matter competency required for entrance into a post-baccalaureate single subject teaching credential program. 

Majors complete English courses; courses in subjects related to language arts education such as literacy studies, drama, speech communication, and linguistics; and chose one Extended Area of Emphasis from the following:

• Rhetoric and Writing Studies
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Literature 
• Speech
• Theatre

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. 

The Department of Public Health offers curricula based on principles of public health practices leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, including a major and minor in health science with options in community health, environmental/occupational health and safety, and health administration.

The Health Science Bachelor of Science curriculum consists of a core of five courses providing a foundation of knowledge and skills critical to the theory and practice of the health professional. In addition, students complete a specialized cluster of courses in an option that provides the depth and breadth for the area. A variety of combinations between and within options is possible to meet professional goals.

Prepare for the future in agricultural sciences, technology, and management with a degree in agricultural education. The Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education offers options in agricultural communications, teacher preparation, science, and production management. The science option has career specialization in the areas of preprofessional animal science and preveterinary medicine. The production management option offers career specialization in the areas of dairy science, equine science, meat technology and livestock, and poultry management. Courses integrate animal evaluation, behavior, disease, environmental management, genetics, health, marketing, muscle biology, nutrition, physiology, production, and reproduction.

The agricultural education major is designed to equip students for careers as agricultural communication specialists or secondary agriculture teachers. Specializations may be developed in agricultural business, animal sciences, plant sciences, or mechanized agriculture.

The Department of Educational Leadership develops scholar-practitioners and prepares credible and relevant leaders in education committed to advancing equity and excellence in educational leadership for P-12 and higher education throughout the Central Valley.
Our values support leadership in:

• Academic integrity in designing and supporting instructional programs
• Collaboration with school districts, colleges, universities, and communities
• Diversity of backgrounds, identities, and ways of understanding
• Practice informed by research and research informed by practice
• Reflection of the lifelong learning processes 

The department provides the foundation for graduates in early childhood, special education, bilingual instruction, reading/language arts, and teacher education. Our goal is to provide a foundation for our students to become leaders in education and highly skilled professionals. We hope you find that our faculty are committed to providing quality instruction for you to become a leader at your site and in education as a whole.