Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

at California State University - Fresno USA

The Department of Kinesiology offers advanced study designed to enhance professional competencies in pedagogy (M.A. in Kinesiology), exercise science (Exercise Science Option), sport administration (Sport Administration Option), and sport psychology (Sport Psychology Option). These offerings prepare students for more advanced degrees, applied research, and/or careers in clinical settings, teaching, administration, coaching, or the sport industry.

Linguistics is the study of the human capacity for language. Language is the defining characteristic of the human species; without language, there would be no civilization, no culture, no scientific or technological development, none of the achievements and capabilities distinctive to the human species. Therefore, the study of the nature of language is fundamental to the understanding of what it means to be human.

Students and faculty in linguistics investigate the nature of human language, its structure, diversity, universality, acquisition by children and adults, historical change, and its use in society. They study how language is processed in the human mind/brain, and how it relates to other human cognitive faculties. And they study and develop applications of linguistics to teaching, technology, and many other fields.

The B.A. Option in General Linguistics provides a broad background in the scientific study of language, including but not limited to phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and related areas.

The Master of Biotechnology offers students who are fundamentally educated in varied scientific disciplines the opportunities to advance their scientific skills. It allows them to acquire the business knowledge and skills necessary to commercialize emerging technologies or their products. Offered as a two-year program, it is representative of a unique interdisciplinary degree concept, the Professional Science Master's (PSM) degree, designed for students interested in entering the workforce in leadership roles to promote the development and production of new products and processes.

The Department of Kinesiology offers advanced study designed to enhance professional competencies in pedagogy (M.A. in Kinesiology), exercise science (Exercise Science Option), sport administration (Sport Administration Option), and sport psychology (Sport Psychology Option). These offerings prepare students for more advanced degrees, applied research, and/or careers in clinical settings, teaching, administration, coaching, or the sport industry.

Chicano and Latin American Studies (CLAS) is an interdisciplinary department that has been successful in presenting a highly informed, active, and challenging view of the Chicanx/Latinx experience in the United States, Latin America, and U.S./Latin American relations. Chicano and Latin American Studies provides an opportunity for a pluralistic exchange of ideas in an interdisciplinary academic setting, where faculty, students, and visiting scholars can share experiences and create a dynamic, intellectual environment.

The Chicano and Latin American Studies Department is designed to meet the following objectives:

1. to promote an awareness of the historical and cultural roots of Chicanx/Latinx people in the United States
2. to enhance an understanding of Latin America
3. to cultivate an appreciation of ethnic and national differences among all people
4.  to critically analyze the Chicanx and the Latin American experience in terms of significant issues, theories, current problems, and solutions, and
5. to provide students with a set of important professional skills to be utilized as they interact creatively and constructively with Chicanx/Latinx communities and multicultural society at large.

The department emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of family life, history, politics, culture, and the arts of Chicano and Latin American communities. The courses reflect an integrated approach in providing students with greater knowledge and understanding of the social reality and diversity of Chicanxs and Latin Americans.

The Option in Student Affairs and College Counseling is a 48-unit program designed for individuals seeking advanced preparation for careers in post-secondary and related settings.

The Student Affairs and College Counseling Option is designed to prepare individuals for employment as student service professionals in four-year university and community college. Graduates with this degree option are prepared for employment in the multi- faceted arena of post-secondary education.

Preparation for the Student Affairs and College Counseling option requires knowledge of individual and group dynamics, advising practices in specialized settings, and an understanding of the developmental issues associated with students' maturation process. It requires an appreciation of organizational dynamics and a firm foundation in counseling theory as well as acquisition of counseling skills appropriate for use with students from diverse populations and backgrounds. In addition, counselors are also required to know, understand, and address the impact of crises, disasters, and trauma-causing events on students in the post-secondary community. The 2009 Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards includes content in crises management (suicide, disasters, and substance abuse).

California boasts the largest number of sports organizations in the entire U.S. In California's Central Valley alone, semi-professional or professional teams are well represented, in all the major sports, including the increasingly popular motor racing industry. Additionally, the Central Valley offers a plethora of university, community college, high school, and community sports programs. It is also home to sporting goods manufacturers. The global sports industry is rapidly growing, with the United States sports industry contributing more than $213 billion to the economy, outpacing agriculture and motor vehicle sales combined. In addition, more than 75% of the jobs being created in sports in the U.S. are marketing-related. The proliferation of sports-related businesses in California offers a wide variety of career opportunities for students prepared to enter the market after completion of a bachelor's degree program in sports marketing. The openings for sports marketing and recreation professionals are growing faster on average than for all other professions. The industry needs educators and managers who can create and manage programs to meet the ever-growing demand for leadership in sports and recreation. Graduates who earn bachelor's degrees in sports marketing will be prepared for positions such as sports marketing account managers, event planning and conference managers, facility managers, ticket operations directors, sporting goods marketing and sales managers, and sponsorship sales managers. The list of potential employers includes, but is not limited to, all professional (MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, etc.), and semi-professional sports, collegiate sports (NCAA, NAIA, etc.), sporting event management, and sports agency.

The special option for the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration provides an opportunity for students who are well grounded in the core areas of study required for the undergraduate degree in Business Administration to individualize a course of study not accommodated by any of the ten standard areas of specialization.

The Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences at California State University, Fresno provides for development of advanced level knowledge, development of research abilities, and the mentoring of future leaders.

Outcomes
The program graduates will be able to:

• Use knowledge and critical thinking skills to identify innovative solutions to problems,
• Communicate research findings through professional presentations and publications,
• Advance their careers, and (d) take an active role in their profession.

This program provides a graduate-level proficiency in food science or nutrition. The degree is applicable to specializations in food research, production, processing, chemistry, and microbiology; and dietetics, nutrition, nutrition education, and food service systems management.

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.

Digital journalism. The written word remains one of the most powerful forms of human communication, both in physical publications and on the web. Digital journalism graduates are working for leading news outlets, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle and The Fresno Bee, along with TV stations running their online operations. Alumni have also embarked on literary careers and include award-winning non-fiction authors. The Collegian, Fresno State’s award-winning student-run news organization, serves as a key laboratory classroom and allows students to get hands-on experience covering local news.