Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Communication

at California State University - Monterey Bay USA

Our global society presents a complex picture of human conditions that can be examined politically, economically, culturally, historically, socially, technologically, and behaviorally. In the Social & Behavioral Sciences major, you will gain knowledge and skills that are necessary for solving many of the world’s most pressing social problems.

We integrate seven social scientific fields of study to help you understand the full range of tools social scientists may use to develop innovative solutions. You will also specialize in one of these social sciences to acquire a deeper understanding of some of those tools.  In addition, you have the opportunity to take courses in related majors such as Psychology and Global Studies.

Social scientists work in education, business, law, government, non-governmental organizations and civil society at local, national, and global levels, helping to shape discussions and affect positive change through teaching, research, and service.

Students in the Marine Science major apply a wide range of technologies to studying marine ecosystems. Through applied learning and research, you will gain the skills necessary to develop a sustainable balance between the unique environmental, recreational, cultural and economic opportunities in the Monterey Bay region.

Through lab and field experience, you will apply techniques of experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and presentation that provide you with the skills needed to monitor and analyze marine science problems. You are encouraged to interact with other Monterey Bay institutions, such as the Moss Landing Marine Labs, to take advantage of additional local expertise in marine and coastal ecology.

Graduates of the Marine Science major are prepared for a variety of career pathways in the public and private sector. Graduates are also poised to continue their education via graduate studies and research in ecology, environmental science and related fields.

The Human Development & Family Science major focuses on human development from infancy through old age. Students will examine how family and community dynamics affect the development of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences. Through fieldwork, program evaluation, and service-learning, students become prepared to work with children, youth, families, and elders in education or social service programs.

To learn more about the major, visit the Human Development and Family Science Department.

The Biology major offers scaffolded courses that provide students with essential knowledge and skills that prepare graduates for success in jobs, graduate school, or professional school in areas such as biotechnology, genomics, health-related fields, agriculture, field biology, ecology, and marine biology. The highly trained faculty are committed to student success, and provide opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in cutting-edge independent research, as well as service to the community. Many of the biology courses provide course-based research experiences that prepare graduates for admission to world-renowned graduate and professional schools.

The Biology major offers concentrations in:

• Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
• Teacher Preparation

The B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences prepares you for successful careers that support the long-term economic viability and sustainability of California’s fresh produce and horticulture industries.  The applied, interdisciplinary major incorporates practical, hands-on learning and industry or research internship placements to provide college-to-career pathways. You will develop expertise in crop management, including crop physiology and life cycles, the role of soil, water, nutrient and pest management on crop quality, yield, sustainability, and profitability, as well as relevant laws and regulations. The curriculum aligns with the content specified for Certified Crop Advisor certification and Pest Control Advisor certification.

The Communication Design B.S. helps you to develop skills in visual design, web design, game design and interactive media to fulfill the needs of these industries. You’ll gain a broad-based understanding of current technologies and applications along with knowledge of design, communication, and management skills.

The Liberal Studies (LS) B.A. program is designed for students who desire to become elementary or special education teachers. There are different pathways to choose from, depending on your interests:

LS BA Traditional Pathway - This pathway is for the Liberal Studies BA degree only. Upon graduation, students on this pathway may pursue a credential at CSUMB or another institution.

The School Psychology program is designed to prepare professional K-12 school psychologists with the essential competencies to provide the complex services demanded of schools within the educational system. The program is designed to foster development along the ten NASP domains, with a focus in each area around serving culturally and linguistically diverse students in diverse settings.

Business Administration prepares you for careers in business and social enterprise and government sector where management, ethics, technology, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential. Our graduates’ entrepreneurial and leadership traits, combined with their business skills and knowledge, have enabled them to launch their own businesses or move into high-potential jobs.

Our goal is for you to graduate with not just a solid foundation in business knowledge and skills, but also with the behavioral attributes that give you a competitive advantage in either your chosen career path or graduate school. We promote our students’ success in their chosen careers with business knowledge and skills developed through engaged teaching and learning. We provide integrated, hands-on education and responsible engagement with real-world challenges.

The ability to communicate with Japanese speakers and appreciate Japanese culture gives you an advantage in a wide range of careers. Whether on the job or in your community, your Japanese language competency and cultural understanding can help you establish valuable connections in the global community.

The B.A. in Japanese Language and Culture prepares you to be an active participant in an ever-shrinking and increasingly interdependent world society by developing your literacy in global matters, multiculturalism and cultural diversity, as well as guiding you to achieve a higher level of language proficiency (Intermediate-High level according to the ACTFL guidelines). You will be able to communicate effectively in Japanese with well-rounded Japanese cultural knowledge in such areas as arts, history, humanities, literature, and social sciences.

The program prepares you for successful careers in professions such as teaching, business, technology, travel, tourism, foreign policy, governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as for graduate study in Japanese studies, linguistics, Asian studies, translation and interpretation, TESOL, or focused international disciplines such as policy, management, environmental sciences, business management, law school, and business administration.