Bachelor of Science in Communication

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - West Campus USA

The BA program in communication is a broad-based program that trains individuals to speak and write competently, manage relationships well, problem-solve effectively and understand the role and function of communication in public forums, organizational settings, relational exchanges and intercultural situations.

The curriculum provides an extensive understanding of the practical, theoretical and professional distinctions of today's field of communication. Utilizing the nationally recognized CommLabASU, students perform in-depth study of what contributes to and detracts from effective human communication, recognizing that the art of communication is far more nuanced than simple speaking and writing prowess.

Students may pursue one or more focus areas that are designed to amplify their academic and professional preparation in specific contexts.

The BS program in health sciences provides students with the academic knowledge and skills that allow them to move directly into a range of employment opportunities within the health field or to continue their education in discipline-specific programs.

Students choose a track focus in either community-based health outcomes; health legislation and regulation; integrated care; or language, speech and communication.

A limited number of students each year may apply to pursue the echocardiography certificate through Mayo Clinic. Once the certificate is successfully completed, students may transfer the credits to Arizona State University and those credits may be applied toward completion of the Bachelor of Science in health sciences. Students interested in this option should seek advising before starting this track.

The MS program in psychology offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences has two main options.

One option is ideal for students who plan to pursue doctoral work or careers that involve psychological research methods such as marketing research, education research analysis, public policy analysis, research project management or program evaluation. The program is intensive and research-oriented, and it culminates in a thesis or applied project. Students receive training in advanced research methodology and statistical analysis, grant proposal writing, laboratory instrumentation, data collection and manuscript development. Students gain first-hand exposure to designing and conducting research, analyzing data and developing presentations and manuscripts. Students are encouraged to present research reports at professional meetings and conferences and to publish as co-authors in faculty-guided research.

The online program option gives students and working professionals an understanding of psychological theory and empirical research findings as they relate to human behavior, cognition, emotion and attitudes. The coursework is designed to help students learn about the various roles of psychologists in society today and discover which they might like to pursue through careers in education, social service, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, management or through additional graduate training.

Elective courses in all options are offered in several areas, including abnormal psychology, affective science, behavior analysis, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, legal psychology, psychophysiology and social psychology.

Forensic science is the study and application of scientific methods to matters of law. The BS program in forensic science emphasizes laboratory coursework in chemistry and biology as both areas provide essential experience with techniques commonly used in crime labs.

Rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences is required to ensure graduates are competitive in the workforce. The program is enhanced by a focus on oral communication skills that help prepare graduates for the multifaceted, transdisciplinary aspects of careers in forensic science, such as providing articulate expert witness testimony.

Logistics management focuses on the integration and partnerships necessary to meet customer needs on a timely basis, with relevant and high-quality products produced and delivered in a service-effective manner.

This BA program in business with a concentration in global logistics management trains students to be strategic thinkers, excellent analysts, effective communicators and team leaders who are focused on efficiency, effectiveness and increasing revenue.

An efficient logistics management system is critical to the success of global corporations, ensuring the supply of goods and services flowing through the system closely matches the demand. Logistics management professionals manage, coordinate and transport products from raw materials to the finished goods that sit on a local store shelf or are offered by an online retailer. Efficient logistics is a key reason consumers can buy an ever-increasing variety of goods and services at remarkably low prices. Not surprisingly, logistics also plays a major role in the health care industry where efficient, effective delivery systems are gaining significant traction

The cybersecurity concentration prepares students for a continuing and progressive career in cybersecurity.

The innovative cybersecurity concentration builds upon the BS program in applied computing. Students acquire the technical knowledge to secure networks and applications, an understanding of cybersecurity governance models and risk management fundamentals, methods of communicating complex risk issues, and solutions for the challenges of implementing cybersecurity controls within various organizational models. Leadership, critical thinking and effective communication also are emphasized. Students gain experience with real-world cybersecurity organizations, protecting digital assets against compromise or theft.

Graduates of the applied computing program with a concentration in cybersecurity are well prepared for graduate study as well as entry-level employment with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and academic institutions.

In the BA program in business with a concentration in business administration, students gain a breadth of knowledge and the skills needed for managing business operations. The program provides the full business core plus a concentration with 18 hours of coursework focused on skills such as forecasting demand; planning inventory; purchasing services; conducting skillful negotiations; building strategies for the future and managing people, finances and risk.

The BA program in biology with an emphasis in the natural sciences examines the interdisciplinary nature of the life and physical sciences, focusing on the ways in which these disciplines intersect. The program's organization and flexibility allows students to simultaneously study another subject outside their major. Students are encouraged to add a minor or concurrent degree in another subject area.

Students gain hands-on experience as they work both in small groups and one-on-one with individual faculty members. Students may participate in cutting-edge scientific research by assisting in faculty research laboratories, or even publish in top journals and present their results at regional and national scientific meetings.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level jobs in research, nonprofit, education and outreach organizations and for other roles in the life sciences. Graduates are also prepared for related graduate programs.

The BS program in criminology and criminal justice is for students who want to understand the causes of crime, the role of criminal justice agencies in the control of crime and the consequences of crime.

Students learn sociological, psychological, biological and economic explanations for individual crime as well as differences in crime across neighborhoods, states, countries and over time. They also learn about the history, legal issues and current practices of crime control via police agencies, the court system, prisons, probation and parole.

These topics are delivered by top-ranking research faculty who offer students hands-on research opportunities and by experienced criminal justice professionals with intimate knowledge of the daily realities of crime and criminals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities in more than 200 agencies, study abroad programs and flexible course scheduling offered in-person, online and across multiple campuses.

The School of Accountancy's undergraduate BS program in accountancy offers two tracks during the senior year.

The accounting track is followed by most students and is designed to provide a rich educational experience.

The accounting master's internship is the track designed for the most highly qualified students who wish to commit to the MAcc or MTax program during the second semester of their junior year. The internship provides a particularly rich and individualized educational experience during the senior year. It includes a number of distinct advantages for students: a full-time paid internship for credit with a participating accountancy firm, early consideration for scholarships and possible eligibility for a GMAT waiver and a graduate application fee waiver for the MAcc or MTax program (eligibility is determined by the GPA at the time of application).