Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance - Human Performance Option

at MSM Group - Montana State University - Billings USA

Media Studies Option

The Media Studies Option is designed to examine the nature of the mass media through theoretical grounding and applied knowledge with a concentration in (1) the construction and delivery of media messages and (2) the effects of mediated messages and the structures and practices of the media industries on culture, society, politics, the economy, and individual attitudes and behavior.  This approach prepares students for careers as trained media professionals as well as to be critical consumers of media messages.  The study of message construction and analysis is offered in a variety of contexts including news gathering and reporting, public relations, video production, and advertising.  In each context theoretical perspectives are combined with skills training related to print and electronic media.  Career options in the field of Media Studies include public relations, marketing, broadcast news, corporate communications, and advertising.

Programs offered through the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences share many outcomes.  Upon program completion students will:

• Understand the basic principles and laws governing our world and have a global awareness of their discipline.
• Demonstrate basic competency in laboratory, field and computer skills related to the sciences.
• Be familiar with accessing and interpreting the scientific literature.
• Be proficient in written and oral communication in the sciences.
• Understand scientific methodology, and conduct scientific investigations using it.
• Be prepared to participate in professional activities.

Political Science is the study of politics, government, and public affairs. It provides the student with knowledge and understanding of the theory, organization, functions, and processes of domestic and international systems and institutions of politics and government, including the role of individual and group relations.

Objectives
Courses offered are oriented toward:

• Preparing the student for citizenship roles in community and national affairs and providing a coherent knowledge of political and government activities.
• Assisting the student to secure a broad liberal arts and sciences education.
• Providing undergraduate preparation for those students who propose to study at the graduate level.
• Offering general training for students who plan careers in government and public affairs.
• Preparing students for careers in secondary teaching.
• Providing a sound background for those students who intend to enroll in law and other professional schools.
• Providing a useful background for students who wish to work in management and staff positions in business and industry which have relationships with the public sector, including political journalism.

Skill Development
Political science graduates will:

• Comprehend and utilize qualitative and quantitative methods used in the social sciences and the law to answer questions and investigate social and political problems.
• Have highly developed critical thinking skills which enables them to understand and evaluate rival theories, interpretations, and arguments.
• Be able to communicate effectively using verbal and written communication skills that are well-organized arguments supported by evidence.
• Be able to plan, organize, and conduct political, social science, legal and public affairs research in a highly professional manner that uses a complex array of resources to support their argument.
• Be able to manage organizations, programs, and personnel in an effective, efficient, and ethical manner.

The Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (MSCRMHC) degree program offers a rigorous curriculum of live and online coursework and fieldwork experiences designed to prepare graduates for state licensure eligibility and national certification.
The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for Rehabilitation Counseling.  CACREP has established standards for the accreditation of graduate programs in the counseling fields.

The Department of Music educates musicians by combining a thorough professional training in music with sound general education. It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The MSU Billings Department of Music stresses high standards of performance, a strong theoretical background, a broad exposure to music history, opportunities in pedagogy, and a significant encounter with other academic disciplines.

The varied functions of music in the world today present many interesting and challenging opportunities to students as educators, performers, creative artists and employees in the music industry. Because of the many opportunities available to students, the faculty of the Department of Music has established a program of training which allows first year students to determine the course of study they may wish to follow.

Through an emphasis in music history and theory as well as performance instruction and participation in various ensembles, students are prepared for graduate study, studio teaching, teaching in the public schools, and employment in the field of music.

Graduates of the B.S. in Human Services program have found employment in state agencies, community based rehabilitation and mental health centers, rehabilitation facilities, and public social service organizations.  The B.S. in Human Services is a venerable program that has been preparing professionals for a wide range of positions in the fields of case management and social work related employment since the 1980’s.

The program is one of the few that broadly focuses on the field of human services in Montana, which is closely related to the field of social work.  However, students focus more specifically on concentrations that include serving populations in mental health, disability, and family systems.

Although this degree is meant to prepare most graduates for employment primarily as professionals capable of casework with a diverse population, in an effort to expand employment opportunities for graduates, a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling was recently added.  The addiction counseling emphasis adds addiction assessment and treatment classes to increase the student's knowledge of addiction and their eventual employability in the community.

The History Department provides a broad general education, an intensive study of history, proficiency in a foreign language, and courses in a selected minor field of study. The department offers a variety of courses in the areas of Early America, Modern U.S., the Ancient World and Archaeology, Early Modern and Modern Europe, Women’s and Gender History and Global History.

A thorough understanding of history is the hallmark of an enlightened, concerned and self-critical citizen. In our history courses, students examine the discipline and methods of history in order to cultivate an appreciation for the past. Students study various approaches to the past, craft historical questions, understand historical methodology and theory, learn and practice research and writing skills and challenge themselves to think historically.

The criminal justice program at MSU Billings is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of the criminal justice system in the United States.  Students will learn about the essential components of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections.  The program is especially suited for people who are planning a career with a criminal justice agency as well as those who are interested in the study of crime and criminal justice.  A degree in Criminal Justice provides the background for a student to enter a variety of occupations in the criminal justice field such as law enforcement officer at the local, state or federal level, corrections officer, or probation officer.  Students with a degree in criminal justice may also find employment with regulatory agencies, social service agencies, and in business.  The major also prepares students to enter graduate programs in criminal justice, sociology, and public administration.

Management Option

The Management Option is designed to provide students with the problem-solving and leadership skills needed to manage employee productivity, company operations, and the 21st century challenges in the business environment.  A degree in management provides the advantage needed to succeed in a competitive business environment.

A degree focusing on management teaches students how to innovate; create competitive business strategies; use best practices in hiring, developing, and leading employees; and develop the analytical skills that are needed to facilitate decision-making in complex situations. Management students take courses focusing on international business, sustainable business practices, project management, interpersonal skills, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. These are built on a broad foundation of learning in the areas of accounting, economics, business law, finance, business analytics, management information systems, and marketing.

Students are given opportunities to practice leadership, motivation, and team building in their courses. Students get hands-on experience developing business plans for real clients and interacting with community businesses on classroom projects. Internship opportunities exist to provide practical and networking experiences important to obtaining employment.

Studying management prepares students for careers in a variety of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, wholesale and retail trade, service industries, banking, construction, transportation, finance, education, utilities, entertainment, and government.