Bachelor of Arts in Biology (STEM)

at MSM Group - University of Missouri-St. Louis USA

The BS in Computer Science is designed for those interested in software and computer systems on the technical side. Graduates can find fulfilling careers in many related areas such as cybersecurity, networks, Internet programming, software and mobile apps development, data science, AI, graphics or they can pursue additional graduate studies in computer science or in a more specialized area. Some courses are available online, and the entire program can be completed in the evening.

The Master of Arts in English program, a 30 credit-hour degree with concentrations in either literature or composition and rhetoric, furthers the education and advances the professional skills of teachers in high schools and middle schools in the St. Louis area; it prepares students for PhD programs in English studies, American studies, and composition; it prepares students for employment in community colleges as teachers of composition; and it provides opportunities for members of the St. Louis community to broaden their understanding of literature. The program contributes in substantial and measurable ways to the development and enhancement of the region's humanities workforce.

Bachelor of Arts students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BA is also intended primarily for pre-professional students in the health sciences and related areas such as pharmacy, as well as prelaw students interested in patent law.

The BS in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Middle School Education, is a small, personalized program that combines the child-centered philosophy of elementary certification with a content specialization more typical of secondary certification. Middle school majors earn certification in one or more content areas for grades 5-9: math; science; communication arts or social studies.

Students gain skills and insights that can be applied as innovative educators, managers and directors, program planners and curriculum developers. You’ll have the opportunity to earn specific credentials, as needed, and to pursue academic minors related to your individual career goals.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to improve and enhance student learning; integrate technology to create meaningful student learning within the context of a global digital society; apply content and pedagogical knowledge to create authentic and deep learning experiences; use learning science principles to design, implement and evaluate curriculum based on learning standards; design and establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, social and personal development of all students; and use equitable frameworks and inclusive practices to create a variety of instructional and assessment opportunities adapted to diverse learners to encourage all students’ critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.

The Department of Biology offers three ways of achieving the Master of Science degree. The first is a 30 credit hour non-thesis option suitable for those who may already have extensive research experience, for educators who seek to upgrade their academic skills but do not require research experience, or for those who need to broaden their biological background. The second is a 32 credit hour Professional Science track that includes a strong business component for students who are interested in learning more about the business aspects of companies. This track may not be appropriate for students who are interested in pursuing a PhD or working primarily as laboratory scientists. The third is a 30 credit hour traditional apprenticeship in research leading to a written thesis. All students admitted to the graduate program are considered to be in the non-thesis program unless they have been accepted into an individual faculty lab. Starting with a common core, both the thesis and non-thesis option may be developed into a final degree program in either of two broad areas in biology:

• Cell and Molecular Biology or
• Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics.

Non-thesis students may also elect to take courses in both areas. Only the non-thesis option is available in the Professional Science emphasis.

The BSBA, Information Systems & Technology Emphasis degree is a 120-credit-hour program that requires at least 48-credit hours be filled with business courses, of which a minimum of 21-credit hours need to be taken in Information Systems & Technology courses. The program is offered three ways: in-person; fully online; and in a hybrid format.

The core business classes include financial and managerial accounting, legal environment of business, information systems concepts, business analytics and statistics, supply chain management, financial management, management and organizational behavior, marketing, and strategic management. Once you’ve completed required courses, you can customize your degree with business electives, even selecting a minor, if you choose.

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies enables students to combine structured areas of academic emphasis in ways more relevant to their interests than the standard academic major. This degree may be completed online, at one of UMSL’s off-campus sites or in person on the UMSL campus offering convenience and flexibility. Students who participate in this online program must declare their areas of study (two minors or a minor and undergraduate certificate) at the time they declare that BLS is their intended degree. The plan of study must be approved at the beginning of the program.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations is designed for students who want to change the world through careers in government service, nonprofits, business, think tanks and consulting. Students are able to select international relations and comparative politics courses that will prepare them for their specific career and academic needs. Throughout the program, students will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, quantitative analysis and cultural awareness along with deeper knowledge of cross-cultural and international phenomena. These skills will prepare students for the workforce as well as for graduate study. Students have opportunities to apply these skills through internships and study abroad.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science is a general post-baccalaureate degree that gives students a broad understanding of political science through intensive study of several subfields within the discipline. The Department’s Master’s program is also designed to give students a firm grounding in scientific-based inquiry into problems in politics. Students learn how institutional design, economic and cultural factors shape the distribution of power and patterns of cooperation and conflict in society within and outside of government. The M.A. degree in Political Science allows students to develop a deeper understanding of political ideas and institutions, more sophisticated research skills, a better grasp of governments abroad, and a broader knowledge of international politics.

American Politics

M.A. program, it is possible to specialize in American Politics, policy processes and institutions, American political behavior, judicial politics, urban politics, political economy, public administration, comparative politics, and international relations. The M.A. degree is useful for students who are already in or planning on a career in secondary education, public policy, or politics. It is also useful for students who are considering doctoral education. It is particularly valuable for students simply interested in learning more about politics and public policy.

The MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History joins theoretical and practical study at an advanced level to prepare students for careers in museums, heritage institutions, historic sites and societies, and related organizations.  The program works closely with cultural resources in St Louis, particularly the city’s many museums and historic sites.  We focus on community engagement, the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study of material culture, interpreting and debating the past, new media and public education, and research in archival and material collections. Our graduates work in art museums, history museums, science centers, historic house museums, and other cultural institutions across the United States and internationally.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Conduct original historical research based on disciplinary protocols
• Demonstrate competence in digital technologies utilized in the creation, presentation, and distribution of interpretive content
• Assess contemporary activities in the field of museums, heritage, and public history with reference to best practices
• Develop skills for communicating interpretive content effectively with public and professional audiences
• Demonstrate skills to become a competent professional and ethical contributor to museum, heritage, and public history collaborative settings
• Integrate community perspectives into professional museum, heritage, and public history products and activities