Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

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

The BS in Physics with an Emphasis in Biophysics is designed to prepare students for a professional career in biophysics, biological physics or a related interdisciplinary field; for graduate studies in biophysics, biological physics, or a related interdisciplinary field; for training as a medical physicist; or for professional training such as medical school. Other emphasis areas offered include: Astrophysics; Engineering Physics; and General Physics.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the BS in Physics, with an emphasis in Biophysics graduates will be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of basic physics concepts including classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, modern electronics and quantum mechanics; understand basic biological concepts, from organ systems to biochemistry; understand the basic concepts of biophysics, and the various areas of interdisciplinary science where biophysics concepts and techniques are applicable; solve problems, think critically and use analytical reasoning as applied to scientific problems; be proficient in communication of the results of scientific work; conduct original scientific research as part of an interdisciplinary problem-solving team; identify possible errors in scientific data; and assess the significance of observed results.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression (Performance)
• Understand the common elements and organizational patters of music and their interaction (Musicianship Skills and Analysis)
• Have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music (Composition/Improvisation)
• Have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time (History and Repertory)
•  Be Able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; history and repertory (Synthesis)
• Be Able to develop necessary professional abilities and dispositions in order function in a field-based business internship (e.g. marketing, management, public relations, etc.)

The BS in Data Science and Analysis is an interdisciplinary program that is designed for students who want to develop statistical and data science skills. While data science is at the core of this program, students will also select a specialization from one of the following emphasis areas: biology, computer science, economics, mathematics, social science or supply chain analytics.

Students will learn the latest techniques including Python, R, Big Data and Data Mining. This degree will require between 36- and 51-credit hours to complete, depending on the emphasis area selected.

The Master of Arts in Political Science is a general post-baccalaureate degree that gives students a broad understanding of political science and a firm grounding in scientific-based inquiry into problems in politics.

Students learn how institutional design and economic and cultural factors shape the distribution of power and patterns of cooperation and conflict in society within and outside of government.

Students master the postulating of cause-effect relationships, and the marshalling of evidence using quantitative or qualitative methods to test hypotheses about problems in politics.

Students learn their skills through intensive study of several fields within the discipline. In the general program it is possible to specialize in urban politics, policy processes and institutions, American political behavior, political economy, public administration, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory. The Master of Arts 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 subjects that interest them.

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language, with an Emphasis in Dual Language meets the increasing demand for multilingual professionals. Students interested in pursuing intermediate studies in more than one language may combine the study of any two of the following languages: French, Japanese or Spanish. Coursework focuses on developing language proficiency, intercultural competency and professional skills. Students in the dual-language concentration also benefit from numerous study abroad opportunities to further refine their linguistic and cultural competencies.

The Entrepreneurship emphasis is an option in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program. Throughout the program, students will develop skills in financial and managerial accounting, information systems concepts, business analytics and statistics, supply chain management, management and organizational behavior, marketing, strategic management and more.

Our students are given the tools to become successful entrepreneurs and innovators based on next generation processes including mindset, design and agile thinking. Students benefit from hands-on experiences, exclusive entrepreneurial internships, courses led by faculty with proven records of real-world success, and opportunities to compete for funding new ideas, ventures and startups.

A degree in entrepreneurship at UMSL is a degree from our internationally recognized College of Business Administration, ranked among the top 2% of business schools in the world thanks to our dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. St. Louis has one of the most thriving entrepreneurship communities in the U.S. In fact, Forbes named us among the “Top 10 Rising Cities for Startups.” No other university is better connected to that community than UMSL. UMSL has UMSL Accelerate, a first-of-its kind entrepreneurial resource that offers hands-on experience through exclusive partnerships with Ameren Accelerator, Capital Innovators and other entrepreneurial giants.

As you can imagine, salaries for entrepreneurship majors vary, and there are a wide range of potential outcomes. Some graduates aspire to start their own business venture, some the CEO’s of large corporations, and still others may seek fulfilling opportunities leading teams within smaller organizations. All of which have a range of salaries and income streams. While various outcomes are based on individual goals and career aspirations, entrepreneurship majors develop the knowledge, skills and tenacity that make them strong leaders in any capacity.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with an Emphasis in Art Education prepares students for a career in Art Education. Students who successfully complete all portions of the program will be fully certified to teach Art to grades K-12 in the state of Missouri. Art Education students complete a foundation art program plus additional courses that provide experience with a broad range of studio processes. To be certified, students must pass the Art K-12 Missouri Content Assessment and demonstrate competence in nine Missouri Teaching Standards as documented in a final electronic portfolio called the Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment. Note that K-12 Art certification is grouped with Secondary Education by both DESE and the College of Education.

The Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology are offered as both a BA and a BS. The BA focuses on qualitative tools like interviews, stories and community engagement while the BS focuses on quantitative research tools like surveys, statistics and data analysis. Both degrees answer the critical question “What is this all about?” Students may also select from one of the following minors or emphasis areas: gender studies, gerontology, leadership, urban studies and veterans studies.

An undergraduate degree in sociology is excellent preparation for graduate work in sociology or for entry level positions in business, social service and government worlds. Sociologists are found as teachers, researchers, employees of government agencies, research bureaus, welfare agencies and large companies. This social science based concentration provides excellent training for careers in law, education, medicine, social work and counseling.

The BA in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary online degree completion program that provides an accelerated pathway to graduation for those who have an Associate’s degree or have completed some college courses, but have yet to complete their degree. The degree is designed to provide adult students with the knowledge, skills and credentials necessary to advance in a rapidly changing workplace and may be completed entirely online.

This program helps students understand theoretical and practical aspects of leadership across disciplines, while allowing you to focus on a specific Area of Concentration of interest or that advances your career goals.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression (Performance)
• Understand the common elements and organizational patters of music and their interaction (Musicianship Skills and Analysis)
• Have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music (Composition/Improvisation)
• Have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time (History and Repertory)
•  Be Able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; history and repertory (Synthesis)