Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - American Institutions

at Northwest Missouri State University USA

Geography is a holistic discipline that studies the relationship between humans, the unique cultures of construct and the environments in which they live. This major prepares students for a wide range of careers in varied areas of geography and culture. This major offers three different areas of focus:

• Culture and Society
• Environmental Geography
• Geographic Information Science

Each emphasis allows students to specialize in one of these fields and tailor classes within that emphasis to fit their interest beyond the core courses within the program.

As a student majoring in geography at Northwest, you learn the importance and impacts of space, the uniqueness of places and regions, and how humans and environment interact.

The major focuses on culture and regional geography with a wide range of tropical and regional courses available. Students will develop physical geography expertise in areas like geomorphology, atmospheric processes and sustainability. The major also teaches skills in analyzing, planning and critical thinking to prepare you for success in your career.

A major in Agricultural Media with an emphasis in production and broadcasting is designed for students with a strong interest in agriculture and radio or television. The major is designed to give students a foundation in communication practices which can be applied in the agriculture community. Students will gain hands-on learning experiences including techniques for pre- and post-production, recording methods, microphone and camera operation and script and story writing. Coursework includes classes in agricultural science, advertising, marketing, journalism and media.

Theatre performance majors engage in a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to performance. Students learn through improvisation and script analysis; acting techniques that include knowledge through a variety of historical and physical styles including Greek, Elizabethan, restoration and 20th century “isms”; as well as techniques to increase vocal and physical awareness of the actor. Students gain hands-on experiences through classroom work, work-shopping, internships and on-stage productions from seasoned professionals in performance theatre.

Geology majors at Northwest study the solid portion of the Earth. Faculty focus on three core areas: rocks and minerals, the surface process that shapes the Earth, and tectonic forces that have occurred in the scale of geologic time.

By studying rocks and minerals composing the solid Earth, students learn where and how they are used daily. The surface process that shapes the Earth focuses on how rivers and glaciers sculpt the land, ultimately influencing soils, farming and national parks. Through the study of tectonic forces, students learn the history of Earth, its internal processes and gain an understanding of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Emergency and Disaster Management major is a multidisciplinary, customizable program that focuses on three core areas: emergency management (preparation, mitigation, response and recovery), humanitarian relief in conjunction with homeland security, and defense. Within these key areas, you become an expert in leadership, followership and working under extreme pressure while developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The Middle School Education major at Northwest is a state-certified program that prepares students to teach grades five through nine. Faculty focus on ensuring students are proficient and highly qualified in content areas and understand how kids learn. Graduates of the program are equipped with the best methods to incorporating technology into the classroom, understand the development and psychology of middle school students, and know how to use assessment to improve learning outcomes.

Programs in the Department of Language, Literature and Writing prepare students for meaningful lives as professionals in a global economy that demands innovative thinking, clear and effective writing, and cultural literacy. Our students and faculty form a close community of scholars who support each others' work, and who grow together in a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum. Students emerge from LLW programs able to express themselves creatively and professionally, and to engage with ideas critically and practically.

The comprehensive major in nanoscience is the study of structures in nanometer size which is smaller than cells but larger than most molecules. At Northwest, this interdisciplinary majors focuses on providing practical laboratory experiences, isolating DNA and synthesizing nanoparticles to construct solar cells. Students can choose to specialize in nanoscale biology, nanoscale chemistry or nanoscale physics.

• Nanoscale biology applies nanotechnology at the cellular level. Two approaches include using nanotechnology to study part of a living cell or use part of the living system as a model for creating nanoscale devices. This major utilizes cellular mechanisms to create new technologies.
• Nanoscale chemistry focuses on utilizing nanomaterials for drug delivery systems, carbon nanotubes, dye-sensitized solar cells and semiconductor nanowires. This major continues to evolve as chemists use their skills in synthesis and chemical modification, and employ state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology to characterize and manipulate nanostructures.
• Nanoscale physics focuses on the interaction of light and electromagnetic radiation at a nano level, the change in properties from the large scale to the nanoscale, and practical experience in designing and looking at materials at a nano level.

Recreation majors at Northwest is the study of play and leisure in an individual’s life and methods to improve quality of life. Student can emphasize in:

• Recreation and Park Management which prepares students for program leadership and development, and budget and facility management;
• Corporation Recreation/Wellness which involve programs related to a person’s physical well-being;
• Therapeutic Recreation which prepares students with the skills to assess and evaluate the needs for individuals with special needs; and
• Sport Management prepares students for leadership roles in professional, collegiate and community sports organizations.

A Foods and Nutrition major at Northwest is the study the science of nutrition and how nutrition impacts the human body. Faculty focus on teaching students skills to modify and assess individualized nutrition such as meal plans; nutrition counseling as it relates to human behavior; food science; food preparation; and food service management.

The program is a three-step process. First, students complete Northwest’s accredited didactic foods and nutrition program requirements; second, students apply to and complete an accredited dietetics internship after graduation; and third, students take the national registered dietitian exam.