Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

at Northwest Missouri State University USA

Mathematics with an emphasis in data sciences is the study of mathematical tools to analyze data for the purposes of modeling and prediction. Students learn to

• Extract and clean data
• Manipulate data
• Visualize data
• Identify patterns in data
• Use the model for prediction and forecasting
• Use models to summarize and describe values

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.

The art education major is designed for students who want to teach in schools, museums or community centers. This interdisciplinary program focuses on children’s artistic development, skills-based learning with two- and three-dimensional art, critical thinking regarding images in pop culture including logos, advertisements, television shows and memes; and issues-based learning that promotes problem-solving.

Northwest’s Master of Science in Information Systems is a 16-month program that focuses on information systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, database design and development, human-computer interaction, financial decision making for information systems, business intelligence and management of IT projects. Additional coursework provides students with hands-on experience in today’s major platforms including Java, modern database engines and current project management tools.

A capstone Information Systems Development project is designed to expose the students to real world IT practices, enhancing their communication skills and preparing them to enter the job market.

Animal Science is the study of the production with livestock. Coursework focuses on three core areas: science, research and experiential learning. Science refers to students learning the anatomy, physiology, hormones and appropriate nutrition for livestock; research teaches students how to conduct research; and experiential learning provides student with opportunities for experience at the R.T. Wright Farm including annual procedures such as pregnancy tests on cows, castration and vaccination.

If students are interested in becoming a veterinarian, the Animal Science (Pre-Vet) program is an option. This is a rigorous program that emphasizes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and histology.

The digital media major at Northwest is an interdisciplinary program involving an emphasis in computer science, art or mass media. The courses offer a cross-section of skills in design as well as written and visual communication. The major produces graduates who are proficient in art, photography, design, communication, computer programming and legal or ethical considerations as they relate to media.

The new media emphasis focuses on content creation, coding and design. Students learn HTML, CSS and study methods businesses use to create winning digital strategies like social media, search engine optimization and digital advertising sales.

A major in International Business prepares students for a profession involving international politics, economics, knowledge about information processing and computer systems, and analytical and critical thinking skills. At Northwest, this interdisciplinary program provides knowledge of successfully operating a business in the global marketplace.

International business is more globalized than ever, and is the future of business. The information students learn affects nearly every business in the country. Students receive one-on-one advising from professors who specialize in the major, have doctorates in international business, travelled to most of the locations visited, and have personal experience and contacts internationally. Additionally, Northwest links to national and international area computer networks, offering students an unparalleled chance to explore the international arena.

Students majoring in mass media with an emphasis in sports media gain knowledge of information gathering, radio, recording and editing. Faculty focus on ensuring students receive knowledge that covers sports, basic journalism, use of audio and video as well as an emphasis on quality, clear writing skills.

Biology/Psychology majors at Northwest study the brain and how it functions and controls human behavior. Faculty focus on three areas: genetics, evolution and neuroscience or the study of the brain. Genetics courses concentrate on the inherited factors that influence behavior such as mental illness and behavioral traits; evolution courses emphasize the significance and benefits of the size of the brain; and courses about the brain focus on the functions, malfunctions and brain disease.

Art majors with an emphasis in drawing focus on observational skills. Students are trained to find their own voice and visual language and focus on shifts from observational skills to the conceptual aspect of making art. Faculty ensure students have skills in manipulating various drawing media with graphite, charcoal, ink, water color and mixed media (dry and wet products); acquiring a sense of proportion, rhythm, balance and weight to learn the methods of analyzing shapes and proportions of perspective drawing; and creating the three-dimensional illusions on a two-dimensional surface.