Master of Music, with Emphasis in Vocal Performance

at Pittsburg State University USA

The School of Construction offers a comprehensive sequence of courses in Environmental and Safety Management. This broad-based program exposes students to several aspects of environmental and workplace safety.

Environmental and Safety Management program is on the list of national board-approved programs. A student earning an environmental and safety management degree from a board-approved institution is automatically qualified for the Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM) credential offered by the ISHM.

Located within the Kansas Technology Center, the Department of Automotive Technology is recognized by industry as offering one of the best academic programs in the nation. Our professors are accomplished professionals with industry experience and our laboratories offer students access to the latest technology. Learn more about our department and discover why you belong at Pittsburg State University.

Collision Repair and Insurance Management - Emphasis
This program, the most popular of our options, is the perfect choice for students whose career plans are to work in automotive corporate or dealer positions. An emphasis area within our 4-year Automotive Technology program, the Service Management and Marketing program, focuses on the business aspect of the automotive and diesel & have equipment industry.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a Masters of Science Degree with a Major in School Counseling.

The School Counseling program prepares candidates for careers as professional school counselors in Pre K-12 settings. Candidates interested in pursuing this program are strongly encouraged to complete an undergraduate degree in education. While two years of teaching experience is no longer required for candidates planning to secure employment as school counselors in the state of Kansas, it is still recommended. Candidates without a degree in education or teaching experience will be required to complete additional coursework and other requirements. In addition to completing the 48 hour program of study in School Counseling, a passing score on the PRAXIS II specialty test for Professional School Counselor is required.

Options available for the degree include:

Option I: Thesis
This option is designed to prepare students for a doctoral program, for advanced professional careers, or for students wanting to complete an in-depth research experience.

Option II: Research Problem
This option is designed to provide a research experience that can include a specific problem, creative and aesthetic efforts such as performances, exhibits, or creative programs, or an internship.

Option III: Coursework
This option requires completion of coursework that demonstrates evidence of advanced coursework in an area of concentration. Departments will require evidence of competency through activities such as research papers, portfolios, practice, internships, comprehensive exams, or other individual work. Students should check with their major department for specific requirements for the coursework.

The B.S.T. in Graphic Communications is a 120-credit Graphic Communications Degree that can be completed in four years of full-time study. Students are asked to declare one of the following areas of emphasis: Digital Media, Graphic Design, Graphics Management, Print Media, Packaging Graphics, or Web/Interactive Media.

All six areas of emphasis within the Graphic Communications program share a core curriculum, classes necessary for the field of graphic communications. In addition to these classes, each of the six distinct areas have specific emphasis and support courses, to round out the major, as well as elective graphics classes, allowing students to customize their degree.

The curriculum offered by the GIT department is under constant review and is always updated to ensure students get exposure to contemporary changes in this dynamic field.

Graphic Design - Emphasis
The Graphic Design emphasis blends the artistic and creative side with the technical aspects of graphics production while also including the study and application of design fundamentals.

The core curriculum within the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies (GIT) includes courses common among all of our six emphasis areas. These courses are primarily introductory classes that provide students with the basic information needed to succeed in the graphics industry. Within the core curriculum, there are also two upper-division classes, an internship and a capstone class.
Graphic Design Emphasis Courses:

• Web Graphics Software
• Intro to Packaging Technology
• Photography
• Web and Motion Graphics
• Print File Preparation and Preflighting
• Printing Technologies
• Portfolio Management
• Color Reproduction

Our geography students acquire superior skills in critical thinking and analysis, dynamic communication, computer usage, and analysis in a number of software areas. We strive to keep students on the cutting edge of technology. These technological skills, critical thinking skills, and the overall applied nature of a geography education provide students with abilities that are in demand at public and private agencies. Students also gain the expert knowledge and training they need to pursue admission to graduate programs, if that is part of their career plan.

Geography programs are part of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences department. The programs provide high-quality instruction to students in ways that emphasize active learning, problem solving, and critical thinking through transformative experiences.

The Department of Physics at Pittsburg State University was founded in 1962 and has been dedicated to the outstanding teaching of undergraduate and graduate physics students ever since. Our faculty members are trained in a wide variety of physics-related fields and have industrial and research laboratory experience. We pride ourselves in getting to know our students and helping them through their years of academic growth at PSU.

The Department of Communication offers a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, and Master of Arts degrees within a collaborative and collegial environment. Our top-ranked faculty are highly active in their professions and emphasize the importance of fusing theory with applied skill. We have more than 250 majors across the five emphasis areas of human communication, media production, multimedia journalism, strategic communication, and theatre. The department stresses an integrated and active approach to learning. Please explore our website and let us know if you have any questions.

Strategic Communication - Emphasis
Strategic communication involves the applied research, creative development, and planned distribution of informational and persuasive communication messages across a wide variety of channels including: television, radio, print and digital journalism, mobile and social media platforms. Strategic communicators often work on behalf of public and private corporations and non-profit organizations, regionally and globally. Specialized career opportunities are available in many sectors such as: sports and entertainment, travel and tourism, health and wellness, policy and public affairs.

We have undergraduate programs covering the range of modern biology including: pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical technology, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education.

There are almost 400 students in the undergraduate program and about 20 in the graduate division. The Department of Biology has 13 full-time faculty with a wide range of interests. The faculty are dedicated and committed to Pittsburg State University and the department, but most importantly, to students. Most faculty are actively engaged in research activities, national professional organizations, and professional service.

Cellular and Molecular Biology - Emphasis
Students in the Cellular and Molecular Biology emphasis will study cells and macromolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This emphasis provides students with a strong foundation in cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to contribute to the fields of global medicine and environmental issues. Professionals in these fields study the molecular basis of cancer and infectious disease, as well as the development of biofuels and genetic engineering of crops for improved disease resistance.

Social Work is a practice-based profession which seeks to meet the basic needs of all people. Social workers help people at the individual, family, group, and community levels.  Social workers practice in a wide variety of settings, with licensed positions at the bachelor level, master level, and clinical level.

The Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Social Work (BSW) prepares students for generalist practice in settings such as (but not limited to) child welfare, mental health, addictions, probation/parole, disability, health care, older adults/end of life, schools, and more. The BSW also prepares students for graduate school. Students who have a BSW from an accredited program are generally eligible for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. This means that after earning a BSW, a student may achieve an MSW in one additional calendar year.

A minor is not required for the social work major, but students frequently choose minors in Psychology, Public Health, Criminology, or Youth and Adolescence.

Social Work
The Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Social Work (BSW) prepares students for generalist practice in a variety of settings. It also prepares students for graduate school. Students who have a BSW from an accredited program are generally eligible for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. This means that after earning a BSW, a student may achieve an MSW in one additional calendar year.

The mission of PSU’s Social Work Program is to prepare bachelor level social workers to utilize the knowledge, skills, and values of the social work profession in order to enhance the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities and to promote social and economic justice locally, nationally, and globally.  

To that end, the PSU Social Work Program aims to prepare students for:

• Generalist practice at all levels of the social environment and across the lifespan
• Utilization of the professional self which includes adherence to the Code of Ethics, professional demeanor, effective communication skills, self-awareness, and self-care
• Critical examination of and contribution to research, policies, and practices
• Living and working in a diverse environment
• Promoting human rights and social justice
• Graduate education
• Licensure

The Department of English and Modern Languages offers baccalaureate degrees and a master’s degree program. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs are offered in English and in Modern Languages. A Bachelor of Science in Education and a master’s program are also offered in English. The department offers minors in English, English Teaching, Creative Writing, French, Professional Writing, and Spanish.

Creative Writing - Emphasis
There are few things in life as personally fulfilling as writing a story or poem others want to read. The best authors understand how to use the tools of their craft to convey emotion and move people to action.

With the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing, students have two avenues to choose from in the emphasis: Poetry or Fiction. Whichever path students decide to take, they will be guided by our experienced and encouraging staff. Students will be guided through classes such as Intro to Creative Writing, Multi-Genre Writing, and The Craft of Fiction/Poetry. Students will grow and learn to express themselves in a nurturing environment while they strive for their career goals.