Bachelor of Science in Physics, Specialization in Photonics and Laser Physics (STEM)

at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville USA

If you have diverse academic interests that span the disciplines and would like to turn these interests into a cohesive program, then the integrative studies program could be for you! Working professionals can also earn a baccalaureate degree to better position them for opportunities for advancement where a baccalaureate degree is required.

Integrative studies is an interdisciplinary program geared toward meeting each student’s personal, academic and career goals, as well as providing knowledge and skills to meet the needs of emerging professions. This program provides students the opportunity to embrace their individuality and widen their perspectives by exploring and making connections between different fields of study. Students design their own program of study, in consultation with a professional advisor and a faculty mentor, and in doing so take responsibility for their education and career planning.

What can I do with a degree in Integrative Studies?
Students graduating with an undergraduate degree in integrative studies will be well prepared to pursue career opportunities in a variety of professional settings, such as advertising, public service, military, sales, human services, ministry, sports promotion, higher education, public relations, and youth development, among others. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue a master’s or professional degree in various fields.

The fast change of pace in our society is creating new career opportunities for individuals trained in multiple disciplines. The Master of Science in integrative studies allows students to access expertise from two or three areas and integrate courses into a degree that meets the needs of an emerging career field.

Consider integrative studies if:

• You have diverse interests that span two or three academic disciplines and you want to blend these interests into one cohesive program
• You have a career interest in an emerging field that crosses academic disciplines, such as cultural heritage and resources management or marketing communications
• You want to advance in a non-traditional sector or start your own business

What can I do with a degree in Integrative Studies?
A Master of Science in integrative studies can lead to a multitude of career paths as well as entry into doctoral programs. The degree will meet the needs of students seeking knowledge for advancement in a specific industry, looking to move to an emerging field that is multidisciplinary or starting their own business. Employment outlook and salary information for these careers vary widely. A carefully designed plan of study will provide students with a unique combination of skills and knowledge that will be advantageous in the job market.

GIS Development and Database Administration
In order to function effectively, every organization needs to make sure its database is always secure, available and performing at maximum capacity. A database administrator is a central figure in securing, maintaining and fine-tuning databases. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database stores geospatial information consisting of a combination of maps, 3D images, and space or time coordinates, among others. A database administrator who is trained to handle the complexities of large volumes of GIS data will be a sought after asset to any organization.

The study of communication involves the development of theories and research tools to analyze, explain and improve human interaction. The applied communication studies program is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences through the Department of Applied Communication Studies. Departmental courses focus on two-person interaction, small-group decision making, communication patterns in organizations and other complex systems, public relations, and speaker-audience interaction in public speaking.

What can I do with a degree in Applied Communication Studies?
In America, employers increasingly recognize the need for more effective communication. As a result, job opportunities for graduates trained in applied communication studies are prevalent in business and industry, government agencies, educational systems, nonprofit organizations, and community-based resource centers. Graduates often have several career choices. Examples of communication careers departmental graduates have entered are: teaching and administration; management, training and consulting in organizations; public relations; human relations and employee assistance programs; sales; and government service. Graduates find employment in various types of for-profit and nonprofit organizations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Applied communication is also an in-demand minor for students majoring in areas such as, business, mass communications, political science and sociology. Our graduates are also well-prepared for graduate school.

Track Option: Corporate and Organizational Communication
Students who choose the corporate and organizational communication track focus on communication within the context of businesses and other organizations. Effective communication in organizations is necessary both for the attainment of organizational goals and for individual productivity and satisfaction. This track is designed for those who will work in organizational settings and who want to become more effective in their interactions with others for a more successful and fulfilling work life. This knowledge is especially important now that the "world of work" is undergoing such rapid change. In addition to learning, understanding, and applying organizational theories and research, students will develop important organizational skills such as conflict management, decision making, goal setting and team building. Students completing this track will be prepared for careers in a wide variety of organizational settings and roles (sales, management, human resources and training), as well as for graduate study in communication or business.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA), accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, is designed to develop the professional capabilities of managers working in business. The central objective of the curriculum in the School of Business is to enhance quality and innovation in the analysis, interpretation, and use of information for formulating, communicating and implementing managerial decisions in business organizations. The ethical management of resources in a global environment is emphasized through the curriculum. Required courses in quantitative analysis, and decision making will sharpen the ability of students to apply models and skills, and integrate knowledge across disciplinary areas. Students can select a specialization in business analytics, healthcare administration, management information systems, project management, or a general specialization comprised of four elective courses that will fit their specific career objectives.

What can I do with an MBA?
Students completing the program should be prepared to engage in managerial careers leading to advancement through middle-and upper-level positions in business and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, graduates of the program are qualified for careers in administration or management of business firms; in banking and insurance; and in federal, state and local government agencies, as well as a variety of other settings where knowledge of business functions is required.

Healthcare Administration
The healthcare administration specialization prepares students for effective management in healthcare settings. As healthcare delivery systems undergo rapid change, managerial responsibilities increase in scope and magnitude. The healthcare administration specialization includes focused healthcare courses in finance, policy and economics courses that help managers be effective in organizational innovation and change. In addition, customer relationship management is a growing area for healthcare delivery systems to improve provider-patient connections.

Students who like solving problems creatively and expressing their point of view should think about pursuing a degree in theater and dance at SIUE. Theater is the study of literature, history and production of live theatrical performances. Students pursuing a degree in theater and dance from SIUE will complete an intense curriculum that will prepare them to take the next step in their professional careers or go on to graduate school. Students explore and build on their artistic talents - not only as actors and dancers, but as casting agents, box office managers, choreographers, set and lighting designers, and theater managers.

The theater and dance program in the College of Arts and Sciences at SIUE is known for its small class sizes and the artistic freedom afforded to its students. Faculty members encourage students to take risks to discover their creativity, and performance opportunities are ample. Each year, the department offers four theater productions, a dance concert, two student productions, a one-act festival, summer stock theater productions, an annual dance festival and a four-day experimental theater festival in the spring. The Department of Theater and Dance encourages a diverse mix of students and a well-rounded education with a solid liberal arts foundation.

What can I do with a degree in Theater and Dance?
Students with a degree in theater and dance find careers as actors, playwrights, screenwriters, directors, production designers, dancers, choreographers and critics. Theater and dance students obtain the skills to pursue a wide range of career paths within and outside the arts.

Dance
At SIUE, the dance program cultivates artistry, creativity and critical thinking in a supportive learning environment. Using a liberal arts approach, students are provided with professional development skills that lead to lifelong careers within the field of dance. Students also complete the necessary coursework to pursue a graduate degree if they choose to do so. Our program is known for its small class sizes, individual artistic freedom and emphasis on injury prevention. Along with courses in dance techniques, students can explore courses in choreography, dance pedagogy, dance science, dance history and dance management.

At SIUE, a Bachelor of Fine Arts prepares students to be lifelong practitioners of the studio arts who can demonstrate professional competencies, conceptual, technical and visual; in one specialized area within the department’s studio offerings.

Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program can take coursework in:

• Ceramics
• Drawing
• Graphic Design
• Metalsmithing
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture
• Textiles

Art and design students at SIUE study in newly built and renovated facilities offering state-of-the-art technology, and are challenged to view themselves as professionals on the first day they step into a classroom.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, offered through the Department of Art and Design in the College of Arts and Sciences, is considered the professional degree in visual arts. It is the entry-level degree by which students enter the professional field of graphic design, and is considered the necessary degree for a student interested in becoming a lifelong professional artist. Students will also be well prepared to pursue graduate studies.

What can I do with a degree in Art and Design?
An undergraduate degree in art and design prepares majors for a wide variety of careers, including work in museums, art galleries, cultural institutions and academia. Our students are also well-prepared for graduate school. Some of our recent graduates are pursuing advanced degrees at Indiana University, University of Nebraska, Maryland Institute College of Art, The State University of New York at Albany, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Syracuse University, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Rhode Island School of Design, among others.

The business administration program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, and provides a broad education in the functional areas of modern business, the behavior of organizations and decision-making processes, as well as analytical methods for solving basic problems affecting commerce and business practices. Our students find that the combination of knowledge acquisition and skill development is appealing and rewarding. Students in the School of Business will also learn about the ethical and global issues facing today’s businesses, while refining their communication skills and abilities. They will also learn to make leadership decisions based on quantitative data using analytical tools.

What can I do with a degree in Business Administration?
Graduates of the business administration program are well prepared to become business professionals who understand the environment in which business operates, and can analyze how business operations are impacted by economic, social, political and legal environments. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in administration or management of business firms, in banking and insurance, and in federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as a variety of other settings where knowledge of business functions and practices is required. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 5% through 2029.

Human Resource Management
The human resource management (HRM) specialization provides students with the general and technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions and careers in the personnel or human resource management function of organizations. Courses emphasize both the general theory of HRM, the expanding role of HRM in organizational effectiveness, the development and effective use of human resources in organizations, and the technical areas of selection, compensation, labor relations, training, and performance appraisal. The specialization prepares students for professional careers in a wide variety of organizations.

Sociologists are interested in changing the world. But, we do so by systematically studying society rather than using our biases or assumptions. Once we understand the larger social forces that influence our own behavior and that of others, we can create policies, organizations, and even families that benefit the majority of people rather than the powerful few.

At SIUE, we focus on application. Students in the Department of Sociology participate in hands-on experiences so they can apply what they learn in their classes. Students pursuing general sociology work in communities helping gather data and provide suggestions on how to make those communities stronger. Diversity and social justice students complete internships in nonprofit organizations learning to write grants and help groups find resources. Students specializing in employment relations complete internships in organizations where they help uncover how to make workers more committed and productive. Through systematically gathering information from different groups, sociology can be a powerful tool for the betterment of communities and organizations.

Employment Relations
The specialization option in employment relations is designed to prepare students to apply sociological knowledge to the practical problems of the workplace. Fundamental changes in work and industry have intensified employer demands for broadly skilled professionals, supervisors, administrators, coordinators and consultants capable of critically evaluating, planning and implementing workplace changes.

Faculty in the Department of Music believe students in undergraduate academic programs in music should receive a comprehensive musical background that includes cultural knowledge through the general education program, individual performance, ensemble performance, scholarly studies in music theory and history/literature, and where applicable, teacher education courses. The intent is to develop skilled and informed musicians, able scholars, and excellent and enthusiastic teachers.

The Bachelor of Music curriculum prepares students for professional careers and advanced graduate study in music performance and music education. The Bachelor of Arts, designed for students who wish to specialize in music within a liberal arts curriculum, may serve as the foundation for advanced studies in music.

Musical Theater
The Departments of Music and Theater and Dance collaborate to provide a stimulating curriculum including courses in acting, singing and dance taught by faculty in both departments. Students at SIUE take advantage of performance opportunities in musicals, operas, operettas, plays, vocal ensembles, dance concerts and student organizations.

Musical theater thrives at SIUE in the summer months as well. Every summer, SIUE Summer Showbiz produces professionally cast musicals under the direction of SIUE faculty. The Department of Music also hosts a week-long Musical Theater Workshop in the summer. The workshop provides participants with an in-depth experience of professional musical theater training in voice, dance, audition technique and monologue selection.

Students specializing in musical theater are trained in the central principles and performance skills necessary for a career in the theater or entertainment industry. These skills are then developed and cultivated through performance opportunities. Career possibilities include working as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, director or fine arts teacher.

Graduates of the accountancy program are well prepared to become business professionals who understand the environment in which business operates and can analyze how business operations are impacted by economic, social, political and legal environments. Most of our students aspire to become certified public accountants (CPAs), which requires 150 hours of college credit. With this in mind, our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is designed to seamlessly complete the additional 30 hours beyond the 120 hours required for the BSA. For students completing their BSA who have earned at least 150 hours, our undergraduate curriculum meets the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in most states.

For individuals not seeking CPA certification, the Bachelor of Science in accountancy program provides the education required for many careers in the accounting discipline, including financial reporting, internal auditing, tax accounting, managerial accounting and not-for-profit accounting. Students will also be prepared for appropriate professional certifications within these segments of accounting, such as a certified management accountant or a certified internal auditor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4% through 2029.