Bachelor of Arts, Major in English with Concentration in Creative Writing (STEM)

at University of Massachusetts Lowell USA

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in World Languages and Cultures that allows students to pursue one of four options:

• French Option
• French / Spanish Option
• Italian / Spanish Option
• Spanish Option

Each option requires specific foundation courses that prepare students for advanced study; students then select specialized courses that complement this core and allow for exploration of individual interests.

The main purpose of the World Languages major is to provide students with the ability to function more effectively in the multicultural world we live in. The courses offer students the opportunity to acquire an ability to use a second language and to become aware of the cultures in which they flourish.

The options focus on the major intellectual concerns, culture and communication. Serving as the paradigmatic model for thinking in the human sciences, language occupies a high rung in the conceptualization of numerous disciplines. Language courses offer an understanding of language as a system and a model of communication in its cultural context, in addition to providing skills in a number of languages. The learning of languages facilitates the cultural connections with the various linguistic groups of a region. The specific areas of study include instruction in language, literature, linguistics, civilization and culture.

The UMass Lowell American Studies Program offers both a major and a minor. It includes faculty from departments such as English, Cultural Studies, History, Psychology, Sociology and Political Science.

Graduates of the program have pursued careers in government and social services; others seek certification to teach elementary or high school. Having developed skills in writing and analysis, American Studies majors have become successful executives, public relations representatives, product managers, speech writers, press secretaries, and journalists. American Studies has proven a strong foundation for students continuing their studies in law or in library and information sciences.

American Studies is a vibrant interdisciplinary field practiced around the nation and world. It examines the intersection between such subjects as globalization and economics, music and politics, history and gender, race and environment, technology and art. This willingness to cross the boundaries of traditional disciplines allows for creative critical thinking and research.

The curriculum provides a sound foundation in math, science, and engineering as well as plastics specific courses. These courses, and the related laboratory experiences, focus on polymer materials, properties, processing and design. All levels of this curriculum foster communication, professionalism, ethics, safety, and environmental sustainability.

The department maintains the highest standard of academic excellence and a supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Students follow a sequence of mathematics, science, college writing, and fundamental engineering courses in their freshman and sophomore years. Plastics Engineering courses begin with the freshman-level Introduction to Plastics Engineering. Basic plastics materials, processing and design - with their hands on laboratories - are taught in the sophomore and junior years. The senior year includes advanced courses and a student-selected capstone project. Relevant clusters of humanities and social science courses are included with the context of engineering education to create well-rounded graduates.

The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology & Atmospheric Science is for students who wish to explore weather and the environment and fulfills the education requirements for federally employed meteorologists. The program guidelines follow those of the American Meteorological Society.

This program provides students with knowledge of the key issues, research, and theories in the important and emerging field of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Students are challenged to answer the following key content questions:

• How do factors such as poverty, lack of education and social inequity lead to conflict, both internationally and domestically
• What are the causes and conditions which generate and sustain conflict and violence?
• What are the principles and methods for the resolution of conflict and violence?
• What are the norms, practices and institutions for conflict transformation and building peace?

Business analytics is the process of transforming raw data into business intelligence and insight. As companies generate more data at ever faster rates, the need for business analytics professionals is growing. The Master of Science in Business Analytics program will help you:

• Develop the ability to collect, manage and analyze data from a variety of sources.
• Enhance your understanding of business processes and systems.
• Develop the ability to understand and communicate insights gleaned from descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics.

Private and public firms in fields as diverse as health care, finance, logistics and marketing need business analysts to help them identify and solve problems related to forecasting, customer relationship management and revenue optimization — to name only a few. Experts predict that in the next 10 years, hundreds of thousands of new jobs will be created in the domain of business analytics.

The B.F.A. degree prepares students for careers in studio arts and graphic design. Within these disciplines, students may choose to focus on photography, sculpture, painting, ceramics, animation, 3D modeling, drawing, printmaking or interactive digital media.

The art major is designed to develop a rigorous art practice. Students gain a deep knowledge of the technical and conceptual abilities needed to succeed in the professional world. The Art & Design Department offers the professional degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.).

Through a rigorous competence-building sequence of core courses (Graphic Design I,II,III and Typography I,II,III) students learn the fundamentals of design as well as a wide variety of skills such as team building, critical thinking and problem-solving, which are necessary to succeed in the field. They also gain competences in public speaking and writing. In addition, they learn how to continually adapt to new technology.

Assignments focus on Graphic Design systems, Graphic Design in context and professional practice. In addition to these core courses students can take advantage of courses in web design, motion graphics, animation, interactive design and advanced independent studies.
The final year, students focus on their capstone project. The Senior Studio project is a year-long exploration where students develop their online portfolio, resume and create a self-directed project that reflects their talent and skills.

High quality professors, rigorous and relevant curriculum and state-of-the art facilities create an environment that produces excellent student achievement. The graphic design concentration at UMass Lowell provides students with the tools necessary to reach their highest potential as designers and to have a successful design career in today’s global world.

The B.F.A. degree prepares students for careers in studio arts and graphic design. Within these disciplines, students may choose to focus on photography, sculpture, painting, ceramics, animation, 3D modeling, drawing, printmaking or interactive digital media.

The art major is designed to develop a rigorous art practice. Students gain a deep knowledge of the technical and conceptual abilities needed to succeed in the professional world. The Art & Design Department offers the professional degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.).

Through a broad, competence-building sequence of core courses, students are introduced to the language of several disciplines, various materials and techniques. They study the fundamentals of studio art along with a wide variety of skills including visual communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, oral communication and project development. In addition, they learn how to constantly adapt to new technology.

Assignments focus on self-expression, material/technical competencies, building a personal language and life practice. In addition to core studio courses, students can take advantage of courses in web design, motion graphics, interactive design, typography, art history, art theory, video, and the huge array of science and humanities courses available at the university.

High quality professors, rigorous and relevant curriculum and state-of-the art facilities create an environment that produces excellent student achievement.

The Studio Art concentration prepares artists for careers in animation, digital imaging, drawing, interactive-media, painting, photography, and sculpture. Graduates have built successful careers in photography, teaching, animation, gallery management and studio arts. The Studio Art concentration at UMass Lowell provides students with the tools necessary to reach their highest potential as creative practitioners.

The program combines theoretical study and scientific research methods with practical application through course work, field studies, community involvement, volunteerism and supervised independent research. Graduates of the Psychology department go on to careers in social services, mental health, education, research and business. Undergraduates also may choose to specialize in developmental disabilities.

The Psychology major augments a general liberal arts education and provides the basis for graduate training and careers in mental health, community development, education, research, and business and industry. The psychology curriculum acquaints students with the theoretical and empirical foundations of the major sub-fields of psychology (human development, basic mental and behavioral processes, the social context, and individual differences). The curriculum reflects the importance of scientific methods and provides students with hands-on experience in designing and conducting their own research; indeed, over the years, many of our students have been able to present their work at scientific conferences or have it published in academic journals. The curriculum also emphasizes the applications of psychological knowledge and skills in many areas of human functioning and gives students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through a variety of placement opportunities on campus and in the community.

The Theatre Arts Concentration offers a solid foundation in the dramatic arts within a broad-based liberal arts degree. The concentration emphasizes creative, analytical, and communication skills as well as collaboration and teamwork. Students work in genres ranging from classical to contemporary, including opportunities to collaborate on devised-theatre projects. Close attention from our professional theatre faculty and guest artists allows students to develop the skills and confidence to pursue graduate study or professional work in theatre, education, the entertainment industry, and many other fields.

Required and elective courses provide well-rounded study in the history and literature of theatre and a rich grounding in theatrical practice—acting, design, directing, stage management, production, and dramaturgy. Students can concentrate their upper-level coursework within a particular area of their choice—for example, performance, dramaturgy, or design/tech. Our students also have a wide range of exciting internship opportunities through our partnership with the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, and at theatres in Boston and the region.