Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy with Concentration in Communications and Critical Thinking

at University of Massachusetts Lowell USA

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.

Computer Science is the study of the design and use of computer systems. The curriculum’s required courses give students a strong foundation in both the software and hardware aspects of computing, as well as the mathematics and science that underlie the discipline. The electives in the later years allow students to study a particular area of computer science in greater depth.

The MPH Coordinated Program in Dietetics program is intended for students who want to become Registered Dietitians (RDs). The program combines the coursework and supervised practice requirements to become eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Dietitian after graduation Dietetics.

The mission of the program is to promote public health nutrition by preparing graduates to practice as entry level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with knowledge, competence and the ability to address the needs of diverse communities. The dietetics option is an accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics, which is a highly regarded degree option that combines the academic and supervised practice experience to qualify graduates to become RDs.

Students can take courses in the history of philosophy and philosophical movements; political, mathematical and scientific philosophies; metaphysics; linguistics and aesthetics. Students will learn how to analyze, reason, deduct and apply persuasive arguments in a disciplined and systematic way while developing their oral and written communication skills.

The department does not specify particular course work for the major, but recommends that the sequence of courses be designed in close consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. Students who plan to go to graduate school are strongly encouraged to take at least two courses from the History of Philosophy series. They should also consider a second major in a cognate field, e.g., American studies, English, French, history, mathematics, or political science.

Religious Studies - Concentration
A major in Philosophy with a concentration in Philosophy & Religious Studies requires a combination of required introductory courses, Philosophy and Religious Studies electives and Interdisciplinary courses.

Students should choose those courses that are most suitable to their particular interests. Not all of these courses will be offered in a given academic year; students may contact the Chair of Philosophy to determine when a given course will be offered. New courses relevant to Philosophy & Religious Studies may be added to the catalog from time to time; students may contact their advisors to determine whether a new course will count towards the Philosophy & Religious Studies concentration.

In satisfying the Philosophy & Religious Studies electives requirement, students may also take courses from other departments that are relevant to the Philosophy & Religious Studies concentration.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting is designed to provide students with a general understanding of multiple areas of accounting and the knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for entry-level accounting positions that require only an undergraduate degree, and for graduate business and accounting programs. Accounting courses will help students learn the “language of business" and translate the daily activities of a business into useful financial information to facilitate decision making.

The bachelor's degree program with accounting concentration is based on the UMass Lowell general education courses that consist of 56 credits in areas outside of the Manning School of Business. In addition, the Manning School of Business foundation and core curriculum include 67 hours of courses from all the business disciplines including 24 hours of courses from accounting.

he department offers a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program and a combined B.S.E./M.S.E. program, both of which offer a thesis and a non-thesis option. The masters degree requires a minimum of thirty credit hours of acceptable graduate work, including nine credit hours of research for the thesis option or nine credit hours in an acceptable out-of-department minor for the non-thesis option. Refer to the graduate catalog for more information on research, thesis and core requirements, as well as degree concentrations.

Students who wish to pursue an MSE in mechanical engineering with a bachelors degree in a physical science or in another field of engineering may be required to take up to five undergraduate mechanical engineering courses. This requirement is to ensure that students have the sufficient fundamentals to complete the master of science in mechanical engineering degree.

Sociologists study many different subjects: race and ethnicity, social policy, gender and sexuality, family and kinship, the nature of industrial capitalism, the effect of technology on modern society and interpersonal relationships. These are just a few of the many areas sociologists are interested in understanding. What draws these different areas together is the emphasis on understanding social life, both in our own society and cross-culturally.

The sociology major offers students the opportunity to learn about our social world. Courses cover a wide range of fields. As part of their program, students are encouraged to work in the Lowell community. Many students complete corporate or agency internships in which they work within a field setting to gain needed job experience.

Department members value the search for meaningful social change. Students who are interested in working in human services, social work, personnel management, urban planning, elder services, communications, law, education, research, community activism or full-time academic work might consider a major in sociology.   

Policy and Social Problems Concentration
Students may choose a concentration in Policy and Social Problems, which provides a pathway for those who want to focus specifically on applying analytical tools of sociological thinking to social problems and their solutions.

Master’s of Science in Engineering Management degree from a University whose engineering education excellence is matched only by the high quality of its industry-oriented business program – UMass Lowell. Drawing on the strengths of each, the MSEM program prepares students for leadership roles in manufacturing, quality and production operations, product design and support, engineering services and civil infrastructure management. Applicants with technical and non-technical backgrounds can apply to the program.

Technical professionals learn business principles and practices, while those with current management background can deepen their understanding of technical areas such as product, process and operations as well as quality and reliability, infrastructure systems, and occupational health and safety. The program’s flexibility, offering both evening classes on campus and online options in all fall/spring/summer semesters, means working professionals can enhance their careers while positioning themselves for advancement or a new field.

The Exercise Science bachelor of science program at UMass Lowell gives students the confidence and skills necessary to educate, transform and inspire people to live healthier lives.

Exercise Science BS degree in the:

• Exercise and Fitness Management Option – Students acquire knowledge in exercise science, public health, nutrition and business to pursue careers in the fitness industry. Students could choose to earn a minor in business to apply toward UMass Lowell’s MBA program.
• Clinical Option – Students gain a strong foundation in the sciences to work in clinical settings and take the certification examinations by the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Students would choose this option if they want to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

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.