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

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.

The Literature concentration introduces students to a range of historical periods, genres, and critical approaches to literature. It prepares them for graduate work in literary and cultural studies as well as careers in publishing, law, teaching, business, the arts, and other professions that require skilled reading, writing, research, and communication. Students take at least two courses that fulfill the department’s Diverse Literary Traditions requirement. These courses explore authors and texts through the historically under-represented perspectives of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, post-coloniality, and sexuality. The concentration includes a capstone course that provides a culminating opportunity to complete a substantial learning project. Some capstones focus on in-depth, advanced study of a particular author or period; others encourage deep research into an individual area of interest or provide an internship experience.

Geoscience is the study of the physical environment. The curriculum at UMass Lowell is centered around a strong geoscience core, but includes additional course work in the biological sciences, hydrogeology, hydrochemistry and geographical information systems. This concentration provides a broader preparation than the traditional geology course of study and also is recommended for students who might wish to obtain certification as earth science teachers. It provides the requisite course work for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in environmental science or geology.
Graduates of this concentration are qualified for a variety of employment opportunities in traditional areas of geological employment in the petroleum and mining industries, as well for expanding opportunities in hydrogeology, hazardous waste assessment and management, groundwater remediation, wetlands delineation and evaluation, and environmental management.
Previous graduates have found employment in the petroleum industry, in asbestos identification and remediation, in environmental testing laboratories as analytical specialists, and in the field evaluating hazardous waste sites and ground and surface water contamination.

The Energy Engineering Program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is, along with the Nuclear Engineering Program, one of two ways to earn a graduate degree in Energy Engineering. The program offers both Master's and Doctoral degrees, as well as a Graduate Certificate, in Energy Engineering. The Energy Engineering Program began over twenty-five years ago with a focus on solar energy, but over time has expanded to encompass several renewable energy technologies, including wind turbines, fuel cells and green combustion.

Renewable energy engineers are leading the way to a cleaner, safer future across the globe. From designing small off-grid, solar-powered agricultural water pumps in Peru to improving the reliability of towering wind turbines off the coast of Rhode Island, our students and graduates are making a positive impact on our society and our environment.

he MIS Concentration provides you with knowledge of computer and information technologies, prepares you for careers that include IT Support & Help Desk Services, Database and Network Administration, E-Business and Enterprise Systems Support. Concentration coursework will help you:

• Learn the fundamentals of applying information technologies in business.
• Develop the skills to manage and maintain information systems in business.
• Solve real-world business problems with IT systems.
• Acquire the knowledge to design and develop information systems to solve business problems.

Join the MIS Concentration and embrace a bright career future. According Mr. Jon Zion, President of Staffing at Robert Half Inc., “IT positions are plentiful…(even in a bad economy)...even at companies that outsource overseas. Systems administrators, network security specialists and help-desk technicians are (always) in demand.”

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey found MIS and computer related starting salaries to be $62,350 in 2019!

The courses you would take include: Management Information Systems, Application Development, Systems Analysis and Design, Networking, Database Management, E-Business, Enterprise Systems and an MIS Special Topics elective.

The Master of Science program in Security Studies prepares students for careers in the rapid expanding field of cyber security, as well as weapons of mass destruction (CBRNE) and how to address threats to our critical infrastructure.

Students pursuing this area of concentration will develop competency and knowledge to manage the increasingly complex security challenges at regional and international airports, commuter and commercial railways, maritime ports, and roadways of the Commonwealth and the broader region. Emphasis is placed on integrating a “big picture” policy perspective with an understanding of sensor technologies, transportation security, systems engineering, human behavior, and intelligence analysis.

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.

With a concentration in finance in business administration, you will gain:

• The ability to analyze complex capital budgeting problems
• The ability to assess investment opportunities for institutes and individuals
• An understanding of the techniques needed to finance corporate operations and expansion
• The ability to communicate financial concepts to others

Finance graduates can choose from careers that include banking, financial planning, corporate finance, financial analysis, insurance, real estate, cash management and forecasting.

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 Master of Science program in Security Studies prepares students for careers in the rapid expanding field of cyber security, as well as weapons of mass destruction (CBRNE) and how to address threats to our critical infrastructure.

International Security - Concentration
In this area of concentration, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of complex, intersecting global threats like organized criminal and terrorist networks, and the various policies, strategies and mechanisms to combat these threats.