Master of Science in Engineering, Major in Materials Science and Engineering (STEM)

at Wright State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology focuses on preparing students for careers in fields including, but not limited to, medicine and health, drug manufacturing and design, agriculture, forensic science (crime lab science), academic/industrial research and development, and scientific writing.

The teaching and research programs of the department are conducted in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. Our curriculum fosters the development of active learning, teamwork, critical thinking, scientific reasoning and communication skills, as well as, relevant content knowledge in both biochemistry and molecular biology. Within the curriculum there are many opportunities for students to be associated with cutting-edge research through independent studies and undergraduate research projects.

The Theatre Studies program combines studies in theatrical subjects with broad preparation in the liberal arts to prepare students for a wide range of careers. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in professional theatre, education, public service, and countless other fields. Because of the focused curriculum, the Theatre Studies program allows the student to take a second major or to pursue minor concentrations in two or three other academic areas.

Due to the strength of Wright State’s theatre production program, the Theatre Studies student can acquire a high level of both practical and theoretical knowledge and experience, a distinction not afforded theatre students in programs with less extensive production emphases.

Theatre Studies students are encouraged to diversify their education in a variety of disciplines. The major in Theatre Studies is generally considered to be preparation for further study at the graduate level.

The Master of Science degree program in applied mathematics gives you a thorough introduction to application-oriented mathematics. The objectives of the program are:

• Develop your ability to analyze and solve a variety of real-world problems
• Increase your understanding of specific problems encountered in other fields

You may tailor your program to emphasize discrete or continuous mathematics, or probability and statistics. Coursework in an area of application, such as computer science, engineering, or physics is also encouraged. You may choose to complete a modeling project as part of your program.

The applied mathematics degree requires 30 semester credits of course work. The program is designed primarily to prepare you for a career in business, industry, or government, but can be tailored to provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies in mathematics. The department makes provision for part-time degree candidates by offering all required courses in the late afternoon or evening.

Electrical engineers make big dreams into reality—in the areas of alternative energy, wireless communications, electronic surveillance, computing technology, and semiconductor devices. Electrical engineers are at the forefront of technological advances. Imagine being part of a team that uses a CCD array to create an artificial retina, or a non-tethered pacemaker the size of a vitamin pill. How about developing an alternative-energy system to give a rural homestead power and wireless access, or designing the next generation of autonomous vehicles that conserve energy, plan routes and eliminate collisions? Closer to home, you can imagine a system that monitors your grandmother’s health, automatically administers her medication, and communicates remotely with care providers to allow her to live safely and with confidence in her own home.

Computer scientists do not just design software for computers. They work with the software and software systems that allow the day-to-day use of any computing system. Concepts and theory are the focus of this major.

Program Outcomes
Students who complete the B.S. in computer science will have an ability to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
• Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions

Geography is the study of the location and interrelationships of human and physical phenomena on the earth’s surface. Because of its emphasis on spatial organization and distribution of these phenomena, geography has a broad cross-disciplinary base. Such topics of study as cartography, climatology, land form analysis, photogrammetry and remote sensing, settlement theory, spatial interaction, and urban morphology indicate the breadth of contemporary geography. The undergraduate major in geography includes the study of cultural, economic, physical, and regional geography, as well as cartography, quantitative methods, and field work. Backgrounds in the natural and social sciences, humanities, statistical methods, and computer programming are useful to the geography major.

The Bachelor of Science program in geography emphasizes technical skills and logic. Courses in physical, economic, and social geography and in cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information are emphasized in the program. These courses are complemented by courses in mathematics, philosophy, and computer science.

Geography may be selected as an academic major, as a secondary teaching concentration in a social science or earth science program, or as part of an elementary teaching major. Students majoring in geography may qualify for licensure at the secondary level by meeting the minimum requirements in professional education courses for licensure by the state of Ohio. Because of sequential requirements and prerequisites, students are strongly urged to consult with a geography advisor before registering. Students in any major may also minor in Geography.

Geography majors should participate in the department’s internship program if they do not have professional experience in the field. The internship is designed to complement geography students’ class work and gives them experience in the actual work environment. Students interested in the internship should contact the department internship coordinator or their advisor.

Statistics is distinct from mathematics as a field of study, yet is founded upon the theory of probability—the mathematics of chance. The Bachelor of Science in Statistics is a degree program emphasizing statistics both as a science unto itself and as a service science, with powerful applications in such disciplines as biology, medicine, sociology, chemistry, agriculture, education, engineering, economics, psychology, and quality control. Graduate from this program, and you should be well qualified for employment in the many corporations and government agencies for which statisticians design experiments, conduct surveys, and analyze data. Also, the Bachelor of Science in Statistics prepares you for graduate study in statistics (or in a science in which statistics plays a decisive role), after which you will have even greater employment possibilities.

Crime and justice studies (CJS) is an interdisciplinary and incredibly varied field of study. Knowledge specific to the discipline relies upon research from fields as varied as sociology, law, history, psychology, and political science. It encompasses analysis of federal, state, and local entities that seek to understand, control, and deter crime. The principal agencies charged with these responsibilities are law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. More fundamentally, however, crime and justice studies examines questions of social justice—concerns related to equality, fairness, freedom, security, and social order. If you are interested in understanding the causes, responses, and consequences of crime for the individual as well as the larger society, consider this program.

Crime and justice studies is a liberal arts degree and therefore, our focus is on providing you with a well-rounded, critically engaged, and scientifically informed understanding of the field. While practical experience is a vital component of our curriculum, our larger mission is that, when you graduate, you will be an innovator and leader in your chosen occupations and will utilize scientific reasoning and sharply honed analytical skills on your path to success. You will be prepared for positions in a variety of occupations, including local and federal law enforcement, probation and parole, civil, criminal and juvenile courts, research, corrections, teaching, forensics, and a variety of other fields.

While crime and justice studies is an exciting and challenging major, it is not for everyone. Unfortunately, if you have a prior criminal record or a drug or alcohol dependency it will be difficult for you to obtain employment in the field once you graduate. Further, it is a field that generally requires not only keen analytic and technical skills but also the ability to empathize, establish strong interpersonal boundaries, and, most importantly, maintain fundamental respect for the rights and dignity of others.

Help design your own degree program—one broad in scope, narrow in concentration, and flexible enough to draw courses from all of the departments and programs in the College of Liberal Arts. The liberal studies degree is ideal if your interests encompass more than one liberal arts field and you desire greater flexibility in your program. If you want to change your major but still graduate in a timely manner, or if you are a transfer student who might benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum, consider liberal studies.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers two master’s degree programs-the Master of Science and Master of Science in Teaching (Earth Science). The Master of Science program prepares students for careers as professional earth scientists in industry, government, or education, or for continued graduate study. Current research focus areas of the department include Aquatic Biogeochemistry, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing, Complex Earth Processes, Paleoecology and Sedimentary Environments, and Earth Science Education. The department is widely recognized for its applied and multidisciplinary programs and maintains a strong emphasis on practical field applications.