2021-22 Academic Catalog

Division of Arts and Sciences

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Dr. Richard Damms, Division Head

Professor: Dr. James Kelley and Dr. Marian Swindell
Associate Professors: Dr. Toby Bates, Dr. Amanda Cook,  Dr. Vicki Gier, and Dr. Rodney T Wilson
Clinical Assistant Professors: Dr. Lin Ge, and Dr. Angela Savage
Instructors: Dr. Jarrod Fogarty, Dr. Greg Johnson, and Andrea Germany

The Division of Arts and Sciences offers nine degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, English, General Liberal Arts (GLA), History, Psychology, Communication –Concentration in Broadcasting, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS), Bachelor of Applied Technology in Healthcare Services (BAT), Bachelor of Applied Technology in Hospitality and Event Services (BAT), and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Advisor: Dr. Amanda Cook
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology degree program offers students the opportunity to explore the nature and causes of crime as well as examine the social response to crime and its effect on society.

The degree emphasizes the study of types, patterns, and trends in criminal behavior, and trains students to analyze crime data, test explanations of crime and victimization, and critically evaluate crime theory and policy.

Criminology

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
Spanish for the Professional3
Spanish I and Spanish II are also recommended (see Free Electives)
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
Math higher than MA 13133
Fine Arts
ART 1113Art Appreciation3
or MU 1113 History and Appreciation of Music
Natural Sciences
Biological Science w/lab (BIO)4
Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 24
Natural Science Elective- no lab required (BIO, PH, GG, CH) 13
Humanities
English – see General Education courses3
History – see General Education courses3
Philopsohy - see General Education courses3
Humanities Electives (HI, EN, PHI, REL)9
Communication
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Social Sciences
SO 1003Introduction to Sociology3
AN/GR/PS/PSY/SO - See General Education3
AN/GR/PS/PSY/SO/CO/CRM - Social Sciences Electives12
Major Required Courses
CRM 1003Crime and Justice in America3
CRM 2003Crime, Justice, and Inequality3
CRM 3603Criminological Theory3
CRM 4803Senior Seminar in Criminology3
SO 3213Introduction to Social Research3
or SW 3213 Research Methods in Social Work
SO 4804Social Research Practice4
Choose two of the following:6
Violence in the United States
Juvenile Delinquency
Drugs, Crime and Control
White Collar Crime and Elite Deviance
Choose two of the following:6
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
Community Crime Prevention and Policy
Correctional Systems
Law and Society
Choose two of the following:6
Gender, Crime, and Justice
Race, Crime and Justice
Globalization and Crime
Victimology
Free Electives
A&S Upper Division Elective (3000/4000-level)3
Other electives - see advisor (Spanish I and II recommended)18
Total Hours125

General Liberal Arts Program (GLA)

Advisor: Dr. James Kelley

Students who prefer to specialize in more than one field of study may earn a B.A. degree in General Liberal Arts. Requirements for this degree include all of the following: satisfactory completion of the University and College Core curriculum; satisfactory completion of the College of Arts and Sciences B.A. requirements; approval of the proposed G.L.A. program; satisfactory completion of twelve hours of upper-division courses (courses numbered 3000 and above) in each of three fields of study. The three fields may all be within the College of Arts and Sciences, or one of the three may be within another school/college of the University if that field is related to the student’s educational or career goals. To insure an orderly progression of work toward the degree, interested students should meet with the program’s advisor as early as possible. Furthermore, admittance into the program requires a GPA of at least 2.5 and the approval of the GLA Committee and the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. General Liberal Arts is not suitable for students who are uncertain about their choice of a major; these students should see the Undecided listing in this section.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters - one Foreign Language (see advisor)9
Humanities
Literature - see Major Core3
History - see A&S listing3
Philosophy Elective - see advisor3
Humanities Electives - consult advisor9
Math
MA 1313College Algebra3
Above College Algebra3
Fine Arts
See A&S listing3
Natural Sciences
Physical Science w/Lab 13-4
Biological Science w/Lab 23-4
Natural Science Elective 33-4
Social Sciences
See A&S Listing6
Social Sciences Electives 412
Major Core
Students must choose 3 areas with 12 upper division hours in each area. Consult advisor.
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Computer Requirement
Consult advisor for approved courses
Writing Requirement
Consult advisor for approved courses
Electives
8 or more hours to equal 124
Total Hours124

Bachelor of Arts in History

Advisor: Dr. Toby Bates

The Bachelor of Arts in History degree prepares students to think critically beyond their immediate environment, learn research skills and the proper method of collecting data, develop historical arguments, and successfully communicate their conclusions.
Students will achieve a detailed understanding of the political, cultural, economic, and racial aspects found within American history, European history, as well as Latin American history. Through a study of Mississippi history students will also find great insight into their local and state narratives.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor9
Humanities
Literature - see General Education courses3
History - see major3
Philosophy Elective - see A&S requirements3
Humanities Elective - see A&S core (Must be from 2 different areas. Can be upper division hours; 6 hours may be HI courses; 3 hours must be from another area.)9
Math
MA 1313College Algebra3
MA 1323Trigonometry3
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
Fine Arts
See A&S requirements3
Natural Sciences
Physical Science w/Lab 13-4
Biological Science w/Lab 23-4
Natural Science Elective 33-4
Social Sciences 4
See A&S requirements6
Social Sciences Electives12
Major Core
Must choose two of the following sequences:
World History
HI 1163World History Before 15003
HI 1173World History Since 15003
Western World
HI 1213Early Western World3
HI 1223Modern Western World3
U.S. History
HI 1063Early U.S. History3
HI 1073Modern U.S. History3
East Asian Civ
HI 1313East Asian Civilizations to 13003
HI 1323East Asian Civilizations since 13003
Students declaring a history major prior to Fall 2008
U.S. history U/D Electives6
African, Ancient, Asian or Latin American U/D Electives6
European history U/D Electives6
U/D Electives6
Students declaring a history major after Summer 2008
Category I History U/D Electives6
Category II History U/D Electives6
Category III History U/D Electives6
U/D Electives6
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
HI 3903Historiography and Historical Method3
Computer Literacy
BIS 1012Introduction to Business Information Systems2
or TKT 1273
General Electives 5
Consult advisor12
Total Hours124
(31 hours must be A&S 3000 or above)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Advisors: Dr. Vicki Gier and Dr. Rodney Wilson

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree offers students the opportunity to learn unique insights into human behavior and mental processes which enable them to have a positive impact on people’s day-to-day lives. Students will develop good research, writing, and problem solving skills, and the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.
Psychology majors are encouraged to work with faculty members on research projects and to share authorship of posters and journal articles. Students also have an opportunity to experience an internship in area mental health facilities.

Required Curriculum

Undergraduate students wishing to major in psychology must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average on all college work attempted prior to entering the major. The Bachelor of Arts degree program in psychology is designated to provide training for advanced study in psychology or related fields. Advanced study is recommended for students desiring a career in psychology. Psychology majors must earn a C or better in all required psychology courses.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor9
Humanities
Literature - see General Education courses3
History - see General Education courses3
Philosophy Elective
Consult advisor3
Humanities Elective
Must be from 2 different areas - see A&S Core9
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
MA 1323Trigonometry (or higher math)3
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
Fine Arts
See A&S Core List3
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 13-4
Biological Sciences w/lab (BIO, EPP, PO) 13-4
Natural Science Elective 23-4
Social Sciences Core
PSY 1013General Psychology3
See A&S Core listing3
Social Sciences Electives 3
Social Sciences Electives12
Major Core
PSY 1021Careers in Psychology1
PSY 3314Experimental Psychology4
PSY 3104Introductory Psychological Statistics4
Choose two of the following:6
Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
Social Psychology
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Theories of Personality
Choose one of the following:3
Psychology of Learning
Cognitive Psychology
Choose one of the following:3
Biological Psychology
Sensation and Perception
Choose one unused course from the groups above3
PSY Upper Division Electives12
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
PSY 3314Experimental Psychology4
Computer Literacy
PSY 3314Experimental Psychology4
General Electives
Consult advisor
Total Hours120
32 hours of course work must be A&S 3000/4000

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS)

Advisor: Dr. Jarod Fogarty

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is a university-wide degree coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs by the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This multi-discipline academic program is appropriate for students motivated by specific interests not recognized in traditional majors and is not intended to compete with existing programs. All University requirements, including 32 hours of upper division course work and a year’s residence, must be met for graduation.

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is intended to allow students maximum flexibility to custom-design a curriculum to meet their personal and career goals. Such a program of study must assure depth of study as well as breadth. Therefore, it must insure that students take at least 36 upper-division hours in the areas they have chosen for emphasis and that they select a minimum of 12 hours in each of three areas or 18 hours in two. Emphasis areas must be selected from at least two colleges. General education requirements (45 hours) must be met in addition to a general studies core of 15 hours. A total of 122 semester hours is required for graduation, along with an MSU and cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To insure coherence in the program, the student must construct and explain in writing the rationale for the interdisciplinary studies program’s direct relationship to the student’s personal and career goals. Each student will be required to find advisors in the academic disciplines who will agree to sponsor the student in drawing up the proposed curriculum, formulating the rationale, and presenting the case in writing to the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This should be done prior to the senior year.

If approved, the student may proceed with the curriculum. The Committee will meet during the fall, spring and summer semesters, and students must make written application by September 15 or February 1. Application for a degree must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. For further information, contact Dr. James Kelley, Office 088 of the MSU-Meridian Campus.

Bachelor of Social Work

Program Director: Dr. Angela Savage
The Social Work Program at Mississippi State University Meridian Campus is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The purpose of the social work profession is to promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, the purpose of social work is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally. (CSWE, 2015)

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice. Students learn ways to properly assess and develop therapeutic working relationships with diverse populations, utilize varying intervention approaches, identify strengths and enhance client problem-solving and coping skills, as well as program evaluation, advocacy, research, and community outreach.

The Social Work curriculum is grounded in a liberal arts perspective. This liberal arts perspective enhances the person-in-environment focus of generalist social work practice.

Although students may enroll in social work as their major, there is a formal admission process into the social work program. To be eligible for admission to the social work program students must meet the following criteria for admission into the program:

1.         Cumulative GPA of 2.0

2.         Completion of the following liberal arts requirements:

▪ English Composition I and II
▪ College Algebra
▪ Introduction to Sociology
▪ American Government
▪ General Psychology
▪ Anatomy & Physiology
▪ Principles of Economics
▪ Fundamentals of Public Speech
▪ Basic Computer Concepts & Applications
▪ Social Work with At-Risk Populations

3.       Completion of two of the following social work courses with a minimum grade of C:

  • SW 3003 Social Work with At-Risk Populations
  • SW 2303 Social Welfare Policy I
  • SW 3013 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I

4.       Completion of SW 2313 Introduction to Social Work (including 20 hours of service learning experience) with a minimum grade of B.

5.       Completion of an Application for Admission to the Social Work Program.

  • Students must provide three reference letters on provided forms
  • Authorize a Background Check, Child Abuse/Neglect and Sex Offender Registries
  • Participate in a personal interview with Social Work Program Admissions Committee.

Before enrolling in any social work classes, it is the responsibility of the student to consult with their social work advisor regarding any prerequisites for social work classes.

The criteria for remaining in the program include:

  • Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0, with a 2.75 GPA for all social work courses.
  • Must earn a minimum of a "C" in each social work course.
  • Continue to demonstrate an aptitude for a social work career.
  • Adhere to all academic expectations of the university and the social
    work program.
  • Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

General Education and College Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Foreign Language
2 semesters - one Foreign Language – see advisor6
Humanities
Literature – see General Education courses3
History – see General Education courses3
Philosophy
PHI 1103Introduction to Philosophy3
or PHI 1113 Introduction to Logic
Humanities Elective 1
Literature Elective3
History Elective3
Humanities Elective3
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics3
Fine Arts
See Arts & Sciences Core List3
Natural Sciences
BIO 1004Anatomy and Physiology4
Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 23-4
Natural Science Elective 13-4
Social Sciences
SO 1003Introduction to Sociology3
PS 1113American Government3
Social Sciences Electives
Required:
PSY 1013General Psychology3
EC 2113Principles of Macroeconomics3
AN 1103Introduction to Anthropology3
AN 1143Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
Major Core
Social Work curriculum is completed as sequenced.
SW 2313Introduction to Social Work/Social Welfare3
SW 2303Social Welfare Policy I3
SW 3003Social Work with At-Risk Populations 13
SW 3013Human Behavior and the Social Environment I3
Students must successfully complete a formal admissions process prior to taking the following courses:
SW 2323Social Welfare Policy II 33
SW 3023Human Behavior and the social Environment II 33
SW 3213Research Methods in Social Work 33
SW 4613Child Welfare Services3
SW 3513Social Work Practice I 33
SW 3523Social Work Practice II 33
SW 3533Social Work with Communities and Organizations 33
Social Work Elective3
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Writing Requirement
SW 4713Social Work Senior Seminar 33
Computer Literacy
Consult Advisor
General Electives
Consult Advisor
Field Work includes full-time placement for one semester in a supervised agency setting.
SW 4916Social Work Field Practicum/Seminar I 36
SW 4926Social Work Practicum/Seminar II 36
Total Hours124
32 hours of course work must be A&S 3000/4000

Bachelor of Applied Technology

Advisor: Mr. Ben Pace
The Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree offers students who have completed technical course work the opportunity to apply up to twenty-eight hours of those credits toward completion of a bachelor's degree. This degree will also benefit those who are already working buy would like to further their education by earning a bachelor's degree.

The concentration in Healthcare Services is designed for students who have completed technical course work in the health professions and related programs at 2-year colleges. The concentration focuses on courses in health policy, managed care, and other pertinent topics for today's changing healthcare environment. 

The concentration in Event and Hospitality Services is designed for students who have completed course work in the hospitality services, marketing, and related programs at 2-year colleges. The concentration focuses on courses in managing, marketing, and administering event and hospitality services in a diverse social and cultural environment.

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3-4
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Humanities
See General Education courses6
Fine Arts
See General Education courses3
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
MA 2113Introduction to Statistics3
Natural Sciences
Select 2 lab-based sciences from General Education courses7-8
Math/Science Elective
Math/Science elective (from Gen Ed) - Consult Advisor3
Social Sciences
EC 2113Principles of Macroeconomics3
PSY 1013General Psychology3
Major Core
EN 3313Writing for the Workplace3
PHI 3013Business Ethics3
MGT 3513Introduction to Human Resource Management3
or MGT 4613 Cross-Cultural Management
MGT 3323Entrepreneurship3
or MGT 3823 Socially Responsible Leadership
MKT 3013Principles of Marketing3
BIS 3233Management Information Systems3
Healthcare Concentration Courses
PSY 3503Health Psychology3
PSY 4223Drug Use and Abuse3
SW 3003Social Work with At-Risk Populations3
SW 4633Social Work in Health Care3
SO 3213Introduction to Social Research3
HCA 3313Healthcare Systems3
HCA 3813Healthcare Regulations3
HCA 4243Managed Care3
HCA 4803Healthcare Policy3
Event and Hospitality Services Concentration Courses
CO 3803Principles of Public Relations3
SO 4503Gender and Work3
AN /SO 2203Introduction to Race and Ethnicity3
PSY 4813Positive Psychology3
HI 4243American Life and Thought3
MKT 4613Services Marketing3
MKT 4423Strategic Brand Management3
MKT 4513Resort-Convention Marketing3
MKT 3513Marketing Internship (in MS Riley Center, Hotels, Events, etc.)3
Oral Communication
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Junior/Senior Writing Requirement
Satisfied by successful completion of EN 3313
Computer Literacy
Satisfied by successful completion of BIS 3233
Technical Core28
Arts & Sciences Upper Division Electives
Upper Division Electives - Consult Advisor3
General Electives
General Electives - Consult Advisor3-4
Total Hours120
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