Anthropology, B.A.
The study of anthropology promotes an understanding of self and all humankind by exploring the human condition at all times and in all places. In the modern, world in which every society depends upon other societies, ignorance of the goals, values and ways of life of others may become a fear leading to discrimination and racism in the community or to war and oppression between nations. The challenges of desert life for the Australian Aborigine and the problems of contemporary ghetto existence are of equal interest to the anthropologist, and courses in these topics and world ethnography are offered by the Anthropology Department. Human physical and cultural evolution, the distribution and significance of cultural differences, the history and ecology of specific areas, and the role of language in culture are treated in courses in physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology and prehistory, and linguistics.
Child Development, B.A.
The Department of Child Development offers two separate degree options; Early Childhood Development and Child and Adolescent Development. Early Childhood Development focuses on children from birth through age eight, and Child and Adolescent Development focus on children in late elementary school through adolescence. Both degree options are available at the San Bernardino Campus, and Early Childhood Development is accessible as a +2 option at the Palm Desert Campus. A +2 program is where students begin their academic career at a local community college and finish the remaining two years of their degree at a 4-year institution.
Criminal Justice, B.A.
A system of criminal justice must meet the needs of each citizen as well as the needs of complex social, economic and governmental institutions. The Bachelor of Arts degree program in criminal justice was developed with these needs in mind and is appropriate for both career-bound preservice students and inservice personnel in law enforcement, probation, parole, corrections, social service agencies and related areas. In addition, the program is designed to provide students with an appropriate academic background for continuing their graduate studies in criminal justice, criminology or other areas such as law. The criminal justice major is an interdisciplinary program with enough flexibility to permit students to pursue their own interests. For example, students wishing to emphasize law enforcement may select appropriate courses within the major. Students directed toward probation, parole or corrections work are advised to select courses accordingly.
Economics, B.A.
Economics is the study of how individuals and societies organize the production and distribution of goods and services. This involves an historical understanding of how our economy has developed and how people in various groups (according to gender, race, class) have been affected by it. One of the tools economics provides is the ability to analyze the possible costs and benefits of competing alternatives. It provides a framework through which difficult choices can be analyzed-whether an individual should go to college now or later, or whether a firm should invest its money in more machines or offer a bonus to its labor force, or whether a government should spend money on schools or military hardware. Training in economics provides excellent preparation for careers in industry, government and many professions including law, education, public administration and management.
Environmental Studies, B.A.
To accomplish its principal objective of promoting an understanding of the interaction of human beings with their environment, this interdisciplinary degree program includes courses primarily from the natural sciences and social sciences. Major requirements from the natural sciences develop fundamental principles about the composition and functioning of the earth's ecosystems, principles deemed essential to a sound working knowledge of the environment. Course offerings from the social sciences assess the impact of human beings upon the environment and the possibility of creating different environments. The program is designed for students who desire either to focus on a study of the environment as part of a broader liberal arts curriculum or to prepare for an environmentally related career or graduate school. Professional opportunities for graduates include a wide range of positions in public agencies responsible for developing and enforcing environmental controls, and in business, industry and nonprofit organizations which need qualified individuals to communicate environmental information and to assist in compliance with environmental regulations. Additional opportunities are available in conjunction with other programs of study, such as environmental law, environmental health, education and public administration.
Geography, B.A.
Geography is concerned with the spatial variations and interrelationships between the natural and cultural features of the earth. Geographers study the earth primarily as the home of human beings. As an approach to knowledge, geography forms an interdisciplinary bridge between the physical and cultural worlds, examining both humans and their environment. As a synthesizing discipline, geography is an especially attractive major for liberal arts and science students. Its body of theory and methodologies provides an analytic technique applicable to a wide range of questions. For students planning to terminate their formal education with a bachelor's degree, it also provides both the regional and world perspective required of responsible citizens. For the same reasons, geography is especially valuable for those who plan to do graduate work. Geography offers job opportunities in teaching, business, government, armed forces, conservation and water resources, planning and market research, geographic information systems (GIS) and international organizations.
Global Studies, B.A.
Global studies provides students with an understanding of complex processes and interactions that span the globe. Many contemporary events are driven by global institutions, actors, and visions that shape people's lives in every corner of the planet. Using a cross-disciplinary approach our purpose is to examine the most important global issues of our times. Our objective is to develop students' theoretical and methodological skills promoting greater global awareness and involvement.
History, B.A.
The study of history nurtures and refines a broad spectrum of skills which make not only for good historians and teachers, but for good workers in many fields where men and women are sought who can read critically, analyze and write. In fact, while teaching and research have traditionally been the avenues history majors have followed, a multitude of career opportunities has always existed for those who like history but do not wish to become teachers. The skills history majors learn and refine in thinking, research, problem defining and solving, speaking and writing-in conjunction with skills acquired from other selected courses-ideally suit them for positions in the business world and with governmental agencies.
Political Science, B.A.
The major in political science is designed for students who desire a liberal arts program with an emphasis on politics, government and public policy; plan a career in government service or public administration; seek training for positions in foreign service agencies of the United States government, international organizations or corporations; intend to study law; wish to prepare for teaching in the public schools; or intend to work for advanced degrees in political science in preparation for college or university teaching or for government service.
Political Economy, B.A.
The Political Economy major provides students with a knowledge of contemporary issues and policy along with a set of practical skills preparing students for employment in community groups, unions, non-profits, government, and private businesses. This program also equips students to enter professional schools along with graduate schools in various disciplines.
The major combines course work from Economics and other disciplines to create a coherent program investigating the behavior of the economy and society using a broader and more inclusive framework than found in standard economics programs. In particular, this program is an innovative blend of coursework from mainstream economics, heterodox economics, and non-economics disciplines. The program provides students with the skills necessary to perform research and data analysis along with allowing students to gain additional practical skills such as writing for the public, accounting, and geographic information systems.
Importantly, the program gives students the option to systematically investigate gender, race, and ethnicity. To promote student engagement with the community, the program has a service-learning course.
Psychology, B.A.
The general objectives of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology are to present the scientific and professional aspects of psychology to the undergraduate majoring in this field and to provide service courses as electives for students throughout the university. Psychology majors may plan to apply the knowledge and skills provided by a broad psychology background to many employment opportunities which do not require graduate training. Within the Psychology B.A. degree, the department offers formal concentrations in Biological Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students intending to enroll in graduate school in psychology, neuroscience, social work, or education will find the undergraduate psychology program provides an excellent base for entry into graduate training.
Social Sciences, B.A.
The social sciences major is designed for those students who either, wish to blend any three of the disciplines represented in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, or want to pursue the single subject teaching credential in social science, with an emphasis on History.
Social Work, B.A.
The Department of Social Work offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. This degree prepares baccalaureate students for generalist social work practice and equips them to work in agency settings with individuals, families, groups and communities who are encountering problems related to personal or social circumstance. The program is accredited the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for social work programs. The program is intensive and exciting and applies to a wide variety of social work client populations.
Sociology, B.A.
The sociology major offers a balanced program of study for students interested in pursuing graduate study or in the practical application of sociology. The curriculum is designed to expose the student to the scope and methods of sociology and to provide a broad educational background for understanding the structure and functioning of modern society.