Degrees & Majors

Program Information

Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates many perspectives on the study of human language. Studying linguistics is not a matter of learning many different languages, but rather it is the study of the nature of language in general. Applied Linguistics is the study of language and communication in relation to real-world problems such as language acquisition and teaching, language assessment, improving intercultural communication, and understanding the relationship between language and social organization. The Department of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language offers (1) a B.A. degree in Applied Linguistics; (2) a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), (3) ESL credit-bearing courses for non-native speakers of English, and (4) Intensive English Program (IEP) courses for non-native speakers of English. The B.A. in Applied Linguistics provides the opportunity for students to explore the field of linguistics from an interdisciplinary perspective. The TEFL certificate program provides students with appropriate skills and a credential that will enable them to teach English as a foreign language abroad. Students majoring in any undergraduate program can earn the TEFL certificate. In addition, the certificate can be earned by any post-baccalaureate student. TEFL certificate requirements consist of the following five courses: AL 3021, AL 3041, AL 3051, AL 3101, and AL 4161. AL 3021 is a prerequisite for AL 3041, AL 3051, and AL 4161. AL 3051 is a prerequisite for AL 4161. AL 2021 Intro to English Linguistics is a prerequisite to these courses, except for post-baccalaureate students, but students may be exempted from this requirement by taking a departmental exam. AL 3021 is the fist course in the series, but may be taken in conjunction with AL 3051 and AL 3101. AL 4161 should be the last course taken, andAL 3051 is a prerequisite to this practicum course. For the latest information about required courses, view the Undergraduate Catalog. For more information about the Minor in Applied Linguistics, view the Department of Applied Linguistics & ESL website.

Program Information

Computer science is the systematic exploration of all aspects of computation. Computer science as a
 discipline seeks to build a scientific foundation for topics such as computer design, computer programming
 and software, information processing, algorithmic solutions to problems, and the algorithmic process itself.
 Computer science provides underpinnings for today’s applications in industry, science, government, and
 business and prepares the foundation for tomorrow’s applications in ubiquitous computing, medical cures
 for diseases, and instant access to information by everyone. The B.S. degree program in computer science provides preparation in the fundamental principles and
 processes of computation and training in applying these principles in application areas in industry, science,
 government, and business. The student completes a basic group of required courses in the early stages and
 chooses courses from several concentrations in the later stages to provide for appropriate breadth and depth 
of knowledge in the discipline.

 A B.S. degree in computer science provides a good foundation for advanced studies at the M.S. or Ph.D.
 level as well as for careers in industry, science, government, and business. To plan the major according to
 particular goals, students are encouraged to consult with an adviser in the department. Majors who are 
interested in having a paid work experience related to their area of study should contact the university’s
 Office of Cooperative Education, which coordinates the university’s cooperative education programs. For the latest information about required courses, view the Undergraduate Catalog. For more information about the Minor in Computer Science, visit the Department of Computer Science website.

Program Information

The English Department prepares its graduates to demonstrate exceptional critical thinking, interpret and analyze texts of all kinds, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Students who major in English can pursue many career options—from publishing and editing, to advertising, education, business, journalism, web design, and law. As people increasingly seek various types of employment over the course of their lives, the fundamental skills that an English degree entails—understanding other people’s perspectives, thinking imaginatively, conducting research, organizing information, and writing clearly and forcefully—will be crucial in all contexts and all lines of work. Students who major in English pursue a variety of careers after graduation. These include: Writing/Editing; Publishing; Advertising; Law; Web Design; Public Relations; Business/Industry; and Education. For the latest information about the Minor in English and required courses, view the Undergraduate Catalog.

Program Information

The mission of the Department is to give students the opportunity to develop appropriate proficiencies in the modern and classical languages, to acquaint students with the literary and cultural productions of other countries, and to provide them the opportunity to acquire critical skills through literary and cultural analysis. For the latest information about required courses, view the Undergraduate Catalog. For more information about the Minor in French, visit the World Languages & Cultures website.

Program Information

The mission of the Department is to give students the opportunity to develop appropriate proficiencies in the modern and classical languages, to acquaint students with the literary and cultural productions of other countries, and to provide them the opportunity to acquire critical skills through literary and cultural analysis. For the latest information about required courses, view the Undergraduate Catalog. For more information about the Minor in French, visit the World Languages & Cultures website.