***To view specific program requirements, please check the online catalog***

Art
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art at Athens State University certifies the completion of major study in the visual arts, which has been taken as an integral part of a general liberal arts degree program. The degree implies study in-depth of a number of studio and art history courses.

The self-growth of artists is a primary goal of this program. Preparation for graduate studies in visual arts for majors is another important aspect of this study. Each student will receive careful consideration of individual needs and conscientious direction in planning an appropriate avenue of study within the program. The senior majors exhibition culminates the study. Additionally, the department offers enrichment courses for non-art majors, electives for the continued growth of artists, required art education courses and required humanities electives.

View the Art website
View the Alabama Center for the Arts website

Behavioral Science
This program is designed for the student who ultimately aspires to work in the area of mental health, social work, counseling, or substance abuse. It provides students the flexibility of being able to enter the work force immediately upon graduation or to enter a master's degree program in counseling or social work. The program provides a solid foundation of he basic knowledge in psychology and sociology, and provides for a concentration of courses dealing with applied and clinical aspects of human services professions. The specific objectives of this degree are to provide a knowledge base of the disciplines of psychology and sociology, teach a variety of clinical concepts and skills which will be useful in applied human services settings, instill an appreciation for the ethical principles governing the fields of psychology, social work, and counseling, and to assist the student either to locate degree related employment or to be admitted to an appropriate graduate program.

Biology
The Department of Biology sponsors majors leading to the Bachelor of Science degree and to the Bachelor of Science degree with teacher licensure (6-12). Biology and Marine Science minors also are offered. Structured to prepare students for research and technical areas requiring a baccalaureate degree, the biology major also is designed to satisfy most graduate and/or professional school admission requirements. The objective of the major is to provide the graduate with a comprehensive science education, encompassing standard academic courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Courses and programs are structured to provide basic coursework applicable to (1) fields requiring a general preparation in biology, (2) graduate and professional program, (3) medical & related health fields, and (4) secondary school teaching.

Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry prepares the student for a career in industrial or governmental chemistry laboratories, graduate study, or secondary teaching. With proper electives, the chemistry major also may enter graduate degree programs in law, medical or dental school, environmental sciences, and related fields.

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Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science provides students with a strong foundation in programming, problem analysis, problem solving and software engineering, significantly supplemented with practical experience using hardware and software resources available in contemporary computer laboratories maintained by the Department.  There are three Computer Science degree options:   Computer Science (CS option), Computer Information Systems (CIS option) and Computer Networking (CN option).  The CS curriculum is designed to prepare students for business and industry or graduate school.  The CIS option provides students with a foundation in business and information systems to complement the core requirements in problem solving and programming in a business environment.  The goal of this curriculum is to prepare the student for industry as a technically oriented member of an information systems development team.  The Computer Networking option focuses on the technical aspects of computer networking.  The combination of the Computer Networking option and the structured programming features found in both the CS and CIS curricula should enable a student to be well prepared and competitive in business and industry.

View the Computer Science website

Criminal Justice
The bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice provides students with a knowledge base of the criminal law process, theoretical concepts of crime causation and control, and policymaking and management practices within criminal justice agencies. Program graduates have the skills and competencies to pursue graduate studies in the criminal justice field or gain employment in positions in law enforcement, correctional administration, judicial administration, probation/parole, and security in government and private sectors.

View the Criminal Justice website

English
English as an academic field encompasses both theory and practice in the reading and interpreting of literature as well as in written and oral communication. All courses are designed to engage the intelligence, excite and imagination, improve scholarship, and increase the enjoyment of literature and language. Appropriate transferred courses may be substituted, when so evaluated, for listed courses. Those students desiring to be certified as English teachers for the public schools should follow he Licensure and Certification track.

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Visit the Drama website

Health Science
The Health Science major culminates in a baccalaureate degree for nursing professionals, or for students who are certified in a para-medical filed such as, but not limited to, dental hygiene, medical records, medical technology, health physics, or animal health technology.

Visit the Health and Professional Studies website.

Health and Wellness Management
A major in health and wellness management with a Bachelor of Science degree responds to a need to prepare professionals with expertise in health fitness who become employed in such areas as business, industry, service agencies, correctional institutions and hospitals.

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History
The history faculty seek to develop in its students an appreciation of our cultural heritage, an understanding of the world in which we live, and an awareness of the future. It strives to develop in its majors the research abilities necessary for graduate work. Through courses of interest to the non-major; it makes the student aware of the cultural legacy from Europe, England, and the United States and affords an opportunity to study other areas of the world. The History Department, acting in conjunction with the College of Education, offers students who wish to become secondary school teachers the Bachelor of Arts degree in history with teacher certification in addition to the traditional Bachelor of Arts in history degree.

Liberal Studies
The Liberal Studies program is designed to benefit students who seek progression and mobility in their educational and career goals. The program provides maximum flexibility in course selection while allowing the student to concentrate on subject matter of particular relevance. The Liberal Studies program also is intended for those student who wish to enrich and satisfy their personal goals through non-specialized collegiate study.

Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics offers two tracks for its major. Track I, leading to the Bachelor of Science degree, will prepare the graduate for scientific endeavors requiring detailed and exact scientific analysis, while Track II, the licensure/certification track, will prepare the student for a rewarding career as a high school and/or middle school mathematics teacher. A mathematics major combined with a Computer Science minor will open many career opportunities for a graduate.

View the Mathematics website .

Political Science
The bachelor’s degree in Political Science provides students with a foundation in American and non-American politics through rigorous coursework across seven areas of political science: American national government, American state and local government, public policy, constitutional law, public administration, international relations, and foreign policy. In addition, students are provided a foundation on research methodology and undertake a discipline-related observational experience. The curriculum is structured to provide students with a background appropriate for a prelaw school experience. Program graduates have the skills and competencies necessary for entry into a graduate program in Public Administration, or pursue career opportunities in law-related fields, public administration, or teaching government and politics at the secondary school level. *Note: The Bachelor of Art degree requires a minor in another field.

Psychology
The bachelors degrees in Psychology aspire to assist students in planning for their careers. The Bachelor of Art degree is recommended for those seeking to enter graduate school. The Bachelor of Science degree is for those who wish to seek employment after graduation. The Department goals are aimed at: (1) enhancing the student’s understanding of human services settings through a broad knowledge base of applied and clinical areas of human behavior; (2) instilling an appreciation for the ethical principles governing the fields of psychology, social work, and counseling; (3) cultivating life-long learning through proficient use of technology and information; (4) developing reasoning and analytical skills; and (5) communicating effectively orally and in writing.

Public Safety and Health Administration
The Public Safety and Health Administration program is concerned with the administration of public agencies, at all levels of government, which promote community health and safety. The program is mostly aimed at students with working experience in preventing, responding, managing, and reducing the consequences of public emergencies. Through rigorous course work, the program prepares professionals in emergency response and allied health agencies for increased management and administration responsibilities, thus enhancing career opportunities.

Visit the Health and Professional Studies website

Religion
The Religious Studies Program at Athens State University provides students with the educational background necessary for successful graduate studies or for professional careers in related fields. Religion and philosophy courses are designed to be informative, interdisciplinary, and enriching for all students. Courses also help students relate everyday life to larger religious and philosophical concerns. Athens State University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Religion or in Religion. Our Religious Studies department offers these degrees within the context of a state university. These studies are founded upon standards prevalent in the wider academic community. Instructors endeavor to present material in a fair, objective, and scholarly manner without giving special privilege to any particular religious heritage.

View the Religious Studies website

Social Science
The Social Science major is for students interested in an interdisciplinary concentration in history, political science, geography, and economics. There is a licensure and certification track for students seeking a career in secondary education, which provides candidates with a very flexible degree for entering that job market for grades 6 to 12. Because 36 hours are required in history, students are also well qualified to seek a graduate degree in history. The Social Science major is also available for students who do not intend to teach but believe that an interdisciplinary approach will help them better understand history, political science, and the world in which they live. With 15 hours in political science, the social science major could consider the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. Students might also find social science a useful major for careers in government or journalism.

Sociology
The bachelors degrees in Sociology aspire to assist students in planning for their careers. The Bachelor of Art degree is for those who wish to pursue further graduate training. The Bachelor of Science degree is for those who wish to seek employment after graduation. The Department goals are aimed at: (1) enhancing the student’s understanding of human services settings through a broad knowledge base of applied and clinical areas of human behavior; (2) instilling an appreciation for the ethical principles governing the fields of psychology, social work, and counseling; (3) cultivating life-long learning through proficient use of technology and information; (4) developing reasoning and analytical skills; and (5) communicating effectively orally and in writing.

View more information regarding Sociology at Athens State.

***To view specific program requirements, please check the online catalog***