Program Objectives

Program Mission Statement:

The mission of the Geography emphasis is to facilitate student learning and provide students with the geographic knowledge and skills they need to succeed in academics and in the private workplace.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The goals of the Geography emphasis are to produce graduates who:

Goal 1. Are knowledgeable of and competent in the use of geographic concepts and theories.

• Objective 1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of spatial concepts and terminology.
• Objective 2: Students will explain the nature of human - environment interaction and demonstrate spatial-thinking abilities.

Goal 2. Have developed skills in collecting, organizing, analyzing, displaying and communicating spatial and aspatial information.

• Objective 1: Students will demonstrate effective research, written communication and oral communication skills.
• Objective 2: Students will successfully collect, organize, classify, analyze and display geographic data.

Program Guide (PDF)

Program Description: 

The Political Science emphasis provides an excellent liberal arts background for students preparing for careers in which critical thinking and writing skills, as well as an understand­ing of politics and government, is either essential or desir­able.

To promote their career goals, students often combine their political science studies with a minor or major in business, international studies, criminal justice, communica­tion, biology, geography, economics, modern languages, or sustainability and resource management. Political science provides valuable insights into the function­ing of government and politics (locally, nationally and globally) which also serve as excellent preparation for further graduate or professional education.

The Political Science program at Pittsburg State University offers courses in American Politics and Government, Constitutional Law and Judicial Process, Political Philosophy, International Relations, and Comparative Politics.

Objectives: 

Students will:

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of the institutions and practices of the governments of the United States and other countries and of the factors that influence behavior and policy both within and between those governments.
• Learn the practices and methods used to evaluate, assess, and explain political issues, events, and phenomena.
• Develop critical thinking abilities necessary for assessing political claims, arguments, policies, and practices in furtherance of becoming an informed local, national, and global citizen.
• Develop writing and communication skills appropriate to the study of political science.

Program Guide (PDF)

Program Description: 

The Political Science emphasis provides an excellent liberal arts background for students preparing for careers in which critical thinking and writing skills, as well as an understand­ing of politics and government, is either essential or desir­able.

To promote their career goals, students often combine their political science studies with a minor or major in business, international studies, criminal justice, communica­tion, biology, geography, economics, modern languages, or sustainability and resource management. Political science provides valuable insights into the function­ing of government and politics (locally, nationally and globally) which also serve as excellent preparation for further graduate or professional education.

The Political Science program at Pittsburg State University offers courses in American Politics and Government, Constitutional Law and Judicial Process, Political Philosophy, International Relations, and Comparative Politics. 

Objectives:

Students will:

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of the institutions and practices of the governments of the United States and other countries and of the factors that influence behavior and policy both within and between those governments.
• Learn the practices and methods used to evaluate, assess, and explain political issues, events, and phenomena.
• Develop critical thinking abilities necessary for assessing political claims, arguments, policies, and practices in furtherance of becoming an informed local, national, and global citizen.
• Develop writing and communication skills appropriate to the study of political science.

Program Guide (PDF)

Pitt State History students:

1. Research: They use a variety of sources and multiple perspectives to gather and contextualize information about the human experience.
2. Evaluate and interpret evidence: As they research, they develop their critical and analytical thinking skills.
3. Communicate: They use a variety of written and spoken media to craft engaging historical narratives and interpret their research.
4. Become engaged. They contribute to our society as active citizens and lifelong learners.

From American Historical Association:   
"AHA History Tuning Project: 2016 Discipline Core": https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/tuning-the-history-discipline/2016-history-discipline-core

Program Guide (PDF)

Pitt State Graduate History students:

1. Research: Students will use a variety of primary and secondary sources and multiple perspectives to gather and contextualize information about the human experience. Students will conduct significant research though graduate seminars, a research project, and/or a thesis.
2. Evaluate and interpret evidence: Students will use critical and analytical thinking skills to conduct research, interpret its results, and analyze historiography.
3. Communicate: Students will use a variety of written and spoken media to craft engaging historical narratives and explain their historiographical contexts. 
4. Professional historical engagement: Students will apply their research, pedagogical, and professional skills as active citizens and lifelong learners.

Program Guide (PDF)

Criminal Justice major will allow students to pursue their interests in law enforcement, corrections, and other legal careers. 

• Students will develop an understanding of the nature of justice and analyze controversial justice issues through critical inquiry and social science investigation. While primary focus is placed on theories of justice, legal studies, social and economic justice

Program Guide (PDF)

Criminal Justice major with an emphasis in Sociology:

• As the foundation of many fields of study, including social work, gerontology, demography, and criminal justice, sociology serves as a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in a wide variety of fields, including law, law enforcement, criminology, social services, public administration, community planning, international relations, and market research. Sociology's concentration on such social factors as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class also make it an excellent foundation for working in today's multiethnic, multinational business world.

Program Guide (PDF)

Program’s Mission Statement:

The mission of PSU’s Social Work Program is to prepare bachelor level social workers to utilize the knowledge, skills, and values of the social work profession in order to enhance the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities and to promote social and economic justice locally, nationally, and globally. 

To that end, the PSU Social Work Program aims to prepare students for:

• Generalist practice at all levels of the social environment and across the lifespan
• Utilization of the professional self which includes adherence to the Code of Ethics, professional demeanor, effective communication skills, self-awareness, and self-care
• Critical examination of and contribution to research, policies, and practices
• Living and working in a diverse environment
• Promoting human rights and social justice
• Graduate education
• Licensure

Program Goals:

• The program will prepare social work practitioners for entry-level generalist practice who are capable of effectively intervening with diverse client systems and populations at the individual, family, group, organizational and community levels and who are dedicated to the values of human diversity, a global perspective, and continuing personal and professional development.
• The program will prepare students for graduate study.
• The program will contribute to the advancement of social work values, knowledge, and skills. 
• The program will respond to the continuing education needs of practitioners, especially in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri and Northeast Oklahoma.

Program Guide (PDF)

The PSU Social Work Program aims to prepare Foundation Graduate Certificate students for:

• Generalist practice at all levels of the social environment and across the lifespan
• Utilization of the professional self which includes adherence to the Code of Ethics, professional demeanor, effective communication skills, self-awareness, and self-care
• Critical examination of and contribution to research, policies, and practices
• Living and working in a diverse environment
• Promoting human rights and social justice
• Continuation of graduate education through a cooperative program with the University of Kansas
  Licensure

Program Goals:

• The program will prepare social work practitioners for generalist practice who are capable of effectively intervening with diverse client systems and populations at the individual, family, group, organizational and community levels and who are dedicated to the values of human diversity, a global perspective, and continuing personal and professional development.
• The program will prepare students for their second year of graduate study.
• The program will contribute to the advancement of social work values, knowledge, and skills. 
• The program will respond to the continuing education needs of practitioners, especially in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri and Northeast Oklahoma.

Program Guide (PDF)