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Applied Sociology, MA

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Mission Statement

The Department of Social Sciences, through its course offerings in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Social Work, provides undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs responsive to the needs of a continuously changing society. The central mission of the department is two-fold: first, to prepare individuals to meet challenges of an increasingly complex, technological, and diverse society as effective, responsible and articulate civic members of that society, and second, to provide students with the tools necessary to function in chosen occupations and professions which increasingly emphasize the need for interpersonal skills, ability to relate and interact with diverse populations, and ability to function in multidisciplinary work environments.

Responsive to its dual mission, the department provides students with opportunities to acquire critical thinking skills; to develop and enhance rational thinking and prudent judgement; to enhance communication skills; to develop understanding,respect,sensitivity,and tolerance for differences; to expand the imagination; to acquire knowledge about theoretical perspectives and principles involving chosen departmental disciplines; and to acquire a working knowledge of the application and use of objective methods for inquiry, including field and clinical research as well as pure and applied research perspectives.

In fulfilling its mission, the Department:

• provides courses that focus upon inquiry, abstract logical thinking, and critical analysis; writing,reading,speaking, and listening; values and their impact on choice, decision, and judgement; developing historical consciousness; understanding and developing theoretical perspectives and principles involving the behaviour of individuals and various institutions,organizations, and groups within society; multicultural and international experiences; understanding qualitative and quantitative data; and the use of pure and applied scientific methods of research;
• provides high quality programs that are reviewed at regular intervals and maintained, developed, or redirected as needed;
• provides opportunities for full-time and part-time study by traditional and nontraditional students;
• recruits and retains qualified faculty members who are sensitive to developments in their respective disciplines and demonstrate professional commitment to teaching;
• seeks mutually beneficial relationships with communities (intercampus,city,state,national, and international);
• seeks to encourage an international relationship presence and awareness within the department;
• establishes strategic relationships and programs that enhance opportunities for serving other countries,increasing diversity and international experiences for its students and faculty, and promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation; and
• responds to changing circumstances by supporting initiatives consistent with its mission.

The Department manifests its mission through course offerings for an Associate Degree, a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Bachelor of Science Degree, and a Masters of Arts Degree.