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Liberal Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Majors + Programs
Undergraduate Majors + Programs
Anthropology
Minor
The study of human biological and physiological characteristics and their evolution. Pair with any major to further study and understand human behavior.
Art-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Art students pursue a well-rounded liberal-arts program of study, and elect a second area of study (for example, marketing, journalism, or public relations) to develop alternate career options.
Art-BFA
Bachelor of Fine Arts
This program of studies is designed to prepare students to work professionally in an art field or to study at the advanced level at a graduate or professional school. Students complete coursework focused on a concentrated subject area. We offer BFA concentrations in the following studio areas: Ceramics, Engraving Arts, Glass, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture.
Art Education (Grades PreK-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in art education prepares students to teach in all PreK-12 grades.
Art History
Minor
The minor in art is an enrichment program for students desiring recognition of accomplishments in the visual arts without the commitment required for a major in art.
Art-Minor
Minor
This 18 hour program of studies offered by the Department of Art is designed to enhance a baccalaureate degree program, preparing students to work professionally in a field that may benefit from expanded study in the visual arts. Students may complete course work focused on a concentrated subject area.
Biochemistry Concentration
Chemistry, Concentration
Learn more about the building blocks of life and matter! The chemistry faculty at Emporia State University have a tradition of excellence that will propel you to a successful career. After graduation, you might work in environmental, pharmaceutical or food laboratories. Or, you might continue your education by attending pharmacy, medical, engineering, chiropractic, or graduate school.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bachelor of Science
Research new ways to treat disease, fight bioterrorism, improve crop production and more. Prepare for medical school or admission to ESU’s Forensic Science Program.
Biology-BA
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts major in biology is for students desiring a broad, liberal education. Students seeking this degree are typically preparing for an interdisciplinary professional career which requires exposure and training in the life sciences (e.g. scientific sales/marketing, scientific writing or science policy).
Biology Education-Teaching
Bachelor of Science in Education
The secondary education program in The Teachers College works in partnership with the biology department so you will be well-prepared in both biology content and teacher education.
Biology-Minor
Minor
The biology minor is not intended to provide students with an in-depth acquaintance with the biological sciences. It satisfies the minor program for the non-teaching major in a bachelor of science program and the second program for the student pursuing the degree Bachelor of Arts who desires a second program of study of less than 30 hours.
Chemistry
Minor
The nature of all substances and how they interact with each other. Careers: business, research, pharmaceutical, toxicology and education fields.
Chemistry-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Learn more about the building blocks of life and matter! The chemistry faculty at Emporia State University have a tradition of excellence that will propel you to a successful career. After graduation, you might work in environmental, pharmaceutical or food laboratories.
Chemistry-BS
Bachelor of Science
The nature of all substances and how they interact with each other. Careers: business, research, pharmaceutical, toxicology and education fields. ESU offers an American Chemical Society accredited program which is recognized in the discipline as the premier chemistry major.
Chemistry Education (Grades 6-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
Gain a deep working knowledge of chemistry paired with award-winning secondary education courses to teach chemistry at the high school level and beyond.
Child Maltreatment and Family Violence
Bachelor of Science, Concentration
The concentration in Child Maltreatment and Family Violence is recommended for students interested in expanding their knowledge and education in the area of child abuse and domestic violence, and training and field experience in serving this population.
Communication-BA
Bachelor of Arts
A versatile and invaluable member of the team, communication majors fill roles in corporate communication, marketing, leadership, public relations, human resources, creative directing, lobbying and more.
Communication-BS
Bachelor of Science
A versatile and invaluable member of the team, communication majors fill roles in corporate communication, marketing, leadership, public relations, human resources, creative directing, lobbying and more.
Communication Minor-Business Focus
Minor
A minor in communication may be taken by students who have majors in other disciplines. Courses in communication are excellent preparation for students in industry, public relations, management, media, counseling, law, and other professions that are heavily dependent upon good communication skills.
Communication Minor-Liberal Arts Focus
Minor
Students whose academic major falls within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will normally take the minor with the liberal arts option; those whose academic major falls outside the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will normally take the minor with the business option. Either minor is an appropriate choice for students whose academic program requires a minor as well as for students who are required to have a second program of study under the degree Bachelor of Arts.
Correctional Services Concentration-Crime and Delinquency Studies
Crime and Delinquency Studies, Bachelor of Arts, Concentration
The concentration in correctional services will prepare our CDS majors to meet the increasing demand for correctional officers in Kansas and across the country. By completing the concentration, the students will be able to acquire the basic knowledge and skills necessary to effectively and professionally work in prisons, jails, and community corrections programs (parole and probation).
Creative Writing
Minor
Receive guided practice in the writing of poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction prose.
Crime and Delinquency Studies
Minor
In-depth academic preparation for a career in crime and delinquency. Careers: social services, government agencies, corrections, juvenile justice and many more.
Crime and Delinquency Studies-BA
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Crime and Delinquency Studies traditionally has been a broad-based liberal arts degree designed to provide the student with a solid foundation in Crime and Delinquency Studies and course work in a variety of other liberal arts disciplines. The Bachelor of Arts degree program is designed primarily for those students who intend to pursue an advanced degree in Crime and Delinquency Studies, Juvenile Justice or Law.
Crime and Delinquency Studies-BS
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Crime and Delinquency Studies is designed to provide a student with in-depth academic preparation in the field of Crime and Delinquency. The B.S. degree is designed primarily for those students who intend to pursue careers in Crime and Delinquency Studies, juvenile justice, law enforcement, government agencies, and other related fields, or who want more extensive preparation in the discipline of Crime and Delinquency Studies for advanced degree programs.
Critical and Cultural Communication
Bachelor of Arts
Prepares students for careers in governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public advocacy groups or for graduate or professional school. Students explore the rhetorical or persuasive interpretation of communication in political, societal, and cultural contexts. Course offerings promote critical reflection on subjects such as, but not limited to, class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, the public sphere, and politics.
Dual Degree- Engineering ESU Bachelor of Science Mathematics
Engineering, Bachelor of Science
The dual-degree engineering program allows the student to complete all of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in mathematics in three years and one summer at Emporia State University, then complete additional hours at either Kansas State University or the University of Kansas for a Bachelor of Science in engineering.
Dual-Degree Engineering ESU Bachelor of Science Mathematics-Statistics Concentration
Engineering, Bachelor of Science
The dual-degree program in engineering allows the student to complete all of the requirements for the degree of bachelor of science with a major in mathematics, including all major requirements as well as those in general education, in three years and a summer of residence at Emporia State University.
Earth Science
Minor
Gain a broad-based background in the earth sciences. Heightened environmental awareness has led need for graduates in governmental agencies, environmental consulting, petroleum exploration, education and more.
Earth Science-BA
Bachelor of Arts
The Earth Science program in the Department of Physical Sciences provides you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience via field studies, laboratory activities, and by offering a wide variety of specialized coursework in geology, atmospheric science, hydrogeology, oceanography, geomorphology, paleontology, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing.
Earth Science-BS
Bachelor of Science
The Earth Science program in the Department of Physical Sciences provides you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience via field studies, laboratory activities, and by offering a wide variety of specialized coursework in geology, atmospheric science, hydrogeology, oceanography, geomorphology, paleontology, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing.
Earth & Space Science Education (Grades 6-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
Gain a deep understanding of Earth-Space Science paired with ESU’s renowned secondary education program and become a secondary education teacher.
East Asian Studies Minor
Minor
The minor in East Asian Studies provides students with detailed information about the peoples, cultures, history, philosophies, religions, art and literatures of East Asia.
Ecology and Biodiversity
Bachelor of Science, Concentration
Major in biology with a concentration in Ecology and Biodiversity.
Economics-BS
Bachelor of Science
The economics major is designed to develop and enhance critical and analytical thinking in a focused program of study. The Bachelor of Science in economics includes a broad-based exposure to economics followed by courses in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, and statistics.
Economics Minor
Minor
The economics minor is designed to develop and enhance critical and analytical thinking in a focused program of study.
Elementary Education-Distance Partnership
Bachelor of Science in Education
Want to stay in your own backyard? Emporia State has partnership programs with Butler Community College, Johnson County Community College, and Kansas City Kansas Community College, allowing students to complete the Elementary Education program without relocating.
Engineering - Chemistry
Bachelor of Science
This program is offered in conjunction with Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. It is especially appropriate for students planning to complete degrees in agricultural, civil, chemical, or petroleum engineering.
To earn the B.S. degree at Emporia State, the student must satisfy all major and general education requirements prior to transferring to KSU or KU. The student will normally fulfill the requirements for the B.S. in engineering after an additional two years at either school.
Engineering-Dual-Degree BS Physics
Pre Professional Program
Gain a dual degree in Mathematics or Physical Science and Engineering (Kansas State University or University of Kansas) through our intercollegiate dual degree program agreement.
Engineering -Earth Science
Bachelor of Science
This program is offered in conjunction with Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. It is especially appropriate for students planning to complete the degree in civil engineering.
To earn the B.S. degree at Emporia State, the student must satisfy all major and general education requirements prior to transfer. The student will normally fulfill the requirements for the B.S. in engineering after an additional two years at either Kansas State University or the University of Kansas.
English
Minor
Convey the written word clearly and effectively, develop a deep understanding of language and literature.
English-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Convey the written word clearly and effectively, develop a deep understanding of language and literature.
English Education (Grades 6-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
A Bachelor of Science in Education with an English teaching field prepares the student for a career in junior high and high school teaching. The secondary education program in The Teachers College works in partnership with the English program to prepare you in both language arts content and teacher education.
English Teaching-Middle Level Licensure
Bachelor of Science in Education
Gain a deep understanding of English including the written word, language, and literature. This program is paired with ESU’s revered secondary education program and will qualify you to teach at the secondary education level.
Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts, Concentration
A major in chemistry with a concentration in environmental chemistry, the study of chemical and biochemical phenomenon that occur in natural places.
Ethnic & Gender Studies
Minor, Bachelor of Arts
Study the historical and cultural constructions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class; explore the social and political issues associated with these categories.
General Studies
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
This program is designed specifically for students who have completed a significant amount of college credit with a desire to finish their Bachelor's degrees for job advancement, continued studies, or personal satisfaction. In this flexible on-campus or online program, you take the classes you are interested in and expand your knowledge in multiple areas of study while completing your degree requirements in a timely fashion.
Geography
Minor
Systematic study of spatial distribution and interrelationships of people, natural resources, plant and animal life.
Geospatial Analysis
Minor
Geospatial analysis is used to solve practical and scientific problems of the world - conduct coastal and geological surveys, evaluate natural resources, civil engineering, marketing analysis.
Glass Forming-Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration
Art major with a concentration in glass forming.
Graphic Design-Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration
Art major with a concentration in graphic design.
Healthcare-Biology
Bachelor of Science, Concentration
This program of study is most appropriate for students wishing to prepare for careers in the health-related professions (e.g. medicine, dentistry, optometry, medical technology, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician’s assistant or veterinary medicine). These programs will require post-baccalaureate training at another institution. The Healthcare Concentration will provide the necessary pre-requisites for acceptance into these schools.
History
Minor
Dive deep into areas of history, specializing in a specific area of interest. Careers in community education, museums, foreign service agent for the government, consultant, education.
History - BA
Bachelor of Arts
Dive deep into areas of history, specializing in a specific area of interest. Careers in community education, museums, foreign service agent for the government, consultant, education.
History - BS
Bachelor of Science
Dive deep into areas of history, specializing in a specific area of interest. Careers in community education, museums, archivist and nonprofit management, consultant, education.
History/Government: Social Studies Education (Grades 6-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
Gain deep under of various parts of history and the social sciences, paired with ESU’s renowned education program to teach history/social studies at the secondary education level (grades 6-12).
Interdisciplinary Studies
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies major is a flexible program for motivated students looking to engage with their college education on a fundamental level. Interdisciplinary Studies students take courses from multiple areas of study throughout the University and design degrees that fit their individual needs, both academically and professionally.
Journalism Education
Bachelor of Science in Education
Learn reporting, publication design, design, law, and ethics of journalism. Paired with ESU’s education program, graduates are prepared to teach journalism at the secondary level.
Latin American Studies-Minor
Minor
The US is the second largest Spanish Speaking country and set to be the largest Spanish speaking country by 2050. As such, this coursework is designed to pair with any other major area of study to better prepare the student for transnational work with Latin American partnerships and/or US Latinos, Spanish and Portuguese speaking consumers and professionals.
Leadership Communication
Bachelor of Arts, Leadership, Concentration
Prepares students to meet personal and professional goals by acquiring communication competence to lead effectively in politics, law, business, and community. Students will examine theories and develops skills that allow them to practice leadership. Course offerings expose students to leadership in diverse settings, group experiences, and conflict management.
Legal Studies
Minor
The Legal Studies Minor makes the Pre-law curriculum available to students who are not Political Science majors. It is excellent preparation for Law school and features a unique Introduction to Law course taught by a third-year student: the only such course in the state.
Mathematics-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Upon graduation, this student will be extremely well prepared to pursue a graduate degree in mathematics or a related area, or to enter a job situation requiring versatility rather than specialization.
Mathematics-BS
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in mathematics is recommended for the student desiring considerable specialization in mathematics. Courses selected according to the student's objective will prepare him/her for employment as a mathematician in industry or government, in the fields of science, engineering, computers, statistics, business, economics, and actuarial science.
Mathematics-Statistics
Bachelor of Science, Concentration
For any student wanting to enter a career with technology or to pursue graduate studies in statistics, the mathematics major with a concentration in statistics is a perfect foundation.
Microbial and Cellular Biology
Bachelor of Science, Concentration
A degree in Biology with a concentration in microbial and cellular biology.
Music
Bachelor of Arts
Conservatory quality training for vocal and instrumental music at a public regional university prepares students to teach, perform and enjoy music as a career.
Music Education: Instrumental/Vocal (Grades PreK-12)
Bachelor of Music, Concentration
The Bachelor of Music with a music education concentration prepares the student to teach PreK-12 music. In teaching children and young adults, you teach not only music, but confidence, perseverance and dedication, skills needed for a successful adult life.
Music Minor
Minor
The undergraduate with an interest in music can select one of two music minors: Plan I-Applied Music and Performance; Plan II Music Theory and History. This program, designed for the student who wants thorough preparation in some field other than music, provides the opportunity to pursue a minor concentration in music.
Music Performance
Bachelor of Music, Concentration
Concentration in Music Performance is designed for advanced study of primary instrument, along with courses in music history, music theory, and introductory research.
National Security
Minor
The national security minor addresses critical challenges facing U.S. national security and the international system in the 21st century. The minor recognizes the changing structures of the international system, the threat of terror, the use and control of force, and the evolution of paradigms in international relations and cooperation.
Nursing
Bachelor of Science
Nurses are in high-demand, graduates are eligible to take the national licensure examination for registered nursing (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.
Organizational Communication
Bachelor of Arts, Concentration
Prepares students for careers ranging from the area of human relations to management positions in profit and nonprofit organizations. Students examine theories and develop communication skills that will enable them to become proficient in accomplishing organizational goals with others. Course offerings expose students to techniques for training and developing employees, methods for managing conflict, and strategies for promoting effective communication in organizations.
Paleontology
Minor
Use techniques from a wide-range of sciences to study the evolutionary history of life. ESU’s Paleontology minor can be paired with any major for a career in research, museum and academia.
Philosophy
Minor
Philosophy can yield immediate benefits for students planning postgraduate work in law, medical, business, and other post-graduate professional schools.
Physical Science
Minor
The study of inanimate natural objects, a minor in physical science includes courses from each of the three subject areas - chemistry, earth science, and physics.
Physics-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Physicists try to answer important questions like “What are matter and energy, and how do they behave in the Universe?” The physics program at ESU has a strong tradition of educating students so they can ask and answer these questions themselves. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) physics major introduces students to the major areas of physics while allowing students to explore other subjects.
Physics-BS
Bachelor of Science
Physicists try to answer important questions like “What are matter and energy, and how do they behave in the Universe?” The physics program at ESU has a strong tradition of educating students so they can ask and answer these questions themselves. The Bachelor of Science (BS) physics major is focused in physics and provides in-depth preparation for immediate employment or graduate study.
Physics Education (Grades 6-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
Our program is built on a rich heritage of nationally recognized teacher education to prepare chemistry, earth-space science and physics teachers for the 21st century. Our program equips teacher candidates for grades 6-12 to be competitive and marketable to work nationwide and enable them to get a job before they graduate.
Political Science
Minor
Study of legislative, executive and judicial institutions at the national, state and local levels.
Political Science - BA
Bachelor of Arts
Study of legislative, executive and judicial institutions at the national, state and local levels.
Political Science - BS
Bachelor of Science
Study of legislative, executive and judicial institutions at the national, state and local levels.
Pre-Agriculture
Pre Professional Program
Our Pre-Agriculture program will provide you with several options for a career, ranging from animal science to resource management.
Pre-Chiropractic Medicine (Biology)
Pre Professional Program
A Dual Degree Program has been articulated between Emporia State University and Cleveland Chiropractic College, whereby a student takes prescribed courses at ESU, then takes courses for three years at Cleveland. Certain courses are transferred back to ESU, enabling the student to earn a BA degree in Chemistry from ESU and a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree from Cleveland Chiropractic.
Pre-Dentistry
Pre Professional Program
ESU offers a variety of programs that prepare students for dental school. The specific curriculum will be dependent upon the schools of dentistry to which the students may wish to apply.
Pre-Engineering-Intent to transfer to Kansas State University
Pre Professional Program
Specific programs have been developed for students planning to transfer to Kansas State University, the University of Kansas or Wichita State University after spending two years at Emporia State. Students planning to transfer to an out-of-state engineering school should work out programs of study with their advisors.
Pre-Engineering-Intent to Transfer to University of Kansas
Pre Professional Program
Specific programs have been developed for students planning to transfer to Kansas State University, the University of Kansas or Wichita State University after spending two years at Emporia State. Students planning to transfer to an out-of-state engineering school should work out programs of study with their advisors.
Pre-Engineering-Intent to Transfer to Wichita State University
Pre Professional Program
Specific programs have been developed for students planning to transfer to Kansas State University, the University of Kansas or Wichita State University after spending two years at Emporia State. Students planning to transfer to an out-of-state engineering school should work out programs of study with their advisors.
Pre-Law
Pre Professional Program
Emporia State is the only institution in Kansas that offers senior pre-law students the opportunity to take a special orientation course on what to expect in law school. Emporia State pre-law graduates have been accepted at outstanding law schools throughout the country and are now practicing in a variety of fields as lawyers and judges.
Pre-Medical
Pre Professional Program
ESU offers a variety of programs that prepare students for medical school. ESU's pre-medical program allows students to prepare to enter medical school.
Pre-Medical Technology
Pre Professional Program
ESU offers a variety of programs that prepare students for advanced studies in medical technology.
Pre-Optometry
Pre Professional Program
ESU offers a variety of programs that prepare students for advanced studies in optometry. Consult with an academic advisor in the Student Advising Center to determine the best academic pathway for you.
Pre-Pharmacy Program
Pre Professional Program
Under this program, students would receive a BA in Chemistry from Emporia State University and a PharmD from an accredited pharmacy school. The program consists of up to 101 credit hours at ESU pending requirements met by substitutions or demonstrated proficiencies.
Pre-Physical Therapy (Biology)
Pre Professional Program
ESU offers a variety of programs that prepare students for advanced studies in physical therapy.
Pre-Veterinary
Pre Professional Program
This pre-professional program prepares students for application to veterinary school.
Public Administration
Minor
Management of local, state and national offices and be prepared to be a leader and change agent.
Public Administration Concentration-Political Science
Bachelor of Science
Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration is perfect for students interested in careers in government, public management, or not-for-profit organization administration. These courses also serve those interested in law school or graduate study in public administration, political science, business administration and planning.
Public History
Certificate Program
History begins with curiosity about the past, and there are many ways to turn that curiosity into a successful career. The major emphasizes critical thinking, research, writing skills, and working with primary and secondary sources. A wide range of employers highly value these analytical skills. We also have an M.A. degree, along with certificate programs for licensed teachers and for students wishing to study Public History. In addition, we have two joint degree programs with the School of Library and Information Management.
Public Relations
Bachelor of Arts
Students learn to balance communication theory, research, and application to prepare to manage public relations programs of public and private organizations. Course offerings emphasize writing, critical thinking, creative problem solving, plan implementation and evaluation.
Relational Communication-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Prepares students through exposure to communication skills relevant to careers in health care and non-profit organizations, ministry, and marital or family therapy. Students explore theory and practice related to improving an individual’s success in social interactions. Course offerings emphasize social relationship interdependency, gendered and intercultural communication, and nonverbal communication.
Science Education (Grades 5-8)
Bachelor of Science in Education
Our program is built on a rich heritage of nationally recognized teacher education to prepare chemistry, earth-space science and physics teachers for the 21st century. Our program equips teacher candidates to be competitive and marketable to work nationwide and enable them to get a job before they graduate.
Sociology
Minor
Human interactions, how various social units affect individual and collective human behavior.
Sociology-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Human interactions, how various social units affect individual and collective human behavior.
Sociology-BS
Bachelor of Science
Deepen your understanding of society with a bachelor's degree in Sociology or Crime and Delinquency Studies and become an agent of social change.
Spanish Education (Grades PreK-12)
Bachelor of Science in Education
Language skills necessary to function effectively in the environment native to the language, paired with ESU’s exceptional teaching preparation program to teach Spanish in grades PreK-12.
Spanish-Modern Languages
Bachelor of Arts
Pursuing this degree prepares students for the bilingual reality in which the US is the second largest Spanish Speaking country and is on target to be the largest Spanish speaking country by 2050. With 600 million Spanish Speakers worldwide and over 50 million Spanish Speakers in the US, Spanish is the world’s fourth most spoken language.
Theatre-BA
Bachelor of Arts
Learn by doing as an actor, designer and technician. Careers: teach, act, design or pursue graduate study. ESU has 8-10 productions every year.
Theatre-BFA
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The degree Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in theatre provides intense preparation for students desiring to become a competent craftsperson and knowledgeable in all areas of theatre.