The College of Arts and Sciences is composed of the following departments:  Behavioral Science, Health and Professional Studies, Humanities and Social Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Natural Science.  The program purposes/goals of each department are listed below:

The Department of Behavioral Science
offers courses in three areas of study: Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Programs in the Department employ an interdisciplinary approach aimed at developing a strong academic background to prepare students for employment in the areas of mental health, social work, counseling, substance abuse, sociology, and psychology. In addition, the program provides the student with the flexibility to seek employment immediately after graduation or pursue graduate or professional studies. 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
5. communicating effectively orally and in writing

The Department of Health and Professional Studies
is committed to the delivery of administrative-oriented courses in the areas of public safety and health, health science, and health and wellness management. The curricula are designed to provide emergency response and allied health students with the academic background to qualify for enhanced managerial and administrative career opportunities. The Department goals are aimed at:

1. enhancing the student's knowledge of personal and community health and safety issues, policies, and administrative practices of risk assessment, prevention, response, and mitigation through specialized coursework
2. fostering strong ethical standards
3. developing research and analytical skills to collect and analyze data using scientific methodology
4. enhancing proficiency in the use of technology and information
5. communicating effectively orally and in writing

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
offers courses in seven areas of study: Art, English, History, Justice Studies, Political Science, Religion, and Social Science. Programs in the Department employ an interdisciplinary approach aimed at developing a strong academic background to prepare students for entry-level employment, admission into graduate or professional programs, or certification as secondary education teachers. The Department goals are aimed at:

1. enhancing the student’s understanding of the world, society, and community through a broad knowledge base in the humanities and social sciences
2. fostering respect and appreciation for diversity of people and opinions
3. cultivating life-long learning through proficient use of technology and information
4. developing critical thinking and analytical skills
5. communicating effectively orally and in writing. Students pursuing teaching certification or licensure will complete additional requirements from the College of Education.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
is committed to providing students with a strong academic background on the fundamentals of mathematics and computer science within the context of an increasingly technology-driven society. The program allows students the flexibility to explore a wide range of applied and theoretical areas of mathematics, computing, and logic suitable for different employment environments in business, industry, and government or for further studies. The curriculum is designed to include an interdisciplinary approach where students can combine mathematics and/or computer science courses with other disciplines, as well as gain certification for teaching mathematics at the secondary school level. The Department goals are aimed at:

1. enhancing the student's knowledge of mathematics and computer science
2. cultivating analytical and problem-solving skills
3. instilling an appreciation for ethical principles to face the challenges posed by the development and uses of new technology and advanced scientific inquiry
4. communicating ideas clearly orally and in writing

The Department of Natural Science
offers courses in three areas of study: Biology, Chemistry, and General Science. Programs in the Department employ an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences providing a comprehensive science education background obtained through rigorous coursework, laboratory, and field experience. Structured to prepare students for career opportunities in science in government, industry, and education, or for pursuing post-graduate studies, the Department goals are aimed at:

1. enhancing the student's knowledge of the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, and related life sciences and their interrelationships
2. cultivating analytical and problem solving skills through the active teaching of the scientific method
3. instilling an appreciation for ethical principles in the conduct of scientific inquiry and use of new technology
4. communicating scientific findings and ideas clearly orally and in writing. Students pursuing teaching certification or licensure will complete additional requirements from the College of Education.