COURSE CURRICULUM

All of the listed bachelor’s degree programs, including Secondary Education, Social Work, Sociology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Sports Medicine, Sport Management, and Strategic Communication, follow a similar 120–124 credit hour structure that combines general education, major-specific coursework, and applied learning experiences, but each is designed to prepare students for very different professional pathways. In every program, the General Education Curriculum (GEC) forms the academic foundation, typically including about 35–45 hours of study in written communication, natural sciences with lab components, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, aesthetic appreciation, and sometimes speaking- or writing-intensive requirements. These courses are intended to build essential skills such as critical thinking, scientific reasoning, communication, quantitative literacy, and cultural awareness that are necessary across all professions. After completing general education requirements, students move into major coursework that defines their chosen field and provides specialized knowledge and skills. For example, Secondary Education focuses on pedagogy, adolescent learning, classroom management, and clinical teaching residencies leading to teacher licensure, while Social Work emphasizes human behavior, social welfare systems, ethics, policy, and field education with strict progression requirements tied to professional standards. Sociology centers on understanding social structures, inequality, and research methods, often requiring statistics and sociological theory as core competencies. Speech Pathology and Audiology is heavily science-based, combining anatomy, physiology, linguistics, and clinical observation to prepare students for graduate study in healthcare communication disorders. Sports Medicine integrates biology, chemistry, physics, kinesiology, injury management, and emergency response training to prepare students for advanced healthcare careers such as physical therapy or athletic training, often requiring a related minor for deeper specialization. Sport Management and Strategic Communication focus more on business, media, marketing, sales, analytics, and communication strategy, including internships and capstone projects to build industry readiness. Across all programs, experiential learning such as internships, practicums, residencies, research projects, and capstone courses ensures students can apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Overall, despite their differences, these degrees share a common goal of building a strong academic foundation, specialized professional expertise, and practical experience that prepares students either for immediate employment or for advanced graduate and professional study.