Undergraduate Specializations

Specializations are 15 credit hour concentrations that build upon the program major. These are career-relevant fields to complement your program of study. Not all specializations are available for all degree programs. If you aren’t sure about which specialization is right for you, or have questions about the coursework, please contact an advisor.

Business Administration

The specialization prepares students to assume a management role in any industry.  It also supports the bachelor's degrees that provide learning in the areas of financial management, business policy development, marketing and human resource management, and understanding information systems.  The specialization is supportive of promotional opportunities, providing a foundation of business administration knowledge for students who have educational and career experience in the sciences, liberal arts, or business. This degree provides a solid foundation for our students in today's economic marketplace.

Criminology

Leadership careers in the public safety profession require individuals with a thorough understanding of local, regional, and national public safety issues. The specialization provides training for careers in criminology, corrections, public safety, and social work.  It also supports the Bachelor's degrees that incorporate the review and analysis of crime and deviance, fundamentals of law, fundamentals of penology and victimology. The specialization supports students who want to continue their education and focus learning in the area of management in business. This degree provides a focused understanding of law, criminology, and public safety.

Human Resources and Organizational Development

Private and public sector organizations demand leaders who possess knowledge and skills of human resource functions and organizational development. These skills include proficiency in staff recruitment, selection, incentive, and retention; compensation and benefits; labor relations and performance appraisal; staff development and training; and organizational culture and change. The specialization equips students with the management perspective for optimizing strategy through the development of people.  This specialization can provide career opportunities within human resource, labor relations, or employee development departments.

Public and Nonprofit Management

Leading organizations in today's global environment necessitates core knowledge, skills and abilities in the area of public management. The specialization supports the bachelor's degrees by providing learning that builds an understanding of basic leadership styles, how to effectively communicate, team leadership skills, ethical behavior and information management. The specialization supports students who want to continue their education and focus learning in the area of management in nonprofit and public organizations. The curriculum covers finance, policy management, strategy planning, public relations management and optimization.