Anthropology is the study of humans as biological and cultural beings. Its subfields include archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistics. Students majoring in anthropology may undertake course work in all four subfields; AMEC offers concentrations in archaeology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology.
Criminology, as a field, explores the nature and causes of crime. Criminology also examines the impact crime has on society and how in turn society responds to the social problem of crime. The Bachelor's degree in Criminology will emphasize the study of types, patterns and trends in criminal behavior; the social etiology of crime; and the social response to crime and its effect on society. The program will also train students to analyze crime data, test explanations of crime and victimization, and critically evaluate crime theory and policy.
Educational Psychology is an undergraduate degree program in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Foundations. This is a non-teaching major that leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in educational psychology but not certification as a teacher. It is generally referred to as the EPY major.
This program offers an interdisciplinary lifespan approach to the study of children, youth and families. It encompasses specialty areas in preschool teaching, childcare, administration, youth studies, family services, child life, consumer economics, human sciences teacher education and extension. Students develop an awareness of trends, issues, and public policy affecting families and analyze factors that influence cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development in the contexts of culture and family.
- Child Development
- Child Life
- Family and Consumer Science Teacher Education
- Family Science
- Youth Development
- Trauma Informed Advocacy
- Gerontology Certificate
The Department or Philosophy and Religion offers a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy, either focusing on Philosophy or adding a concentration in Religion.
- Religion
- Pre-Ministry
A degree in psychology provides training in the science of psychology, experimental design, statistics, critical thinking, as well as strong writing and interpersonal skills. Majoring in psychology will help you to learn more about the emotions, motivations, and behaviors of others, as well as yourself. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in psychology will prepare you for a variety of careers and for graduate education.
Sociology is the scientific study of society and its institutions, organizations, and groups. Sociologists study the ways that social structure and interactions shape human life. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies.
Students who prefer to specialize in more than one field of study may earn a B.A. degree in General Liberal Arts.
The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is a university-wide degree coordinated through the College of Arts & Sciences by the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This multi-discipline academic program is appropriate for students motivated by specific interests not recognized in traditional majors and is not intended to compete with existing programs.
The Social Work Program at Mississippi State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Social work is a challenging and rewarding profession with the primary goal of enhancing individual functioning and promoting human rights and social and economic justice.