University of Maryland University College / UMUC O..."

The accounting major focuses on the processes for analyzing and reporting the economic activities of organizations and communicating that information to decision makers. The accounting curriculum includes studies in managerial accounting, budgeting, accounting systems, internal controls, financial analysis, financial reporting, internal and external auditing, taxation, international accounting, and accounting issues related to for-profit, not-for-profit, and government organizations.

The business administration curriculum includes studies in accounting, business law and public policy, business supply chain management, customer service and operations management, ethics and social responsibility, finance, human resource management and labor relations, international business, strategic and entrepreneurial management, organizational behavior, marketing and sales, and statistical analysis. A major in business administration prepares graduates for business- and management-related careers in for profit and not-for-profit organizations and the public sector, encouraging critical thinking and problem solving.

The communication studies major offers a multidisciplinary study of communication that integrates topics in business and technical writing, mass communication, journalism, public relations, and speech communication.This integrated major encourages thinking across traditional disciplines. Students explore various aspects of workplace communication, including the development of written and oral communication skills and an increasing understanding of human interaction. The major.s multidisciplinary approach produces graduates who have the appropriate balance of theoretical background and sophisticated, practical communication skills needed in today.s workplace.

The computer and information science major provides a coherent, sequential, and integrated academic program of in-depth study that furnishes a body of knowledge and methods, as well as practice in the area of computer and information science. The curriculum focuses on the problem-solving skills and techniques needed to provide computer-based solutions to practical problems, including fundamental practical knowledge in the fields of software engineering, relational databases, programming languages, operating systems, computer networks, and distributed systems.

The computer studies major provides a flexible and coherent program of study integrating courses from several of the specialized computer and information fields. The interdisciplinary approach helps prepare students for a variety of entry-level and midlevel technical and management positions within the information technology field.

The criminal justice major focuses on the nature of crime and the institutions and processes that prevent and respond to crime in a democratic society. The curriculum covers the study of crime and criminal behavior, law enforcement, courts, corrections, security, and investigative forensics. The criminal justice major is designed to provide students with abroad understanding of crime and justice, including criminal law, corrections, law enforcement, security, and criminal justice theory.

The major in English produces graduates with demonstrated skills in literary analysis, critical thinking, and writing. These skills prepare students majoring in English for careers in education, law, writing and publishing, journalism, public relations, business, and management.

The major in environmental management educates students to become environmental managers who not only understand all aspects of the environmental industry but also have .new work skills,. including skills in critical thinking, problem solving, project management, interpersonal relations, and team building. The major in environmental management prepares students to plan, implement, and control all facets of environmental management.

The finance major combines a foundation in the principles of business, economics, and accounting with an in-depth focus on issues and knowledge in the areas of finance and financial management. It includes the study of business finance, financial management, investments, and security analysis and valuation. The finance major prepares graduates for career opportunities in the global business community, with emphasis on careers in financial analysis and management, investment analysis and portfolio management, commercial and investment banking, insurance, risk management, and international finance.

The major in fire science covers disaster planning and the administration of fire-protection services, encompassing all areas of incendiary-fire management. Developed in conjunction with the National Fire Academy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the major serves fire-service professionals seeking state of-the-art knowledge to support advancement to chief executive management and senior leadership positions. The major provides an understanding of the interagency coordination necessary for fire prevention, emergency management, safe and successful fire-incident command, and arson investigation. The curriculum includes analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation, personnel management, disaster and fire-defense planning, hazardous materials management, fire-protection structure and system design, the role of the fire service within the community and political structure, and the phenomena of fire propagation.

The major in gerontology prepares students to implement and manage health and human service programs in gerontology. It combines a foundation in the psychological and physical aspects of aging with an understanding of programs, services, and policies related to aging and older adults.

The major in global business and public policy prepares students for career opportunities in all economic sectors, including domestic and global business; federal, state, and local governments; international governmental organization; and domestic and international nongovernmental or nonprofit sectors. The major combines a foundation in the principles of business, marketing, and accounting with an in-depth focus on global business and public policy, including study in international and multinational management, public policy and management, and issues related to international law, marketing, finance, and development.

The major in history provides students with skills in historical research and analysis, a chronological understanding of the past, and factual knowledge of specific historical periods. Study yields an appreciation of U.S. history, as well as the histories of other peoples and cultures, that enhances multicultural understanding in the workplace and everyday society. Such skills and knowledge prepare students for careers in education, law, government, business, management, public relations, writing, and research.

The human resource major provides 21st-century skills, knowledge, and understanding of human resource functions in private- and public-sector organizational settings. These functions include human resource planning; recruitment, selection, placement, and orientation of employees; training and career development; labor relations; management of performance appraisal, compensation, and benefit programs; and development of personnel policies and procedures. The human resource management major prepares students for work in business administration and human resources. Through the proper selection of courses, the student can prepare for the certification examinations for Human Resource Professional, Senior Human Resource Professional, and International Human Resource Professional, which are offered by the Society of Human Resource Management. In addition to the focus on human resource functions, the major includes courses in management and organization theory, organizational behavior and development approaches, labor relations theory and practice, interpersonal skill development, and women.s perspectives in management.

The humanities major offers a multidisciplinary study of global humanities that integrates topics in the arts, history, language and culture, literature, and philosophy and religion. The humanities major provides a broad perspective on human behavior, thought, and values and focuses on American, Asian, and European cultures. The integrated humanities major encourages thinking across traditional disciplines.

The information systems management major provides students with the skills needed to successfully participate in and support the increasingly visible role of information technology in corporate decision making. The curriculum focuses on the methods, concepts, and practical applications of information systems in the workplace. It develops graduates. abilities to conceptualize and manage the design and implementation of high-quality information systems.

The legal studies major prepares students for challenging and responsible paralegal work in various legal settings and focuses on fundamental legal knowledge, skills, and ethical principles. The curriculum addresses the organization, function, and processes of the lawmaking institutions in the American legal system, as well as the role of the paralegal in the legal system and the governing rules of legal ethics. It emphasizes legal analysis, legal writing and drafting, legal research, and computer competence in the legal environment.

The management studies major is based on the premise that many for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental organizations require a knowledge of management principles best gained from a holistic approach to decision making. Using a multidisciplinary approach to management and problem solving, the management studies major prepares students for a variety of management related careers. The curriculum includes a foundation in business, accounting, economics, statistics, communications, and management theory and focuses on analysis and decision making across a wide spectrum of management activities.

The marketing major develops well-rounded individuals with the skills required of today.s marketing professionals and the business acumen to function in the global business environment. The curriculum provides a balanced course of study that exposes students to a common body of knowledge and leads them to understand marketing processes and situations, think independently, communicate effectively, and appreciate their own and other cultures. Marketing graduates should be well positioned to achieve increasingly higher levels of marketing management in corporations, marketing agencies, or entrepreneurial endeavors.

The psychology major produces graduates with a knowledge base of theory and research in the psychological sciences and the ability to use the principles of psychology to help improve human, animal, and environmental welfare. The curriculum applies psychological knowledge to nonscientific fields and the workplace and promotes multicultural and multinational awareness. This major also introduces students to the basis of collaborative and professional relationships within psychology and identifies the foundations and delivery systems of the mental health profession.

The social science major is interdisciplinary and provides breadth of knowledge through coursework in such areas as gerontology, government and politics, and sociology. It also offers depth by giving students the opportunity to select core courses from one of these social science areas.