The requirements for the B.S. degree fall into four categories: major area courses, courses meeting general distribution requirements, elective courses and a “perspectives” capstone course. A student must complete 32 units (128 semester hours) to earn the B.S. degree.

Through study of a major, a student specializes and deepens academic and professional knowledge in a specified discipline or subject area. The B.S. degree offers six major fields of study. Transfer students must take at least half the courses in their major area and all upper-level major requirements at Clark. Students pursuing the bachelor of science degree must meet with an academic advisor for information about degree requirements.

A communications major develops a command of both oral and written skills, which opens a range of professional and career options. For example, students may tailor their programs for a career in print media (journalism), desktop publishing, television and radio communication, public relations, development, advertising and corporate or non-profit information culture analysis. Students receive rigorous preparation that enables them to continue with graduate work in communications. Qualified students are encouraged to combine their undergraduate program with graduate studies in communication via our integrated B.S./M.S.P.C. program.

The demand for skilled human resource specialists continues to grow as our culture evolves from a manufacturing to a service-oriented society. Companies of all sizes are shifting from traditional personnel management to more supportive, informative, humanistic approaches in the management of their “human resources.” Professionals in the field are charged with nurturing flexibility, creativity and adaptability to change in their personnel. The human resource development (HRD) major studies psychology, human behavior, the structure of organizations, policy, training and development, and compensation. HRD majors also are encouraged to develop an understanding of the increasingly multicultural workforce and an appreciation of the intercultural knowledge necessary for success in the global arena. Students are prepared to work as corporate trainers, employee assistance program specialists, recruiters and human resource managers. Qualified students are encouraged to combine their undergraduate program with the Master of Science in Professional Communication via our integrated B.S./M.S.P.C.

Computers have transformed the end of the 20th century into the “New Information Age.” The impact of technology in creating a global information culture rivals that of the development of the printing press. The computer science major addresses crucial information issues that extend beyond the “nuts and bolts” of traditional computer science programs. Students choosing computer studies at Clark examine the progress and problems of a revolution in software design and engineering; they learn to assess and create options in “networking” fields—the fastest growing area of hardware and software development. They also examine the implications of computer-mediated communication. Computer science majors are encouraged to develop a sound understanding of international cultures as the concept of the “global village” becomes a reality through technology and telecommunication.

The Criminal Justice major, for professionals in police, corrections or other forms of criminal justice work, provides students with psychological, sociological and humanistic perspectives to bring to their work experiences. Students are expected to complete eight units in the criminal justice field. Transfer credit is awarded for completion of the Police Academy training.

This major is designed for the professionals in the social services area. Eight units are required in the social services curriculum for this degree.

The public administration major is designed for students interested in the management of public organizations or nonprofit institutions. Majors explore government and political theory, budgeting and financial management, statistics, organizational dynamics, and theories of management. Students choosing the public administration major also are prepared to understand the information systems/networks that are becoming increasingly a part of public delivery management.

Qualified students are encouraged to combine their undergraduate program with pursuit of a Master of Public Administration through an integrated B.S./M.P.A. program. Further information on the B.S./M.P.A. is available through the director of graduate programs.

Students are required to take 17 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs, which will enrich their academic background and their professionalism. Industry, government and nonprofit organizations continue to emphasize breadth of knowledge and capability in those they employ.

A general outline of courses falling within discipline areas may be found preceding the course descriptions. Students should also review all interdepartmental (IDND) courses, many of which fulfill one or more area requirements. The student’s COPACE academic advisor can identify which courses meet particular requirements.

• English/Verbal Expression
2 units
• Humanities
5 units
These courses must be distributed among at least three disciplines. One unit must be met by professional ethics.
• Science/Mathematics
4 units
At least one course in each of these disciplines is required.
• Social Sciences
6 units

These courses must be distributed among at least three disciplines.

Six electives are required for the B.S. degree. These electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. One course must be taken in computer/information science. Students already computer literate may have this requirement waived by the associate dean.

In the senior or graduating year, degree candidates are required to take a “perspectives” course. This capstone experience is designed to synthesize, in a critical way, undergraduate academic study and research. As perspective courses vary from year to year, students should consult with their academic advisors.

Students are required to take 17 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs, which will enrich their academic background and their professionalism. Industry, government and nonprofit organizations continue to emphasize breadth of knowledge and capability in those they employ.