Defiance College

Accounting

The accounting major is a professional program designed for students who want a solid foundation in all functional aspects of business plus specialized courses in Accounting. Students may choose the traditional four-year plan of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Accounting followed by a two-year Master's degree in Business Administration to obtain the minimum 150 credit hours needed to sit for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam.

Biology

Biology is the broad study of organisms, examining every aspect of life from single-celled organisms to complex ecological interactions. Areas of biology include genetics, evolution, ecology, and other more focused fields such as botany, entomology, ornithology, and herpetology. Current advances in genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and ecology have greatly influenced areas of medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program at Defiance College assists students in their abilities to think critically and to react to and make changes in today's dynamic global business world. Graduates are prepared to recognize problems in business environments and identify turnaround solutions, work productively with teams of colleagues, communicate effectively to relevant business audiences, and understand the ethical obligations and responsibilities of business.

Business Administration

Business at Defiance College is a professional program designed for students who want a solid knowledge base in all functional aspects of business. The program is built on the foundation of a core and cognates curriculum focusing on the common professional components needed for all business disciplines, after which students select at least one concentration area of study. The major provides students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in ever-changing business settings.

Business Administration

Business at Defiance College is a professional program designed for students who want a solid knowledge base in all functional aspects of business. The program is built on the foundation of a core and cognates curriculum focusing on the common professional components needed for all business disciplines. Required courses include the General Education requirements plus the specified accounting, business, economics and management courses.

Communication Studies

Studying communication develops an individual's ability to thrive in the workforce and society. Students learn how to conceptualize and analyze various forms of mediated communication in socio-cultural, aesthetic, civic, and economic terms while developing practical skills in various modes of communication and media. The program prepares students for careers in fields such as education, journalism, public relations, government and public policy, marketing, and advertising.

Computer Science

The Computer Science program provides a robust foundation in software development, database management, and system architecture, equipping students with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills essential for success in the evolving tech landscape. Through a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, students develop the ability to design, optimize, and implement computing solutions.

Criminal Justice

The baccalaureate degree program in criminal justice strives to provide a strong background in all areas of criminal justice, to allow concentration in one of several areas, and to prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of criminal justice agencies, as well as to prepare students for graduate school.

Criminal Justice

The criminal justice program provides a strong background in all areas of criminal justice and prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of criminal justice agencies. The Associate of Arts program requires the General Education requirements plus a core of criminal justice courses and a capstone.

Cybersecurity

Defiance College's Cybersecurity program equips students with essential technical and leadership skills to safeguard critical infrastructure and navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in areas such as secure data transmission, network defense, and secure system implementation. Graduates are prepared to assess cybersecurity risks, develop comprehensive security strategies, and effectively manage security teams.

Education

The Master of Arts in Education, grounded in the college's mission, is dedicated to enhancing and improving the skills, knowledge, and competencies of current and future professionals in the field of education. The program is committed to preparing lifelong professionals of theory and research, reflective facilitators of learning, and competent leaders within diverse communities.

English

The study of English prepares students for professions that require creative and critical thinking, clear writing, in-depth research, close reading, and analysis. English majors learn how to interpret challenging texts, explore ambiguity and nuance, examine the power and possibilities of language, form insightful questions, and solve problems. The major offers a flexible plan of study, which makes it an ideal second major, especially for students interested in education, law, or medicine.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences with the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems. Majors understand the interconnectedness of all life within and between ecosystems. Emphasis is given to how science serves society and the important role that scientists have in monitoring the delicate balance between humans and the environment.

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major prepares students for professional practice and graduate study in health-related fields, strength and conditioning, and sport programming. A required experiential learning capstone provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in coursework to real-world professional settings and target populations.

Forensic Science

Defiance College's Forensic Science program brings together the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, medicine, and criminal justice. Students learn skills including analyzing evidence from arsons for accelerants, DNA fingerprinting, presumptive tests for narcotics, ballistics trajectories, human anatomy, and the legal procedures for taking evidence to court. The major is designed to provide a strong science background coupled with a foundation in criminal justice and legal concepts.

Graphic Design

A Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design focuses on the practice of designing innovative visual solutions and experiences across various media, print and digital. The program provides a multidisciplinary education based on art and design principles, applications, theories, and history. Students develop into socially conscious design thinkers and makers in preparation for professional careers in the industry.

History

The History program offers a variety of courses that enable students to obtain a Bachelor of Arts with either a major or minor in History. The goals of the curriculum are to encourage an informed, critical, and articulate sense of the past, an appreciation for the diversity of the human experience, and an awareness of how the past shapes the present.

Integrated Language Arts Education

Candidates seeking Adolescent and Young Adult Licensure in Integrated Language Arts will be licensed to teach grades 7-12 in that content specialization. Candidates must complete the Adolescent and Young Adult Core Requirements plus the courses listed in the Integrated Language Arts licensure area.

Integrated Mathematics Education

Candidates seeking Adolescent and Young Adult Licensure in Integrated Mathematics will be licensed to teach grades 7-12 in that content specialization. Candidates must complete the Adolescent and Young Adult Core Requirements plus the courses listed in the Integrated Mathematics licensure area.

Integrated Social Studies Education

Candidates seeking Adolescent and Young Adult Licensure in Integrated Social Studies will be licensed to teach grades 7-12 in that content specialization. Candidates must complete the Adolescent and Young Adult Core Requirements plus the courses listed in the Integrated Social Studies licensure area.

Intervention Specialist (Mild to Moderate) Education

Candidates seeking Intervention Specialist Mild to Moderate Licensure will be licensed to teach in an intervention setting in Kindergarten to Grade 12. They must complete the Intervention Specialist Core and Licensure Requirements, including multiple and varied clinical experiences.

Law Enforcement Intelligence

Graduates of this 48-week program are empowered to ethically and lawfully apply intelligence gathering and analysis techniques to a variety of modern law enforcement challenges, including rapid location of fugitive suspects and identifying likely victims and repeat offenders. Students acquire techniques and strategies for leveraging publicly available data with law enforcement resources while recognizing the ethical and legal boundaries governing the use of information resources.

Life Science and Chemistry Education

Candidates seeking Adolescent and Young Adult Licensure in Life Science and Chemistry will be licensed to teach grades 7-12 in that content specialization. Candidates must complete the Adolescent and Young Adult Core Requirements plus the courses listed in the Life Science and Chemistry licensure area.

Life Science Education

Candidates seeking Adolescent and Young Adult Licensure in Life Science will be licensed to teach grades 7-12 in that content specialization. Candidates must complete the Adolescent and Young Adult Core Requirements plus the courses listed in the Life Science licensure area.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the body of knowledge centered on such concepts as quantity, structure, space, and change, and also the academic discipline that studies them. Students are expected not only to know the material but, through presentation opportunities, to demonstrate their understanding of the ideas.

McMaster School for Advancing Humanity

McMaster Scholars are offered the opportunity to enhance the community-based research that takes place in their learning community by participating in the McMaster Certificate Program. The certificate is intended to recognize their work and to help them gain a deeper understanding of the political, social, and economic issues associated with their location of study. This certificate may only be earned with the completion of a degree program.

Middle Childhood Education

Candidates seeking Middle Childhood Licensure will be licensed to teach grades 4-9 in two content specializations from Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. They must complete the Middle Childhood Core Requirements and the courses listed in the various licensure areas.

Molecular Biology

The Molecular Biology major is a pre-professional program geared for students interested in careers in medicine, research, veterinary science, pharmacy or similar professional careers. All major program requirements include core and cognate courses drawn from biology, chemistry, mathematics, natural science, physical science and related areas.

Nursing

The major in Nursing leading to the BSN degree is a completion program designed for Associate Degree or diploma nurses who graduated from an accredited nursing program and have a current active RN license. Nursing major courses are offered in an eight-week online format. Baccalaureate prepared nurses have a broad base of learning that combines the technical aspects of nursing with the leadership skills necessary to lead in today's dynamic health care environment.

Organizational Supervision and Leadership

A major in Organizational Supervision and Leadership is available only as a completion program for individuals having obtained 60 hours of college credit. The goals of the program are to provide courses in business that will add value to an Associate's degree from an accredited two-year institution. Graduates are prepared to assume first-line or higher management positions, and all courses are offered 100% online in a compressed calendar format.

Primary PK-5 Education

Candidates seeking Primary Licensure will be licensed to teach all subject areas from Pre-K to Grade 5. The Education curriculum provides students with opportunities to learn both the theoretical and applied aspects of teaching, and students participate in multiple and varied clinical experiences during each year of the program.

Psychology

Students who major in Psychology acquire a broad understanding of psychological functioning in a variety of contexts and are trained to conduct psychological research. This background enables students to pursue entry-level positions in fields such as mental health, business, law enforcement, and college admissions. The major also prepares students for graduate work in psychology, counseling, law, and other professional programs.

Religious Studies

Religious Studies pursues the academic study of religion and its various impacts and influences across various historical time periods and cultures. Courses introduce students to a wide variety of religious traditions across the world as well as core issues of life/death, race, gender, politics, and more. The major prepares students for many different careers including education, law, medicine, and non-profit or community organizations.

Self-Designed

The Self-Designed major allows students to customize their college experience and design a program of study that reflects their unique interests. The associate-level plan includes a minimum of 30 core hours, in aggregate, from at least two different programs plus electives designed to enhance the learning in the required general education areas.

Self-Designed (Bachelor of Arts)

The Self-Designed major allows students to customize their college experience and design a program of study that reflects their unique interests. Students establish a strong foundation rooted in liberal arts and general education, then pursue an individualized plan of study developed with a faculty advisor. The bachelor's degree plan includes a minimum of 36 core hours, in aggregate, from at least two different programs, and a capstone project in the final semester.

Self-Designed (Bachelor of Science)

The Self-Designed major allows students to customize their college experience and design a program of study that reflects their unique interests. Students establish a strong foundation rooted in liberal arts and general education, then pursue an individualized plan of study developed with a faculty advisor. The bachelor's degree plan includes a minimum of 36 core hours, in aggregate, from at least two different programs, and a capstone project in the final semester.

Social Work

The Defiance College Social Work Program strives to be a learning and nurturing community where students develop through self-reflection, academics, and experiential learning. The program aims to develop professional generalist social workers who embody the values of the profession and are dedicated to strengthening communities, groups, and individuals.

Sport Management

The Sport Management major is designed for individuals planning careers such as recreation leader, sporting goods retailer, sport organization administrator, team manager, sports lawyer, sports psychologist, resort manager, or golf course/country club manager. It is also appropriate for those considering careers as sports consultants to businesses, churches and camps, or employment as a sports information director or sports journalist.