Westminster College (MO)

Accounting

The Accounting major is offered through the John E. Simon Department of Business.

Biochemistry

The Departments of Biology and Environmental Science and Chemistry offer an interdisciplinary major program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. The major program is structured into two tracks, biological emphasis and chemical emphasis, to allow the student to pursue a more advanced study of biochemistry to fulfill their particular interests and professional goals. Both tracks require introductory biology and chemistry courses with emphasis on fundamental concepts.

Biology

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science offers a major program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Biology as well as a minor in Biology. Introductory courses are designed to meet the several needs and interests of Westminster liberal arts students. Students completing a Biology Major may not also receive a Biochemistry Major, One Health major, or Biology Minor.

Business Administration

The John E. Simon Department of Business offers the Business Administration major. The Business Administration major prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Courses in the major include instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Business Communication

In the Business Communication major, students study the communication process from a variety of perspectives - media relations, business, management and communications philosophy. Students receive a hands-on, real world applicable approach to the field. Students pursue three different academic paths within the major: oral communication, written communication, and visual communication.

Business Essentials

This certificate delivers an overview of major functional areas of business. Topics in accounting, economics, management, and marketing equip individuals to understand how specific units of a company work together and separately toward overall productivity.

Business Presentation

Build a foundational understanding of the business environment, develop basic skills to communicate professionally with colleagues and external audiences, use Microsoft Office to analyze data, and clearly and professionally present information to different audiences.

Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers a major program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry as well as a minor program of study in chemistry. The objectives of course work and programs in this department are to give students a clear insight into the underlying principles of chemical phenomena and to introduce them to the analytical and reasoning skills that produce this insight.

Computer Systems Analysis

A major in Computer Systems Analysis prepares students to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the systems development life cycle. It includes instruction in computer hardware and software; the compilation, composition, execution, and operation of information systems; low- and high-level programming languages; programming and debugging techniques; and specification design.

Digital Media

Graduates in today's digital world need to understand and be able to effectively communicate using various digital media platforms. This interdisciplinary major will provide students with knowledge, skills, and techniques for effectively managing the digital assets and media platforms of an organization to achieve specific goals, facilitate effective communication, and establish a common theme and appearance.

Diplomacy

The diplomacy certificate allows students to develop in-depth expertise in the increasingly important field of diplomacy. Taken together, the classes offer students the opportunity to accumulate a great deal of knowledge about international relations and diplomacy, both from United States-centric and global contexts. Students will be able to articulate orally and in written word the skills necessary to understand diplomacy.

Early Childhood Education

A certification track (birth - grade 3) within Westminster's Education majors. The Westminster College Teacher Education Program is designed so that majors complete a course of study approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which will lead to recommendation for certification in the chosen major and concentration areas.

Education Curriculum Studies

A non-certification track offered by the Education Department for students who wish to study education curriculum without pursuing state teaching certification.

Elementary Education

A certification track (grades 1-6) within Westminster's Education majors. Majors complete a course of study approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which leads to recommendation for certification.

English

The Department of English Language and Literature offers a major program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a minor program of study in English. By studying British, American, and world literatures, students who major or minor in English learn to read closely, to think critically, and to write clearly. English majors may pursue a Creative Writing emphasis or choose a degree without an area of emphasis.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science major serves students interested in helping to conserve, protect, and manage natural resources. Students complete required core coursework predominantly completed in freshman and sophomore years and then specialize in one of two emphases (Chemistry or Geoscience Processes). Lastly, students complete a capstone course in their senior year.

Environmental Studies

The certificate in Environmental Studies includes courses from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. This interdisciplinary program enhances students' understanding of the complex interaction between the natural and the human world, and they will critically think about how to solve the problems that result.

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major provides undergraduate students with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles of human movement and their application to improving health, enhancing physical fitness, and maximizing athletic performance. This major will prepare students for graduate programs and health careers such as physical therapy, athletic training, chiropractic, nursing, and sports medicine.

Finance

The Finance major is offered through the John E. Simon Department of Business. The Finance major prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. The major includes instruction in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management.

Financial Planning

The Financial Planning major prepares individuals to plan and manage the financial interests and growth of individuals and institutions. It includes instruction in portfolio management, investment management, estate planning, insurance, tax planning, strategic investing and planning, financial consulting services, and client relations. The Financial Planning major is CFP Board-registered, meaning graduates are eligible to sit for the CFP examination.

French

The Department of Foreign Language and Literature offers major and minor programs of study in French as well as supporting course work for Westminster College's general education program. At elementary and intermediate levels, the French program seeks to develop speaking, reading, writing and listening proficiency and an appreciation of the cultural diversity of the Francophone world.

French Communication

This is a pragmatic track that prepares the students for effective communication in speaking and writing at upper-intermediate to advanced level. Students learn how to apply their linguistic skills in the field of translation and in a capstone project or in a 5000-word research project conducted in French. The capstone project can take many forms, from an internship, a study abroad experience, to the translation of an article in a field chosen by the student.

French for Business

In this program, students will be introduced to communication practices in business, commerce, and related fields. They will become acquainted with specialized vocabulary and norms of professional correspondence. The capstone project needs to be decided in consultation with the advisor.

French Language

Students who want to take the study of languages to the next level can complete this certificate of proficiency at intermediate level. This Certificate in French language focuses on students' communicative skills at intermediate level and their ability to apply such skills in real-life situations.

General Studies

This multidisciplinary degree option offers students maximum flexibility and an opportunity to explore a broad range of topics while simultaneously developing critical thinking and analytical skills, improving writing and public speaking skills, and learning a great deal about the world in which they live. Students must complete at least one minor in any discipline. No more than 27 hours may be completed from any single discipline, and a minimum of 30 hours must be taken at the 300-400 level.

Global and Transnational Studies

Global and Transnational Studies major focuses on the pressing international problems facing today's world. These issues are not simply about interplay of nations, national perspectives, or the study of different regions of the world. Instead, the issues revolve around problems such as the environment, economic development, social justice, global conflict, immigration, and cross-cultural connectivity.

Global Leadership

This certificate will allow Westminster College graduates to show their communities that they are prepared to be leaders of character in this generation of global citizenship. Graduates possessing this certificate will join for-profit and non-profit organizations with the ability to facilitate awareness of global and multicultural issues and will be able to apply theories of leadership to address the challenges of human rights, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Global Literacy

This certificate will allow Westminster College graduates to show employers that they are certified in "global literacy." Graduates possessing this certificate will join for-profit and non-profit organizations and utilize this certification to assist colleagues and the organization's leadership in making the organization more aware of global and multicultural issues.

Health and Wellness

The Health and Wellness major emphasizes knowledge and learning experiences aimed at the promotion of lifetime wellness. Students will focus on principles of nutrition, holistic health, and exercise training. Students will learn how to test health and activity status, prescribe safe and evidence-based exercise, and assess client progress toward their wellness and fitness goals.

Health Education K-12

The goal of certification in K-12 Health Education is to facilitate students' understanding of the central concepts, structures, and tools of inquiry of the discipline(s) and how to create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful and engaging for all students. Students will also understand how individuals learn, develop, and differ in their approaches to learning, and how to implement and evaluate standards-based curriculum.

Health Humanities

The Health Humanities certificate will offer students a humanistic study of the medical experience to prepare students for decision-making and ethical judgment in the health care industry. Students will study biomedical ethics, medical practices across historical time periods and cultures, approaches to death and dying, the implications of medical science, and artistic representations of health and healing.

History

The Department of History offers a major and three minor programs of study as well as a wide range of offerings that support the College's General Education Program. The spirit and purpose shaping the study of history at Westminster College rests on the belief that the critical study of what men and women have thought and done in the past disciplines the mind for wise action, frees it from the narrow perspective of the present, and leads to self-knowledge.

Homeland Security

The student who completes the Homeland Security certificate will have a strong background in understanding and analyzing current and future homeland security threats and have developed necessary understanding of legal and policy processes regarding homeland security.

Human Development and Family Studies

The certificate in Human Development and Family Studies helps students understand the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes that occur across the lifespan, from conception through death. Students will understand how family contexts and social situations shape development. This certificate is useful for students who plan to work professionally with individuals of varying ages or families in varying circumstances.

Leadership

A leadership certificate builds advanced management skills that you can apply within your workplace. Improve your ability to use sound judgment in decision making, mediate and resolve workplace conflict, and collaborate with your team.

Mathematical Data Science

The Department of Mathematics offers a major program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Data Science. This major explores the volume of data available in a variety of fields, including but not limited to biology, business, and education. This program supports a deep understanding of statistics, programming skills, and communication skills.

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Physics offers a major and a minor program of study in Mathematics as well as course work integral to the General Education Program and to programs in the physical sciences. Quantitative and analytical skills are essential for useful and effective lives. Through the study of mathematics, students acquire and enhance their problem-solving skills and learn to apply these to real world issues.

Middle School Education (Grades 5-9)

A certification track (grades 5-9) within Westminster's Education majors, with concentrations in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences. Majors complete a course of study approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Museum Studies

A certificate in Museum Studies will introduce students to the theory and practice of museum studies and will provide them with a unique set of practical and vocational skills. The program aims to give them the necessary preliminary training for a career in a museum or public history environment. Among the skills they can learn are how to collect, handle, and preserve artifacts and how to interpret material culture for a museum audience.

Museum Studies

As centers of research and education and as repositories for cultural heritage, museums play an important role in our society. The Museum Studies major trains students to develop the conceptual, critical, technical, and historical tools they need to engage in a growing and dynamic field. The major is designed to introduce students to the historical and theoretical foundations of museums and other preservation institutions.

National Security Law

The National Security Law certificate allows students to develop in-depth expertise in the increasingly important field of national security law. Taken together, the classes offer students the opportunity to accumulate a great deal of knowledge about international law and national and homeland security law. The students will be able to articulate orally and in writing about the pressing legal issues domestically and internationally related to security issues.

Non-Profit Management

The coursework is specifically chosen to enhance student knowledge and leverage student managerial skills in today's challenging non-profit environment. Program Learning Objective: Implement best practices in hiring, supporting, and managing a non-profit organization's human capital.

One Health

The health of people, animals and the environment are intimately connected. The One Health major recognizes these connections and studies health at their intersection. This major will set the scientific foundation and then explore some of the vectors that transmit disease, discuss global health issues, examine personal ethics, and investigate the impacts of chemicals.

Philosophy and Religious Studies

The Philosophy and Religious Studies major provides students with a foundation in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, textual studies, ritual studies, and aesthetics. Beyond the major, students may additionally choose between two optional concentrations of study: Ethics and Social Justice, or Religious Studies.

Physical Education K-12

A certification track (grades K-12) within Westminster's Education majors. Majors complete a course of study approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which leads to recommendation for certification.

Physics

The Department of Mathematics and Physics offers a major and a minor program of study in physics. Physicists seek a description of nature in terms of its most fundamental entities.

Political Science

Political Science is a scientific and humanistic discipline that attempts to explain and evaluate politics and political systems in terms of fundamental empirical theories and general normative principles. Both the major and minor in Political Science are designed to give students a solid grounding in the main sub-fields of the discipline. Students complete either the General Political Science track or the Pre-Law track.

Professional Communication

A professional communication certificate enhances your written, verbal, and digital communication. These skills are important to deliver clear, concise, and professional messages to colleagues, managers, and external audiences.

Psychology

Psychology is defined as the science of mental processes and behavior. The Department of Psychology offers both a major and a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Human Development and Family Studies. The courses that comprise the Psychology major are designed to acquaint the student with the systematic and quantitative demands of scientific thought, as well as to ensure that students will be able to comprehend human behavior.

Secondary School Education

A certification track (grades 9-12) within Westminster's Education majors, with concentrations in Business, English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies. Majors complete a course of study approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Security Studies

Westminster College students who earn a major or minor in Security Studies will have the skill set necessary for job placement in the national security bureaucracy of the United States government, for placement in a national security graduate or law program, to work at a think tank or a nongovernmental organization, or to work for an international organization such as the U.N. or NATO. All Security Studies majors must complete the core Security courses and one of the three tracks.

Spanish

The Department of Foreign Language and Literature offers major and minor programs of study in Spanish as well as supporting course work for Westminster College's general education program and Global and Transnational Studies major. The programs of the Department develop speaking, reading, writing, and listening proficiency in Spanish at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels as well as an appreciation of the literature and cultures of the people who speak this language.

Spanish Education

A certification track (grades K-12) within Westminster's Education majors leading to recommendation for Missouri teacher certification in Spanish.

Spanish for Business

In this program, students will be introduced to communication practices in business, commerce, and related fields. They will become acquainted with specialized vocabulary and norms of professional correspondence. The capstone project needs to be decided in consultation with the advisor.

Spanish Language

Students who want to take the study of languages to the next level can complete this certificate of proficiency that focuses on students' communicative skills and their ability to apply such skills in real-life situations.

Sport and Fitness Management

The Sport and Fitness Management major prepares individuals to apply business, coaching and physical education principles to the organization, administration and management of athletic programs and teams, fitness/rehabilitation facilities and health clubs, sport recreation services, and related services.

Terrorism

Students will develop in-depth expertise in the history, causes, limits, and means of countering terrorism. Taken together, the classes offer students the opportunity to explore terrorism globally and domestically. Students will learn to think critically about the popular understandings of terrorism and will be able to articulate orally and in writing about the roots of terrorism, types of terrorism, and the real and imagined impacts of terrorism.

Translation (French to English)

In this program, students are introduced to foundational concepts of linguistics that facilitate the work of a translator. Such concepts are used when studying the theory and practice of translation. Through various translating exercises, the students have the opportunity to review and consolidate their French grammar and vocabulary.

Translation (Spanish to English)

In this program, students are introduced to foundational concepts of linguistics that facilitate the work of a translator. Such concepts are used when studying the theory and practice of translation. The translation techniques acquired in this program will be applied to a field chosen by the student in consultation with the advisor.

Women and Gender Studies

A certificate in Women and Gender Studies is interdisciplinary in nature and enables students to gain insights into the influence of gender on all forms of human endeavor. Since students can take a variety of courses to complete the certificate, students can tailor the program to complement their major area of specialization, thus providing new perspectives on traditional academic disciplines and encouraging interdisciplinary comparisons.

Workplace Diversity

Diversity training increases employee morale, improves retention, and fosters a safe and welcoming environment. Engage with confidence in your workplace with the knowledge and skills related to communicating across diverse cultures, understanding values and behaviors of different cultures, working toward organizational social justice, and building an inclusive team.