College of Arts & Humanities

The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations is designed to help students develop an in-depth understanding of the role and impact of advertising and public relations in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on preparing students to become logical and innovative advertising and public relations professionals who can examine the ethical and cultural values in their practice. Students will gain a variety of professional skills, including creating advertising and PR messages; planning advertising and PR media; organizing integrated communication plans; and developing sponsorships and promotional strategies. Students will also learn the theoretical foundations underlying persuasive messaging as well as analytical tools applied to advertising and public relations research. Upon completing the program, students will achieve a wealth of knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to think critically and strategically in developing promotional media messages and strategies.

Learn more on the Advertising and Public Relations program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies is primarily a peoples and culture-based discipline that investigates Africana peoples’ experiences. The curriculum examines the theoretical and empirical characteristics of the African world experience from both a contemporary and historical perspective. These experiences range from earliest human civilizations through the tragic era of enslavement, colonization, uprootment, to the forced migration and displacement of African peoples. The intellectual framework that sets Africana Studies apart from other disciplines is that it explores the subject area from the perspective of Africana peoples’ interests, aspirations, possibilities, and envisioned destinies. The foundation of the discipline rests on an understanding and appreciation of African peoples’ worldview and philosophy of life as the starting point for all Africana intellectual inquiry. The Cultural Studies concentration offers a focus on cultural aspects through the study of literature, art, music and philosophy.

Learn more on the Africana Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies is primarily a peoples and culture-based discipline that investigates Africana peoples’ experiences. The curriculum examines the theoretical and empirical characteristics of the African world experience from both a contemporary and historical perspective. These experiences range from earliest human civilizations through the tragic era of enslavement, colonization, uprootment, to the forced migration and displacement of African peoples. The intellectual framework that sets Africana Studies apart from other disciplines is that it explores the subject area from the perspective of Africana peoples’ interests, aspirations, possibilities, and envisioned destinies. The foundation of the discipline rests on an understanding and appreciation of African peoples’ worldview and philosophy of life as the starting point for all Africana intellectual inquiry. The Social Sciences concentration offers a focus on historical, political, and psychological aspects of the discipline through the study of literature, art, music and philosophy.

Learn more on the Africana Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art offers students experience in a broad range of art disciplines, with emphasis on understanding fundamentals of art, developing their skills and appreciating the purposes and concepts of art. The program offers a solid background in both traditional and contemporary media in closely supervised small classes. Students can pursue careers as an exhibiting artist; self-employed work for various organizations on free-lance or commission basis; artist-in-residence/artist-in-the-schools; art consultant; art director; cartoonist; illustrator; medical illustration; book illustration; and computer artist.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History offers students a diversity of exposure to the styles and subjects of cultures and nations of the Western and non-Western world, from prehistoric times to the contemporary era. The program places particular emphasis on developing the student's ability to critically understand the ideas and imagery found within the art works of various cultures and individual artists and architects in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, as well as the achievements of contemporary and women artists. Students can pursue careers in research and consultation, positions in supervising commercial art galleries, private collections, historic homes, and landmarks; consultant for stores and businesses dealing in art works; guide to collections in museums; and library archivist.

Learn more on the Art program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in History introduces students to the patterns of change and continuity that shaped ancient, classical, post-classical and modern societies, and demonstrate how historians find and evaluate evidence as an academic and professional discipline. The curriculum continually looks for the best ways to help us understand times, people, and places, and provides tools to identify and analyze the processes of historical development that have shaped the world. Students complete a sequence of disciplinary methods courses in which they learn the skills necessary to engage in independent historical inquiry.

Learn more on the History program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in History with an option in History/Social Science Education introduces students to the patterns of change and continuity that shaped ancient, classical, post-classical and modern societies, and demonstrate how historians find and evaluate evidence as an academic and professional discipline. The curriculum continually looks for the best ways to help us understand times, people, and places, and provides tools to identify and analyze the processes of historical development that have shaped the world. Students complete a sequence of disciplinary methods courses in which they learn the skills necessary to engage in independent historical inquiry. The History Education option is recommended for students interested in teaching history and social science in grades 7-12. Completion of the Education option degree while meeting the minimum GPA requirement satisfies the California Teacher Credentialing Commission’s subject matter competency requirement, enabling graduates to enter post-baccalaureate teacher credential programs without completing the CSET exam in social science.

Learn more on the History program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a broad-based, liberal arts and sciences major that focuses on developing exemplary skills in written and oral communication, textual analysis, critical thinking, research methods, and the ability to bring a wide range of resources to bear in approaching complex problems. The curriculum combines knowledge systems across the meta-disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The program is part of a national network of Programs for Accelerated College Education (PACE) that are designed for working, adult students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time while they maintain a full-time job. While all admitted students are welcome, IDS/PACE students are primarily transfers who enter CSUDH with 60 units and junior-class standing. 

Learn more on the Interdisciplinary Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a broad-based, liberal arts and sciences major that focuses on developing exemplary skills in written and oral communication, textual analysis, critical thinking, research methods, and the ability to bring a wide range of resources to bear in approaching complex problems. The curriculum combines knowledge systems across the meta-disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The program is part of a national network of Programs for Accelerated College Education (PACE) that are designed for working, adult students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time while they maintain a full-time job. While all admitted students are welcome, IDS/PACE students are primarily transfers who enter CSUDH with 60 units and junior-class standing. 

Learn more on the Interdisciplinary Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a broad-based, liberal arts and sciences major that focuses on developing exemplary skills in written and oral communication, textual analysis, critical thinking, research methods, and the ability to bring a wide range of resources to bear in approaching complex problems. The curriculum combines knowledge systems across the meta-disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The program is part of a national network of Programs for Accelerated College Education (PACE) that are designed for working, adult students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time while they maintain a full-time job. While all admitted students are welcome, IDS/PACE students are primarily transfers who enter CSUDH with 60 units and junior-class standing. 

Learn more on the Interdisciplinary Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a broad-based, liberal arts and sciences major that focuses on developing exemplary skills in written and oral communication, textual analysis, critical thinking, research methods, and the ability to bring a wide range of resources to bear in approaching complex problems. The curriculum combines knowledge systems across the meta-disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The program is part of a national network of Programs for Accelerated College Education (PACE) that are designed for working, adult students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time while they maintain a full-time job. While all admitted students are welcome, IDS/PACE students are primarily transfers who enter CSUDH with 60 units and junior-class standing. 

Learn more on the Interdisciplinary Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is dedicated to high standards in journalistic practices and offers a strong focus on analytical reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving. Through innovative teaching practices, the program provides a broad-based curriculum designed to promote news and information literacy; proficiency in the various journalistic forms and styles; an understanding of the new media landscape; and information dissemination practices through contemporary and emerging media tools. Students seeking careers in print, digital, broadcast, and contemporary news media will complete the program proficient in journalistic practices including writing, research, reporting, interviewing, editing, and publishing across multiple platforms. The program provides an understanding of media representations of gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, and encourages professional practice that respects all forms of diversity. It trains students to be sensitive to and provide a voice for underserved populations and communities; works in the public interest; and encourages community engagement and social responsibility to audiences and the society at large.

The Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies focuses upon all aspects of working life from the point of view of workers. Emphasis is placed on understanding the labor movement as it relates to historical, economic, and social issues of the twenty-first century. The Labor Studies program was developed in the 1970’s in an effort to provide Southern California with the only state-supported bachelor of arts program in this field. The program was designed with the assistance of state and local labor leaders and was coordinated with Labor Studies programs at nearby community colleges.

Learn more on the Labor Studies program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an option in General Music offers students the cultural knowledge and professional skills necessary for a career in music. The program is distinguished by the wide range of possible experiences it offers the student: performance in multiple genres, composition, conducting, music history, and music education. The Music Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The curriculum requires that students demonstrate a broad knowledge of music history and theory as well as those within their area of specialization. Students also develop musicianship skills adequate to support the performance and pedagogy of music, including eartraining, keyboard proficiency, sight-reading, and vocal technique. Students will acquire hands-on experience with current music and media-related technologies within their area of specialization, and they will perform music from the standard repertoire related to their major area of study as soloists and as ensemble members.

Learn more on the Music program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an option in Music Education offers students the cultural knowledge and professional skills necessary for a career in music. The program is distinguished by the wide range of possible experiences it offers the student: performance in multiple genres, composition, conducting, music history, and music education. The Music Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The curriculum requires that students demonstrate a broad knowledge of music history and theory as well as those within their area of specialization. Students also develop musicianship skills adequate to support the performance and pedagogy of music, including eartraining, keyboard proficiency, sight-reading, and vocal technique. Students will acquire hands-on experience with current music and media-related technologies within their area of specialization, and they will perform music from the standard repertoire related to their major area of study as soloists and as ensemble members.

Learn more on the Music program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an option in Performance offers students the cultural knowledge and professional skills necessary for a career in music. The program is distinguished by the wide range of possible experiences it offers the student: performance in multiple genres, composition, conducting, music history, and music education. The Music Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The curriculum requires that students demonstrate a broad knowledge of music history and theory as well as those within their area of specialization. Students also develop musicianship skills adequate to support the performance and pedagogy of music, including eartraining, keyboard proficiency, sight-reading, and vocal technique. Students will acquire hands-on experience with current music and media-related technologies within their area of specialization, and they will perform music from the standard repertoire related to their major area of study as soloists and as ensemble members.

Learn more on the Music program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding involves a comprehensive study of applied methods, theory, and research and a choice of various electives covering a wide range of applicable subjects. This degree program is beneficial for those who work in counseling, law enforcement, teaching, social work, therapy, benefit labor, human resources, management, government, community organizing, lobbying, foreign service, and the military, as well as international business and peace organizations.

Learn more on the Negotiation program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy provides a strong foundation in the history of Western thought and deals with a variety of ongoing philosophical and religious issues, tracing them from their origins in early Greek and other historical sources to current theories and disputes. The department offers a variety of courses in contemporary philosophy, including phenomenology and applied ethics. The department recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and through its course offerings addresses multicultural concerns. The curriculum provides students with the means of more fully understanding the intricacies of virtually any area chosen as a basis for livelihood. The program provides quality preparation for advanced studies and careers in fields such as law, medicine, theology, business, teaching, counseling, public service, humanitarian organizations and environmental organizations.

Learn more on the Philosophy program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with an option in Religious Thought provides a strong foundation in the history of Western thought and deals with a variety of ongoing philosophical and religious issues, tracing them from their origins in early Greek and other historical sources to current theories and disputes. The department offers a variety of courses in contemporary philosophy, including phenomenology and applied ethics. The department recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and through its course offerings addresses multicultural concerns. The curriculum provides students with the means of more fully understanding the intricacies of virtually any area chosen as a basis for livelihood. The program provides quality preparation for advanced studies and careers in fields such as law, medicine, theology, business, teaching, counseling, public service, humanitarian organizations and environmental organizations.

Learn more on the Philosophy program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with an option in Literature prepares students who intend to teach Spanish in high schools and students who plan continue their studies in graduate school either in the academic fields of Spanish Linguistics, Romance Linguistics, Spanish Literature and Latin American literature. The Spanish Language has become an important global language and those who hold a degree in Spanish is of invaluable asset in California, across the country and the world. Over 534 million people worldwide speak Spanish as a first and second language. The employment opportunities for Spanish majors continue to grow with both the passage of Proposition 58, which removes restrictions on bilingual education programs for California, and with the Global California 2030 Initiative that calls for the expansion of the teaching and learning of world languages and the number of in more than one language over the next 12 years.

Learn more on the Modern Languages program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with an option in Linguistics prepares students who intend to teach Spanish in high schools and students who plan continue their studies in graduate school either in the academic fields of Spanish Linguistics, Romance Linguistics, Spanish Literature and Latin American literature. The Spanish Language has become an important global language and those who hold a degree in Spanish is of invaluable asset in California, across the country and the world. Over 534 million people worldwide speak Spanish as a first and second language. The employment opportunities for Spanish majors continue to grow with both the passage of Proposition 58, which removes restrictions on bilingual education programs for California, and with the Global California 2030 Initiative that calls for the expansion of the teaching and learning of world languages and the number of in more than one language over the next 12 years.

Learn more on the Modern Languages program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts offers courses in the field of acting and directing, design and technical theatre, theatre history, dramatic literature, multicultural children's theatre, speech, and drama for the classroom. Course requirements for theatre program provide for flexibility and allow students considerable choice in planning their academic careers. Opportunities in the field of acting are expanding as a result of the establishment of year-round professional acting companies, the growth of summer and winter stock companies, outdoor and regional theatre, repertory companies, and dinner theatre.  Commercial television, cable television, the Public Broadcast System, and the movie and music industry employ a large number of actors, as well as other talented personnel.

Learn more on the Theatre Arts program website.

The Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies explores the experiences of women in cultures and societies around the world. Students in the program acquire the knowledge and skills to understand the history and structures of gender inequalities and how to advocate for women’s rights and freedoms. The program examines the social construction of gender and sexual difference. Through feminist theory and interdisciplinary methods, Women’s Studies explores the ways gender relates to and intersects with ethnicity, race, social class, religion, sexuality, nationality, globalization and other factors that have shaped women’s and men’s lives.

Learn more on the Women's Studies program website.