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Section VII

The Colleges

The University's academic departments and programs are housed in one of three colleges. Those that are interdisciplinary are housed in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The College of Arts and Sciences
Office of the Dean: Dr. P. Joan Poor
215 Sattgast Hall
218-755-2988

The College of Arts and Sciences provides a learning-centered environment for degree programs in the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts. Encompassing the disciplines of Applied Public Policy, Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Science, Computer Science, Earth Science, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, History, Humanities, Indian Studies, International Studies, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, Languages, Music, Political Science, Religious Studies, Social Studies, Sociology, Space Studies, and Women's Studies, the college offers approximately 31 majors and 25 minors that prepare students for a wide variety of careers, graduate and post-baccalaureate professional study, and life in an ever-changing global context.

Arts and Sciences faculty promote excellence and encourage creativity and innovation in an effort to push beyond the specific content of the curriculum toward the creation of independent learners, critical thinkers, and effective communicators among our graduates. The college offers the core of Bemidji State University’s Liberal Education program, required of all students, preparing graduates for their lives as responsible citizens, environmental stewards, and future leaders in a multicultural society. Many programs within the college are highly integrative, interdisciplinary, and closely linked with professional studies in other colleges.

College faculty members take pride in their collective reputation as outstanding teachers, researchers, writers, linguists, and performers. The professional standing of the faculty brings them, the college, and the university local, national, and international recognition and acclaim. They also maintain a curriculum that challenges students to embrace ambiguity, formulate important questions, search for answers, and develop a vision for life that transcends limited perspectives. Arts and Science faculty work closely with individual students to develop a cooperative learning relationship that motivates students to achieve the highest levels of academic excellence.

The College of Business, Technology, and Communication
Office of the Dean: Ms. Carol Nielsen (Interim)
110 Decker Hall
218-755-3732

The College of Business, Technology, and Communication qualifies graduates for immediate entry into rewarding 21st century careers. At the same time, the College’s courses provide the prerequisites for entry into graduate and professional programs. This includes both required and elective study in the liberal arts, as well as exciting internship programs.

The College’s faculty bring to the classroom both scholarship and practical experience. These teaching assets are constantly updated through research, advanced study and outreach to the broader community.

The major programs in the College include: Accounting, Applied Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Design Technology, Industrial Technology, Management Information Systems, Marketing Communication, Mass Communication, and Technology Management.

Minor programs offered by the College that do not correspond to major field names include Computer Forensics and Fraud Examination.

The College also includes the following centers: 360º - Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence; Marketing Assistance and Research Solutions (MARS); Optivation; and Technical Engineering Solutions (TES).

The College of Health Sciences and Human Ecology
Office of the Dean: Dr. Patricia L. Rogers
Sattgast 323
218-755-2965

The College of Health Sciences and Human Ecology (HSHE) houses the disciplines of Criminal Justice; Nursing; Physical Education, Health, and Sport; Professional Education; Psychology; and Social Work. These disciplines are united through program-specific missions focused on people, communities, and civic engagement with attention to student service, outreach, and research...a common focus that honors the origins of each department. Collectively, HSHE forms a culture of assessment, accountability, and achievement in meeting national standards.

The College is centered on the preparation of students for professional careers in the behavioral, social, and health sciences. In addition to classroom studies, the faculty offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of laboratory activities, focused field trips, regional and national sports organizations and venues, research projects, internships, and other clinical and practical experiences. Faculty members are committed to excellence in teaching and to the general understanding of the behavioral, social, and health sciences.

While the members of the College emphasize select studies that lead to the development of professional careers, we also assume the responsibility to prepare students to live in a global and highly technological society. Each program represented in the College of Health Sciences and Human Ecology develops professionals who can communicate effectively, analyze and process complex information, contribute creatively, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Graduates of the College are given a high-quality, professionally and personally relevant education built on a strong liberal education core. This foundation provides students with a better understanding of global perspectives, cultural diversity, technologies, human behavior, and responsible citizenship upon which they can develop their careers and their future as global citizens.

The College includes major programs in Community Health, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Exercise Science, Health Education, Nursing, Physical Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sport Management, and the foundations core courses for the Secondary Education major areas. Minor programs offered by the College that do not correspond to major field names include Chemical Dependency, and Developmental Adapted Physical Education.