RSU Adds Programs in Environment, Music and Photography

Students attending Rogers State University this fall can select from more academic programs, including environmental studies, music and photography.

An option in environmental studies is now available as part of the university’s bachelor of science in social science, and an option in photographic arts has been added to its bachelor of fine arts in visual arts.

An option is similar to an academic focus or major area of study, said Dr. Richard Beck, RSU vice president for academic affairs. The new options have been added to the school’s existing degrees.

RSU also will offer new minors in environmental studies, music and military history. The university recently announced the state’s first bachelor degree program in military history.

The new programs were approved recently by the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, the governing board for RSU.

The bachelor of science in social science, with an option in environmental studies, is designed to combine key concepts from political science and sociology in an environmental context, providing a framework for the study of human interaction with the Earth, Beck said. Students will be able to tailor their studies to prepare for a variety of career paths. A minor area of study also has been added in environmental studies at RSU.

The bachelor of fine arts in visual arts, with an option in photographic arts, will be supported by new photography labs and studios in the renovated Baird Hall, which will open this fall. The new option was in response to student demand, and was an element missing from the RSU’s visual arts program, Beck said.

RSU’s new minor in music is an expansion of the university’s burgeoning music program and will allow students to pursue musical knowledge and skills, even if they prepare for careers in other fields, Beck said.

“This will establish a viable and effective music minor program at RSU, while contributing to a vibrant musical community in northeastern Oklahoma,” he said.

In addition to new options and minors, RSU has added a wide variety of new classes to its fall schedule in support of several degree programs, in areas such as demography, documentary film production, public health, war, ethics and religion, and many others.

Enrollment is currently underway for the fall semester, which begins on Aug. 12. For more information, or to enroll, call (918) 343-7777 or visit www.rsu.edu.