CONTACTS:
• Amy Wharton, College of Liberal Arts, 360-546-9617, wharton@vancouver.wsu.edu
• Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
VANCOUVER, Wash. - The College of Liberal Arts at Washington State University Vancouver anticipates offering two new bachelor's degrees in fall 2010-a bachelor of arts in history and a bachelor of arts in sociology. The two new degrees have been approved by Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Washington State University Board of Regents will review the new degrees and take action later in the year.
For students who want to understand how our lives are shaped by the past, including those who are interested in careers in teaching, museums and interpretive sites, libraries, government and law, the bachelor of arts in history will offer a solid foundation.
"My favorite definition of history is this: 'History is a story we tell ourselves about who we are.' We don't really know who 'we' are-the great 'we' of humanity-until we understand how we got here," said Sue Peabody, associate chair in the department of history. "Through our program, students will develop the deep research, critical thinking and writing skills that will serve them in their careers and in their lives. But history is so much more! As our history graduates enter the workforce, the wider community will benefit from an engaged citizenry who understands how we got here and cares about making a difference."
Sociology is a popular and growing major. Data on incoming freshmen at 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø reveal that a social science degree is among the top four areas of student interest. This is consistent with national trends. According to the American Sociological Association, the number of students nationwide pursuing a degree in sociology has been rising steadily since the 1980s. At WSU Pullman, the number of bachelor's degrees earned in sociology has risen by one third over the past five years.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's sociology curriculum will provide students with an understanding of what makes individuals and groups of people behave the way they do. It will enhance students' critical thinking and communications skills and provide training in methods and statistics. These skills are useful in a wide range of careers including public relations, teaching and positions in government, social agencies and industry.
"In today's changing job market, the skills provided by a liberal arts education are increasingly important. In the past, college graduates took a job and were likely to stay there for most of their career. Now students change jobs many times in the years following graduation and throughout their lives. Indeed, most people not only change jobs, but make multiple career changes," said Amy S. Wharton, director of the College of Liberal Arts. "It is important to have skills that can transfer to different settings, including the ability to analyze problems, develop solutions and understand different kinds of people. A sociology degree provides students with these capabilities."
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø currently offers 16 bachelor's degrees, nine master's degrees, one doctoral degree and more than 37 fields of study. With a student population of 3,000, 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers a small-college atmosphere with public university access. For more information visit .
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