Visual Art, Communication, Social Sciences, and Native American Leadership

SE Catalog > Course Information > School of Arts and Sciences > Visual Art, Communication, Social Sciences, and Native American Leadership

Shannon K. McCraw, Ph.D., Chair
Connor Alford, M.S.; Fendrich (Randy) Clark, Ph.D.; Bradley Folsom, Ph.D.; Matt Freeman, M.F.A.; Amy Gantt, M.F.A.; Stephanie Heald, Ph.D.; Patricia Hornback, Ph.D.; Kyle Lincoln, Ph.D.; Joseph McWilliams, M.S.; Raymond Mitchell, Ph.D.; Jack A. Ousey, M.F.A.; Sondra Petty, Ph.D.

The Department of Visual Art, Communication, Social Sciences, and Native American Leadership offers eight undergraduate degrees and one graduate degree. Students and faculty have access to a variety of in-house media outlets and professional learning environments.

Student Opportunities

Students have numerous opportunities for professional, creative, and artistic growth through the department’s in-house media outlets:

  • The Southeastern — the student-led digital newspaper
  • The Holisso — the student-developed university magazine
  • KSSU 91.9 FM — the student-led radio station
  • Studio 201 — the student-operated digital/social studio
  • Montgomery + Dunlap — the student-managed advertising and public relations firm (housed in the Communication and Entrepreneurship Lab)
  • The Campus Note — the student-created content development and entrepreneurship project

Through state, regional, and national competitions, students hone their persuasive communication and critical thinking skills via the Southeastern Speech and Debate Association (SSDA), the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, and the Model UN. Students may also participate in faculty-led research experiences that culminate in conference presentations, and present their artistic work in annual art exhibits in the University’s Centre Art Gallery, located in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

Visual Art

The Visual Art Program offers degree plans designed to prepare graduates for diverse employment, artistic, and graduate school opportunities:

  • Bachelor of Science in Art Teacher Certification — provides arts training and knowledge in preparation for teacher certification and a career in art education, or continued development in graduate school.
  • Bachelor of Art in Art Studio — prepares students with knowledge and skills in visual art to pursue studio art professions or advanced graduate study.
  • Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design — provides students with design knowledge and skills utilizing graphic software tools necessary for a career in graphic design or continuation to graduate school in the same field.

Communication

The mission of the communication program is to develop and enhance oral and written communication skills, research competence, and media production skills. The communication program equips students with theoretical, critical, and practical knowledge to prepare them for entry into graduate school, professional school, and the workforce.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Media Studies — offers options in Advertising and Public Relations, Broadcasting, or Journalism. This study prepares students to investigate, report, and tell informative, persuasive, or entertaining stories while creatively solving problems using digital media.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Organizational and Strategic Communication — prepares students to build relationships and teams while developing skills in leadership, persuasion, negotiation, and conflict management.

Social Sciences

The mission of the History and Political Science programs is to provide rigorous academic courses that study social, cultural, political, economic, and historical dimensions of the human experience. Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with major programs of study in History, Political Science, or Social Studies Education (secondary social studies teachers). The Department also offers minors in History, Political Science, Public Administration, and Geography. Students majoring in these fields should consult with a faculty advisor to develop a specific program of study.

Native Studies

The Native Studies (NS) minor is an interdisciplinary minor designed to give students an introduction and appreciation for the lives of Native Americans. Students will be exposed to pre-Columbian and post-Columbian cultures. This is an ideal minor for students who are interested in learning about the American past and the future of Native peoples. The interdisciplinary nature of the minor is well-suited for students who anticipate future employment in fields that will bring them into contact with Native Americans. The minor exposes students to a wide array of theories, perspectives, and legal doctrine.