Arts Sciences offers new bachelor’s degrees

Geared toward meeting the world’s demands for producing students in emerging technologies, the College of Arts and Sciences is offering several new bachelor’s degree programs.

The new options include a B.S. in computational science; a B.A. in computer science; a B.S. in environmental science; a B.A. in environmental science and policy; and a B.A. in English with a concentration in editing, writing, and media (EWM). The EWM track began in fall of 2009 and the B.A. degree in computer science in spring of 2010, while the other degree programs will begin accepting students in fall of 2010.

The undergraduate computational science degree, the first of its kind in Florida and one of only two such programs in the nation, is being offered through the Department of Scientific Computing, which already offers master’s and doctoral degrees in computational science. Computational science differs from traditional computer science in that it focuses on solving complex problems in specific disciplines, such as biology, materials science, and even the social sciences. For example, biologists use computational tools to handle and model large sets of data, while economists and developers of public policy are increasingly using computer simulations and design to aid in their decision-making processes.

Meanwhile, students pursuing a B.A. in computer science will be required to take fewer mathematics and theoretical computer science courses than students pursuing the B.S. in computer science, allowing B.A. students to select their own minor and to focus on courses that will prepare them for careers in programming.

The new B.S. in environmental science is geared toward students who would like to work in the interdisciplinary earth sciences, government agencies, or nongovernmental organizations. And while students who pursue the B.A. in environmental science and policy may wish to work for the same agencies, the B.A. degree will place less emphasis on the deeper science and more emphasis on policy issues. Both degrees will be offered through the college’s new Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, which merges the departments of meteorology, oceanography, and geology.

And finally, the editing, writing, and media track—being offered by the Department of English—builds on the department’s traditional strengths in writing and criticism to take on the world of digital technology, visual culture, and the internet. Already, the new track has been wildly popular: As of January 2010, about 250 students had declared EWM as their focus.

For more information about the B.S. in computational science, go to http://sc.fsu.edu/news-and-events/headlines/559-new-bs-in-computational-science-at-fsu

For more information about the new B.A. in computer science, go to http://www.cs.fsu.edu/prospective/undergrad/

For more information about the new degrees in environmental science, go to http://eoas.fsu.edu/Earth-Ocean-and-Atmospheric-Science/Undergraduate-Education

And for more information about the new track in editing, writing, and media, go to http://www.english.fsu.edu/ewm/index.html