Department of Expressive Arts
Dean: Crocker
Department Chair: Pendergast (Art)
Professor: Metcalf (Art)
Associate Professor: Pendergast (Art)
Assistant Professors: Michaud (Art), Brandt (Art)
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Art, Associate of Arts
Majors: Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design
Minors: Art, Music
THE EXPRESSIVE ARTS DEPARTMENT: Includes the Arts and Music. Expressive Arts Department teaches and cultivates confidence, patience, perseverance, dexterity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. The arts instill discipline, curiosity for experimentation, risk taking and dedication to one’s vision. Students will carry these lifelong visual communication skills and intrinsic motivational attitudes with them into all aspects of their lives and careers where they will be valued as creative innovators and problem solvers.
Fine Art Discipline
Fine Art students enrolled at WNMU have options towards professional careers in the visual arts, art education, and music. The A.A. degree in Graphic Design leads towards the computer related workforce. The B.F.A. Program requires an application process and a strong, competitive portfolio for admission and is designed as preparation for graduate study or careers in Art and Media. Art as a discipline provides the facilities and assistance for developing competence in the visual arts, art education, art history, and the graphic and media arts.
The art discipline offers several degree options: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelors of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Graphic Design, and an Art Minor.
- Lab fees are required in Studio Courses.
- Lab fees provide studio equipment, their maintenance/repair, and studio materials. Students will provide their own personal tools and supplies.
- Admission to the A.A. Graphic Design Program adhere to the University open enrollment policy.
The Bachelors of Arts & Science (B.A./B.A.): the degree offers 50 credits hours in art with specialization is studio art. Ideal for the collaborative students interested in broader liberal arts goals or a double major. Students are prepared for graduate school to pursue the Masters of Art in Teaching and could pursue a MFA Degree or practice art professionally. No Minor is required.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees (B.F.A.): A Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in fine arts is a four-year degree program which allows a student to approach an education in the visual arts within a university context. This means that studio courses in such areas as ceramics, drawing, new media, painting, photography, sculpture, and also interdisciplinary combinations of these media, will be studied alongside academic disciplines
Associate of Arts in Graphic Design (A.A.): The degree prepares students to enter the graphic design workforce. The program incorporates a broad art and design curriculum utilizing computer skills.
Art Minor: Enables students majoring in other fields to acquire an art proficiency.
Music Minor: A focus on music proficiency including, Jazz, Mariachi, and Pep band.
Art Scholarships: The DeGrazia Scholarship in Fine Arts, Francis McCray Scholarship, Harry Benjamin, Barbara Peppy, Gary and Ardene Rickman,Lorraine Schula Scholarship, John Stermer Art Scholarship, Chase Web Art Scholarship, Winters Kasten State match scholarship: Each scholarship varies in amounts up to $500.00 per academic year. Art scholarships are awarded to incoming students with artistic potential and current outstanding Art and outstanding B.F.A. students. Art scholarships are awarded each Spring for the following year. Scholarship Application Forms are available in the Expressive Arts Office. Completed applications are due by 12 noon on the second Thursday in February to the Expressive Arts Office.
Music Scholarships: Robert M. Ingraham Music Scholarship, North Sea Montreux Jazz Scholarship, AA. (Abramo) and Geraldine Parotti Scholarship, Lorraine Schula Scholarship, CCCC/Robert Lee Kasten Expressive Arts State match Scholarship. Are awarded to incoming students with musical potential and current outstanding declared music minors.
Art Education Program Description: The Art Discipline within the Expressive Arts Department works in conjunction with the School of Education in two ways. 1) Students interested in attaining Art Certification are required to complete a B.F.A. in Art and pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching with Art as their qualifying field. 2) Students interested in the Elementary Education Program take the Art Teaching Endorsement in conjunction with the Elementary Education Program.
Associate of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Minor
Department of Humanities
Dean: Crocker
Department Chair: Oubre
Professors: Gist, Heller
Associate Professors: Cline, Oubre, Steinmann
Assistant Professor: Brown, Frankland, Kingery, Schoenberg
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Majors: English, Sustainable Development
Minors: Communication Studies, English, Philosophy, Sustainable Development
The Humanities Department offers courses and programs which focus on human experience in its own terms - as in literature and philosophy. These courses and programs may be used as preparation for careers in law, government, and teaching, but they are also essential to the critical thinking, value formation, and political decision-making required of citizens in a democratic society. The courses are designed for students choosing electives as well as for majors and minors.
The humanities curriculum is meant to function as a complement to curricula which are excessively specialized on one hand and exclusively practical on the other. It is committed to the cultivation of a thoughtful, broad, historical perspective; knowledge as an end-in-itself; and an awareness of the special value of human beings and their experiences - past, present, and future.
Students pursing the B.A. degree are advised to begin studying a foreign language in year one of their curriculum.
The Humanities Department includes courses in developmental reading and writing, Communication, Literature, Philosophy, and Writing. There is also one honors society in the Humanities Department: Sigma Tau Delta.
Communication
Courses in communication will study “all forms, modes, media and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific and aesthetic inquiry” (National Communication Association Mission Statement, 2016) in order to prepare students for a better life as better communicators and to work in diverse fields including journalism, public relations, brand management, and any other occupation where excellence in communication is recommended.
Composition
The Composition program at WNMU meets students where they are, offering integrated reading and writing classes for students needing academic support to complete the transition from high school to college, and a two-semester college in general education courses as well as those within their major disciplines. The Composition program works closely with the Miller Library, the Center for Student Success, and the Writing Center to offer writing support services such as tutoring to WNMU’s students.
Developmental English
Undergraduate students new to WNMU are required to take an approved placement test. The test scores are used to place students in appropriate university or developmental English and mathematics courses. Developmental English courses provide underprepared and “at risk” students with academic support to complete the transition from high school to college. They also provide academic support to non-traditional students who have been away from formal education for several years.
Literature
These courses in American, British and World Literature sharpen critical and aesthetic insights and promote understanding of the cultural heritage as revealed in literature. They provide a strong foundation in subject matter for prospective teachers of English in the elementary and secondary schools and equip majors for graduate study in English.
Philosophy
Philosophy courses serve to provide students with conceptual skills needed to think critically and to confront fundamental questions in their lives. Historical and contemporary approaches to problems are presented.
Teacher Licensure
Students seeking teacher licensure in the state of New Mexico may combine a major in Elementary Education or Secondary Education with a teaching field in Bilingual Education - Spanish, Classical Language - Spanish, or Language Arts. Specific course listings are found in the Teaching Field section of the School of Education in this catalog.
Writing
Writing courses prepare students for success in an increasingly critical area of communication. Through the study of craft, audience, tone, mechanics, and form, students build the foundations to become practicing writers. Graduates go on to write in literary and professional venues and/or enroll in graduate level writing programs.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Other Programs
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Director: Heather Steinmann
Professors: Faculty across all departments at WNMU serve these degrees
Advising Resources: Advising staff in Interdisciplinary Studies serve these degrees. For assistance, contact Interdisciplinary Studies at 575-538-6650 or interdisciplinary@wnmu.edu or visit us at our Silver City office.
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies aims to support students in their exploration of advanced study and their personal academic interests. Each of these degrees offers great flexibility in course selections and high course inclusiveness by allowing electives to count toward graduation. These degrees embrace the diversity of students’ interests at WNMU and allow students to customize a degree to their personal interests. Each program can serve as a terminal degree, allowing students to gain skills and knowledge that prepare them for employment and civic engagement. The degrees can also serve as stepping stones for further study.
Many students come to the Associate of Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degrees through their advising experience as undecided students. The department of Interdisciplinary Studies works closely with staff in the Admissions and Center for Student Success, and these units collaborate to support the interest and advising of these students. Once a student has declared Liberal Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies as a major, advising responsibilities shift to the Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies and staff of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department.
Graduate Catalog
Colleges Offering Graduate Level Coursework for the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Arts & Sciences, College of
Expressive Arts, Department of
Art (ART)
Humanities, Department of
English (ENGL)
Philosophy (PHIL)
Writing (WRTG)
Mathematics & Computer Science, Department of
Mathematics (MATH)
Natural Sciences, Department of
Biology (BIOL)
Social Sciences, Department of
History (HIST)
Latino and Latin American Studies (LALS)
Political Science (POLS)
Social Science
Sociology (SOC)
Professional Studies, College of
Business, School of
Business Administration (BSAD)
Business Management (BSAD)
Economics (ECON)
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Education, School of
Bilingual Education (BLED)
Counseling (COUN)
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Educational Leadership
Elementary Education (EDUC)
Instructional Technology & Design (ITD)
Reading Education (RDG)
Secondary Education (EDUC)
Special Education (SPED)
Nursing & Kinesiology, School of
Kinesiology (KINS)
Nursing (NUR)
Behavioral Sciences, Department of
Chemical Dependency Counseling (CHDP)
Criminal Justice (CJUS)
Psychology (PSY)
Program Specific Admission and Graduation Requirements
Arts & Sciences, College of
Note: Additional details about exits may be requested from interdisciplinary@wnmu.edu.
Expressive Arts, Department of
The Expressive Arts Department offers curriculum support for the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program in the field of Art. The visual arts graduate program requires a BA/BS or BFA degree in Art or any other field with an art minor equivalent to WNMU’s 23 credit art minor or prospective students may petition for an exception to this requirement. Each graduate Art student, once admitted, must select an advisor in his or her area of studio concentration. Students admitted into the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program may be eligible to apply for a Graduate Assistantship in the McCray Gallery.
Humanities, Department of
This department has no additional admission requirements beyond those of the WNMU Graduate Division.
Mathematics & Computer Science, Department of
Applicants should have a grade of at least a B in MATH 312 - Computational Linear Algebra , and MATH 323 - Differential Equations , or equivalent courses from an accredited college or university. There is a current need and desire for k-12 and community college teachers to become “highly qualified” by taking 18 hours in a discipline at the graduate level.
Natural Sciences, Department of
The Natural Sciences Department offers curriculum support to students who are interested in focusing on Biology or other areas in the Natural Sciences Department. For graduate admission in Biology, students must have a B.A./B.S. in Biology or a closely related field, or a B.A./B.S. degree in another field and sufficient preparatory coursework in biological sciences as determined by the program advisor. Students will select a member of the full-time Natural Science faculty who will agree to serve as their advisor. Prior to enrolling in graduate coursework, graduate students must secure a degree plan signed by their advisor. A minimum of 18 credit hours in Biology and/or Natural Science courses is recommended.
Social Sciences, Department of
This department has no additional admission requirements beyond those of the WNMU Graduate Division.
Professional Studies, College of Business
This school has no additional admission requirements beyond those of the WNMU Graduate Division.
Professional Studies, School of Education
The School of Education requires a specific program application process for admission into any School of Education field of study. All application materials (specified below) must be submitted as one complete packet to the School of Education advisor(s). This application packet is reviewed by the Advanced Programs Committee of the School of Education. After the committee reviews the application, the student is notified of acceptance or denial into the desired field(s) of study within the School of Education. Upon acceptance, the student works with her or his advisor in the designated field(s) of study to create a degree plan. It is recommended that the application process be completed and the student obtain acceptance before beginning graduate courses within the School of Education. Both the application process and the degree plan must be completed by the end of the first semester of graduate work.
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Program Application for the School of Education includes the following:
- Data and Tracking Form, completed, form provided
- Criminal Record Disclosure Form, completed and signed, form provided
- Three letters of recommendation, using forms provided
- Writing sample of 2-3 pages, Topic: “Why I want a Master of Arts in _____?
- Current Résumé
- Teacher Licensure Number Form (if applicable), completed and signed, form provided
- Additional program specific admissions forms, as required
- (Note: Any field experience course will have additional requirements)
Application packets (including appropriate forms) are available from the School of Education.
Behavioral Sciences, Department of
This department has no additional admission requirements beyond those of the WNMU Graduate Division.
Criminal Justice and Chemical Dependency Counseling Concentrations: A two hour written comprehensive exam is required for a student who is completing nine hours of Criminal Justice or Chemical Dependency Counseling coursework; a four hour exam is required for a student who is completing 18 hours of Criminal Justice or Chemical Dependency Counseling coursework. The exam question(s) will integrate concepts from across the spectrum of courses taken by the student.
The comprehensive exam must be completed no later than one semester following the completion of coursework. The student must notify his/her academic advisor by the end of the eighth week in the semester that he/she intends to complete the comprehensive exam. If the student doesn’t reside in the Silver City area, the student is responsible for identifying a proctor and obtaining approval of the proctor from the student’s academic advisor. This must be completed by the end of the eighth week in the semester. If the student takes the comprehensive exam in the summer, notification to the advisor, and selection and approval of a proctor (if applicable) must be completed by the beginning of the summer session. The exam should be administered no later than four weeks prior to the end of the semester.
Comprehensive exams are graded on a pass/fail basis. The grader will provide written feedback if the student fails the exam. A student is allowed to re-take the exam once. New examination question(s) will be written and the test will be re-administered within four weeks of notification to the student that he/she failed the first attempt.
A student taking an 18 hour emphasis in Criminal Justice or Chemical Dependency Counseling may choose a thesis option. Three credit hours of thesis may be counted towards the 18 hours of Criminal Justice or Chemical Dependency Counseling coursework. Procedures for selecting a thesis topic and a thesis committee are contained in the “Thesis Option” section of the catalog.
Graduate Certificates
This unique program allows students to earn a Graduate Certificate in a specific content area. In addition to the Graduate Division Admission requirements, students are asked to complete program specific admission requirements including a brief Letter of Intent. A Graduate Certificate in a specific content area is available when a student has earned 18 hours. In most states, 18 hours at the graduate level qualifies people as “content area experts” who are considered “qualified” to teach at the lower-division college level. These certificates allow students to document completion of 18 hours within a field when done outside of or in addition to a separate master’s degree.
The following Concentration Areas are available for a Graduate Certificate: through the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies:
Art
Biology
Chemical Dependency Counseling
Criminal Justice
English
History
Kinesiology
Mathematics
Political Science
Psychology
Writing
While these graduate certificates are not interdisciplinary programs, all students pursuing these will be supported through the Interdisciplinary Studies Program Office. Students entering these certificate programs will be asked to briefly articulate their goals and purpose for this work for program evaluation purposes in a required Letter of Intent.
Certificate
Associate of Arts
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Graduate Certificates
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Art, Graduate Certificate
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Biology, Graduate Certificate
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Chemical Dependency Counseling, Graduate Certificate
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Criminal Justice, Graduate Certificate
- •
English, Graduate Certificate
- •
History, Graduate Certificate
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Kinesiology, Graduate Certificate
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Mathematics, Graduate Certificate
- •
Political Science, Graduate Certificate
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Psychology, Graduate Certificate
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Writing Graduate Certificate
Master of Arts
Department of Math & Computer Science
Dean: Oubre
Department Chair: Livingston
Professors: Gruszka, Livingston, Rivers, Smith
Assistant Professors: Nyaupane, Schott, Tamang
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science
Majors: Mathematics, Mathematics-Pre-Engineering
Minors: Computer Science, Mathematics
Courses in mathematics are intended for those who are studying the subjects for their own sake, for those who are interested in their applications as a tool in various fields, for those who are interested in teaching, and for those who are interested in graduate study. Students in this department are encouraged to study at least one area in which mathematics or computer science is applied. The employment opportunities are excellent for education majors with a mathematics major or minor. Career opportunities for computer science minors are excellent in education, business and many other applied areas.
All classes presented for the major or minor in mathematics or computer science must be passed with a grade of C or better. MATH 2132 - Understanding Elementary Math I and MATH 2133 - Understanding Elementary Mathematics II do not count toward the major or minor in mathematics.
Associate of Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Department of Natural Sciences
Dean: Crocker
Department Chair: Camacho
Professors: Camacho, Haugen, Hill, Jost, Norris White
Associate Professor: Whiteman
Assistant Professors: Kumar-Kyasa, Medina Velo, Neighbors
Visiting Professor: Gentry
Lab Directors: Casler, Koeppl
Majors: Biology, Botany, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Sustainable Development, Forest/Wildlife, Forest Wildlife Law Enforcement, General Science, Medical Technology Laboratory Science, Science Education, Zoology
Minors: Biology, Botany, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Geographic Information Systems, Geology, Outdoor Leadership Studies, Sustainable Development, Zoology
The Department of Natural Sciences offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in a variety of subjects as preparation for a large number of professional careers. Additionally, the Department provides appealing courses which not only fulfill undergraduate science requirements, but also prepare the student for the scientific realities of life.
The faculty is committed to scholarship and research. Research equipment, instruments, and library materials are available for student use.
General Education Requirements: The following Department of Natural Sciences courses, including their associated laboratories, are approved for fulfilling the General Education requirements for laboratory science. Some of these are restricted (for General Education credit) to students who have declared majors in specific fields. All courses, including designated General Education courses, required for a major or minor in the Department of Natural Sciences must be passed with a grade of C or better.
BIOL 1140 /BIOL 1140L , BIOL 1110 /BIOL 1110L primarily for non-science majors
BIOL 2642 /BIOL 2642L , BIOL 2644 /BIOL 2644L , BIOL 2110 /BIOL 2110L primarily for science majors
BIOL 2210 /BIOL 2210L
CHEM 1120 /CHEM 1120L , CHEM 1215 /CHEM 1215L
GEOL 1110 /GEOL 1110L , GEOL 2110 /GEOL 2110L , GEOL 1120 /GEOL 1120L
PHSC 1120 /PHSC 1120L
Advisors: Each student has the option of choosing his or her advisor. Each major for the department however, has a suggested advisor listed at the beginning of the degree plan. These professors are the best qualified to advise a student in each of these areas.
Science Education Major
For licensure to teach secondary science students must complete both a Science Education major and a Secondary Education. This double major program is completed in conjunction with the School of Education at WNMU and fulfills all requirements for licensure to teach secondary science.
For licensure to teach elementary science students may either double major in both Science Education and Elementary Education or take the General Science Licensure courses with their Elementary Education major.
Students may also choose the route of obtaining an M.A.T. if they have an undergraduate degree in science.
Degree plans for the double majors in Elementary or Secondary Education and Science Education can be found in the School of Education section of this catalog.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
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Biology, B.S.
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Botany, B.S.
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Cell and Molecular Biology, B.S.
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Chemistry, B.S.
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Forest WildLife, B.S.
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General Science, B.S.
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Medical Technology (Laboratory Science), B.S.
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Science Education, B.S.
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Sustainable Development, B.S.
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Zoology, B.S.
Bachelor of Applied Science
Minor
Department of Social Science & Cultural Studies
Dean: Crocker
Department Chair: Lavalle
Professors: Hernandez, Lavalle
Associate Professors: Fritz
Assistant Professor: Blaxland, Naphan-Kingery, Nica
Majors: History, Social Science, Sociology, Sustainable Development
Minors: American Indian Studies, Sustainable Development, Geography, History, Latin American Studies, Latinx Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Gender and Women Studies
The primary purposes of the programs in the social sciences are to provide student with a broad and general understanding of human social life and to prepare students for varied careers in business, education, government, law, and human services.
Other Requirements
All majors in the areas of Social Science must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 in the major field for graduation at the Bachelor’s levels. All majors require a minor degree program with the exception of the Sustainable Development and Social Science major.
Any student with a major in Sociology may not count GEOG 323 /SOC 323 or PSYC 2510 towards the additional math/computer science requirements for the B.S. degree.
Minors
For New Mexico teacher licensure, all the minors listed below must include 24 credit hours.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Minor
.