Humanities and Social Science
Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics Studies
The major in Linguistics enables students to explore, at many levels and from a variety of perspectives, how language works. Students of linguistics examine the structure, use, acquisition, and development of the languages of the world. We aim to identify both those elements that are common to all human languages (spoken and signed) and the ways in which languages and dialects can differ from one another. Courses in phonetics and phonology reveal the sound patterns of language. Morphology studies the composition of words. Syntax, semantics, and pragmatics focus on how phrases are put together and how “meaning” is communicated. Historical linguistics examines the evolution of linguistic systems over time. Sociolinguistics considers the relationship of language form and social factors such as gender, race, and region. Acquisition investigates the learning of language from birth into adulthood.
The major offers the flexibility to enable students to study two foreign languages of their choosing, pursue their own interests within linguistics, and explore interdisciplinary connections. The vibrant linguistics community in the JIU area affords the opportunity for students to attend lectures and conferences and participate in other local linguistics events.
An undergraduate degree in linguistics offers excellent training for a wide variety of careers, including translation, interpreting, teaching, publishing, national security, international affairs, forensics, or medicine, and for graduate study in linguistics or related fields (such as anthropology, law, philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, or speech and hearing sciences).
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Linguistics are expected to attain:
- An understanding of the fundamental questions that drive modern linguistic research concerning formal structure, universals, acquisition, historical change, variation, and social dimensions of use, along with foundational knowledge in the core areas of linguistic theory.
- The ability to identify and describe with precision the empirical patterns found in sets of language data, and to construct well-reasoned linguistic analyses by formulating, testing, and refining hypotheses about these patterns.
- Experience in presenting their own research and/or reviewing the literature through written papers and oral presentations.
Bachelor of Social Science in Economics
The Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Economics is designed for those who wish to enter government, legal, business, or teaching professions. Intellectually challenging, the economics degree offers sound training in economic theory and institutions, while fostering the ability to analyze the problems of business and society through modern quantitative methods.
Learning Outcomes
- A broad overview of economic concepts, theories, and applications.
- Critical-thinking skills and an ability to understand the fundamentals of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories.
- A broad-based education in the liberal arts, including exposure to the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences, may be considered complete in itself or suitable as preparation for graduate study.
Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Psychology degree program exposes students to a broad range of thinking about psychology and provides opportunities for research experience. Students who complete the psychology degree program have the skills to be successful in a range of vocations or professional and graduate training programs and are well prepared for further study of psychology, medicine, and law.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of, and ability to apply, fundamental psychological theories, perspectives, and techniques to define and address real-life situations.
- Proficiency in explaining and evaluating strengths and limitations of several common research methods, data analyses, and studies employed by psychologists.
- Information and communication competence by formulating a topic of interest, conducting a literature search, selecting and critically evaluating valid and appropriate sources, and synthesizing and presenting in oral and/or written form using APA-style format selected psychology articles and books.
- Proficiency in conducting fundamental psychological experimental research and communicating findings in a professional manner using APA-style format and following professional ethical research guidelines.
- The advanced breadth of disciplinary knowledge by explaining and applying at least two selected content and applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical-counseling, cognition, and learning, developmental, social, abnormal-forensic) to describe and address real-life situations.
Master in Linguistics Studies
The MA in Linguistics is designed to provide students with a solid foundational knowledge of the traditional core areas of linguistic analysis, as well as a deeper specialization in a chosen subfield or interface area. Our goal is to help students reach a level of preparation suitable for the pursuit of more advanced work in linguistics, or in allied fields with a commitment to the study of language. Many students who complete the MA degree will go on to Ph.D. programs in these areas, while others will instead pursue careers in fields such as speech and language technologies or education, among others. Our program has particular strength in the areas of theoretical syntax and semantics, experimental phonetics and phonology, and language acquisition. Additional areas of focus include language documentation and field linguistics, language change and variation, pragmatics and information status, prosody, Romance linguistics, and sign language linguistics.
The MA program is designed to be completed in one year, though students wishing to complete a major independent research project, akin to a thesis or capstone project, may wish to consider spending three or four semesters in the program instead. The program is appropriate for students with some background in linguistics, although an undergraduate degree in the field is not required.
Learning Outcomes
- The ability to think critically about fundamental issues in the study of language structure, universals, variation, change, acquisition, and social dimensions of language use, and a sophisticated command of several core areas of linguistic analysis.
- The ability to analyze the empirical patterns found in sets of language data, and to construct well-reasoned linguistic analyses by formulating, testing, and refining hypotheses.
- The ability to formulate a testable research question, grounded in the prior literature, to carry out the relevant research, analyze the findings, and construct argumentation to support the conclusions.
Master of Social Science
This research degree develops advanced research principles, methods, and mastery of a body of knowledge in the social sciences by completing a thesis or research project.
Your challenge will be not just to generate new knowledge but also to investigate how this knowledge can inform action.
Individually supervised research programs are available in three key areas: the social, the urban, and the global.
Jones International University has particular expertise in the fields of:
- urban planning and housing studies
- sustainability
- criminology
- globalization, languages and cultures studies
- applied linguistics, translating and interpreting
- sociology
- international development and relations
- community development
- social and public policy
- social work.
Through the program, you’ll experience and nurture industry partnerships and collaborate with other researchers while gaining creative, technical, and communication skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts.
This program will provide you with a foundation for further studies at the Ph.D. level and for employment in senior leadership and management research-based positions in a variety of government, non-government and corporate environments
Master of Psychology
The Master of Psychology degree program equips students with an in-depth understanding of psychological principles, theories, and methodologies, and their application to real-world situations, with a focus on:
- Exploration and understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
- Key psychological practices, such as counseling, therapy, and research.
- Analysis, assessment, and intervention in various psychological disorders and challenges.
- Ethical considerations and multicultural competencies in the practice of psychology.
Students learn to integrate psychological concepts with societal needs, preparing them for a distinct career path within the field of psychology. They are given a robust foundation to pursue doctoral studies in psychology or related disciplines.
It’s essential to emphasize that each student will be paired with a personal Program Advisor at the beginning of their studies, who will stay with them until graduation. This personal Program Advisor serves as a continuous support system throughout the student’s academic journey. They are available to answer any questions, provide academic guidance, assist with course selection, and offer motivation and encouragement throughout the student’s studies.
Master of Health Care Management
The Master of Health Care Management degree program is designed to prepare students with the essential skills and knowledge required to lead and manage in the complex and rapidly evolving health care industry. The program focuses on:
- Strategic planning and decision-making in health care organizations.
- Key management functions, such as leadership, finance, operations, and quality improvement.
- Understanding and navigating the regulatory, legal, and ethical considerations in health care.
- Integration of technology and data analysis to enhance patient care and organizational efficiency.
Students are trained to connect health care concepts to the broader health ecosystem, with preparation for a clear career path within the field of health care management. They are provided a strong foundation to pursue further studies in health care administration or related fields.
It’s important to note that each student will be connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who will remain with them until graduation. The student’s personal Program Advisor acts as his/her support system throughout their studies. The personal Program Advisor will be happy to answer any questions the student may have, offer academic advice, discuss course selection, and provide encouragement throughout the student’s studies.
Doctor of Psychology
The Doctor of Psychology degree program represents the pinnacle of academic achievement in the field of psychology. It is designed to cultivate scholars and practitioners who are equipped to contribute to the advancement of psychological science and practice. The program emphasizes:
- In-depth research and exploration of specialized areas within psychology, such as clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, or educational psychology.
- Advanced therapeutic and diagnostic skills, with a focus on evidence-based practices.
- Leadership and advocacy in professional psychology, including ethical considerations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and engagement with the broader community to address complex psychological challenges.
Students in this program are prepared to become leaders in the field, whether in academic, research, clinical, or organizational settings. They are given the tools to contribute to the ongoing development of psychological knowledge and practice.
It’s essential to emphasize that each student will be paired with a personal Program Advisor at the beginning of their studies, who will stay with them until graduation. This personal Program Advisor serves as a mentor and continuous support system throughout the student’s doctoral journey. They are available to answer any questions, provide academic guidance, assist with research direction, and offer motivation and encouragement throughout the student’s studies.
Doctor of Health Care Management
The Doctor of Health Care Management degree program is a comprehensive and advanced study designed to prepare future leaders and scholars in the dynamic field of health care management. The program emphasizes:
- Strategic leadership and innovation in health care systems and organizations.
- In-depth analysis of health care policies, regulations, and global health care trends.
- Advanced research methodologies and applied research projects tailored to address real-world health care challenges.
- Integration of ethical principles, cultural competence, and social responsibility in health care decision-making.
Students in this program are trained to become thought leaders, researchers, and executives in the health care industry. They are equipped with the skills to influence health care policy, improve organizational performance, and contribute to the advancement of health care management as a field.
It’s important to note that each student will be connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who will remain with them until graduation. The student’s personal Program Advisor acts as a mentor and support system throughout their doctoral journey. They are available to answer any questions the student may have, offer academic advice, guide research endeavors, discuss career opportunities, and provide encouragement throughout the student’s studies. This personalized guidance ensures a rich and fulfilling academic experience, positioning graduates for success in academia, research, or executive leadership within the health care sector.
Ph.D. in Linguistics
Our Ph.D. program in Linguistics requires the student to develop a solid understanding of the core areas of the discipline in addition to an in-depth specialty in one of the many areas available through the research interests of the faculty. Areas of special strength in the graduate program include phonetics, phonology, syntax, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, first language acquisition, second language acquisition, semantics, and the study of indigenous languages.
The student will work with their academic advisor to devise a course of study that best suits the student’s research interests.
The Ph.D. program usually takes five years which includes completing an M.A. degree en route to the Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Social Science
The research areas are only broadly indicative, and our staff place great store by creative and innovative approaches to issues whether they are novel or familiar – and to intellectual analysis, both established and path-breaking.
Subjects we supervise include the following areas:
- Development Studies
- Peace Studies
- Psychology
- Sociology and Criminology
- Social Work and Social Care
Undertaking a Ph.D. is an exciting opportunity but can also be quite daunting as there are lots of stages to think about including application, arrival, admission, expectations, and progression to name but a few. At the School of Social Sciences, we believe it is important that, although our research students are working on individual projects, they are not working in isolation. We offer a range of opportunities for training, developing skills, regular supervision sessions, and ongoing peer support.
A research degree gives you the opportunity to determine your own field of study. Your supervisor(s) will help formulate your research topic and ensure you are on schedule to complete your research on time. Research projects are, almost by definition, unique. It is not easy to describe a typical project. However, certain common features apply to all.
In order to confirm progress on your Ph.D., a recommendation must be made by a Progression Panel proposed by your supervisor. If you opt nevertheless to submit for an MPhil then your remaining work should be accomplished in the following year.
The second year of your Ph.D. program may well be taken up with actual data collection. Towards the end of the year, it should be possible to attempt an initial analysis of your results.
In the third year you may conduct detailed collation and analysis of your results, and organize them into a logical and persuasive thesis.
During your fourth year, your supervisor may confirm that you are ready to submit your thesis for examination. Following submission, your thesis will be read by two examiners and you will be required to attend an oral examination, at which you will be expected to answer questions on your thesis.