Minor

July 28, 2015 by

Majors, Minors & Areas of Study

Span the ages and circle the globe.

Study history at the University of Mary Washington, and you’ll explore the story of civilizations and individuals, learning what the past can show us about our forebears and ourselves. Based in history-rich Fredericksburg, you’ll have access to the museums, archives and libraries of Washington and Richmond. Expand your perspective through internships and study-abroad opportunities while building your research, analytical and explanatory skills for a problem-solving future.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in history who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in history.

Areas of Study

The history curriculum offers courses from ancient to modern times in the Americas and around the world. The major is distinctive for courses that develop critical judgment, including first-year seminars, a skills-based methods course, in-depth senior seminars, and a senior-level historical research project built on primary sources and developed with a faculty member.

Career Opportunities

UMW history majors graduate with skills in research, analysis, writing, public speaking, and digital media. Recent UMW history graduates have found careers as a PBS programmer, a museum curator, an online writer, a business owner, a high school teacher, a government contractor and a historian. Graduates may find work in media, government and government contracting, national parks, education, law and law enforcement, community service, business and more. Many earn advanced degrees in history and other fields.

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Internships

UMW is in history-rich Fredericksburg and an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, making our campus an excellent base for a history-focused internship. UMW students have found internships with the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, the U.S. Marine Corps at Quantico, the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Mount Vernon, and regional museums.

To be considered for honors in history at graduation, you must have at least a 3.5 grade-point average in the major and must research, write, submit, and defend a historical paper before a faculty panel.

Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honorary society, offers opportunities to participate in social and educational activities.

Major

The history major requires 36 credits including survey courses, electives at the 200 level or higher, and electives at the 400 level. Internships are encouraged and may receive academic credit at the discretion of the department chair.

Minor

Please review the course catalog for minor requirements.

Global History Minor

The global history minor requires 21-24 credits, including a global history foundation course, several electives and a one-semester study abroad program or internship in a relevant field.

The department awards five scholarships annually through competitive application for history and American studies majors.

July 28, 2015 by

Majors, Minors & Areas of Study

Know chemistry, know the universe.

Chemistry is the bridge between the physical and life sciences, the key to understanding every material aspect of the universe. Major in chemistry at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll master the properties of matter and make vital connections among disciplines. You’ll challenge yourself with courses and labs that ignite your passions, preparing you to make breakthroughs whether you enter the career world right away or pursue advanced study.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in Chemistry who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry.

Areas of Study

UMW’s bachelor’s program in chemistry covers societal, organic, physical, and environmental chemistry, and offers courses in biochemistry, chemical analysis, chemical outreach, and more.

Career Opportunities

A chemistry degree from UMW will prepare you for a career or advanced studies in environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, biomedical and forensic science, or technical sales. Our graduates have found careers at NASA, Dow, Virginia Power, Pfizer, the Naval Research Laboratory, Atlantic Research, Estee Lauder, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and the National Institutes of Health.

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Internships

Students are encouraged to pursue research and internship opportunities with such employers as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the American Chemical Society. Learn more about UMW internships in chemistry.

To earn departmental honors in chemistry, you must have at least a 3.25 grade-point average in chemistry and 3.0 overall. You’ll complete an independent research project, then write and defend a thesis. Students pursuing departmental honors enroll in Chemistry 491 for four credits in each semester of the senior year.

Major Requirements

Chemistry majors must complete 39 credits, including 19 upper-level courses. Students may complete extra coursework to earn an American Chemical Society-certified degree.

Minor Requirements

A minor in chemistry requires at least 15 credits, including general chemistry with a lab, either organic chemistry or chemical analysis, each with a lab, and three more courses, to include no more than one lab, chosen from biochemistry, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry.

Numerous scholarships and awards are available for chemistry majors.

July 28, 2015 by

Majors, Minors & Areas of Study

Command a language spoken by millions.

Major in German at the University of Mary Washington, and you’ll master composition and conversation, study German culture, economics, and architecture, and explore the literatures of Austria and Germany. Spend a summer or semester studying in Erfurt, Germany, and consider a minor in business German to prepare for an international career in industry, tourism or diplomacy.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in German who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in modern foreign languages.

Areas of Study

UMW offers beginning and intermediate German; introduction to German literature; business German; German civilization; advanced German literature courses; advanced grammar, conversation, and composition; seminars in German; individual studies; and for-credit internships.

Career Opportunities

UMW German graduates find career opportunities in interpreting, translating, research, social services, education, and international business.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for interpreters and translators will increase by more than 46 percent between 2012 and 2022, making this field one of the fastest-growing occupations.

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Internships

Internships offer hands-on experience and course credit to juniors and seniors. Recent UMW German students have had internships with the U.S. State Department, the FBI, and Volkswagen USA. There also are internship opportunities abroad.

Students who have at least a 3.5 grade-point average in the French major and a 3.0 GPA overall by the beginning of senior year can apply to complete a research-based thesis for departmental honors. A three-member committee will hear the thesis defense and determine whether honors will be awarded.

An undergraduate research grant, awarded through the Office of Academic Affairs, may be available for travel and other thesis-related expenses.

Major Requirements

Students complete eight courses on the advanced level, including two required courses in writing and speaking; one required course in literature and culture; and five electives in advanced literature, culture, or language.

Minor Requirements

The German minor requires 26 credits including core classes and three upper-level electives.

The minor in business German also requires 26 credits including a sequence of business or economics courses.

Eligible students can apply for scholarships to defray costs of faculty-led travel programs. Multiple awards are made each semester. Several scholarships also are available to help students spend a semester studying abroad.

July 28, 2015 by

Majors, Minors & Areas of Study

Entrepreneur? Future CEO?

Whatever your business bent, the University of Mary Washington’s business administration major can help you achieve your goals. Mentored by expert faculty, you’ll ground yourself in business principles, then unlock your specific interests and strengths. You’ll gain real-world experience through research and internships, launching a career with no limits.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in Business Administration who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration.

Areas of Study

UMW’s bachelor’s program in business administration lets you major in accounting, general business, or marketing. In addition, the program covers information systems and applications, applied statistics and business research, legal environment of business, principles of management, federal taxation, organizational behavior, human resource management, decision analysis, principles of finance, commercial law, consumer behavior, leadership theory and practice, negotiation, and more.

Career Opportunities

Business administration majors become account managers, brokerage clerks, employment interviewers, fundraising specialists, human resource managers, insurance underwriters, investment brokers, accountants, Realtors, marketing specialists, purchasing agents, and more.

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Internships

At UMW, you’ll find internship opportunities close to campus and in nearby Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. Intern positions include real estate social media, advertising, marketing research and brand development, Chamber of Commerce communications, financial planning, and automotive business operations.

“Getting a liberal arts education provided me with the opportunity to explore several different areas … Ultimately, the Business Department is where I landed and was most passionate. The liberal arts education definitely worked great for me and provided me with important life skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, economic and societal differences, various political perspectives, and communication skills.”

Dave Carrey

Class of ’96, CEO and co-founder, ROI Training

To be eligible for honors in business administration, you must have a 3.25 grade-point average in upper-division business administration courses and a 3.0 GPA overall. You’ll do a research project, write a thesis, and defend it before a faculty honors committee.

Major Requirements

To receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration in your chosen major of accounting, general business, or marketing, you will earn 48 credits, including 30 in core business courses and 18 in upper-level electives.

Minor Requirements

The Business Administration minor complements many majors and provides an opportunity for students to examine and evaluate the complex components of today’s competitive business environment. Eighteen (18) credits are required.

Many scholarships are available for business majors.

July 28, 2015 by

Majors, Minors & Areas of Study

Your international life begins with French.

Immerse yourself in the language, cultures and histories of French-speaking countries when you major in French at the University of Mary Washington. You’ll explore one of the world’s richest literatures, spanning centuries and continents, and examine French cinema, poetry and politics. Study abroad in Paris, and consider a minor in business French to prepare for an international career in banking, tourism, or diplomacy.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in French who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Foreign Languages.

Areas of Study

UMW’s French offerings include composition, phonetics and oral proficiency, a variety of French-language literatures, translation, senior seminars, business French, French cultures, and French cinema. You may spend a semester abroad, or learn intensively in spring and summer faculty-led trips to Paris and Provence.

Career Opportunities

Recent UMW French graduates work in interpreting, translating, research, social services, education, the tourism industry, government agencies, the Peace Corps, and international business.

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Internships

Internships offer hands-on experience and course credit to juniors and seniors. Recent UMW language majors have done internships with Rappahannock Adult Education Programs (teaching ESL), the Virginia Department of Health, Fredericksburg public schools, the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, the Rappahannock Council Against Domestic Violence, the Moss Free Clinic, and Rappahannock Legal Services. Some students have taken advantage of UMW’s proximity to Washington, D.C., to intern with the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the French embassy.

Students who have at least a 3.5 grade-point average in the French major and a 3.0 GPA overall by the beginning of senior year can apply to complete and defend a research-based thesis for departmental honors.

An undergraduate research grant, awarded through the Office of Academic Affairs, may be available for travel and other thesis-related expenses.

Major Requirements

The major in French requires 36 credits, including composition, phonetics and oral proficiency, literature, stylistics, translation, senior seminar, and electives including business French, culture, cinema, and advanced literature.

Minor Requirements

The minor in French requires 18 credits including lower- and upper-level courses.

The minor in business French also requires 24 credits including a sequence of business or economics courses.