Undergraduate Majors
Continue to main contentTo earn a bachelor’s degree at Southeast, students must complete a major of study. We offer a wide variety of majors for students to fulfill the requirements of achieving a bachelor’s degree.
Baccalaureate Degrees
The following statements pertain to all baccalaureate degrees:
- A minimum of 120 hours of undergraduate degree credit (courses numbered 100-599) is required.
- The General Education Program, consisting of 42 hours and a Missouri Civics examination, is required.
- A passing score on the Missouri Civics Examination is required.
- A minimum of 30 hours must be completed in residence at Southeast.
- A minimum of 39 hours of senior college courses (300-599) must be completed after completion of 45 hours.
- 30 of the last 60 credits earned for a bachelor’s degree that the institution awards must be earned at Southeast.
- The student’s last term must be completed at Southeast, except that, in the case where six or fewer hours are needed to meet the total number of hours required for graduation, they may be taken at another accredited college or university, or by extension or correspondence subject to the rules governing extension courses and transfer of credit.
- No more than one-half of the junior college and one-half of the senior college work on a major or minor may be taken by correspondence and/or extension.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation, except for the B.S. in Education, the B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and the Bachelor of Music Education which require a 2.75 GPA, the major in Communication Disorders, the major in Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration which requires a 2.25 GPA for graduation, the major in Sport Management which requires a 2.5 GPA for graduation, the major in Health Sciences which requires a 3.0 GPA for graduation, and the majors in Social Work and Health Management which require a 2.25 GPA for graduation.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA for all degree credits attempted at Southeast is required.
- For all degrees that require a major, a minimum 2.0 GPA must be earned in those courses counted on the major, except for the Mass Communication major and Business Administration majors which require a 2.25 GPA, the BA-Dance major which requires a 2.5 GPA, majors on the Secondary Education degree, the Health Management major, the Sport Management major, the Communication Disorders major, the 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Art majors, BFA-Theatre major, all Music majors, and the Nutrition major which require a 3.0 GPA. For all students in an education program, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is required in both the professional education coursework and in the specific content area for which certification is sought.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA must be earned in those courses completed at Southeast that are counted on the major.
- When applicable, a course may be counted toward more than one requirement, e.g., General Education, major and minor.
- The student must pass any required developmental courses or score at the appropriate levels on placement requirements or tests to have the courses waived.
NOTE: There may be additional specific graduation requirements for individual programs. Further information is available in the College Advising Offices.
Associate Degrees
The following statements pertain to all associate degrees:
- A minimum of 20 hours must be completed in residence at Southeast.
- 15 of the final 30 credits earned for an associate’s degree that the institution awards must be earned at Southeast.
- The student’s last term must be completed in residence at Southeast, except that, in the case where six or fewer hours are needed to meet the total number of hours required for graduation, they may be taken from another accredited college or university, or by correspondence or extension, subject to the rules governing extension courses and transfer of credit.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA for all degree credits attempted at Southeast is required in the major and overall.
- The student must pass any required developmental courses or score at the appropriate levels on placement tests to have the courses waived.
Additionally, the following statements pertain to all associate of arts degrees:
- A minimum of 64 hours of degree credit (courses numbered 100-599) is required for graduation.
- The General Education Program, consisting of at least 21 hours, is required.
All Majors
Get a better understanding of the majors we offer at Southeast and find something that suits you!
Primarily designed to qualify students to advance into technical management roles.
The Applied Technology major is specifically designed for students who have earned a technically oriented, accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. From the earned AAS degree, students are awarded a minimum of 42 credit hours towards the major and additional courses could transfer in depending on the program completed. To complete the BAS degree, students must complete the General Education requirements and the Applied Technology major requirements. In addition, with the help of an advisor, students are required to select 18 credit hours of upper-level technical electives to build upon the skills gained through the AAS degree or background.
The area from which a major is to be chosen:
Applied TechnologyPrimarily for students who major in the arts, language, or literature, history, and certain social sciences; often selected as a pre-professional degree by those who wish a broad education.
The areas from which majors must be chosen are:
- Anthropology
- Art
- Communication
- Dance
- English
- History
- Music
- Political Science
- Social Science
- Spanish
- Theatre
- Writing
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is offered in the areas of Art, Interior Design (Department of Art & Design), Dance (The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance) and Theatre (The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance). Music Performance is offered under the Bachelor of Music degree (Department of Music).
The areas from which majors must be chosen are:
- Art
- Interior Design
- Theatre
- Acting
- Design/Technology
- Musical Theatre
Primarily for students entering various scientific fields. The areas from which majors must be chosen are:
- Agribusiness
- Agriculture Communications
- Agriculture Industry
- Agriculture Systems Management
- Animal Science
- Horticulture and Cannabis
- Plant and Soil Science
- Aviation Management
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Organismal, Ecological, and Evolutionary Biology
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Wildlife and Conservation Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Comprehensive Chemistry
- Forensic Chemistry
- Child and Family Studies
- Child Development
- Family Studies
- Communication Disorders
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Economics
- Emergency Preparedness
- Engineering Physics
- Electrical Applications
- Mechanical Applications
- Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Automation Systems Applications
- Mechanical and Manufacturing Systems
- Environmental Science
- Financial Econometrics
- Geographic Information Science
- Health Management: Exercise Science
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Quality
- Historic Preservation
- Hospitality Management
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Mass Communication
- Advertising and Public Relations
- Media Management
- Multimedia Journalism
- Television and Film
- Mathematics:
- Actuarial Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Nutrition
- Organizational Communication
- Physics
- Political Science
- Professional Pilot
- Professional Studies
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social Work
- Sport Management
- Technology Management
- Computer Networking Systems Administration
- Construction Management and Design
- Industrial and Safety Management
- Technology Management
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems
For students planning careers in business. The areas from which majors must be chosen are:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Business Analytics
- Economics
- Business Economics
- Financial Economics
- Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- International Business
- Management
- Business Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Digital and Integrated Marketing Communications
- Fashion Marketing
- Marketing Management
- Professional Selling
For students planning to teach children from birth through 12th grade, six programs are offered:
- Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 3) with add-on certification in Elementary Education (grades 1-6)
- Elementary Education (grades 1-6) with the option of adding on Middle School certification (grades 5-9)
- Exceptional Child Education (birth-grade 3 or K-12) with add-on certification in Elementary Education (grades1-6)
- Middle School Education (grades 5-9)
- Secondary Education (grades 9-12)
- K-12 Education (Physical Education, Music, FACS)
All majors in education must meet requirements determined by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Regardless of printed program requirements, any changes or additions mandated by the State of Missouri will become effective on the date cited by the regulations.
All teacher education candidates must complete an MSHP/FBI background check prior to the first field experience in teacher education. A valid MSHP/FBI background check is required for all subsequent field experiences.
The areas from which majors must be chosen are:
- Early Childhood Education with Add-On Elementary Education Certification
- Elementary Education
- Elementary Education with Add-On Middle School Education Certification
- Exceptional Child Education: Early Childhood Special Education with Add-On Elementary Education Certification
- Exceptional Child Education: Mild Moderate Cross Categorical with Add-On Elementary Education Certification
- Middle School Education - Students in Middle School Education (grades five through nine) choose one area of concentration.
- Language Arts:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Secondary Education is divided into grades 9-12 or K-12.
Students in Secondary Education (grades 9 through 12) choose a major from one of the following areas of study:
- Agricultural Education
- Biology Education
- Chemistry Education
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Physics Education
- Social Studies Education
K-12 Education
Students in K-12 Education choose a major from the following areas of study:
- Family and Consumer Sciences (Birth-12)
- Music Education
- Physical Education
For students planning to teach family and consumer sciences or financial literacy in junior high or secondary schools.
The area from which a major is to be chosen:
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
For students planning to teach elementary or secondary school music.
The area from which a major is to be chosen
- Music Education
- Instrumental
- Vocal
Designed for students with an interest in professional careers in music.
The area from which a major is to be chosen:
- Music
- Instrumental Performance
- Vocal Performance
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree may be taken as a (1) professional program in nursing that prepares graduates to meet all requirements for making an application to the Missouri State (or other state) Board of Nursing to write the national examination for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and (2) baccalaureate completion (RN-BSN) online program in nursing after registered nurse licensure is received in the United States.
The area from which a major is to be chosen:
- Nursing
Granted upon completion of a two-year program in human environmental studies and related disciplines.
The purpose of the program is to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in industry.
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-professional programs available at the University include pre-architecture, pre-chiropractic, pre-dental, pre-engineering, pre-law, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmaceutical, and pre-veterinary.
Pre-Architecture Curriculum
The purpose of the one-year pre-professional program is to provide preparatory educational experiences for those seeking to transfer to another university for the completion of a professionally accredited degree in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture. The coursework provides an important opportunity for students to explore their interests and level of commitment before applying to an architecture school. The courses are meant as a foundation for students interested in an architecture program. Students will need to work closely with the school in which they plan to transfer to ensure optimal transferability of coursework. (Students who decide not to transfer could apply some courses from the pre-architecture curriculum to the Technology Management: Construction Management and Design option.)
Pre-Chiropractic Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for chiropractic school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become chiropractors. However, students in other majors may choose pre-chiropractic as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-chiropractic curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by chiropractic schools. Students should see the pre-chiropractic advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are a limited number of chiropractic schools in the United States and students should obtain the admission requirements from the schools to which they plan to apply. This information will be used to plan the student’s academic program in consultation with the pre-chiropractic advisor in the Department of Biology.
Southeast Missouri State University has entered into an agreement with Logan College of Chiropractic. It is an A3+3 program in which a student completes three years of coursework at Southeast and then begins coursework at Logan. After the first year at Logan a bachelor’s degree is awarded by Southeast and upon completion of the three years at Logan a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine is awarded.
Pre-Dental Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for dental school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become dentists. However, students in other majors may choose pre-dental as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-dental curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by dental schools and preparation for the DAT. Students should see the pre-dental advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are more than 50 dental schools in the United States and the entrance requirements are quite similar, however, there are slight variations. Planning for the variety of requirements is done in consultation with the pre-dental advisor in the Department of Biology.
Pre-Engineering Curriculum
The two-year pre-engineering curriculum is designed so that students can receive a degree from an engineering school after an additional two years of study. The curriculum is closely articulated with programs at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, MO. Transfer brochures have been prepared in cooperation with the university and are available to students. Students planning to attend another engineering school should consult the catalog from that institution and arrange their programs with a pre-engineering advisor.
Students expecting to enroll in the pre-engineering program should have a mathematics background in high school of at least one year of geometry, two years of algebra, and one year of pre-calculus mathematics which includes trigonometry. If these requirements are not met it will be necessary to correct any deficiencies upon entering the University which may delay graduation.
Students should complete from 64 to 68 credit hours before transferring if they expect to complete an engineering degree in four years. This includes not only required courses in mathematics, physics, and engineering but also courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Students who maintain a high academic standing will be eligible for transfer scholarships. An advisor in the Department of Engineering and Technology should be consulted for details regarding the pre-engineering program.
Pre-Law Curriculum
Students interested in attending law school after graduation should understand that there is no single pre-law curriculum. Rigidly structured “pre-law majors” are strongly discouraged by schools of law. A wide variety of undergraduate majors are suitable for law school preparation, provided that they have a strong academic content. Courses that develop a student’s ability to think logically and to express thoughts lucidly in written form are strongly suggested.
While there is no specific “pre-law major”, the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion provides pre-law advising to those students, regardless of actual major, who are considering a career in law. Such advising includes recommending to students various schools of law that may be most appropriate for them, assisting students with the law school application process (including the Law School Admission Test), and recommending undergraduate preparation for the subsequent law school experience.
Pre-Medicine Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for medical school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become physicians. However, students in other majors may choose pre-medicine as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-medicine curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by medical schools and preparation for the MCAT. Students should see the premedical advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are at least 120 M.D. schools and 20 D.O. schools in the United States and the entrance requirements are quite similar, however, there are slight variations. Planning for the variety of requirements is done in consultation with a pre-medicine advisor in the Department of Biology.
Pre-Optometry Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for optometry school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become optometrists. However, students in other majors may choose pre-optometry as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-optometry curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by medical schools and preparation for the OAT. Students should see the pre-optometry advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are only 17 optometry schools in the United States and the entrance requirements are quite similar, however, there are slight variations. Planning for the variety of requirements is done in consultation with the pre-optometry advisor in the Department of Biology.
Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum
Since there are more than 70 schools of pharmacy in the United States, pre-pharmacy should be advised according to the bulletin(s) of the school(s) to which the student is considering transfer. While each program is unique, most programs are either one or two years in length, and usually require chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and English, in addition to certain specified courses in other fields. Students interested in pre-pharmacy should contact Dr. Philip Crawford, the chairperson of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, as early as possible in the enrollment process.
Pre-Veterinary Curriculum
Students preparing for application to a professional Veterinary Medicine Program for completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree must enroll in a pre-professional program.
The minimum requirements for admission to most professional programs include 64 hours of coursework (the pre-professional program), completion of the GRE, and acceptance by the College of Veterinary Medicine to which the student makes an application.
Specific subjects required in the pre-professional program include English, college algebra, biology, chemistry (inorganic, organic, and biochemistry), physics, and certain General Education courses. Courses in animal science are also required, dependent on school attendance. Students should consult the current catalog of the College of Veterinary Medicine they plan to attend and develop their program in conference with the Pre-Veterinary Medicine advisor.
Students enrolled in the pre-professional program should plan a four-year degree program along with the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program. Students enrolling at Southeast Missouri State University will find majors in Agriculture or Chemistry, particularly complementary to the D.V.M. program. For more information, contact the Department of Agriculture.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701