A Flexible Degree Program

The User Experience Design (UX) program is open to all students. Courses are taught through a blend of in-person and online formats to allow for maximum schedule flexibility. Our program is structured to help you thrive, no matter your unique academic background or career aspirations.

Traditional undergraduate students can easily major in User Experience Design (UX) with a double-major, minor or double-minor in a related or complementary field such as Computer Science, Digital Media Management, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Psychology or Writing and Rhetoric. 

Transfer students can accelerate their path to graduation with a BA in UX Design. With an associate’s degree, you can merge your prior accomplishments with our comprehensive UX curriculum to graduate in two years, even if you’ve never taken a UX class. If you’ve completed the Texas Common Core, you’ll be able to finish in two-and-a-half or three years. You could also consider adding a related minor like Digital Storytelling and Content Creation or Digital Marketing 

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: The BA in User Experience Design requires 36 hours of User Experience Design major courses focusing on areas such as UX foundations, ethical research, digital product design, front-end development and design for social impact.

General Education Requirements: The degree requires approximately 40 hours of general education courses which students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for the User Experience Design major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students take in the major:

• Interactive Technology – Focuses on the creation and delivery of digital content such as film, music and games, and provides a survey of technologies such as mp3, DVD, portable devices, broadband networks and wireless systems. The course also introduces tools and techniques to develop an Internet site.
• UX Methods – Examines the methods, processes, and tools used in UX Design. You’ll explore how to approach, identify, and address problems. Special focus will be given to studying users, aka people, and the systems that shape their experiences.
• Professional Practices – You’ll explore career options available within creative disciplines, develop a portfolio of your work, and build basic career management skills. A portfolio review and introduction of strategies for success as a creative professional allow you to begin planning for graduation and beyond. 

Many of the UX courses are taught online, immersing you in the digital spaces for which you’ll be designing. You’ll also get comfortable traversing the dynamic digital landscape where UX professionals work virtually with teams, clients and customers in town or around the globe. 

As a User Experience Design (UX) major, you’ll be immersed in hands-on projects, collaborative problem-solving, thoughtful observation and digital innovation both in and outside of the classroom. And, like all majors at St. Edward’s, the UX major will teach you to consider how diverse social identities influence your work, as people’s cultural backgrounds and physical abilities shape their expectations for the user experience.

Experiential Education

With every UX project, you’ll get the chance to learn by doing. You might create an educational website or VR tour, a productivity or food ordering app prototype or a proposal for an interactive museum exhibit. The UX classes you take will build your professional preparedness: 

• UX Studios (Digital Spaces and Hybrid Modalities) allows you to improve a user-experience scenario on campus. You’ll partner with other departments and offices across the university on UX-related initiatives and see your contributions used.
• UX for Social Good invites you to apply UX processes to address a social issue. As part of a team, you’ll research an issue, identify a community need and formulate a user-focused solution.
• UX Senior Studio challenges you to apply your skills and knowledge to collaboratively design a minimum viable product (MVP) for an on-campus, community or corporate partner.   

Student Organizations & Programming 

As a UX major at St. Edward's, you’ll have an array of opportunities for professional growth, creativity and community building. Some student favorites are:

• Women in Technology (WiT) focuses on empowering women-identifying students in technology fields. WiT is pivotal in building a supportive community and offering resources for professional advancement, including networking events, workshops, and guest speaker sessions.
• Innovation Lab, sponsored by the Munday Library, attracts tinkerers who enjoy working on projects involving origami, sewing, LEDs and simple circuits, projection mapping and creating art through programming.
• AI Club aims to demystify artificial intelligence for students. The club offers resources, workshops and discussions on AI developments that prepare students to leverage AI in their careers and personal projects.
• Command G, the graphic design group, enhances students’ design skills through studio tours, museum visits, lecture series, and screenprinting and risograph workshops. 
• Video Game Association hosts game nights — with a mix of console games, PC games, MTG, D&D and handheld games — as well as LAN parties and tournaments.
• Topper Studios is the digital media club. Members are involved in creating podcasts, YouTube channels, short films, music videos and comedy sketches, and helping their fellow students produce digital content. Students in Topper Studios also frequently make promotional videos for other clubs at St. Edward’s.
• The Computer Science Club helps students build their skills through events like Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity-focused programming competition.
• The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips, and creating art through programming.
• The Digital Media Center in the Munday Library is a resource for creating content and learning new skills. Here, you can produce and edit videos, podcasts and visual design projects with the help of your fellow students. The lab is equipped with top-of-the-line computers running the latest software including the Adobe Creative Suite. It also has a group editing/podcasting room, a green screen room and a “whisper room” used for voiceovers. If you are skilled at software, hardware repair, graphic design or video editing, you can apply to work in the lab as a digital media specialist.

Internships

Your UX faculty will mentor you through finding an internship opportunity, whether at a nonprofit, startup, agency or multinational corporation. An internship will extend your learning into the professional world, bolster your résumé and provide valuable industry insights and networking opportunities. Recent UX students have interned with:

• Royale, a creative agency known for its innovative approach to digital experiences
• Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan organization influencing dialogue on global issues
• The Museum of Human Achievement, an organization pursuing access, inclusivity and affordability for artists

A degree in User Experience (UX) Design opens doors to a wide range of in-demand jobs.  Here's a sample of positions employers look for, plus additional majors and minors to consider that enhance your degree.

• UX Designers focus on improving the usability, accessibility and delight a person encounters when using a digital product. 
• UX Researchers specialize in understanding user behaviors, needs and motivations through observation techniques, task analysis and other research methodologies. (Consider a double major or minor in Psychology.)
• Interaction Designers create engaging interfaces that enable users to achieve their objectives in the best way possible.
• Information Architects organize information and content in a way that users can easily navigate and understand.
• Product Managers act as the bridge between the stakeholders and help define the direction and features of a digital product. (Consider a double major in Digital Media Management.)
• UI Designers or Product Designers ensure the digital product is optimally functional and aesthetically pleasing. (Consider a double major or minor in Graphic Design.)
• Content Strategists align the communication style and messaging with user needs and business goals. (Consider a double major or minor in Writing and Rhetoric.)
• Front-End Designers develop highly interactive and visually appealing websites and mobile apps. Coding knowledge is beneficial. (Consider a minor in Computer Science or the Coding for Non-Coders certificate.) 

A minor in User Experience Design can equip you with valuable creative and technical skills that benefit any number of other professional endeavors. As a minor, you must take the following courses, totaling 18 hours:

Required Courses:

• Intro to User Experience
• UX Methods
• Interactive Technology
• UX Studio: Digital Spaces
• UX Studio: Hybrid Modalities
• One of the following electives: 
  • UX for Social Good
  • Methods of Digital Production
  • Topics in UX

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

A Flexible Degree Program

The Digital Storytelling and Content Creation program is open to all students. Courses are taught through a blend of in-person and online formats to allow for maximum schedule flexibility

Traditional undergraduate students can easily major in Digital Storytelling and Content Creation with a double-major, minor or double-minor in a related or complementary field such as Animation, Communication, Computer Science, Graphic Design, Digital Media Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, User Experience Design, Video Game Development, or Writing and Rhetoric.  

Transfer students who enter with an associate’s degree can graduate in two years. If you’ve taken the Texas Common Core, you’ll be able to finish in three. Some courses within the program are offered online to allow you greater flexibility in balancing academics, work and family responsibilities.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Digital Storytelling and Content Creation degree requires 30 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for the Digital Storytelling and Content Creation major (PDF). View the Transfer Advising Guides for Digital Storytelling and Content Creation.

Student Organizations and Campus Resources 

Get involved with student organizations that give you the opportunity to apply your storytelling and content development skills in a cross section of digital mediums.

• Hilltop Views, the student news site, published both digitally and in print. Student journalists report news from the campus and greater Austin community. You can get involved as early as your freshman year as a writer, editor, photographer, videographer or designer.
• The Command G graphic design group furthers skills through studio tours, museum visits, lecture series, workshops, screen printing and risograph workshops.
• Topper Radio is the student-run radio station.
• Topper Studios is the digital media club. Members are involved in creating podcasts, YouTube channels, short films, music videos and comedy sketches, and helping their fellow students produce digital content. Students in Topper Studios also frequently make promotional videos for other clubs at St. Edward’s.
• The Digital Media Center in the Munday Library is a resource for creating your own content and learning new skills. Here, you can produce and edit videos, podcasts and visual design projects with the help of your fellow students. The lab is equipped with top-of-the-line computers running the latest software including the Adobe Creative Suite. It also has a group editing/podcasting studio, a green screen room and a “whisper room” used for voiceovers. If you are skilled at software, hardware repair, graphic design or video editing, you can apply to work in the lab as a digital media specialist.

Any student at St. Edward’s may minor in Digital Storytelling and Content Creation. The minor provides a broad-based introduction to the discipline of digital storytelling as well as an opportunity for students to explore — in more depth — a specific concentration.

Students who wish to earn a Digital Storytelling and Content Creation minor must take the following required coursework, totaling 18 hours, plus one 3-hour elective course.

Required Courses: (15 required hours + 1 elective = 18 hours)

• Introduction to Digital Storytelling and Content Creation – DSCC 1301 
• Visual Studies 1 – VISU 1311 
• Digital Media Production and Design – JOUR 3314 
• Interactive Storytelling – VGAM 3328 
• Collaboration in the Digital Workplace – DSCC 4331 

Jena Heath, M.S. Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Program Director, Professor of Journalism and Digital Media, and Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities 

Courses are taught by faculty members in Visual Studies, Journalism and Digital Media, and Writing and Rhetoric, in addition to working professionals. For more information about the program, contact Professor Heath at jennah@stedwards.edu.

Students pursuing a degree in Mathematics have two options to choose from. This helpful course map shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

This program provides a comprehensive exploration of mathematics that prepares students for advanced programs or professional careers. This option offers more latitude in the choice of general electives and is appropriate for students seeking a double major or minor.

Major Requirements: The BA in Mathematics requires 56–59 hours of Mathematics major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Computer Science or Physics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BA in Mathematics major (PDF).

2. Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

This program includes the same coursework as the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics but with two additional semesters of laboratory science. This option explores calculus, modern algebra and other advanced topics in their purest form. Additionally, students learn to design and interpret prediction models for diverse industries, such as aeronautics, urban development and green energy.

Major Requirements: The BS in Mathematics requires 67–70 hours of Mathematics major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Computer Science, Physics and Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Mathematics major (PDF).

Questions about placement into Mathematics courses? Refer to our placement guide for more information.

The Department of Mathematics also offers a dual degree option in Mathematics and Engineering.

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Our Mathematics degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample what you’ll learn:

• Refine your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Deepen your understanding of calculus, modern algebra, physics and statistics.
• Build your programming and computational skills in applied computer science courses.
• Sharpen your skills in oral and written communication. 
• Conduct rigorous research independently and in teams.
• Present your research findings in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations and research proposals.
• Collaborate effectively with peers and professionals.

Experiential Learning

A core component of the St. Edward’s Mathematics program is a four-semester sequence of research courses. In these classes, you’ll conduct open-ended research on unsolved problems individually with faculty members. You’ll present your findings at regional and national professional conferences, where you’ll meet other mathematicians and learn about graduate-school options and careers in your field.

Mathematics majors participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition, the preeminent math competition for undergraduates worldwide. A typical competition involves two 3-hour sessions in which students solve 12 problems. Thousands of math majors nationwide score 0 points every year due to the hyper-strict grading scale, so any positive score is a noteworthy accomplishment. In the past decade, four students from St. Edward’s have earned a positive score on the exam.

Teaching Assistantships

Strong students with an interest in teaching and mentoring can serve as teaching assistants for introductory classes. At St. Edward’s, all classes are taught by professors, but student teaching assistants help tutor and lead study sessions. You’ll expand your communication and people skills by helping other students learn the material. If you’re interested in teaching, you could also become a tutor in the Math Lab.

Research

As part of your coursework at St. Edward’s, you’ll complete four semesters of research. You’ll have the option to further develop this research and present your findings at conferences and for publication. Recently, Mathematics majors have studied the following:

• Mathematical analysis of lottery voting
• Dark energy, the force that causes the universe to expand
• Detecting whether congressional districts are racially gerrymandered
• The effects of storm-related electrical changes on tropospheric ozone levels

Most math majors travel to at least one conference during their time at St. Edward’s. These include:

• Texas Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Joint Mathematics Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America
• MAA Texas Section Meeting
• Mathfest
• National Conference for McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research

Outstanding students have been selected for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), in which they join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. These experiences help you decide if a research career is right for you. In recent years, Mathematics majors have completed these REUs:

• Deep learning – specifically, teaching computers to identify the content of an image — at the Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology
• Research in the Mathematical Biosciences Institute Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to other research projects led by your professors. During Hurricane Harvey, which battered southern Texas in August 2017, several Mathematics majors, along with Natural Sciences professors and staff, collected meteorological data with weather balloons. They released 13 weather balloons that collected data used by the National Weather Services to create forecasts during the hurricane. Some of the students who participated also wrote code to automate the computation of data collected from the balloons and to visually display the data in graphs.

Internships 

You’ll also be encouraged to complete an internship to apply your mathematical skills in a professional context. Mathematics majors have recently interned at the following organizations:

• Exxon
• Molecular Rebar Design
• The Nature Conservancy
• National Ecological Observatory Network
• Department of Homeland Security STEM Summer Internship Program
• Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• SpaceX

As a student in the Mathematics program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4) on the web.

Student Organizations

The St. Edward’s Math Club is a student chapter of the Mathematics Association of America. Members have traveled together to regional mathematics conferences, presented math concepts and helped with science fairs at local schools, and participated in the global MegaMenger collaborative fractal build. The club also hosts student and alumni research talks and serves as a forum for social events like Halloween pumpkin carving, bowling, laser tag and pizza parties.

The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips, and creating art through programming.

Students minoring in Mathematics must satisfactorily complete the following courses in addition to 6 hours of electives:

Required Courses:

• Calculus I, Lab
• Calculus II
• Calculus III
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations

Elective Courses:

• Discrete Mathematics or Inquiry and Proof
• MATH 3000+ upper-division courses (excluding 4150 and 4157)

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

 1.  Kinesiology

This program provides a foundation in the physiological and mechanical aspects of the human body. Hands-on coursework and close interaction with faculty members will give you the freedom and guidance to become a well-versed, independent learner. In this track, you will …

• Explore the fundamentals of kinesiology such as musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics and fitness
• Study the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries
• Design and implement fitness programs
• Participate in a supervised internship

Most students select this degree with the goal of helping individuals in the area of fitness or sports.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology requires 47 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Kinesiology major (PDF).

2.  Kinesiology – Athletic Training Emphasis

Athletic trainers motivate others to fulfill athletic goals while practicing principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation. In this track, you will …

• Study all aspects of human anatomy, physiology and movement
• Work with SEU athletic teams
• Participate in a supervised internship
• Prepare to qualify for the Texas licensure test

To be licensed as an athletic trainer in Texas, you must pass the licensure test administered by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Close interaction with faculty at St. Edward’s — and time spent in classes, advising sessions and learning in the field — fully prepares you for your supervised athletic-training internship and state certification exams.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Athletic Training Emphasis requires 57 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis (PDF).

3.  Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis

Occupational therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is to help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). In this track, you will …

• Experience how movements are learned and how the capacity for movement changes over the lifespan
• Learn how to design and implement appropriate activities for individuals with special needs and limitations
• Explore the principles and techniques to plan, implement, document and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis requires 68 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

4.  Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis

Physical therapists optimize health and function through the assessment, identification and correction of acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. In this track, you will …

• Identify, prevent and correct movement dysfunction
• Study scientific topics as they relate to the human body, exercise and rehabilitation
• Design rehabilitation plans
• Learn how to motivate individuals through fitness and wellness plans

This track is often taken by students pursuing physical therapy, medical or occupational therapy schools, as well as other medical-based fields.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis requires 74 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

5.  Kinesiology – Sports Management Emphasis

This track prepares you for a diversity of roles in the areas of sports marketing, facility management and planning, human resources, strategic planning, sports finance, and facility design. In this track, you will …

• Learn about the science and management of kinesiology in relation to sport programs
• Develop a fundamental understanding of business administration
• Study the management of kinesiology and sports programs

Students on this track are required to complete a minor in Business Administration as part of the degree plan.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Sport Management Emphasis requires 43 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

Required Business Administration Minor: Requires 18 hours of business or management courses, for a total of 61 total major and minor hours.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Sports Management Emphasis (PDF).

Experiential Learning

Your classes will teach you about hands-on applications of kinesiology in different settings and help you discover more career options. For example:

• In Taping, Bandaging and First Aid, you’ll complete 200 hours of service under the supervision of a St. Edward’s athletic trainer.
• In Safety and First Aid, you’ll complete important training you can use in your career and in any emergency situation.
• In Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations, you’ll work one-on-one with a person or people with special needs in a physically active setting. For example, students have worked with the GO Project and Austin Adventurers, organizations that help young adults with special needs develop independent living skills.

Internships

As a Kinesiology major, you’ll have at least one internship or practicum, but the program will encourage you to complete several “mini-internships” so you can get experience in different settings. St. Edward’s students have recently interned at the following organizations:

• Austin Independent School District Athletic Office
• KidTherapy pediatric physical therapy in Austin
• Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
• Lonestar Soccer
• YMCA
• St. Theresa’s Catholic School
• St. Edward’s University RecWell (Recreation and Wellness)
• Austin ISD Food and Nutrition Services
• Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball Team

Students have also done volunteer work at physical therapy clinics and in hospitals to gain experience and give back to their community.

Student Organizations 

Learn about professional opportunities and meet students who share your interests through the Physical Therapy Organization. Many Kinesiology students also participate in Recreation and Wellness programs.

Students who are interested in the kinesiology field can complete a minor in Kinesiology to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where knowledge of kinesiology enhances their job applicant profile.

1. Minor in Kinesiology

Students interested in studying the anatomy, physiology and movement of the human body can pursue a minor in Kinesiology.

Required Courses:

• Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
• Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
• Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics
• Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Sports
• Kinesiology Elective

2. Minor in Kinesiology – Coaching Emphasis

Students can add a minor in Kinesiology with a Coaching Emphasis to strengthen their candidate profile for sports and fitness-related jobs.

Required Courses:

• Instructional Topics: Strength Training and Cardiovascular Conditioning
• Safety and First Aid
• Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
• Exercise Physiology
• Coaching Theory and Practice
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

3. Minor in Kinesiology – Fitness and Conditioning

What type of fitness training is best? What exercises yield the biggest benefits? How do you help someone build strength, endurance or athletic skill and prevent injury?

The Fitness and Conditioning minor will give you the foundation to work in community recreation programs, work one-on-one with individuals to improve their fitness or pursue a career in the health sciences. Students who earn the Fitness and Conditioning minor can go on to a variety of careers, including coaching, personal training or teaching. 

Required Courses:

• Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
• Practical Training for the Fitness Professional
• Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Strength Training and Conditioning
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

4. Minor in Kinesiology – Recreation Management

The Recreation Management minor prepares students for professional positions in sports, community recreation and outdoor recreation. The courses build skills in program development, marketing and organizational behavior.

Students who minor in Recreation Management will have the knowledge and skills for entry-level program management roles at collegiate recreation programs, YMCA and YWCA programs, after-school programs, and outdoor recreation areas, such as Wild Basin Creative Research Center.

Required Courses:

• Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations
• Sport Marketing
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
• Organizational Behavior/Leading Teams and Organizations
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

Plus one of the following courses:

• Safety and First Aid
• Social and Psychological Issues of Kinesiology and Sports
• Coaching Theory and Practice
• Facility Design and Facility/Event Management

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

The Health Systems and Administration program is flexible, with a relatively small number of required courses, allowing room for electives, a minor or even a second major.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Health Systems and Administration requires a total of 36–38 hours of major courses, which include seven core courses and five electives.

Required Courses: Students complete these seven required courses totaling 21 hours:

• Current Issues in Healthcare
• Health Communication
• Issues in Global Public Health
• Data Analysis for Health Professionals
• Special Topics in Management (Health Care Management)
• Medical Ethics
• Health Systems and Administration Internship/Practicum 

Required Electives: Students choose at least 15 hours from select courses in five areas. Courses can be chosen from one or more of these areas:

• Statistics, computing and data analysis
• Business, leadership and management
• Communication
• Science, health and wellness
• Ethics, social issues and policy

Credits Accepted:

• Up to the allowable 66 credits of the associate's degree for a health sciences program may transfer into the Health Systems and Administration program.
• Workforce courses will count for general elective credit
• Candidates must still complete the entire major and general education requirements, even if doing so would put them above the 120 credits required for the degree.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for This Degree?

Working professionals in healthcare fields, particularly those with associate degrees or prior healthcare training are best suited for this major. The Health Systems and Administration major requirements will be completed through a blend of online, hybrid and face-to-face class modalities. 

NOTE: This major is not intended to prepare students for graduate or professional school in health fields. Please see an advisor at St. Edward’s if you are considering a career in health care that requires postgraduate education, as other majors (for example, biology or kinesiology) may be more appropriate options.

Earn Two Degrees in Five Years

Complete your BA in Health Systems Administration and master's degree in Organizational Leadership with our pathway to receive two degrees in five years.

Success Coaches and Academic Advisors guide students through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

The BA in Health Systems and Administration program is highly interdisciplinary and benefits from faculty expertise across the university. Students develop practical skills in data analysis, communication, management and more. 

The program builds on core courses such as Data Analysis for Health Professionals, Health Communication, Global Public Health, Health Care Management and Medical Ethics that establish a solid foundation for health services leadership. Students will also gain hands-on experience by participating in an internship directly related to their studies.

Required elective courses allow students to tailor their degree by choosing from classes in business, communications, leadership, social and natural sciences, and statistics and computing. The interdisciplinary design of this degree equips graduates for management in health care organizations that are continually changing and evolving to meet the challenges of health care services in the 21st century.

St. Edward’s offers both BS and BA degrees in Computer Science, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome. This helpful Computer Science course map  shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.

1. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – This degree track provides rigorous preparation for many possible careers, with a course of study based on computer science theory and its application in various aspects of business and industry. It includes support courses to prepare students for graduate study in computer science.

• In addition to the core courses, students will complete a concentration in either Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or Software Development. 

Major Requirements: The BS in Computer Science requires 72 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our BS in Computer Science major (PDF).

1. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science – This degree track offers more options to take non-computer-science-related courses than the BS track, which is especially helpful for students who seek a double major or a broader technical degree before advanced study in graduate school. A strong background in mathematics and computer science is recommended.

In this major, you will … 

• Study the algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information.
• Learn to develop software designed to solve problems in a variety of fields.

Major Requirements: The BA in Computer Science requires 58 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our BA in Computer Science major (PDF).

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Our Computer Science degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample of what you’ll learn:

• Computer programming, software development and engineering
• Algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information
• Software development designed to solve problems in a variety of fields
• Solid understanding of mathematics and formulas
• Critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Technical writing, and creating and presenting professional-level work
• Teamwork, time management and attention to details

Experiential Learning

Enhance your learning by participating in hands-on projects and student organizations that build your skills. For example …

• In Software Engineering, you’ll work on a large-scale team project — from specification and design, to implementation, to testing, evolution, maintenance and management. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard tools and communicate effectively with clients.
• In Undergraduate Research and Development, you’ll research a computing problem; investigate a possible solution to the problem; and design, evolve and articulate a solution.
• The Computer Science Club on campus helps students build their skills through events like Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity-focused programming competition. Students are also encouraged to participate in national and global computing societies such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges.
• The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips and creating art through programming.

Research

• Conduct independent research and present your work at meetings like the Consortium for Computing Sciences, the National Conference for Undergraduate Research and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers national convention.
• Participate in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), in which students join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. A St. Edward’s Computer Science major recently secured an REU at Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Software Research, where she worked with some of the top minds in the world — including Mary Shaw, who created the field of software architecture and was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by former President Barack Obama.

Computer Science students have built their professional skills in the following internships. Several were extended full-time job offers afterward.

• Sphere integrated containers internship at VMware
• Technology internship at AIG Insurance
• Digital technology leadership internship at GE
• System validation engineer internship at NXP Semiconductors
• Software engineer internship at Corva
• Software engineering internship at dealership management software company CDK Global
• Software development internship at Emerson Automation Solutions, which builds software for manufacturing and industrial plants

Learn on the job at St. Edward’s.

The St. Edward’s Office of Information Technology hires students to work as support technicians. Help students, faculty and staff with computer troubleshooting; maintain the computer labs; and set up software on new computers for employees. In addition to covering “Help desk” issues, you can specialize in networking or enterprise software and earn credentials like Google Cloud certification.

Land a paid internship through the St. Edward’s i4 Institute.

As a student in the Computer Science program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

Students pursuing a degree in Chemistry have two degree plans to choose from. This helpful course map (PDF) shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department. 

1. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

The BS in Chemistry is a rigorous course of study that incorporates more math and laboratory experience. This degree track is intended primarily to meet the needs of a student who wishes to seek employment in the chemical industry or to prepare for graduate study in chemistry.

Major Requirements: 69 hours of major courses, of which 23 hours are supporting courses from math, physics and biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you. 

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Chemistry major (PDF). 

2. Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

This BA in Chemistry provides more opportunities to take non-science-related courses for a broader-based education and is intended primarily for students who wish to teach at the secondary school level or would like to use chemistry as a supporting discipline.

Major Requirements: 52 hours of major courses, of which 20 hours are supporting courses from math, physics and biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BA in Chemistry major (PDF).

The Department of Chemistry also offers degrees in Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

What You Will Learn

As a Chemistry major at St. Edward’s, you’ll learn to think both scientifically and creatively. You’ll delve into the study of matter — its characteristics, behavior and structure. You’ll examine the way materials act and react in certain situations, and you’ll produce and observe these reactions, both in nature and artificially in a lab setting. 

Through classroom studies, lab work and research, you’ll develop an understanding of how to collect, organize and interpret chemical data. In the process, you’ll learn to appreciate the world on the macro-scale while learning the underlying principles occurring on the molecular level.

Skills You Will Gain

As a Chemistry major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that prepare you to excel in the workplace. You’ll be able to …

• Search, access, contextualize and effectively summarize readings of discipline-specific literature. 
• Apply basic principles of experimental design to the development of an experimental procedure in the appropriate subdiscipline of chemistry. 
• Use quantitative tools for data collection and analysis.
• Explain the purpose of general laboratory safety guidelines and their implementation in various lab settings. 
• Clarify the principles governing the function and mechanisms behind key experimental and instrumental techniques in chemistry. 
• Use appropriate experimental techniques and instruments to design and execute an experiment. 
• Communicate the findings of independent research in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations, and research proposals.
• Demonstrate an ability to collaborate and arrive at a common goal within a team.

Research

You’ll perform research with cutting-edge equipment — St. Edward’s is proud to be considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country. We’ve been highly successful in securing external funding in support of an advanced curriculum, modern laboratory instrumentation and undergraduate research. 

Departmental and Research Funding
Along with an ongoing research grant from the Welch Foundation, the Chemistry Department has secured curricular and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation, the Keck Foundation and the Educational Advancement Foundation. 

We are funded through the U.S. Dept. of Education under the Title V provision and through a five-year, $2.75 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences as part of a consortium that includes St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University and The University of Texas at Austin. 

Scholarships

• In addition to performing research over the academic year in one of the faculty-led research groups, students may apply for participation in the Chemistry Department’s full-time summer research program. The summer program is fully funded and successful applicants receive competitive student stipends. 
• Students in chemistry-related majors at St. Edward’s may apply for Welch Foundation undergraduate research scholarships — including a summer scholarship that provides a six-week stipend to conduct research.
• Win competitive summer research apprenticeships at universities across the country — funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) — where you can get experience studying different subfields of chemistry and focus on your career direction. 

NSF summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) include:

• University of North Carolina
• Michigan State University
• University of San Diego
• University of Nebraska
• University of Michigan
• University of Mississippi
• North Carolina State University
• Boston University

Conferences and Presentations

• Students are encouraged to present their results at professional meetings, such as regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Texas Academy of Science where they’ll rub shoulders with working scientists. 
• Students also have the opportunity to present at the annual SOURCE Symposium of undergraduate research on the St. Edward’s campus.

Our internship program acquaints students with practical experience. Our students have recently interned with …

• Bentoli AgriNutrition Inc.
• Sachem Inc.

STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our National Science Foundation-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

A Chemistry minor is available for students interested in the field of chemistry, or for students who would benefit from adding courses in chemistry to their education for their future endeavors. 

Required courses:

• General Chemistry
• General Chemistry Lab
  General Chemistry II
• General Chemistry II Lab

      Or

• Inorganic Chemistry I
• Inorganic Chemistry I Lab
• Organic Chemistry 
• Organic Chemistry I Lab
• Chemistry Electives

St. Edward’s offers both BS and BA degrees in Biology, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome. In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Biology

• Primarily designed for students pursuing a double major, biology education certification, pre-nursing or admission to some professional schools.
• Provides a solid foundation in biology with more latitude in the choice of general electives.
• An example of a course you will take is Molecular Genetics which offers a study of the structure and function of DNA as the genetic material and focuses on details surrounding the “central dogma of molecular biology,” including DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing and translation, as well as mechanisms of control and regulation of expression of genetic information.

General Biology Track

View and download the full BA in Biology - General Biology degree plan (PDF)

Biology Education Track

View and download the full BA in Biology - Biology Education degree plan (PDF)

Pre-Nursing Track

View and download the full BA in Biology - Pre-Nursing degree plan (PDF)

Allied Health Track

View and download the full BA in Biology - Allied Health degree plan (PDF)

BA in Biology + MS in Clinical Laboratory Science (3+2) Program

Earn two degrees in five years: a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Edward’s University, and a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from The University of Texas Medical Branch. View and download the full 3+2 Program degree plan (PDF)

2. Bachelor of Science in Biology

Health Professions Track

• Designed for students who intend to pursue further education and a career in the health professions such as medicine, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, dentistry or physical therapy.
• Degree requirements include the prerequisites for most professional schools.
• An example of a course you will take is Evolution, an in-depth analysis of evolution via natural selection using examples from all major classes of organisms. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism and resulting products of evolutionary change. Evolutionary change is examined at the molecular, organismal and population levels of organization.

View and download the full BS in Biology - Health Professions degree plan (PDF)

Biology Professions Track

• Designed to provide a strong background in biology and research.
• Prepares students for education at the graduate level and preparation leading to careers outside the health professions. Students might study molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, microbiology, neurobiology, zoology, botany, ecology or other fields.
• An example of a course you will take is Research in Biology, where students work collaboratively with a faculty member to conduct a research study. Many students go on to present their work at on-campus symposia as well as local, regional and national meetings.

View and download the full BS in Biology - Biology Professions degree plan (PDF)

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Majoring in biology provides an incredibly broad understanding of the world around you. You’ll learn the fundamental principles of biology at work in genes, cells, organ systems and even ecosystems. 

Your classroom studies and experiential learning activities prepare you with a number of transferable skills that are valuable across many workplaces and employment scenarios, including:

• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Adaptability
• Research
• Developing, testing and iterating on a hypothesis
• Literature review
• Data collection and analysis
• Laboratory research and safety techniques
• Understanding and communicating, both orally and in writing, complex scientific and medical topics

Experiential Learning 

Hands-on learning is a strong component of the Biology major, which is seen in courses like these:

In Entomology, which focuses on studying the evolutionary adaptations and incredible biodiversity found among insect groups, you’ll learn how to collect, preserve and identify insects in the field.

Students in the Introductory Biology labs have collected samples from Bee Creek at Wild Basin Creative Research Center, to analyze chlorophyll (a measure of algal blooms), levels of nutrients like nitrates, and abundance of macroinvertebrates as a measure of water quality.

In Cell Biology, you’ll work in groups on a semester-long project to collect and analyze your own data to address a complex research question. You’ll have the advantage of using the Fluoview FV3000 laser scanning confocal microscope, a state-of-the-art $200,000 piece of equipment the university purchased with a National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Grant. The final project is a scientific seminar in which you’ll present the results of your work to an audience of faculty from the department.

If you’re on the health professions track, as a junior or senior you’ll choose the schools where you want to apply, put your application together and write your personal statement, and work with our Health Professions Advisory Committee to prepare for the interview process.

Research 

Biology majors at St. Edward’s have the opportunity to work on research with their professors over the summer and during the school year. By working on projects with faculty, you’ll learn about the process of research and develop your lab skills. Students often emerge from these projects with publishable research.

Students have worked with professors studying the roundworm C. elegans, which is often used as a model organism, to study the process of autophagy, an organism’s waste-removal system, and to study neurological development.

Biology majors have worked alongside their professors on a research project that examines how moving a colony affects honeybees’ stress response and ability to fight off infection. They helped maintain several colonies of bees on campus and analyzed the immune systems of bees they collected from the hives. One student also studied how exposure to commonly used pesticides affects bees’ immune systems.

Students have presented their research and won awards at conferences including

• Society for Neuroscience
• Texas Academy of Science
• The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science National Diversity in STEM Conference.
• McNair Scholars Research Conferences
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students
• TriBeta Biological Society Regional Research Conference

Biology majors have also been selected for competitive Research Experiences for Undergraduates and for the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes’ Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at The University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School.

Wild Basin Creative Research Center is 227-acre wilderness preserve located in West Austin and managed by St. Edward’s in coordination with local government entities. The preserve offers opportunities to study the natural world in a beautiful setting. Students have worked on environmental research projects at Wild Basin that include using motion-triggered wildlife cameras to document species diversity; measuring water quality in Bee Creek; documenting the bird species that live within the preserve and recording their songs to see how they change in the presence of human activity; and analyzing the microbial communities in soil across the preserve.

Internships 

Pre-health professions students often shadow doctors or volunteer at local hospitals. In addition, Biology majors have completed internships focused on environmental stewardship, clinical health, animal behavior, and medical and pharmaceutical research at the following organizations:

• CD Doyle Clinic, a free clinic run by Dell Medical School students in downtown Austin
• Regarding Cancer, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer
• San Antonio Zoo
• Asuragen, which develops diagnostic tests for people with cancer and genetic diseases
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
• Macromoltek, a computational drug discovery company dedicated to the advancement of antibody drug development
• The Nature Conservancy

STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our National Science Foundation-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

Student Organizations

The St. Edward’s chapter of the Texas Academy of Science supports student research, including presentation and publication opportunities. Members also tutor in the sciences and complete other service projects.

Students with strong academic achievement in the sciences are eligible to join the St. Edward’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

Students for Sustainability educates the St. Edward’s community about eco-friendly practices and works with the St. Edward’s administration to implement environmental initiatives. Members help maintain the campus garden, learn about biking and public transportation, encourage fellow students to reduce their use of plastic water bottles, and have clothing swaps and upcycled craft nights.

The American Medical Student Association matches freshmen with upperclassman mentors in the same major. Together, members learn from guest speakers — like physicians and Peace Corps Volunteers — and complete volunteer projects.

Pre-health students have participated in the Making Equity Standard in Healthcare (MESH) mentorship day at Dell Medical School in Austin. In this program, current medical students advise undergraduates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, about how to become stronger candidates for medical school. The Saturday program includes a tour of the school, information about the medical school’s distinctive curriculum and its work with the Austin community, and a Q&A with students.

Pre-health professions students can take advantage of annual events sponsored by the Career and Professional Development office. These include on-campus meetings with representatives from graduate programs as well as workshops to prepare you for specific aspects of the application process. 

Health sciences schools appreciate applicants who are curious and willing to get out of their comfort zones. St. Edward’s offers opportunities to volunteer with a broad variety of people and learn about the social forces that influence health and access to medicine. Explore our many service programs.

A minor in Biology allows students to explore an interest in biological sciences, while developing skills in scientific reasoning and literacy. A student, in consultation with a Biological Sciences faculty member, develops a customized group of elective courses to complete the minor. A minimum of nine of those elective hours must be from upper-division classes in accordance with university requirements. Total minor hours: 21

Required Courses:

• General Biology I
• General Biology I Lab
• General Biology II
• General Biology II Lab
• Molecular Genetics
• Biology Electives (BIOL 3000+, 10 hours)

At St. Edward’s University, all curricula in the Biological Sciences are founded upon evolutionary theory. As a subject of scientific inquiry, the theory of evolution provides opportunities for testing of hypotheses that strengthen our understanding of the processes that account for the diversity of life on Earth, and existing data overwhelmingly support the theory as scientifically sound. We regard any non-scientific or teleological attempts that distract from the scientific processes that underlie science as, at best, a diversion to our mission to provide exceptional education to our students in the Biological Sciences. We stand with the numerous scientific societies that have issued statements on the subject of evolution and intelligent design, confirming the demonstrated success of the former and rejecting the scientific viability of the latter. 

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology requires 42 hours of major courses, which include a combination of different sociology classes, and some global studies, criminology, and psychology. In addition, students choose 9 hours of career-emphasis elective courses that help prepare them for future interests, such as graduate school or their career path in sociology.

Electives: Students complete 24 hours of elective courses in any area of study they choose. These courses do not have to relate to the major.

General Education Requirements: The degree requires 54 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for our Sociology major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:      

Self and Society – Sociology is the study of how groups, organizations, and individuals behave in society.  In this course you will learn how to ask sociological questions and analyze social life to understand how things like culture, socialization, power relations, social institutions and group interaction affect individuals. 

Beauty, Bodies, and Sexuality – What is the definition of a “normal” and “beautiful” body? How do age, gender, race, social class, sexual orientation, and sexuality shape how bodies are perceived and treated? In this course you will examine these questions, as well as others, through an analysis of the historical and contemporary beliefs and social norms associated with beauty and sexuality.

Families and Intimate Relationships – Sociology is based on the idea that society organizes people’s lives and that individual experiences both reflect and reproduce cultural ideals and patterns. In this course you will explore how the family as a social institution interacts with other institutions and how these larger processes (economic, political, global) shape family, as well as how individual family experiences shape the social world.

What You Will Learn

Study institutions like family, politics and religion, and how power is distributed in society. Sociology helps you understand why some groups maintain the status quo while others upend and reshape society. It helps you see an event like a crime wave as the tip of an iceberg and identify the larger social and historical forces at work under the surface.

Research

Sociology majors learn methods for conducting research to understand social phenomena. You’ll have the opportunity to present your work at the St. Edward’s Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression or at a professional academic conference, where you can learn about the careers in research and academia and build your network.

Internships

All Sociology majors complete an internship of at least 75 hours at a community organization with a mission focused on some form of social justice. Here is where you will apply your knowledge of social inequality; diversity and inclusion; critical thinking; effective communication; and social justice. Sociology majors recently have interned at the following sites:

• Texas Civil Rights Project 
• People Organize in Defense of Earth and her Resources (PODER) 
• Austin Partners in Education 
• Casa Marianella 
• Urban Roots 
• Autism Society of Austin 
• Breakthrough Central Texas 
• Youth Advocacy 
• Posada Esperanza 
• Texas Victims Services Association 
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving 
• Trinity Center 
• Girls Rock Camp! – Austin
• Interfaith Action of Central Texas 
• Youth Rise Texas 
• Communities in Schools 
• Grassroots Leadership 
• Go Austin/Vamos Austin 
• The SAFE Alliance
• Texas Advocacy Project 
• YWCA 
• Sierra Club 
• Mujeres Inspiradas en Sueños, Metas y Acciones
• Minorities for Equality in Economy, Education, Liberty and Justice Center 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

Service Opportunities

Campus Ministry offers numerous service programs open to all students, regardless of major or religious affiliation. Give back to your community and learn about real-world efforts to address the challenges you’ve learned about in class.

S.E.R.V.E Austin is a weekly, semester-long volunteer commitment at a specific site where you’ll develop relationships with immigrants and refugees, children at an after-school program, young adults working on their GED, the elderly or the formerly homeless.

S.E.R.V.E. 1 Day events are Saturday-morning programs that include breakfast, transportation to the site, lunch and a reflection. These one-day projects often involve physical labor, like cleaning up a park, removing invasive species or painting a school.

Service Break Experiences give you the chance to travel to another community, volunteer and learn about local life. SBEs are built on ongoing relationships between St. Edward’s and the service location and require students to prepare – educationally and spiritually – for several months beforehand. The trips incorporate structured reflections so you’ll integrate what you’ve learned and use it to fuel your charity and justice work going forward. A hallmark of SBEs is their emphasis on living simply – you’ll leave your phone and other luxuries behind.

Students who are interested in learning more about the science of human interaction or who will benefit from the expanded perspective in their chosen career should consider pursuing a minor in Sociology. The Sociology minor requires 18 hours of coursework.

Students who minor in Sociology are required to take the following courses:

• Self and Society
• Social Theory
• Topics in Sociology
• Race, Class and Gender
• Two upper-division sociology courses

This major is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In order to meet accreditation standards, students are required to apply for and undertake a social work field internship, demonstrate competencies in 9 core areas, complete a portfolio, and participate in an exit interview prior to graduation. Please see the Social Work Major Degree Requirements and the Social Work Program Student Handbook for additional information, or contact Social Work Program Director Dr. Laurie Cook Heffron, LMSW at lheffron@stedwards.edu.

An Application for Admission is required before proceeding to upper-division social work courses. Applications must be submitted to the program director on or before October 1 in Fall and February 1 in Spring. The application, self-assessment form, and Code of Conduct are available online and as a PDF. You can also download it as a Word document.

What You Will Learn

You’ll learn professional ethics that will guide you through difficult decisions, as well as strategies for taking care of yourself while you help other people.

Experiential Learning

You’ll get out into the field right away. Your Introduction to Social Work course requires 40 hours of service learning, where you’re volunteering for course credit at an organization connected to your major. This is your chance to give back while observing, listening, and understanding what social work looks like in practice.

More information can be found in the Field Education Program Manual (PDF).

Student Learning Assessment Outcomes

Recent student learning assessment outcomes are available here:

• 2020–2021 Student Learning Assessment Outcomes (PDF)
• 2021–2022 Student Learning Assessment Outcomes (PDF)
• 2022–2023 Student Learning Assessment Outcomes (PDF)
• 2023-2024 Student Learning Assessment Outcomes (PDF)
• 2024–2025 Student Learning Assessment Outcomes (PDF)
   

Internships

During your senior year, you’ll complete an intensive, 400-hour internship in the community. This is an opportunity to get hands-on experience in a dimension of social work that particularly interests you. You’ll choose an organization that matches your interests and take on real-world responsibilities, supervised by a practicing social worker. A sample of community organizations St. Edward’s students have recently interned with include:

• Communities in Schools
• Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
• Lifeworks
• Project Transitions
• SAFE Alliance
• Texas Advocacy Project
• The Sobering Center
• UT Law Immigration Clinic

During your internship, you’ll experience the realities of social work, including the challenges of working with different personalities and the fact that change takes time. You’ll also interact with social workers and other professionals in the field, which gives you an opportunity to build your network.

Service Experiences

St. Edward’s offers many other opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, apply what you’ve learned in class, and be of service. 

Study abroad immerses you in unfamiliar settings and cultivates understanding of people from other cultures. 

Service Break Experiences, offered through Campus Ministry, give you the chance to travel to another community, volunteer and learn about local life while living simply. 

Campus Ministry’s S.E.R.V.E. Austin is a structured service program that meets weekly for an entire semester. You’ll help a nonprofit with specific tasks while learning about an issue like senior care, immigration, education, youth development or homelessness. 

These experiences help you apply the theory you’ve discussed in class, come face to face with ethical dilemmas and become better prepared to address them.

The Social Work program also offers professional development workshops and continuing education credits for licensed social workers and other mental health professionals. Here are a few examples of Social Work events.

• Detention and Migrant Justice
  A panel of experts joins us to help the campus community understand immigrant detention, its scope and impact, and the role that various professions and community members play in supporting immigrant rights in this context.
• The Unfinished Business of Our Childhoods: Helping to Heal the Childhood Trauma Wounds of Helpers Through Authentic Supervision
  A continuing education webinar for social workers and other mental health professionals.
• Operation Lone Star and SB 4: Know Your Rights
  A continuing education training webinar for social workers and other mental health practitioners and social service providers.

Offered through the Social Work Program, the Minor in Social Welfare provides students a foundation in social welfare, focusing on social justice, human behavior and development, diversity and cultural competence. Students will learn about the history of the U.S. social welfare system, the theories of behavior used to support various social programs, and how issues of race, social class and gender intersect in the social welfare system.

View the Requirements for a Minor in Social Welfare (PDF). 

Laurie Cook Heffron, PhD
Associate Professor of Social Work
Phone: 512-233-1433
Office: Equity Hall 223, 1
Email: lheffron@stedwards.edu

Adam McCormick, PhD
Associate Professor of Social Work
Phone: 512-485-4619
Office: Equity Hall 238, 1
Email: adamm@stedwards.edu

Natalie Beck Aguilera, PhD
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Phone: 512-448-8642
Office: Equity Hall 221, 1
Email: nbeck2@stedwards.edu

Esmeralda Rubalcava Hernandez, PhD
Adjunct Faculty
Email: eherna28@stedwards.edu