Dillard University

Mission

The Criminal Justice program is guided by the University’s mission to unite with the community through scholarship, teaching, civic engagement and service with a firm commitment to improve the human condition. Consistent with this mission, the Criminal Justice program provides students with a thorough understanding of how the criminal justice system works and its impact on American citizens. Students gain an understanding of the role of the police, courts and corrections in our criminal justice system while understanding that their moral obligation is to assist in improving the human condition. In addition to learning the intricacies of the criminal justice system, the curriculum prepares students to enter and successfully complete graduate and professional school programs.... [-]

Mission

The English Program is committed to producing students proficient in oral and written communication and critical thinking skills inherent in the study of language and literature within cultural, historical, literary, psychological, and sociological contexts, thereby serving the practical needs of its students in the academy and for life, on local and global levels. Like the university’s overall mission, the award-winning faculty is dedicated to helping students “hone their capacities to think analytically, critically, and creatively” by engaging in research that contributes to the fields of language and literary studies and which will prepare them for exciting, challenging, and rewarding professions, such as teaching, law, writing, publishing, public relations, communications, business, and more.... [-]

Mission

The Film program provides rigorous training in liberal art setting for future film professionals - writers, directors, producers, designers, teachers and related film practitioners. The hands-on Film program emphasizes the holistic combination of film studies and film production, including strong writing, speaking and critical thinking skills. Scholarly and creative context are offered for the liberal arts student, as well as the student seeking intensive preparation for advanced study in the film. Students have the opportunity to work on Hollywood studio features, large independent film productions and create their own award-winning short films. Students are prepared for graduate school opportunities in areas such as writing, directing, producing, design/technology, production management, and education.... [-]

Mission

The mission of the Mass Communication program is to prepare students to be proficient in communicating information and ideas through the utilization of media, to be qualified to hold positions in mass communication and to gain admission to graduate and professional schools.

Students ready themselves to meet the needs and demands of specific sectors of mass media by selecting options in Multimedia Journalism or Public Relations. Course requirements emphasize the development of strong writing skills, critical thinking, and research skills as well as proficiency in mass media principles and practices.

Students majoring in Mass Communication have the opportunity to work on the Courtbouillon student newspaper; with DU-TV, Dillard University Television; WDUB online radio; and in recording studios.... [-]

Mission The curriculum in Music equips students with a solid musical foundation, as well as skills and knowledge necessary to enter graduate school and professional programs. Students will be prepared for a career in entertainment industries, professional careers in church music ministry, and music performance. The program offers a learning-centered approach in two concentrations, Music Industry and Voice Performance, which allows graduates to excel in their professions. Music majors have the opportunity to perform on campus, to be a part of the renowned Dillard University Choir, collaborate with the Theatre Department and work in partnership with churches in the community and around the country. Student Learning Outcomes Undertake entrepreneurial ventures in music, art and entertainment industries. Demonstrate preparedness for graduate study in music and function effectively in a global society. Demonstrate competence in ethical decision-making that contributes to community improvement and to the students’ own leadership development. Demonstrate competent analytical decision-making and undergraduate research, and use of technologies in music art and entertainment industries. ... [-]

Mission

The Political Science program provides instruction for students interested in a wide variety of careers in political science such as teaching law, international relations, public affairs and civil service. The program provides a thorough knowledge of political science theory, methodology, quantitative reasoning, and computer research skills necessary to meet the competitive demands of graduate and professional study. Students achieve a high level of oral and written communication skills and have opportunities to gain work experience through a variety of internship programs.

Student Learning Outcomes Demonstrate knowledge of the structures, powers, and procedures of the United States federal and state government and foreign governments. Use critical thinking and analytical skills when assessing contemporary political questions, Demonstrate the ability to examine and evaluate information to solve contemporary social problems. Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Political Science ... [-]

Mission

The Psychology program is designed to offer a solid background in psychological science that will prepare students for graduate work in psychology and for entrance into the job market. In addition to an extensive curriculum in traditional psychological studies, psychology students participate in clinical and research activities that give them practical experiences in the application of psychological principles. Students in psychology are required to complete two years of world language studies and demonstrate proficiency in writing, statistics, and research skills. Pscyhology students are also required to develop and conduct a research thesis, a field placement course which requires completion of a community-based internship program, and other courses which prepare students for the academic demands of graduate school.... [-]

Mission

The Social Work program is designed to equip students with a thorough undergraduate knowledge of social work theories and concepts. It teaches majors the skills that will allow them to conduct sound social work research, and prepare them to meet the challenges of graduate school or the demands of the labor market upon graduation. The Social Work Curriculum also assists majors in developing and understanding their role in helping those in society who are in need of assistance.

Student Learning Outcomes Demonstrate familiarity with the major social work theories and concepts. Demonstrate the ability to use statistics to interpret data and verbalize their meanings using language germane to social work and the social sciences. Write research papers that will reflect a thorough understanding of social work theory and research methodology. Demonstrate communicative skills by presenting research to an audience of social sciences faculty members, students, and other disciplinary scholars. SOCIAL WORK LEARNING COMPETENCIES: GUIDED BY THE COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION (CSWE) ... [-]

Mission The Theatre program mission is to provide rigorous, professional training in a liberal arts context for future actors, directors, designers, managers, teachers, scholars, and related theatre practitioners. The program is committed to the aesthetics of Black theatre, creating a globally aware artist while identifying, sharing, and perpetuating the highest standards possible. Student Learning Outcomes Analyze/Critique/Research plays for theatre productions. Act/Direct monologues/scenes/plays/theatre productions. Design/Operate technology and manage stage and theatre operations for theatre production. Recognize the interconnectedness of each of the production areas and how ... [-]

Mission

The mission of the Visual Arts Program is to prepare our students for rewarding careers in the visual arts through a dynamic visual arts curriculum and a comprehensive liberal arts education. The Visual Arts program provides individualized studio-arts training for the student who plans on becoming a practicing studio artist, curator, designer, photographer, art historian, or teacher. The program also prepares students to enter graduate programs in studio art, art history, museum studies, or art therapy.

Student Learning Outcomes Demonstrate proficiency in major aspects, techniques, and directions in chosen medium or media. Analyze works of art perceptively and evaluate them critically by using a comprehensive knowledge of the history of art. Achieve the highest level of technical ability in chosen media and its expressive possibilities. Exhibit and promote evidence of the development of studio-art practices within the facilities of the art gallery and to have their artwork critiqued and discussed. Program/Opportunities Art Gallery The Dillard Review (a journal of arts and letters) Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts ... [-]

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science program in Biology is to provide a broad background in Biology with sufficient flexibility to satisfy a wide variety of individual interests and career objectives. This is accomplished through a combination of required courses and electives. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment in biological related fields, for independent study and research through interaction with scholars and experts in their discipline, and for entry into medical, dental, pharmacy, and graduate schools.

Student Learning Outcomes Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of basic biological principles and concepts. Evaluate and synthesize information, hypotheses and theories in major areas of biology. Create and organize original research focused on biological and other related scientific topics. Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Biology ... [-]

Mission

The mission of the program in chemistry is to enable graduates to enter professional practice as a chemist in the areas of research, development, production, sales consulting and management, or to enter graduate or professional programs leading to advanced degrees in the following broad fields of specialization: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, or physical chemistry. The judicious use of electives enables students to meet admission requirements to enter health profession schools. The Chemistry program, through a highly personalized and learning-centered approach, provides students with a basic and broad understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry with progression to advanced concepts and instrumental methods. The Chemistry program educates and prepares chemistry majors for employment, graduate school, and/or professional school. To this end, the program has established the following objectives.... [-]

Mission

The mission of the program in Computer Science is to provide students with knowledge of the design, modeling, analysis, and applications of computer-related systems. The program provides education at the undergraduate level necessary to understand, design, implement, and use the software and hardware of digital computers. It provides comprehensive and strongly related studies of subjects in computer system architecture, computer network modeling and analysis, programming languages and systems, artificial intelligence, computer science theory, database management systems, systems analysis and design, website design and development, and scientific computing.

The Computer Science program seeks to provide its majors with a deep knowledge of the core principles of computer science skills necessary to use computers to solve real-world problems, and experiences in implementing solutions with modern computing tools. The program prepares students for graduate school or for entry-level positions in the computer-related job markets.... [-]

Mission

The Bachelor of Science program in Mathematics and Actuarial Science, seeks to aid students in developing proficiency in logic, critical and analytical thinking and a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical principles and concepts, and offers a combination of required courses and electives that provide a broad background with sufficient flexibility to satisfy a wide variety of individual interests and career objectives.

The curriculum in mathematics prepares students for employment in private industries and government and for admission to graduate school in mathematics and actuarial sciences, statistics, computer sciences and allied fields.

Student Learning Outcomes Display basic skills and solid foundation in mathematics. Apply mathematical principles with technology to a multicultural, global and technological society. Use high-level critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to solve problems in their disciplines and in research. Apply for advanced degrees in mathematics at professional and graduate schools. Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Actuarial Science ... [-]

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science Degree program in Physics is to offer traditional preparation of students for opportunities in graduate study, research, pre-engineering, and employment. There are two concentrations in the Physics degree program: Medical Physics and Pre-Engineering. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation and training opportunities in interdisciplinary research areas such as Chemical Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Material Science, Optics & Lasers, and Engineering.

The Physics program offers several options for obtaining a dual degree (BS/BE). Students may earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering by completing the three-year curriculum at Dillard University and one of the two-year curriculums at the host institution:... [-]

Mission

The major in urban studies and public policy is designed to prepare students for careers in public service or private corporations involved in public issues. Career paths include government, law, city planning, non-profit management and public policy analysis. The curriculum explores urban issues in real estate development, transportation, land use and housing that focuses on finding solutions to inner-city problems such as unemployment, poverty, and crime.

Student Learning Outcomes Understand the relationship between the urban environment and human behavior. Identify the causes and effect of urban problems. Quantify the costs and benefits of public programs in order to conduct rational policy analysis. Propose practical solutions to social problems. Communicate complex policy issues in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing. Influence the political process by explaining policy solutions to both public officials and the general public. Programs/Opportunities ... [-]