PIC Math lets students tackle real-world issues

A new course set to begin in the spring 2016 semester will allow Morehead State mathematics students to tackle real-world issues while giving back to the community.

The course, Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences, or “PIC Math” is a collaborative effort between MSU’s Department of Mathematics and Physics and local and regional organizations. Students in the class will be presented with an issue or problem being faced by a regional company, organization or governmental entity, and will work in small groups with other students to find solutions.  The course is designed to teach students how to apply mathematical concepts to real-world problem solving, while also teaching them about career possibilities in business, industry and government.

 Students will learn about data mining, graph theory, operations research, geometry, probability and more. They will also have a unique networking opportunity through regular meetings with representatives of the entities that presented the real-world problems for the students.

For more information about the course, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/picmath or email Dr. Michael Dobranski, associate professor of mathematics, at m.dobranski@moreheadstate.edu. 

Public policy degree offers diverse career options

Morehead State’s bachelor’s degree program in public policy will give you the knowledge and skills to prepare you for a wide range of careers. You will learn about  the development and implementation of policy at the local, state, national and international level.

Incorporating classes in the humanities, government, regional issues and more, the public policy program at MSU prepares you for policy-related careers in the public, non-profit and private sectors.

You will be qualified to work as a community development specialist, grants manager, business continuity coordinator and more.  You will also be prepared to enter graduate school or law school.

For more information about the public policy program, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/publicpolicy.

Submit pieces for publication in Inscape

The Department of Art and Design and the Department of English at MSU continually work to offer you additional opportunities to build your portfolio and provide you with practical hands-on field experiences before you graduate. Giving students the opportunity to publish original pieces in Inscape is just one of many ways the two departments allow students to expand their creative experiences. Inscape is a literary and visual arts magazine produced solely by MSU students.

Students who participate increase their understanding of the art submission and exhibition process and develop professional portfolio pieces. The annual juried publication features a wide range of media and work including:

• Prose
• Poetry
• Short stories
• Long narratives
• Nonfiction
• Creative essays
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Painting
• Design
• Digital art

We are currently looking for writers and artists. The deadline for visual art submissions and the cover design contest is Dec. 4, 2015. Literary work including poetry, prose, fiction and creative nonfiction must be submitted by Jan. 29, 2016.

To learn more, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/inscape.

Computer science program prepares students for tech careers

Morehead State’s computer science program offers a number of options to put you on the fast-track to a successful, rewarding technology career.

You can choose from options in general computer science, computer and network security and computer gaming. All of MSU’s programs give you the practical knowledge and hands-on skills employers are looking for. You’ll learn about computer programming languages, database systems, software development and more. You’ll also have the chance to work on research projects through our Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. The program allows students to work with faculty members on research projects. You could have your research published in an undergraduate journal, or present your research at professional conferences.

Graduates of this program pursue careers in applications and systems programming, systems analysis, software development, research, database management, telecommunications and security, game programming and consulting.

For more information about the computer science degree, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/cs.

Geology program offers unique opportunities

If you are interested in studying geology, Morehead State’s geology and earth systems science program provides several unique opportunities not offered at other universities.

Because of MSU’s location in the foothills of Appalachia, geology students can study a wide variety of geologic features close to campus through hands-on fieldwork. This provides our students with skills that give them an edge when they enter the workforce or attend graduate school. Geology students are also able to participate in annual learning trips to geological sites all over the world. In the past, students have traveled to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, arctic Canada and the American southwest.

A degree in geology and earth systems science from Morehead State will prepare you for a number of exciting career fields including:

• Oil and natural gas exploration
• Geological surveys
• 3D geologic modeling
• Geologic research

For more information about the program, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/geology.

New study abroad office serves as one-stop-shop for students

Students interested in studying abroad can receive individualized guidance related to scholarship opportunities, traveling preparations and more through MSU’s new study abroad office. The office serves as a one-stop-shop where you may receive information related to travel insurance and advisories, study abroad options and government resources.

MSU has a number of collaborative exchange agreements with foreign universities. International study experiences may include short (summer) or long (semester) programs and internships abroad. Financial aid may often be obtained and scholarships are available with some programs.

The study abroad office is located in 350A Ginger Hall and is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  You can reach staff members by phone at 606-783-2590, or email at studyabroad@moreheadstate.edu. For more information, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/studyabroad.