Rural Studies
ABAC believes in investing in rural communities and the Department of Rural Studies drives that involvement and commitment. We offer two different Bachelor of Science degrees: Rural Community Development and Criminal Justice.
Both interdisciplinary degrees equip students with the skills necessary to create positive change in the health, social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of rural communities. The programs focuses on the importance of applying critical thinking skills, cultural understanding, and social responsibility to create change while providing numerous hands-on learning opportunities and internships. Graduates go on to work in a variety of fields including counseling and therapy, social work, community planning, public service, and family and child development.
Explore Our Degrees & Pathways
Rural Community Development (B.S)
The Major in Rural Community Development is an interdisciplinary degree with a focus on equipping students with the skills and abilities necessary to create positive social, economic, political, and cultural impacts in rural communities. Students will develop skills and knowledge in cultural understanding and social responsibility backed with an emphasis on critical thinking skills to best develop effective strategies for building up rural communities. These learned principals are further emphasized through hands-on learning in the community and internships. Graduates of the Rural Community Development degree go on to enjoy success in a variety of career paths including community planning, non-profit work, and governmental agencies, and are well prepared for a variety of graduate study options from psychology and sociology to human services.
Criminal Justice, B.S.
The Criminal Justice program requires 120-124 semester credit hours plus PHED 1100 and one PE activity course for a total of 123-127 semester credit hours.