WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks LionSide Chats, a program of webinars that explores current and timely topics, is introducing a new series for current and prospective students titled “Majorly prepared: Penn State Berks degrees and opportunities.”
In this series, college faculty, staff and students will discuss the 20 bachelor’s degree programs and other educational opportunities available at Penn State Berks. The series, which will run from January through April, will cover degrees in all three of the college’s academic divisions: engineering, business and computing; humanities, arts and social sciences; and science.
“No matter what your intended major, all are welcome,” stated Dawn Pfeifer Reitz, assistant teaching professor of communication arts and sciences and one of the co-founders of the program.
LionSide Chats is a modern interpretation of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Depression-era Fireside Chats. The one-hour webinars are free and open to the public. All LionSide Chats will be delivered via Zoom webinars. A complete schedule of talks and recordings of past LionSide Chats are available on the LionSide Chats website.
Schedule
Careers in social sciences: How to be an informed citizen and agent of change
Jan. 27, 7 p.m.
This webinar will focus on social science degrees offered in the Division of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences including criminal justice, elementary and early childhood education, psychology and rehabilitation and human services. It will also cover the new certificate in social justice.
Learn how science can change the world: A chat about biology, biochemistry and science degrees
Feb. 5, 12:15 p.m.
This chat with program chairs about degrees in the division of science will inform students what they need to do to be successful and what opportunities they will have after graduation. Degree programs at Penn State Berks include biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, science (with options in life science and general science).
Hospitality Management at Penn State Berks
Feb. 10, 12:15
This engaging session will explore the college’s degree programs, student research, internships and career opportunities in hospitality management.
Careers in the humanities: How to be a critical thinker, problem-solver and developer of new ideas
Feb. 15, 12:15 p.m.
This webinar is for students who enjoy reading, writing, and thinking about the world’s problems. Students of the humanities investigate human society and culture. This presentation will discuss degrees and career opportunities in the humanities. Degrees at Penn State Berks include communication arts and sciences and writing and digital media. The webinar will also cover the college’s composition courses.
Discovering Engineering at Berks
Feb. 22, 7 p.m.
Students will learn what engineering is, what engineers do, and how they can become an engineer. The webinar will also cover the college’s events for National Engineers Week. Students are invited to email questions in advance. The college offers degrees in electro-mechanical engineering technology and mechanical engineering. The webinar will also cover engineering majors offered by Penn State University.
Entrepreneurship at Penn State Berks
Feb. 24, 12:15 p.m.
Participants will learn about the college’s entrepreneurship and innovation minor, the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center and the entrepreneurship student club. Faculty and students will discuss how the college promotes creativity and innovation and all the opportunities available for prospective entrepreneurs.
Why and how do we study human movement? A chat about the kinesiology degree
March 1, 12:15 p.m.
This webinar will discuss the study of movement, the college’s degree programs related to this field of study and what students can do with a kinesiology degree. Penn State Berks offers a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and an associate degree in occupational therapy. Both degrees open the door to a world of possibilities.
Engaging possibilities
March 9, 12:15 p.m.
Penn State Berks offers many ways to engage with the community—from social justice to sustainability. In this webinar, students will discuss their personal experience with community engagement. Attendees will learn how these projects can complement degree programs. College opportunities include the Center for Academic and Community Engagement, the Penn State Educational Partnership Program, the Sustainability Committee, and the Social Justice Collaborative.
Undergraduate research and outreach in the sciences: Learn about community outreach and research opportunities
March 15, 12:15 p.m.
This webinar will discuss research opportunities and outreach programs in the sciences at the Penn State Berks. Participants will hear from science professors and researchers about the exciting projects for students. Degree programs at Penn State Berks include biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, science (with options in life science and general science), and kinesiology.
IST and cybersecurity at Penn State Berks: Applying technology to solve problems
March 24, 12:15 p.m.
This webinar will provide an overview of degrees in information sciences and technology, including cybersecurity and risk analysis. Students and alumni will discuss their experiences in the program and in the workforce. These majors address the demand for highly skilled professionals ready to apply technology to solve problems across any area of business and government. Degrees include information sciences and technology, security and risk analysis, and cybersecurity analytics and operations.
Scientists and health professionals change the world: Find out how to become one
April 2, 12:15 p.m.
In this chat about careers in healthcare and science, program chairs will discuss the opportunities available to students who earn a Penn State degree. Degrees at Penn State Berks include biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, Science (with options in life science and general science), and kinesiology.
Accounting and business: Because you want a job when you graduate
April 9, 12:15 p.m.
A college education is one of the most significant investments an individual or family can make. The Penn State Berks accounting and business degrees provide some of the highest-yielding returns on investment in higher education. In this webinar, students will learn about opportunities in accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, and other related fields. Degrees at Penn State Berks include accounting and business (with concentrations in accounting, financial services, and marketing/management).
Art on campus. How to express and understand influence through art
April 15, 12:15 p.m.
In this webinar, participants will learn how to become part of the artistic community on campus and what Penn State Berks has to offer. The webinar includes presentations from the curator of the Freyberger Gallery, theater productions, and art history courses.
“The LionSide Chat series is a classic example of great ideas blossoming through communication and collaboration,” summarized Reitz.
For more information and to view the LionSide Chats schedule, visit the website or email BerksLSChats@psu.edu.