Schools
The School of Agricultural Extension and Cooperatives was founded on the conviction that since agriculture has been a key livelihood for Thai people, wider economic development in Thailand is tied to development of the country’s agricultural potential. The school continues to rely on this philosophy in teaching students subjects such as agricultural production methods, agricultural technology, and the formation and management of agricultural cooperatives. In addition, the school aims to give students an understanding of Thailand’s natural resources and resources for conservation through agricultural practices.
The field of communication arts is concerned with the application of different types of media used to relay news, transfer knowledge, and provide entertainment. As effective management of these systems promotes development, increases knowledge and fosters mutual understanding, STOU recognized the necessity of providing programs in this field, and established the School of Communication Arts in 1984. Because it is a distance learning institution, STOU has significant interest and experience in using media to communicate effectively. Students are not only able to learn important theory in communication arts, but they are also provided with opportunities for hands-on learning through the university’s own facilities, like the Educational Broadcasting Production Center. Collaborations with professionals in the communication industry, such as award-winning directors and leading newspaper editors, also supplement students’ practical learning.
Economics is a field of social science that provides a theoretical and conceptual framework for analyzing the behavior of economic agents. The school’s programs provide methodological approaches and powerful tools for understanding the determinants and causal relationships in economic systems. The School of Economics was established on 12 March 1982. In addition to foundational macroeconomics, microeconomics and quantitative techniques in economic analysis, the School of Economics also offers a range of courses on various sub-disciplines, such as international economics, natural resources and environmental economics, managerial economics and economic development. The school aims to equip students with a sound understanding of the logic of the discipline as well as rigorous analytical skills crucial to logical decision-making processes at all levels.
The School of Education Studies, established on 7 February 1979, offers programs which focus on developing in-service educational personnel who can strengthen their communities with increased academic knowledge and professional ethics. The school also aims to promote research development in the fields of teacher education and educational studies, provide academic services to educational personnel and other interested parties, and contribute to the preservation and maintenance of national arts and culture.
Large numbers of public health workers in a number of fields still have a need for continuing education. To help workers oversee the more effective provision of public health services, the School of Health Science was established on 25 August 1979. With a range of programs, from public health to environment management, students in the School of Health Science will gain crucial expertise and experience to help improve the health and living standards of the Thai people. One area the school highlights is the importance of continual personal development alongside an even as an individual works to further the development of the country.
Established on 29 December 1981 as the School of Home Economics, the school aims to offer programs that lead to improved living standards anud quality of life for individual, family and social units. Over the years since its founding, the school has been attuned to the government’s four-year National Economic and Social Development plans. As various plans have focused on areas such as rural development, coping with rapid changes and growth in business and industry, and incorporating human development into economic expansion, the school has responded by offering programs that work towards these goals. In 2006, the name “School of Human Ecology” was adopted to better reflect the school’s focus on the relationship that individuals, families and communities have with their environments.
The School of Law was established on 19 February 1980 to support and develop personnel in legal professions in both government and private sectors. The school also has seeks to provide continuing education in the field of law for those holding degrees and diplomas in other areas, as well as for other prospective learners.
In 1993, the school set up the Center for Human Rights and Peace Education to disseminate knowledge in connection with human rights law and peace issues. In 2001, the Institute of International Economics and Business Law Studies was established to develop the legal knowledge of the school’s faculty members and STOU staff provide relevant information to students and the general public.
The School of Liberal Arts was established on 7 February 1979 to provide general foundation courses in language, sociology humanities, Thai studies and mathematics to students in all schools of the university. The school has offered bachelor’s degree programs in Thai studies and information science since 1988 and 1993 respectively, while a graduate program in information studies was launched in 2002. In 2005, a certificate program in Chinese language was introduced to meet the country’s demand for international communication.
The School of Management Science, which was established on 7 February 1979, conducts academic research, provides academic services to the public and disseminates professional knowledge to businesspeople, government officials and administrators in various sectors. Another important aim of the school is the promotion of morality and professional ethics in the areas of administration and management. The many business and public administration programs at the School of Management Science are popular choices for STOU students looking to participate in Thailand’s development.
STOU’s instruction in nursing arose from a desire to expand higher educational opportunities for nurses without forcing them to leave their jobs and families. Originally, the Bachelor of Nursing program was under the administration of the School of Health Science until 12 July 2000, when the School of Nursing was established. A master’s degree program, which started in 2005, integrates nursing science, management science and other related topics. Students in the School of Nursing acquire new expertise while working, giving them a chance to quickly apply what they have learned. Their productivity and effectiveness are greatly boosted, and their organizations also benefit from reduced personnel development costs and fewer staffing shortages.
The School of Political Science was established on 19 August 1982. One of its most unique services is to provide certificate-level courses that aim to upgrade the general public’s knowledge and skills in politics and administration, which will enable them to play an important role in the development of a democratic society. These programs are helping to engage people from different walks of life in the political life of the nation. Students are spread across the country and come from diverse backgrounds, so instruction highlights the social implications of politics and its role in Thai society and government.
STOU officially established the School of Science and Technology on 12 July 2000 after extensive preparations. The school provides opportunities for working professionals to develop their capabilities in the fields of printing technology and information technology. As students and graduates apply their knowledge and abilities in their respective careers, Thai society gains a greater understanding and appreciation of technology. STOU’s National Printing Technology Training Center is an important resource for STOU students in the Printing Technology
