Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies (STEM)

at Navitas Group - Queens College, City University of New York USA

The study of Italian connects students to one of the world’s great civilizations. From medieval times to the present, Italy has produced great literature, art, architecture, philosophy, science, and scholarship. Its history and politics continue to fascinate scholars while Italian film is synonymous with the highest achievements of cinematic art.

At Queens College, students can expect to achieve proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the Italian language, followed by advanced courses in translation, literature, and culture. They may also opt for a minor in Italian American studies, an interdisciplinary subject area relevant to the larger history and culture of the American nation. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities. The college also houses a chapter of Gamma Kappa Alpha, the national Italian honor society.

Graduates use their proficiency in Italian and their knowledge of Italian culture in a variety of careers in business, translation, publishing, and the arts. Many prepare for a career in teaching Italian in the secondary schools. For some, the major or minor gives a solid foundation for graduate study.

Physics is one of the most demanding majors offered at Queens College, and it attracts exceptional students. In small classes taught by distinguished faculty, students benefit from an adaptable curriculum of theory and applied science, including courses that teach experimental skills, mathematical physics, and the principles of both classical and modern physics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and special and general relativity. Electives explore connections between physics and other sciences, such as telecommunications and computer science. Students are encouraged to participate in the faculty’s internationally recognized experimental and theoretical research programs in optics, magnetic thin films, polymer surfaces, quantum dots and nanowires, multiple quantum wells, and photonic integration.

Classics involves the study of ancient Greek and Roman civilization and history, including the Greek and Latin languages. In courses on language, literature, art, philosophy, religion, and history, students learn about the pioneering thinkers, writers, leaders, and cultural innovators who shaped much of the Western intellectual and artistic legacy.

Research shows that classics majors consistently attain some of the highest GRE scores, outperform other undergraduate majors in law school, and are among the most successful majors admitted to medical school. In their close study of challenging languages, texts, philosophies, and other aspects of the ancient world, classics majors acquire superior skills in reading, writing, analytical thinking, and cultural understanding. These are essential to professional success in today’s highly educated workforce.

Classics serves as a gateway to numerous career paths. Many graduates go on to advanced study in classics, archaeology, or religion as well as professional schools in law and medicine. Other options include working in areas related to students’ training in classical language, history, and culture, including libraries, museums, publishing, the arts, and education.

Philosophy involves the pursuit of fundamental questions, such as the nature of reality, truth, justice, values, ethics, reason, science, and faith. It offers careful training in inquiry, critical thinking, and the construction of well-reasoned arguments. Coursework includes philosophical questions, methods, history, and systems of thought.

Although philosophy is sometimes thought of as a luxury or “ivory tower” discipline, PayScale’s research has found that it actually ranks as the top-earning humanities major. The mental discipline students acquire and their facility with complex reasoning are valued highly by employers who seek innovative problem solvers and executives. Further, philosophy has historically offered a high road to the study of law.

A degree in Actuarial Studies lays the groundwork for a career in the insurance industry. Coursework stresses accounting, economics, mathematics, and business fundamentals. The program also prepares students for a series of professional examinations. Admission to the program, which is administered by the Department of Economics, is selective.

The Mathematics Department has a large faculty who are well-known researchers in such areas as algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, combinatorics, dynamics, geometry and topology, logic, mathematical physics, and number theory. With its many resources, the department can offer a substantial curriculum to students who share a passion for mathematics yet seek a wide variety of professional goals.

There are four concentrations, responding to different student interests. Some graduates aim to conduct research and teach mathematics at the college level, while others hope to teach mathematics in elementary or secondary schools. Some are interested in applied areas like computer science, the natural sciences, statistics, or actuarial work.

The program in International Business prepares graduates to deal effectively with contemporary economic environments. Coursework emphasizes accounting, business, mathematics, and economics. Students prepare for private- and public-sector careers—whether in corporations and finance (for example, multinational corporations, export-import firms, and banks) or in government and agencies concerned with international trade, finance, and economic development.

American Studies fosters an interdisciplinary view of the United States and its hemispheric neighbors. Students explore historical, social, and artistic dimensions of the American experience. The program encourages students to design an individualized course of study.

American Studies majors become experienced researchers, trained to think critically and to work from many perspectives using a variety of primary sources.

For students interested in understanding and appreciating the literature and civilization of the Jewish people, Hebrew is indispensable.

Coursework emphasizes Hebrew language instruction, developing skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and translation. Advanced students take courses in biblical, Rabbinic, and modern Hebrew literature; Israeli culture; and courses in Aramaic and Talmud. There also are courses on Hebrew literature of various periods and Israeli, Sephardic, and Yiddish literature and culture in  translation. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad in Israel.

For those who are passionate about cinema, the college offers a multidisciplinary program in Film Studies. Students explore the aesthetic, cultural, sociological, political, philosophical, and psychological elements of cinema—analytically, critically, and historically. They study film aesthetics, technology, and the industry cross-culturally as well as in mainstream and alternative traditions and movements. They may also connect film studies to areas of modern art, music, history, language, and literature. Coursework emphasizes writing—through academic approaches to film analysis and research projects, and in professional approaches such as screenwriting and film criticism.