Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Concentration in Families and Communities

at State University of New York at Albany USA

Learn how governments, political organizations, individuals, and nations act to create and realize public values and goals. You’ll prepare for responsible and effective citizenship, political participation, and advanced academic or professional studies. You will also learn to understand and appreciate different political values, institutions, and processes that operate in local, national, and international systems.

The political science bachelor's program allows you to focus on the subjects that interest you most, with upper-level concentrations available in American politics; citizenship; equality and inequality; global politics; law and institutions; political theory; political economy and development; public law; security and statecraft.

Located less than one mile from the New York State Capitol, it’s easy to get a head start on a career in law or government as political science major at the widely respected Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy.

Law & Institutions
The rule of law, often overlooked and sometimes contentious, plays a central role in everyday American life. Courses in this concentration focus on the development and operation of the legal system, the work of the branches of government and the interactions of these political institutions with the public. You will learn to consider how laws are constructed and implemented, how they affect ordinary citizens, and the impact they have on public policy debates and political change.

Learn how geology, natural resources, weather, waterways, and ecosystems have impacted and been impacted by human settlement and urbanization, agriculture, immigration, mass transportation, man-made disasters, and global cultures and economies.

The BA in Geography program at the University at Albany has a strong international focus. Courses cover existing and emerging social, economic, political, and environmental issues in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.

As a geography major, you get to choose from three areas of focus (clusters): human geography, environmental geography, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Create useful applications and solve practical data management problems with interdisciplinary skills in information technology and computer science taught in the bachelor's program in informatics.

Through team-based activities and hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to store and retrieve data, employ emerging technologies, and build user-centered systems – all of which are embedded in the day-to-day operations of every organization.

From relational databases to client-based web technologies, and internal computer architecture to networking fundamentals, you'll be prepared to lead complex digital projects from start to finish.

Software Development

Course options include Introduction to Computer Science, Data Structures, Software Engineering, Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity, Object-Oriented Programming Principles and Practice.

Find answers to the “why” of human behavior in the bachelor's in psychology program at the University at Albany. The curriculum will prepare you for graduate study or a career in human services or counseling.

Through coursework and research, you will learn about aspects of psychology ranging from the affective, biological, and cognitive bases of human behavior, to developmental and social factors.

Create useful applications and solve practical data management problems with interdisciplinary skills in information technology and computer science taught in the bachelor's program in informatics.

Through team-based activities and hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to store and retrieve data, employ emerging technologies, and build user-centered systems – all of which are embedded in the day-to-day operations of every organization.

From relational databases to client-based web technologies, and internal computer architecture to networking fundamentals, you'll be prepared to lead complex digital projects from start to finish.

Cybersecurity
Courses may include Cybersecurity Basics, Information Security and Assurance, Human Aspects of Cybersecurity, Cyber Threats and Intelligence, Cryptography.

Explore the deep history of what it means to be human and discover how it can inform the decisions we make today. Study cultures, health, language and religion while developing solid analytical, communication and problem-solving skills. You will be equipped for careers in areas such as market research, community development, social work, public relations and higher education with a master’s in anthropology from the University at Albany.

Through coursework and research you will study four subdisciplines of anthropology:

• Archaeology: Explore ancient cultures and learn techniques to analyze their material remains such as tools, paintings and religious artifacts to interpret their values and way of life.
• Biological Anthropology: Examine the evolution of the brain and nervous system to understand human nature, health, mortality and reproductive behavior.
• Linguistics: Investigate the nature of relationships shared between language and culture.
• Cultural Anthropology: Focus on contemporary issues such as economics, politics, religion and art through interviews and observation to create in-depth ethnographies.

Dive into the Spanish language. Language skills, historical reference points and topical awareness must be a priority as you become involved in cultural issues involving Spanish-speaking populations around the world. A master's in Spanish from the University at Albany combines linguistic immersion with rigorous academic research, with a diverse and knowledgeable faculty pushing students to make breakthroughs in understanding.

Your path to non-governmental organizations and nonprofits, public sector work, international business or teaching runs through this in-depth program. Expressing yourself eloquently in Spanish calls for deep linguistic comprehension and cultural discovery, both of which are part of the MA in Spanish curriculum.

Learn the language spoken by more than 520 million people worldwide by earning a BA in Spanish from the University at Albany.

Acquire the skills necessary to communicate bilingually, an invaluable skill for careers in business, government, education, tourism and social service.

Take a selection of core courses, as well as electives and classes in a concentrated area, which includes a capstone. Explore the program's two different areas of specialization:

• Spanish language, linguistics and teaching
• Hispanic literature and culture

You are encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country to enhance your fluency in the language. Fulfill major requirements by taking Spanish language, literature or culture courses during the summer in Spanish America and Spain. Past UAlbany students have studied in Cusco, Havana, San José, Madrid and Valencia.

Learn how to create thriving, productive, and sustainable communities by earning your bachelor’s in urban studies and planning at the University at Albany.

This interdisciplinary major provides you with the skills you need to craft ecologically and socially sound city plans and carry out regional community and economic development projects in the real world. Program coursework covers changing demographics, accessibility issues, economic inequalities, public safety concerns, and more.

Ultimately, you’ll know how planners and designers conceive new residential, commercial, and recreational areas and then collaborate with real estate developers, government officials, community leaders, architects, surveyors, and other professionals to make them a reality.

Get advanced training and experience in the theory and practice of city planning, design, and development in the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at the University at Albany.

This program prepares you to assist community leaders, elected officials, and the public with issues of neighborhood change and preservation, environmental conservation, mobility and accessibility, comprehensive planning and zoning. You will also learn about emerging issues, such as how to reimagine community development, ensure equitable planning strategies and understand the impacts of extreme weather.