Bachelor of Arts in Geology

at State University of New York at New Paltz USA

The Biology program at New Paltz offers students excellent preparation for graduate school, medical school, or a career in industry or one of the many allied health fields. Our faculty-mentored research opportunities are unparalleled, and our modern, research-quality instrumentation enables students to pursue every interest from molecular signaling and environmental conservation to neurophysiology and animal behavior.

The Department of Digital Media & Journalism represents disciplines that combine methods from both the humanities and social sciences in the study of how people share and represent ideas through the mass media. Building upon a solid liberal-arts foundation, students in our programs develop theoretical and practical knowledge through challenging and engaging coursework and hands-on experiences that will support their intellectual and professional growth and prepare them for careers and graduate study.

Communication Studies with concentrations in Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication, and Public Relations. The program, which leads to either the bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree, blends technical and theoretical courses that can prepare students for graduate study or a variety of careers. Because communication is closely linked to the technological, social, and cultural forces that are rapidly changing our world, its study affords students a number of ways to pursue their interests and goals. A minor in Communication Studies is also offered.

Students who select a concentration in Public Relations take a combination of theoretical and practical courses in journalism, ethics, persuasion, media and advertising, as well as public relations. The concentration prepares public relations practitioners to become communication experts within corporate, non-profit and government organizations, and public relations agencies. Students learn how to write and design public relations materials and how to plan public relations campaigns and special events. Both oral and written communication skills are emphasized. Learning how to conduct research is also an important component.

This program designed specifically for college graduates holding an appropriate liberal arts degree in Biology, Chemistry, English, Geology, History, or Mathematics who have not had a formal background in education and who wish to prepare for a teaching career in adolescence education grades 7-12.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be recommended to the New York State Education Department for Initial/Professional Certification.

The Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program draws on the expertise of faculty based in several departments, enabling students to develop a feminist perspective on traditional disciplines and to cross disciplinary boundaries in order to explore experiences nationally and globally. Students examine the ways that gender intersects with other systems of domination, think critically about ways to challenge violence and injustice, and work together to envision a more just and humane world.

In our practicum course, students gain experience working with organizations that serve or mobilize women. In our senior seminar, they pursue independent research in topics of their own choosing. An interdisciplinary course, Women: Images and Realities, provides the introduction to the program.

Geology offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Through formal courses, field work, and research projects, students develop an awareness of the geological processes that shape our planet, and their impact on society and the environment. The undergraduate major in geology offers concentrations in General Geology and Environmental Geoscience and leads to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The BS degree in Geology is licensure qualifying: its coursework meets the education requirements for Professional Geologist licensure in New York State. 

The MBA in Business Administration core includes eight core courses. Core courses are designed to provide students with key concepts and strategies that pervade the functional areas of business management today. They constitute the major common body of knowledge with which students develop critical thinking and analytical abilities in the business world. The courses in the core reflect our commitment to a well-rounded business background.

Students enrolled in the MBA in Business Administration program must take four elective courses. The elective courses provide flexibility in customizing the degree program to suit career goals. Electives are offered in the areas of accounting, project management, finance, international business, marketing, and management. Students may also participate in an internship, independent study, or the Business Plan Contest to fulfill one elective course requirement.

The nationally accredited MFA program offers varied and extensive opportunities for graduate study in a unique setting. Our location is just 90 minutes north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley, allowing access to cutting edge artists, historians, critics, and curators. The campus features expansive facilities, private and semi-private secure studios, and extensive computer labs and digital fabrication technologies. Additional exhibition spaces complement the prestigious Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

Photography & Related Media - Specialization
The Photography program engages students in an expanded field of artistic lens-based practice to critically interrogate and deepen their creative research within a vibrant community of artists. Photography is an ever-changing field with a short and tumultuous history and immense and growing relevance in today’s shifting cultural and social context. We support our students in their process of independent experimentation as they hone their critical awareness, skills, and concept, and position themselves with their unique voice and vision in the field. The Photography program offers a range of state-of-the-art digital and analog facilities and equipment.

The School of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accreditation represents the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business degrees. Fewer than five percent of the world's business programs have earned AACSB accreditation.

Bachelor of Science programs in Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, International Business, Marketing, and Management are offered. In all cases, students fulfill a 40-credit Business core curriculum and also complete courses required for their specific Business major. It is expected that students who complete the program will possess skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, teamwork and ethics. Follow the links below to learn more about the curriculum for each major, as well as for the minors in Business and Business Analytics.

The Department of Mathematics offers undergraduate majors in Mathematics, Adolescence Education Mathematics and Early Childhood & Childhood Education Mathematics. Graduates with the Mathematics major go on to do graduate work in mathematics and other fields requiring strong quantitative and reasoning skills. Those graduating from the Adolescence Education program have a depth of knowledge that underlies the courses they will teach. Early Childhood & Childhood Education majors go on to become mathematics specialists within the primary schools.