Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations

at State University of New York at New Paltz USA

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.

The Department of Sociology offers three program options. Students who want exposure to a wide array of sociological topics can major in the basic Sociology program, which includes a set of core course requirements as well as a broad array of elective topics of the student’s choosing. Students may also elect to concentrate in a particular area of sociological study by taking an additional set of prescribed courses in one of two concentrations: Human Services, which will prepare students to work directly with people in need of support; or Criminology, which is designed for students with a focused interest on the issue of crime.

The Digital Design & Fabrication (DDF) will prepare students to utilize modern digital fabrication methods in the design and fabrication process.  Modern methods of fabrication, such as 3D printing, have changed not only how objects are designed, but have also changed what can be designed and manufactured.  As modern fabrication technologies continue to advance, the worlds of design and manufacturing will change and merge into something much more seamless.  Through an approach that blurs traditional boundaries between art, engineering, design, fabrication and science, the DDF program will enable students to take full advantage of advanced manufacturing and fabrication techniques. Graduates will earn the Rhinoceros CAD certification (levels 1 & 2) and Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers majors in both physics and astronomy, serves a variety of other majors in the sciences and education, and offers general education courses to a wide range of students.

The Physics major provides a broad base of fundamentals, yet gives you the opportunity to get specialized training.  First, you take two-semester introductory courses that survey physics, chemistry, and calculus.  Then, you follow up with courses covering classical and modern physics, computational physics, and applied mathematics.  The capstone experience is a senior project.  If you would like, you can pursue topics of interest to you through independent study.  An adviser works closely with you to plan what's best for your situation.

Bachelor of Science programs in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, General Business, International Business, Marketing, and Management are offered.

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 Economics offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Art or a Bachelor of Science in Economics. It is designed to prepare students for careers in private and public sectors, non-profit organizations, and for graduate work in economics and business administration.

In addition to a broad General Economics track, students may complete prescribed clusters of upper-division elective courses to concentrate their studies in Business Economics or International Economics tracks.  Students who intend to pursue graduate study in economics are advised to complete additional courses in mathematics.

The concentration areas within the program are designed to enable students to combine a liberal arts education with their individual graduate work or career objectives. Prospective majors are strongly advised to plan their program of study in consultation with the department chair or another member of the Economics faculty.

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.

Bachelor of Science programs in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, General Business, International Business, Marketing, and Management are offered.

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.

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.