Bachelor of Science in Communication

at State University of New York at New Paltz USA

Accepted students enter as prospective candidates for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in visual arts or as a pre-major in art education. Upon completion of the art foundation core and basic studio classes in a particular medium, students in the BA or BS program may choose to apply to one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs. Entrance into a BFA program is by portfolio and interview; the student applies directly to the specific program of interest.

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.

This 30 credit program is designed for students interested in developing their knowledge and skills in social justice education and applying what they learn within higher education, human services, or nonprofit professional settings. This program is also appropriate for K12 teachers (any grade level or content area) who want to learn about and apply social justice education principles and practices to their classroom; this degree can be used to apply for professional certification through an Individual Pathway.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Social Justice Educational Studies (non-cert) offers a self-reflective, process-oriented approach to diversity, equity, and social justice. The program integrates intellectual/cognitive and social/emotional learning through an experiential and participatory process that centers social justice and critical thinking. Students work collaboratively to foster personal, communal, and institutional social change and to promote more humane, democratic, and inclusive classrooms, organizations, and communities.

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 Music at SUNY New Paltz offers a master’s degree in Music Therapy. Music Therapy applicants pursue a program of study leading to candidacy for licensure as a creative arts therapist (LCAT) through the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.

The Art History Department is committed to providing students with a broad and varied understanding of world art traditions, and to fostering an approach to interpreting art based on sound critical thinking, analytical skills, and an awareness of historical context.

Anthropology, the study of human diversity across geographic space and evolutionary time, takes on these far-reaching questions. Courses in the Department of Anthropology deal with three areas:

• Physical anthropology is concerned with the evolution of human beings as biological organisms and with the physical variation within contemporary human populations.
• Archaeology and prehistory explore the extinct cultures of the past and attempt to elucidate the processes involved in their development.
• Sociocultural anthropology is involved with the comparative analysis of socially learned behavior patterns and institutions of contemporary populations from all areas of the world.

Psychology is an empirically based science. Therefore, it is desirable for psychology majors to have the skills to interpret and generate new information. To that end, courses in statistics and research methodology are required of all majors. In addition, psychology majors take a writing-intensive capstone seminar in which they demonstrate their mastery of the techniques and the content areas of the discipline. Students majoring in psychology are advised to acquire a broad range of training in the Liberal Arts. Taking a variety of elective courses in other disciplines is strongly recommended.

The Psychology Graduate Program offers a 39-credit Master of Science degree in Psychological Science.  This research-based program exposes students to research in a variety of fields including social, cognitive, developmental and applied psychology. In addition, students learn advanced statistical and experimental and non-experimental methodological skills. The degree may serve as preparation for entry into a doctoral program or as additional training for those who plan to enter or continue work in applied areas of psychology with an emphasis on research.

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling serves both students looking to become licensed as mental health counselors and those seeking to eventually proceed into doctoral programs. The curriculum covers mental health counseling practice and research, in addition to necessary coursework in human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, appraisal, research and program development, and professional orientation. Practicum and internship experiences provide unique, varied, and intense hands-on mental health counseling training experiences under the supervision of licensed professionals.