Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

at State University of New York College at Geneseo USA

Neuroscience may well be the most complex and intriguing research field of our generation. The field of neuroscience is highly integrative, incorporating the rigors of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, with the less tangible complex behavioral research of psychology. Other research that contributes to neuroscience can include findings from sociology, anthropology, and computer sciences. In turn, neuroscience has made valuable contributions to each of these fields, as well as to a wide range of health professions.

While the idea of being educated in a field of study that boasts such a broad information base may seem appealing, to be successful students must be capable of grasping this wide range of information.  Perhaps more importantly, students must be able to incorporate basic information from these contributing fields into a larger framework of understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior.

The American Studies Program at Geneseo is designed to acquaint you with the challenges and diversity of the American experience, past and present. The program offers structured knowledge of our culture's many dimensions. The program in American Studies also allows you the opportunity to pursue an interesting, diversified, yet coherent liberal arts program, one that can serve as the basis for lifelong learning.

American Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to American culture that affords the student substantial flexibility in creating his or her collegiate experience.

Several advantages of this unique flexibility

• Many of the college’s General Education requirements can be fulfilled while simultaneously completing the American Studies minor.
• American Studies can easily accommodate a double major in disciplines such as English and History.
• American Studies is an excellent choice for students interested graduate school. The program stresses coursework in disciplines that develop the analytic, writing and research skills necessary for professional success. Programs in law, museum studies, library science, and other graduate fields desire well-rounded and capable applicants.

SUNY Geneseo's Department of Art History is housed in Brodie Hall. The hall was designed by architect Edgar Tafel, a noted designer of the second wave of American modernist architects who followed the innovative designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. Brodie Hall houses the Departments of Art History, Theater and Dance, and Music into an integrated Arts area that combines creative expression with scholarship.

The Department of Art History provides students with the opportunity to explore the history of art as undergraduate scholars interested in careers in the Arts. The Department offers linked programs in Art History (Major/Minor), Museum Studies (Minor) and an Education Concentration (School of Education), while encouraging students to develop their knowledge of Business practices (School of Business), through connected coursework.

The Women's and Gender Studies major at SUNY Geneseo is a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary program designed to be flexible to accommodate multiple focuses. It includes feminist analyses of the construction and enforcement of gender differences and gender inequalities in various contexts, with an emphasis on the intersection of gender with race, class, sexuality, and nationality in the lives of women. Students are encouraged to apply what they learn in Women's Studies classrooms to other areas of their lives. All students take a core set of Women's Studies courses plus at least one course in five content areas in which the study of women and gender provide significant insights, using feminist methodologies and pedagogy. Additionally, each student completes a three-course sequence in one of the clusters and completes a capstone experience designed to apply concepts from the Women's Studies Program toward their future career goals.

 The primary objective of this interdisciplinary program is to prepare students for both immediate careers and graduate-level study in geophysics. The program differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree programs in geological sciences and physics since it provides the background in both mathematics and physics that is required for the solution of problems in the field of solid earth geophysics. Geophysics curriculum is taught by the faculty of the Departments of Geological Sciences and Physics.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics has a three fold thrust: to ensure that all students acquire a solid background in the basics of analysis, algebra, and discrete mathematics; to ensure that students have a breadth of knowledge; and to ensure the flexibility of choice that allows students to tailor programs that meet their career goals. Additionally, students see their mathematics integrated into a larger, technologically intensive world.

The mission of the Biology program at Geneseo is to provide students with a broad background in biology, which can be used as a solid foundation for various careers in the biological sciences and medicine. Students in the program gain an understanding of the basic principles of genetics, ecology, evolution, cell biology, anatomy and physiology. Students also gain skills in scientific decision-making, and in presenting scientific research in oral and written formats. We also want students to appreciate and value biological diversity and to leave the program with an increased sense of stewardship for the earth.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to promote creative stimulation in students dedicated to either discipline.  Students will be trained in their respective fields, learning the fundamental skill sets necessary to perform and develop their own creative energies. The Department also hosts a number of student organizations dedicated to the fulfillment of these goals.

The degree is interdepartmental, stressing basic sciences and analytical skills. Extensive laboratory experience is acquired, making use of advanced instrumentation and techniques. Many students do research projects, either over the summer or in directed studies throughout the school year. Students are also given the opportunity to be tutors or teaching assistants in the chemistry or biology departments, thereby gaining additional useful experience. Graduates are well prepared for employment or further study in the fields of Biochemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. Alumni have also entered fields of Bioinformatics, Immunology, Bioorganic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Pharmacology, Education, and Biochemical Engineering. The program is designed to give students the flexibility to choose electives that most closely mirror their interests.

We believe that the Biochemistry program at Geneseo is truly special.  On national assessment exams, our graduates perform well and several students have scored in the 90th percentile or above.  Our graduates routinely sought-after by graduate schools and employers. We believe that Geneseo students do well partly because of the interaction Geneseo students have with professors and with each other. Participants take many classes together and study together in the Biology and Chemistry buildings, so a great deal of camaraderie develops among the biochemistry majors. The atmosphere is very supportive. Another plus is that the students work with faculty on their own research projects. Students obtain hands-on experience with sophisticated equipment, much of which is usually found only in graduate school, and they are encouraged to present their work at local or national meetings/symposia.

Bachelor of Arts Students in the Physics B.A. program are well-prepared for graduate study in physics, engineering, and other technical fields.  Many students in this program also enter the workforce immediately after graduation in commercial and/or industrial jobs.  The Physics B.A. degree is required  for students pursuing Certification in Secondary Education (7-12): Physics and General Science.