Bachelor of Science in Biology (STEM)

at State University of New York College at Geneseo USA

Welcome to the home page of the Sociology Department at SUNY Geneseo. Please use this page to learn more about our major and related minors, meet our faculty, review our classes and internship and study abroad programs, and consider graduate study and careers related to Sociology. We emphasize scientific and humanistic approaches to exploring economic and political institutions, culture, media, family, urban life, families, crime, and other aspects of social life. Our graduates pursue graduate study in law, social work, sociology, criminology, community planning, and other fields or move directly into careers including social and human services, criminal justice, and business.

The Economics major combines the breadth, analytical development, and flexibility of a liberal arts degree with the theoretical, quantitative, and empirical foundation of economics. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking as well as analytical and communication skills. Geneseo economics graduates enter a wide array of positions in both the public and private sectors, or alternatively, gain admission to graduate programs in a variety of fields. Students frequently combine the economics major with internships, study abroad, independent research, and related study in fields such as mathematics or other social sciences.

Students who study philosophy confront theoretical and practical questions about themselves, their social world, and the fundamental nature of reality. Engaging in philosophical thinking is essential to a superior liberal arts education. It enriches thought, understanding, and imagination.

Geneseo is a great place to study philosophy; the department is open and friendly, class sizes are small, and majors are encouraged to combine philosophy with other majors.

The philosophy major meets the needs and interests of students who:

• Plan graduate study & teaching in the field
• Intend to go to law school
• Seek preparation for work in government, business, social service, or any field in which critical thinking is valued, and
• Simply want to think deeply about fundamental life-questions and assumptions.

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.

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.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics Degree encapsulates a program of undergraduate study that prepares students for further specialization in mathematics, such as through a PhD or Master's program in mathematics or mathematics education. In contrast, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is a course of study that investigates mathematics as a component of a broader liberal arts education. As such, the BA prepares a student to think critically and experience the subject without the explicit intent of further specialization. While the BA has a focus on breadth of knowledge, the BS in Mathematics seeks to provide both depth and breadth. The BS in Mathematics is meant to ensure that students acquire a solid foundation and depth of knowledge in at least three of the areas of analysis, algebra, discrete mathematics, or mathematical research. The degree requires from 51 to 52 credit hours of course work.

Some recent graduates are employed in corporate communication, the media industries, public relations, sales, marketing and financial services. Others have chosen to further their education in the fields of healthcare communication, counseling, conflict resolution, law and business administration.

The basis for their success is a comprehensive liberal arts communication program that combines conceptual and critical understanding with hands on application of skills. All majors take coursework in public speaking, interpersonal communication and mass communication. They also select a track of study in Personal and Professional Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, or Intercultural and Critical Studies.

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.

Combining tradition and innovation, the major in English gives students an understanding of imaginative and cultural processes and products that is broad, deep, and contextually rich. Courses in English help students develop skills and knowledge necessary for an examined life, a successful career, and responsible membership in a global society.

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.