Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies

at Navitas Group - Queens College, City University of New York USA

Physics is one of the most demanding majors offered at Queens College, and it attracts exceptional students. In small classes taught by distinguished faculty, students benefit from an adaptable curriculum of theory and applied science, including courses that teach experimental skills, mathematical physics, and the principles of both classical and modern physics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and special and general relativity. Electives explore connections between physics and other sciences, such as telecommunications and computer science. Students are encouraged to participate in the faculty’s internationally recognized experimental and theoretical research programs in optics, magnetic thin films, polymer surfaces, quantum dots and nanowires, multiple quantum wells, and photonic integration.

Chemistry involves the study of all forms of organic and inorganic matter. Biochemistry focuses on the processes essential to life. Both not only analyze existing substances but also synthesize new ones.

As a core modern science, chemistry spans the full spectrum of modern industries and technologies. Both chemists and biochemists are employed in scientific and non-scientific research and applied capacities.

The interdisciplinary major is designed for students who wish to develop their own concentration area in a subject not covered by any one department or program. Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary major should confer with the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, which will provide guidance in developing a proposal for approval. The proposed concentration must have a distinct, coherent interdisciplinary theme and the coursework required for it should provide substantial expertise in that theme. Since an interdisciplinary concentration requires competence in more than one discipline, the major involves a minimum of 36 credits and may require the approval of several departments.

The study of art is at the core of a liberal arts education. Queens College’s varied curriculum, large faculty, and excellent studio facilities support a variety of interests and aspirations. Students may choose from four main concentrations: art history, covering both Western and non-Western art; studio art, in which students are trained to work in several media; art education, combining a major in studio art with courses in secondary education; and graphic design, in which students learn principles of type and image design for print or web.

The different concentrations in Family & Consumer Sciences cover interdisciplinary subjects. The Human Development & Family Studies track concerns family services and consumer economics. The Food Service Management track involves institutional food administration and food science. The Textiles & Apparel track pertains to those materials’ design, production, distribution, and retailing. Finally, Secondary School Teacher Education is a co-major with Secondary Education & Youth Services.

Labor studies is an interdisciplinary field concerning the world of work, workers, and employment. Students gain an understanding of the labor force, workers’ organizations, and labor-management relations.

Coursework covers such core material as technology, labor, industry, and occupations; the labor force; the labor movement; and theories of work, the workplace, and organization. Students concentrate in economics, sociology, or urban studies, developing skills in those areas and learning to perform quantitative analysis.

A degree in labor studies prepares graduates to pursue careers in labor relations, whether working for labor organizations, business, or government. In addition, it can be a stepping stone to law or graduate school.

The Mathematics Department has a large faculty who are well-known researchers in such areas as algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, combinatorics, dynamics, geometry and topology, logic, mathematical physics, and number theory. With its many resources, the department can offer a substantial curriculum to students who share a passion for mathematics yet seek a wide variety of professional goals.

There are four concentrations, responding to different student interests. Some graduates aim to conduct research and teach mathematics at the college level, while others hope to teach mathematics in elementary or secondary schools. Some are interested in applied areas like computer science, the natural sciences, statistics, or actuarial work.

The major and minor in environmental sciences reflect the college’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research on the earth and its processes across geologic time. With a choice of concentrations and coursework, students plot a course through a curriculum that addresses the challenges of environmental quality and sustainability. The faculty support this commitment in hands-on courses, laboratories, and fieldwork, with research conducted in the atmospheric sciences, biogeosciences, geochemistry, geology and geophysics, and water resources.

There is a global need for environmental scientists in both the private and public spheres. Upon graduation, majors may enter the technical workforce for corporations, governments, international agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

Africana Studies brings a global reach to the liberal arts curriculum, educating students in the civilization, history, literature, culture, and institutions of the peoples of Africa and people of African descent in the Americas.

As an interdisciplinary field, Africana Studies provides an excellent foundation for graduate work and an entrée to numerous disciplines and careers. Many prominent people in the United States hold degrees in Africana studies—including doctors, lawyers, scientists, business people, politicians, athletes, social workers, actors, journalists, and ministers.

American Studies fosters an interdisciplinary view of the United States and its hemispheric neighbors. Students explore historical, social, and artistic dimensions of the American experience. The program encourages students to design an individualized course of study.

American Studies majors become experienced researchers, trained to think critically and to work from many perspectives using a variety of primary sources.