Bachelor of Arts in German

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

Linguistics involves the study of language. For students interested in general linguistics, that means studying the formal properties of language, language variation, processes of language acquisition, and ways that language affects thought and action. Graduates, who become adept at both the scientific method and professional-quality writing, acquire the solid foundation to continue their studies at the graduate level—whether in classic disciplines like linguistics, anthropology, or psychology or professional programs like law or information science.

Students interested in applied linguistics, with the aim of Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL), learn to teach English in elementary and secondary schools. The program gives them the opportunity to learn as a student-teacher and gain field experience.

Biology serves as a large umbrella for many kinds of scientists and professionals. Biologists conduct basic and applied experimental and clinical work in both the public and private sectors—in the field, in zoos and wildlife refuges, in laboratories, and in medical settings. Just a few of the areas in which they work are wildlife and field ecology, conservation and environmental restoration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and forensics. Although students with a BA may find employment as laboratory technicians, wildlife monitors, and other entry-level positions, those who hope to pursue a research career should plan to go on to graduate school. For many, biology is the first step toward medical, dental, or veterinary school. Biologists also work in law- and policy-related fields concerning scientific issues or in areas like scientific and medical illustration and writing.

Philosophy involves the pursuit of fundamental questions, such as the nature of reality, truth, justice, values, ethics, reason, science, and faith. It offers careful training in inquiry, critical thinking, and the construction of well-reasoned arguments. Coursework includes philosophical questions, methods, history, and systems of thought.

Although philosophy is sometimes thought of as a luxury or “ivory tower” discipline, PayScale’s research has found that it actually ranks as the top-earning humanities major. The mental discipline students acquire and their facility with complex reasoning are valued highly by employers who seek innovative problem solvers and executives. Further, philosophy has historically offered a high road to the study of law.

The study of literature is at the heart of a liberal arts education. Through literature, students learn to probe rhetoric, emotion, morality, point of view, and other questions that enrich both life and the arts. Coursework ranges from elementary rhetoric and composition to advanced electives in creative writing; historical surveys of poetry, drama, and fiction; major literary figures; courses in minority and ethnic literature; postcolonial literature; literary theory; and many other topics. English majors do much reading and writing, honing their critical, analytical, and communication skills.

Those skills help to make English a versatile major for students pursuing a variety of goals. Professional careers require the excellent writing ability that English majors develop as well as their ability to read and interpret texts with accuracy, sophistication, and judgment. Graduates often go on to become editors and writers in such fields as publishing, journalism, public relations, and advertising. They also excel in law, business, and government.

The study of Italian connects students to one of the world’s great civilizations. From medieval times to the present, Italy has produced great literature, art, architecture, philosophy, science, and scholarship. Its history and politics continue to fascinate scholars while Italian film is synonymous with the highest achievements of cinematic art.

At Queens College, students can expect to achieve proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the Italian language, followed by advanced courses in translation, literature, and culture. They may also opt for a minor in Italian American studies, an interdisciplinary subject area relevant to the larger history and culture of the American nation. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities. The college also houses a chapter of Gamma Kappa Alpha, the national Italian honor society.

Graduates use their proficiency in Italian and their knowledge of Italian culture in a variety of careers in business, translation, publishing, and the arts. Many prepare for a career in teaching Italian in the secondary schools. For some, the major or minor gives a solid foundation for graduate study.

Students studying Studio Art at Queens College can choose to receive a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts, both of which prepare students for careers in the art field, such as fine art, illustration, photography or other creative professions. Students receive a comprehensive foundation of techniques and conceptual skills across many disciplines and genres and can concentrate in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and ceramics. Our faculty introduce students to new media and techniques to broaden their horizons while helping each student to develop his or her own style and vision.

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.

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.

Nestled right in the heart of New York City—one of the world’s biggest tech hubs—Queens College offers world-class courses and facilities for a major in computer science.

A degree in computer science is a launching pad for technology-related professions as well as graduate study. The Queens College computer science department frequently coordinates career opportunities for its majors with industry and government agencies.

With technology becoming increasingly integrated into every aspect of society, a background in computer science is more in demand than ever. If you have strengths in the areas of technology and problem solving, a computer science major may be the right fit.

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.