Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies

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

Data science is an interdisciplinary field that combines technical tools from mathematics and computer science with critical thinking skills from economics and sociology. Data analysis can be found in every corner of today’s world, from technology to sports.

A Bachelor of Arts in Math with a concentration in Data Science and Statistics from Queens College offers career versatility thanks to its manifold applications. Its curriculum delivers a strong background in statistics, programming, data visualization, regression, mathematical modeling, machine learning and much more. Data science can be found in the vast majority of jobs in the 21st century; therefore, this track emphasizes computational and cross-disciplinary courses. Upon successful completion of this program, students are well prepared for careers in data science in any domain, as well as for further study at the graduate level.

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.

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 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.

A knowledge of German is essential for students interested in past and current cultural, political, and economic developments in Europe. As the largest trading partner in Europe, Germany plays a leading role in European and world affairs—as it has historically. Moreover, the German language is fundamental to a liberal arts education. German-speaking writers, artists, and scholars shaped modern arts, literature, and fields of inquiry, including philosophy, theology, and the natural and social sciences. Germany remains a center of avant-garde art, music, film, and thought. Coursework emphasizes both language proficiency and the study of German literature, art, music, philosophy, history, and culture.

Latin is one of the gems of the liberal arts curriculum. Learning Latin gives students access to the language and literature of the ancient Roman Empire, and it opens myriad cultural resources as Latin remained the international language of educated people through the Renaissance—hence it was the language of Western diplomacy, religion, history, science, literature, and the arts.

Students of Latin learn the language and, through it, come to understand classical Roman prose and poetry. Courses may be supplemented by work in translation in classics, literature, drama, art, history, and philosophy.

A degree in Latin can be a gateway to graduate work in a classics-related field, history, or philosophy. Equally, Latin is superb discipline for a grasp of English and other European languages’ structure and linguistic roots. The major stresses the excellent reading and writing skills that prove most valuable to liberal arts graduates.

Political science analyzes the forces that shape government policy in both the national and international arenas. Such forces include power relationships, political values and ideologies, the “rules of the game” that shape government institutions, and the strategies of citizens and other social actors. The curriculum includes American, comparative, and international politics; political theory and methodology; and law and politics. Students also may complete internships for credit—with administrative, judicial, legislative, or other offices of government, law firms, nonprofit advocacy groups, and elsewhere.

The world of finance is fast-moving, complex, and increasingly reliant on specialized computer technologies. Students who choose the finance major gain an understanding of the basic concepts involved in financial decision-making, and they have opportunities to practice what is taught through real-world applications of spreadsheet modeling, forecasting, regression analysis, and firm valuation. Majors also have the opportunity to minor in financial modeling, which is offered through the Computer Science Department.

The Department of Drama, Theatre & Dance is a highly respected program that offers an excellent liberal arts curriculum, a balanced combination of theory and practice in the arts, and a competitive degree. The faculty, as well as the many choices of concentrations and minors, support student aspirations for performance, production, and teaching careers. Drama and theatre courses cover history, literature, acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical theatre, while dance includes modern, ballet, tap, Asian, and African dance, choreography, and dance history. Students’ experience on and behind the stage is enriched by use of professional performance spaces, dance studios, and a lively calendar of productions.

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.