Bachelor of Arts in Communication

at State University of New York at New Paltz USA

Accepted students enter as prospective candidates for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in visual arts or as a pre-major in art education. Upon completion of the art foundation core and basic studio classes in a particular medium, students in the BA or BS program may choose to apply to one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs. Entrance into a BFA program is by portfolio and interview; the student applies directly to the specific program of interest.

The nationally accredited MFA program offers varied and extensive opportunities for graduate study in a unique setting. Our location is just 90 minutes north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley, allowing access to cutting-edge artists, historians, critics, and curators. The campus features expansive facilities, private and semi-private secure studios, and extensive computer labs and digital fabrication technologies. Additional exhibition spaces complement the prestigious Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

Painting & Drawing - Specialization
The Painting/Drawing program encourages the technical, conceptual, and professional development of its students through a balance of intensive studio experience and critical and theoretical dialogue. Students working in traditional, experimental, and multimedia formats are challenged to assess their work in a contemporary context. 

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling serves both students looking to become licensed as mental health counselors and those seeking to eventually proceed into doctoral programs. The curriculum covers mental health counseling practice and research, in addition to necessary coursework in human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, appraisal, research and program development, and professional orientation. Practicum and internship experiences provide unique, varied, and intense hands-on mental health counseling training experiences under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Geology offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Through formal courses, field work, and research projects, students develop an awareness of the geological processes that shape our planet, and their impact on society and the environment. The undergraduate major in geology offers concentrations in General Geology and Environmental Geoscience and leads to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The BS degree in Geology is licensure qualifying: its coursework meets the education requirements for Professional Geologist licensure in New York State. 

This 30 credit program is designed for students interested in developing their knowledge and skills in social justice education and applying what they learn within higher education, human services, or nonprofit professional settings. This program is also appropriate for K12 teachers (any grade level or content area) who want to learn about and apply social justice education principles and practices to their classroom; this degree can be used to apply for professional certification through an Individual Pathway.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Social Justice Educational Studies (non-cert) offers a self-reflective, process-oriented approach to diversity, equity, and social justice. The program integrates intellectual/cognitive and social/emotional learning through an experiential and participatory process that centers social justice and critical thinking. Students work collaboratively to foster personal, communal, and institutional social change and to promote more humane, democratic, and inclusive classrooms, organizations, and communities.

The MBA in Business Administration core includes eight core courses. Core courses are designed to provide students with key concepts and strategies that pervade the functional areas of business management today. They constitute the major common body of knowledge with which students develop critical thinking and analytical abilities in the business world. The courses in the core reflect our commitment to a well-rounded business background.

Students enrolled in the MBA in Business Administration program must take four elective courses. The elective courses provide flexibility in customizing the degree program to suit career goals. Electives are offered in the areas of accounting, project management, finance, international business, marketing, and management. Students may also participate in an internship, independent study, or the Business Plan Contest to fulfill one elective course requirement.

Electrical Engineering continues to be a growth area in the field of engineering due to rapidly changing technologies and expanding industrial needs. New Paltz's program is designed to meet these needs, both generally and within the Mid-Hudson Valley, specifically. Our goal is to provide students with a solid knowledge of math, science and engineering concepts and the ability to apply them to engineering problems. The flexibility of the engineering curriculum serves full- and part-time students, traditional and non-traditional students, and students new to engineering as well as those who have some experience in technical areas.

The Electrical Engineering curriculum consists of a modified General Education Requirement, foundation coursework in math and science, required core courses, and technical electives. Design is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

This program designed specifically for college graduates holding an appropriate liberal arts degree in Biology, Chemistry, English, Geology, History, or Mathematics who have not had a formal background in education and who wish to prepare for a teaching career in adolescence education grades 7-12.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be recommended to the New York State Education Department for Initial/Professional Certification.

Chemistry at New Paltz offers both undergraduate and masters degree programs. Three undergraduate programs leading to liberal arts degrees are available: the general chemistry major, the American Chemical Society (ACS)-approved chemistry major, and the chemistry major with biochemistry emphasis.

A student who obtains an ACS-approved degree is eligible for employment as a chemist in industry or government. The ACS-approved program also prepares students for graduate study and for professional training in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Course offerings allow chemistry majors to obtain a broad background in several areas of chemistry.

The biochemistry emphasis is designed for the student interested in biochemistry or health-related sciences requiring a substantial background in chemistry. This program provides excellent preparation for health professional training, as well as for graduate study in clinical chemistry, physiology, and medicinal chemistry. Students take core courses in chemistry and biology and complete the year-long biochemistry sequence.

Philosophy is the 'love of wisdom.'  It involves a relentless probing of the most profound and difficult questions concerning human beings and their place in the universe.  It is therefore the most comprehensive study.  The Department of Philosophy offers a program designed to acquaint students with the major divisions of philosophy and with the principal historical and contemporary figures and schools.  The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for a variety of vocations and professions, as well as for graduate study in medicine, law, government, business, and journalism.