The School of Social Sciences

A BA in Philosophy equips students with critical thinking, logical reasoning, effective communication, and many other skills that are highly sought after in today’s ever-evolving job market.  Philosophers excel at analyzing complex problems from multiple angles, making them perfect candidates for roles in law, policy analysis, advocacy, business, and  journalism. The world needs ethical leaders, and with the philosophical training, you could shape policies that impact entire communities.

B.A. in History provides the background needed for graduate work in law, journalism, library science, and history doctoral programs. It is a great major for those planning on teaching social studies on the secondary level, as well as being an excellent major for those co-majoring in elementary education. History graduates are well-prepared for roles in museums and archives, the federal government, or in the civil service.

B.A. in Urban Studies provides a critical understanding of the issues facing our cities, especially New York City, learn how to do urban-related research and perform urban policy analysis, and develop valuable skills including writing a policy brief, making an interesting oral presentation, and writing a paper that is full of critical insights. These skills will be useful to you in your future career and as an urban citizen.

The B.A. in Jewish Studies program provides students with an understanding of the history, philosophy, religion, politics, sociology, anthropology, folklore, languages, and literatures of the Jewish people. The program is intensive yet flexible, tailored to a wide range of interests normally included in the broad concept of Jewish studies and cultures. Students should also consult the course offerings in Hebrew language and literature.

The B.A. in Labor Studies provides students with a curriculum that focuses on the world of work. The purpose of the program is to give students a rigorous framework for the analysis of the labor force, workers’ organizational affiliations, and the dynamics of labor-management relations.

M.A. in History can meet a variety of intellectual and professional needs—as preparation for doctoral study, as the academic requirement for permanent New York State teacher certification, and as an opportunity for students to augment their current job credentials and enrich their intellectual life. The department’s graduate faculty have outstanding records of publication in many areas. 

Accelerated M.A. in History with approval from the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), History majors may take up to three (3) graduate‑level courses while completing the BA in History. Applicants must have a 3.7 GPA in History to apply.  Applicants are required to submit by email attachment to the DGS an application. Please contact the director of graduate studies for questions about graduate curriculum or requirements.

M.A. in Urban Affairs provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of cities, especially New York City. We prepare students for professional work in urban administration, organization and policy in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our students are well prepared for advancement in government agencies or non profit and community organizations.

The M.L.S./M.A. Dual Degree in History is a joint degree offered by the School of Library Science (SIS) and the History Department. This program enables students to develop competencies in both library and information science—particularly archival management—and historical research methodologies. Graduates are well prepared for professional careers in academic libraries, museums, oral history projects, document conservation, and public or private archives.

The program of courses leading to the Master of Library Science degree consists of 36 credits completed with an overall average of at least B (3.0 index). The M.L.S. degree is offered in two programs: School Media Specialist (Library) (program code 604) and General (program code 602). For regulations on non-matriculated status (program code 950 program), contact the school.

The M.A. Data Analytics & Applied Social Research, provides students with the educational foundation and technical skills necessary to prepare for a professional career in market research, program evaluation, media and public opinion research, public health research, institutional research and assessment, or another applied social research field. Accelerated Master’s program also available. 

Strongly-qualified undergraduate students have the opportunity to receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years of study. Combined BA/MA in Philosophy. Both degrees are acquired with just the 120 credits normally required for the BA alone. Application to this program should be made in the upper sophomore or lower junior semester. Admission is granted only in the junior year. For full details and application forms, see the department’s Graduate Program Advisor.

Pre-Law Program: Queens College’s pre-law advisors help students and alumni understand what is required to go to law school. They guide students throughout their undergraduate career to ensure they are meeting important steps and deadlines and gaining the depth and breadth of experience required for successful admission to law school. Upon graduation, pre-law advisors help alumni navigate the law school application. process.

Queens College has partnered with the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (SPH) to facilitate access to master’s level training in public health. CUNY SPH faculty research advances the science of public health, builds evidence for social justice policy, and introduces new methodological tools useful to the field. SPH faculty and students are engaged in research and programs in every borough of NYC, as well as across the globe.

Honors in the Social Sciences Program  is designed for ambitious students who want to deepen their understanding of social science traditions, methods, and interdisciplinary approaches. It offers a minor that can be completed alongside a major in any field, and it emphasizes hands-on research with faculty in small classes

Latin American and Latino (LALS) program offers a major and a minor concentration in Latin American Area Studies and Latino Studies. The program gives students the opportunity to study a full range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Latin America and the Caribbean, and the movements and settlement of the peoples and cultures of these regions in the United States.

For more than 50 years, Africana Studies has offered a diverse and dynamic range of programs and courses that explore the rich and complex experiences of peoples of African descent, with emphasis on Africa, the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. B.A. Africana Studies, minor and dual-degree in Africana Studies SEYS available.