Saint Peter's University: College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts & Sciences

The University, founded as a liberal arts college in 1872, continues to celebrate the ability to explore many areas of learning. The College of Arts and Sciences is in many ways the foundation of the academic experience at Saint Peter’s. A Saint Peter’s education means you’ll experience a Jesuit education which allows you to freely explore your interests reflected within an interdisciplinary curriculum.

Core Curriculum Objectives • Explore the Social Sciences, STEM and Humanities • Develop leadership skills • Enhance critical thinking skills • Increase effective communication • Nurture an appreciation for faith and spirituality

The Core Curriculum, a centerpiece for all students at the University, provides an inclusive approach to learning so that students are workplace-ready with skills developed through the study of the Social Sciences, STEM and Humanities. Skills in the liberal arts are the cornerstone of any career and make Saint Peter’s graduates an asset in many industries.

Choose from over 40 Majors and Minors in the Social Sciences, STEM and Humanities Majors

Minors

Anthropology Art History Asian and Asian-American Studies Biological Chemistry Biology Forensic Science Biotechnology Chemistry Forensic Science Classical Languages Clinical Laboratory Sciences Communication and Media Culture Film Theory, History, & Criticism Media Business Writing and Publishing Criminal Justice Cyber Security and Computer Forensics Corrections Criminal Research and

Intelligence Analysis Foundations of Law Investigative Sciences and Profiling Law and Justice Police Administration

English Literature Environmental Studies Fine Arts Graphic Arts Photography History Latin American and Latino Studies Mathematics Modern Languages Natural Science Philosophy Physics Physics and Electrical Engineering Political Science Psychology Clinical Psychology Forensic Psychology Industrial-Organizational Sociology Spanish Theology Urban Studies Visual Arts

Africana Studies French Gender and Sexuality Studies Italian Journalism Medicinal Chemistry Music Social Justice Theatre Arts *Most majors also available as minors

5-Year Accelerated Master’s Programs BA/MA Communications and Public Relations BS/MS or MA Industrial Organizational Psychology BA/MPA Public Administration

In fall 2019, the University launched the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The Center seeks to empower our students and community to raise awareness about genocide, to remember its victims and to promote tolerance based on the Jesuit calling to be “men and women for others.”

How You Learn At Saint Peter’s, you will discover a community that provides personal attention and an academic environment that is rigorous.

Students have access to the resources of nearby New York City, while working with faculty on a close-knit campus.

“The professors at Saint Peter’s emphasize personal attention. Because there are small classes, faculty help students focus on their studies. We have that one-on-one relationship you wouldn’t have at other universities.”

— Aitana Libreros ’18

Small Classes The rigorous liberal arts core curriculum is supported by an academic environment that includes a 13:1 student-tofaculty ratio and average class size of 22. At Saint Peter’s, it’s personal. Your instructors will know you by name and will guide and mentor you through your studies, and beyond.

Faculty Excellence What makes our faculty great? Saint Peter’s professors work in a diverse environment where respect for students from all backgrounds is paramount. They foster a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. All classes are taught by faculty, not graduate assistants, and 95 percent of full-time faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences have earned the highest degree possible in their field of study. They are not only well-versed in the disciplines they teach, but have personally gone beyond the classroom to dive deeper into a subject area. Their research, experience and professional connections help bring learning alive.

The Core Curriculum – Interdisciplinary Learning One of the traditions of a Jesuit education is educating the whole person. The core curriculum, the center of all study at Saint Peter’s, offers an interdisciplinary approach to meeting essential competencies as well as providing a well-rounded experience. Students enhance the skills they need to be successful in college and their future careers. They learn about their chosen major and are exposed to a wide range of academic options. Students are encouraged to look beyond their major. Many students take courses to complete a major and minor, or a double major so that they not only have the depth of understanding but can build a solid bridge between disciplines.

At Saint Peter’s the liberal arts means you will be able to view the world through a kaleidoscope of ideas.

“The core curriculum is what led me to major in philosophy, and explore other areas with the course, Bioethics in Philosophy. Now bioethics is what I’ve pursued as a career.”

— Melanie Mussman ’19

Beyond the Classroom Internships and Experiential Learning Because today’s employers are looking to hire college graduates who already have experience in their chosen field, students are encouraged to begin thinking about a future career during freshman year, and remain open to all possibilities. You never know when you’ll discover a new career option through a class or learning experience.

At the Center for Experiential Education and Learning (CEEL), mentors and advisors are 100 percent dedicated to your career preparation. In addition to helping you build a résumé-worthy portfolio, CEEL sponsors job fairs, industry events, and hosts speakers who provide expert guidance and advice. Students can also receive as many as nine credits working directly with employers under the supervision of faculty in an individualized program designed to meet their professional goals.

“I want to be a doctor. I got involved with Jersey City Medical Center through CEEL—as soon as I started, I loved it! Even though I was an undergraduate, they treated me like I was one of their peers.”

— Busayo Adewale ’19 Internships in the criminal justice program are built into the curriculum. Criminal justice, sociology, and psychology students are guided through the internship experience with a three-credit course, and this blend of experience and reflection helps students fine-tune professional skills.

“I interned with Judge John Young in the Criminal Court Division of Hudson County Superior Court. This allowed me to take the theories I learned in class and see them applied in real life.”

— Sean Patrick Manning, Jr. ’19 In the burgeoning city that is Jersey City, there are exceptional opportunities for investigating urban planning, resource development, community activism, economic development, and cultural enrichment. Many of these opportunities are also right next door in New York City.

Professors at Saint Peter’s view New York City as their extended classroom. Susan Graham, Ph.D., associate professor of theology teaches Space, Place and the City, one of many courses where students go into Manhattan for first-hand exploration. In this innovative course within the theology department, students explore sacred spaces and the rituals practiced in and around them. The course leads to better understanding of human perceptions of holy rituals, history of religion, and the impact religion has on people. For many students, this is an opportunity to expand their personal perspectives, and exposes all students to diversity.

Studying the World More than 20 percent of Saint Peter’s students choose to take part in credit bearing travel courses in India, China, Cuba, and many other areas of the world. They often find the experience life-changing as they make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the unique places they visit. For many students, this is an opportunity to expand their horizons beyond their own experiences. For all students, study abroad trips help shape awareness of the world in which we live.

Not an experienced globe trotter? That’s OK, because the faculty who plan short-term study courses arrange travel, hotels, and dining, as well as schedule time for individual exploration.

Students enrolling in semester-long travel are part of a university campus abroad, making a home away from Saint Peter’s campus.

“Italy was beautiful. The course I took was Shakespeare’s Italy, so we were reading many of his Italian-influenced works—The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, My Fair Verona. It was a very different experience than the classroom.”

— Patrick Joseph Caoile ’19

You Make the Difference An important aspect of the Jesuit mission is service to others. One of the major focuses of Campus Ministry is organizing programs and projects where students can give back to the community. In today’s corporate culture, there is growing value for social justice issues.

All Saint Peter’s students will have a head start.

Biology students travel to the Amazon rainforest in Peru as part of an environmental studies course. The trip requires students to immerse themselves in high-impact learning as they study plants, birds, mammals and insects along the Amazon River.

The opening of the University Food Pantry and Clothes Closet to the local and surrounding communities makes Saint Peter’s the only institution in the country to have these facilities along with a Campus Kitchen. Additionally, annual service trips to Nicaragua and areas within the U.S. help bring the commitment to helping others outside Jersey City.

57,000

hours dedicated annually to helping others.

Every athletic team and student activities club is expected to commit hours of service to help others. Faculty and staff get involved too! In recognition of this service, Saint Peter’s was named to the 2015 President’s Higher Education Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Social Sciences The social sciences are the study and inquiry of society and the human condition. They are the analysis of the interconnectedness of behavior, culture, and the organization of people and their institutions. At Saint Peter’s these subject areas are taught in a hands-on, interdisciplinary manner.

Anthropology, sociology, and urban studies with minors in gender & sexuality studies and international/intercultural studies embrace a multicultural, ever-evolving, global landscape.

Within political science, students are introduced to politics at every imaginable level. In learning about criminal justice, students visit organizations such as the FBI and the Hudson County Jail, and learn about systems of justice of foreign countries. These are a few of the subject areas that act to highlight and understand society’s most asked questions.

At Saint Peter’s, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of practitioners, policy makers, and researchers with the competencies they need to address society’s needs. Faculty create unique courses that appeal to students’ cultural identities, sense of social justice, and intellectual curiosity. This is how leadership is cultivated—by giving students a context for social issues, they become better informed citizens prepared to address the concerns of their community.

“I’ve always been interested in the mindset of criminals. When I discovered forensic psychology, which examines mental illness and criminality, I thought it was perfect for me. My plan is to get my Ph.D. and join the FBI’s counter-terrorism unit.”

— Kapri Robinson ’20

Applied Learning The study of the liberal arts is more than an academic experience. Students are eager to take what they are learning from all their courses and apply the knowledge. Research, service learning projects, and partnerships with organizations like the United Nations allow students to be active learners.

“Salsa is the voice of the community. There is a history of politics, salsa music and dance. The Sociology of Salsa is used as a vehicle to talk about community concerns and creates awareness of social issues such as disaster capitalism in places like Puerto Rico.

And yes, we do teach students to dance.”

— Alex Trillo, Ph.D., Associate Professor

STEM STEM programs at Saint Peter’s represent the disciplines of science, technology and mathematics, and are an interdisciplinary approach to how they work together in the classroom, the lab, and in the real world. Studies are hands-on and include “just in time” learning opportunities for problem solving. Programs of study focus on practical applications in a challenging and rigorous manner.

Saint Peter’s is uniquely positioned to educate the next generation of scientists, medical professionals, researchers, and other in-demand occupations. The University has received several large, federal grants in STEM and full-time faculty hold Ph.D.s in their respective fields. The new STEM Engagement Center is a multi-purpose space used for workshops, programs and tutoring sessions.

STEM Grants and Research Opportunities Saint Peter’s recently received $3.8M from the U.S. Department of Education, $1.5 million to support STEM Transformative Experiences (TREX), and $1.8 million from the National Science Foundation. and $1.8M from the National Science Foundation. The SURGE Grant is designed to advance student research with stipends and valuable learning experiences, as well as provide access to equipment and new technologies. Students who receive SURGE Grants are encouraged to pursue research opportunities, and often move on to graduate and Ph.D. programs.

There are opportunities for students to receive grants from organizations such as the TriBeta Research Foundation, Liberty Science Center, and Independent College Fund of New Jersey Undergraduate Research Symposium. They represent a critical aspect of the overall research process as students learn how to obtain funding for future projects.

It prepares them for graduate school as they already have the experience of writing and receiving a grant to add to their CV.

“There’s great satisfaction in sharing information with the greater biology community. It’s an opportunity to help me as an individual and hopefully as a medical school student.”

— Luigy Cordova Burgos ’18 SURGE Fellow

Within the psychology department, and the Human Perception and Performance Lab, undergraduate students act as research assistants who explore studies related to self-motion perception, motion sickness, and virtual environments. Equipment in the lab includes an optokinetic drum, a virtual reality setup, a motion platform with detachable aircraft cockpit and controls, and a rear-projection system. The lab is an ideal setting for students to collaborate as a team and contribute to practical research.

Take the first step toward a career in broadcast media at WSPR, Saint Peter’s University’s outstanding student-run radio station. Hone your DJ, reporting, hosting, producing or technical skills in this awardwinning program.

Humanities Why study the humanities? Through the study of people, language, history and culture, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world. The humanities teach us to think critically about what we read and hear and to look at all facets of an issue.

Students gain marketable skills they need in today’s diverse workforce. Writing, critical reading and problem solving are the very foundations of the humanities. These are the same skills employers are seeking from graduates.

“My job is great because it combines music, journalism and writing, so I walked into something amazing. I get to cover great people like Rihanna, Mick Jagger, and Beyoncé; it’s really been a blessing.”

— Mesfin Fekadu ’08, Music Editor, Associated Press

Students engage in research projects that have real-word implications. Experiential projects within the University and with local institutions allow undergraduate students to present professional papers and presentations, and envision a career path.

“Studying philosophy or theology in college helps you to think more clearly and analyze different situations.

That’s something you can use in whatever field you choose.”

— Gabriella Robles ’18

“Students explore ethical and moral theory through unique courses such as the Philosophy of Bob Dylan.

Dylan’s art is all about recognizing exploitation and holding those accountable. It’s all Socratic questioning—we want students to dive into ethical questions. These are messy questions and they don’t come with a manual.”

— Lisa O’Neill, Ph.D. Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department

Faculty in the humanities are active in the community and passionate about their work. Rachel Wifall, Ph.D., associate professor of English, has written on Shakespeare’s history plays; the staging of English Renaissance drama; William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and the supernatural; and the intersecting cultural legacies of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Dr. Wifall is eager to share her knowledge with students and has even designed course-related study abroad trips throughout Europe to help students understand Shakespeare’s work.

Whatever your field, graduates find that their passion for the humanities can lead to rewarding careers.

“What would the world be without the arts? Studying art unleashes creativity and outside-the-box thinking. Analyzing art helps one deconstruct and comprehend other subjects. They help one understand math and science.”

— Bea Mady, M.F.A. Professor of Fine Arts

Jersey City thrives in the arts.

Here, you’ll find a growing community of artists and galleries. Check out the new mural on the Rankin Hall arts building by world-renowned Italian street artist Peeta. Head into Manhattan with your Art in the City class.

Host a showing of your new graphic design work at the student center gallery, or just look up at the Jersey City skyline and drink in the new David Bowie mural.

Saint Peter’s Prepares You for Success Incorporating the strength of Jesuit values with modern workplace skills means you emerge prepared for a rewarding career and enriching life. It’s why so many graduates are proud to call themselves Saint Peter’s University alumni and proud Peacocks.

“Improving human health is my passion, and I credit Saint Peter’s for laying my foundation. Not only was I offered the flexibility to pursue a double major in biology and mathematics, both integral to my current work, but it also instilled in me values to add ‘heart and mind’ and think of the impact of scientific advancements on society and humanity.”

— Bigyan Bista, Ph.D. ’07 Doctorate in Cancer Biology from MIT, Associate Director of Global Oncology Strategy at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

Beyond Your Bachelor’s Degree Advancing Your Education A degree in STEM, the social sciences or humanities is your pipeline to an advanced degree or a chosen career.

Saint Peter’s graduates have enrolled at many competitive institutions for post baccalaureate study including: • Columbia University • Princeton University • George Washington University • Rutgers University • Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Seton Hall University • Monmouth University • Stamford University • New York University • Temple University

A Lasting Impact The Alumni Connection With more than 30,000 alumni, students are connected to a powerful and influential network. Events organized by groups like the Jersey City Downtown Association allow students to meet, greet and share ideas. With Saint Peter’s alumni network, you never know when a connection could lead to a future job!

“One of my lifelong friends and colleagues from Saint Peter’s works in finance. We met at a campus student leadership program, a program that solidified my desire to work in child development. Today, I’m very involved in ministry as a youth director. I’m also starting a clinical private practice—my friend and I have worked together, we’ve given workshops to parents about personal finance. It’s amazing to work with other Saint Peter’s alums and do meaningful work.”

— Tamir Reyes ’08 Program Manager, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark

We are affordable.

Saint Peter’s University offers scholarships and grants that make us one of the most affordable private colleges and universities in the region.

Visit.

It’s the best way to get to know us. saintpeters.edu/visit

How to apply: For application and admission information contact the Office of Admission at (201) 761-7100. saintpeters.edu/admission

2641 Kennedy Boulevard • Jersey City, NJ 07306 10/19