Queens College Graduate Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
Queens College (QC), located on an 80-acre tree-lined campus in New York City, offers a wide array of graduate programs designed to empower students and prepare them for successful careers. With over 100 career-building master’s programs and certificates, Queens College provides affordable, high-quality education in a diverse and supportive environment. This article explores the various graduate programs available at Queens College, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
The Queens College Advantage
Queens College distinguishes itself through several key factors:
- Affordability: QC graduate programs are among the most affordable in the nation, making advanced education accessible.
- Diverse and Talented Student Body: Students come from over 153 countries and speak more than 93 languages, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
- Expert Faculty: Professors are acclaimed scientists, award-winners, and thought leaders in their respective fields.
- Location: Situated in New York City, students have access to numerous professional opportunities, including internships and careers at top companies.
- Career-Building Programs: With over 100 master’s programs and certificates, students can find a program that aligns with their career goals.
Featured Graduate Programs
Queens College offers a diverse range of graduate programs across various disciplines. Here's a closer look at some of the featured programs:
Accounting (Master of Science)
The Master of Science program in Accounting is a 30-71 credit program designed to provide advanced education in accounting and related areas. It meets the fundamental requirements for taking the Uniform CPA Examination in New York State. Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting typically need 30 credits to complete the program, while those without such a background may need up to 41 graduate core credits. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in public, private, or governmental accounting, as well as teaching at the secondary level. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required for both overall undergraduate studies and undergraduate accounting courses.
Actuarial Studies
A degree in Actuarial Studies equips students with the mathematics and professional knowledge needed to pass the profession’s exams. The program provides foundational skills applicable to the business world through rigorous coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities.
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Applied Environmental Geoscience (Master of Science)
Offered by the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, this program leads to a Master of Science degree. Faculty members actively participate in the CUNY Graduate Center PhD program in earth and environmental sciences. Research is funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Hudson River Foundation. Graduates find employment in industry, government, or pursue PhD programs. Prerequisites include courses in physical and historical geology, differential and integral calculus, two semesters of college physics, and two semesters of college chemistry. Deficiencies in mathematics or allied sciences must be addressed through undergraduate courses.
Art History (Master of Arts)
The Master of Arts program in Art History prepares students for specialized work in museums, galleries, auction houses, publishing, and teaching. It deepens students’ understanding of art history and provides opportunities to develop research skills. Applicants must have completed at least two semesters of college-level study of a foreign language or demonstrate equivalent proficiency.
Biology (Master of Arts)
Students are encouraged to participate in the extensive research programs of the biology faculty, funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. The department offers excellent research facilities for cell and molecular biology, including well-equipped laboratories and core facilities. A minimum of 20 credits in biology beyond the introductory level is expected, along with undergraduate courses in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Chemistry & Biochemistry (Master of Science)
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers a Master of Science degree with concentrations in chemistry or biochemistry. The program prepares students for employment in the chemical industry, government, or teaching, as well as for further advanced studies. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the department's research programs, funded by various organizations. Prerequisite undergraduate coursework includes a full year each of general, organic, and physical chemistry, and a half-year of quantitative analysis. Mathematics through integral calculus and one year of physics are also required. Biochemistry concentrators should have completed at least one year of biology and one semester of biochemistry (lecture and laboratory).
Computer Science (Master of Science)
The master’s program in Computer Science prepares students for professional careers in private industry, government, and academia. The program focuses on software, including courses in fundamental algorithms, software design, database systems, and artificial intelligence. Theoretical foundations and hardware areas are also covered. Matriculation is based on merit and requires a working knowledge of a high-level, object-oriented programming language, assembly language programming, data structures, principles of programming languages, operating systems, computer organization, and theory of computation.
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Data Science and Statistics
Graduates with a focus on Data Science and Statistics enjoy career versatility and transferable skills. The program equips students with the skills to conduct research, analyze large datasets, and make informed decisions.
Design
The Design program combines an excellent faculty with industry-standard software and a studio-based learning environment. Students gain real-world design experience through internships. The program offers a comprehensive foundation of techniques and conceptual skills across many disciplines, allowing students to develop their unique style.
Earth and Environmental Sciences (Master of Arts)
The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department offers a Master of Arts in Geological and Environmental Science. Faculty members participate fully in the CUNY Graduate Center PhD program in earth and environmental sciences. Research is funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Hudson River Foundation. Graduates find employment in industry, government, or pursue PhD programs. Prerequisites include courses in physical and historical geology, differential and integral calculus, two semesters of college physics, and two semesters of college chemistry. Deficiencies in mathematics or allied sciences must be addressed through undergraduate courses.
European Languages and Literatures (Master of Arts in French)
The Department of European Languages and Literatures offers a Master of Arts degree in French. This degree prepares students for teaching careers in secondary education and college, as well as for admission to doctoral programs in these languages or comparative literature. Courses cover various aspects of literature from the Medieval through contemporary periods, viewed through different methods of literary criticism. Courses are also offered in the history of the language, advanced translation, civilization, and cinema.
Fine Arts (Master of Fine Arts - MFA)
The MFA program offers concentrations in photography, installation, media, painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics. The program emphasizes artistic practice with social outcomes and community-based activities. Applicants must submit a portfolio of work and a personal essay indicating their chosen concentration.
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Literature (Master of Arts)
The graduate Master of Arts in Literature program provides facilities for advanced study of literary texts. Students learn to read texts within philosophical and theoretical frameworks and become acquainted with terms and concepts of critical discourse. The program develops skills in advanced research using digital and archival sources. In addition to the required essay, applicants must submit a writing sample demonstrating mastery of writing skills on a topic related to literary studies.
Neuroscience
An interdisciplinary degree, Neuroscience is a collaboration between the Biology and Psychology departments, providing students with a blend of theoretical and hands-on experience.
Sociology (Master of Arts)
The Sociology Department's full-time faculty members maintain an active research agenda. Faculty research areas include social stratification of urban areas, demography and public health, film and society, the impact of digital technology on society, and workforce diversity. Applicants need sufficient work in sociology or related fields to pursue graduate work in sociology.
Taxation (Master of Science)
The Master of Science in Taxation program enhances practical skills, research abilities, and problem-solving capabilities. It focuses on teaching technical skills that allow students to stay current in the ever-changing field of taxation. Courses are led by qualified faculty members with practical experience in tax and academic credentials. The program emphasizes up-to-the-minute tax law and trends, giving students experience solving real-world problems. Applicants are not required to have an accounting or business background. Students may pursue their degree on a part-time or full-time basis.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
Accelerated Master’s Programs
Queens College students who wish to advance beyond a bachelor’s degree can start graduate school early through QC’s Accelerated Master’s programs. Qualified undergraduates may take up to 12 credits in graduate coursework at undergraduate tuition rates and apply those credits to both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Honors Programs
Honors programs in the Humanities, Math and Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences provide opportunities for advanced research, faculty mentorship, and individualized advisement.
Internships and Career Services
Queens College offers incredible professional opportunities in addition to its diverse courses and student organizations. The college is the first CUNY senior college to host year-round major corporate recruiters through the CUNY Jobs Council. Students and alumni have interned and found careers at companies like Amazon, BlackRock, Deloitte, Google, and IBM.
National Student Exchange and Study Abroad
Queens College is the only New York City college to participate in the National Student Exchange, offering students the opportunity to study elsewhere in the United States. There are also numerous opportunities to study abroad in Europe or Asia.
QC in 4
“QC in 4” provides resources and support to help students finish their bachelor’s degree on time, minimizing student debt.
SEEK Program
The Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) is a CUNY-wide enrichment program designed to support the academic experience of full-time students who have the potential to succeed in college but face some financial challenges.
The Summit Apartments
The Summit Apartments provides affordable on-campus housing, allowing students to enjoy the full college experience.
Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities
Queens College offers a vibrant campus life with more than 100 clubs and student organizations, as well as numerous extracurricular activities. The college participates in Division II athletics, with 15 men’s and women’s teams. Facilities include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a renovated Olympic-size pool, a fitness center, a brand-new track, and two soccer fields.
Accomplished Alumni
Queens College boasts a network of over 125,000 alumni who have become leaders in various fields. Notable alumni include comedian Jerry Seinfeld, actor/director Jon Favreau, and Oscar recipient Adrien Brody.
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