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Undergraduate Areas of Study

Our exploration of the human story covers a wide range of disciplines and programs, and one—or more!—is sure to capture your imagination. In all areas of study, our students learn to wrestle with ideas and formulate arguments based on logic and evidence, in thought, speech, and the written word. This learning unfolds under the close guidance of faculty mentors in small, seminar-style classes. Our graduates stand empowered to engage thoughtfully and productively with a world of rapid-fire change.

» View full list of majors, minors, and specializations

African American Studies iconAfrican American Studies

Grapple with profound issues of race and ethnicity that are pivotal in our American story. Close study of African American history, and its unfolding legacy, propels our students into deep understanding of culture in its many interlacing contexts. Courses span the liberal arts disciplines, and community-based learning engages students with people and perspectives different than their own. Our students graduate with the intellectual agility and cultural competency to succeed in a wonderfully interconnected world.

Criminology iconCriminology

Study crime and its social contexts in a program cited among the best in the nation. Our students develop deep knowledge of the social science of criminology and the tools, methods, and institutions deployed across the criminal justice system. These studies are closely mentored by faculty who bring both expertise and experience—from policing to policymaking—to the classroom. Our graduates are well prepared to earn advanced degrees and launch successful careers across the law and criminal justice professions.

English iconEnglish

Turn your way with words into a foundation for your career, from teaching to publishing and beyond. Our academic programs—majors, minors, and master’s degrees—allow you to tailor the study of language and literature to your professional goals. We ask students to think creatively and read critically, taking texts into new and original directions, always supported by small classes and a large faculty with wide-ranging interests and specialties.

History iconHistory

From the local to the global, from ancient to contemporary times, the past opens a window on our world. Our students study history not by memorizing dates but by sifting evidence into cogent argument. This sought-after skillset is the foundation of history—and fields from teaching to law, business, nonprofits and more. Two program tracks, teacher education and liberal arts, challenge students with seminar-style classes and on-site research, closely guided by faculty scholars.

History iconInternational Studies

Discover a world of opportunity through international studies. Our students explore the interwoven nature of globalization while connecting with their own potential to contribute to the world community. Our curriculum integrates coursework across the liberal arts with the complementary requirements of study abroad and foreign language study. Learning, speaking, and traveling as a world citizen readies you to step beyond the domestic to the global stage of any career sector, from business and diplomacy to health and education.

Philosophy iconPhilosophy, Religion, and Classical Studies

Our three disciplines focus on understanding ourselves and the world. Philosophers use logical reasoning and ethical theory to ask and answer wide-ranging questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and ethics. Religion scholars analyze the beliefs and practices of sacred traditions. Classicists reveal the relevance of Greek and Roman civilizations for today’s world. Our programs shape graduates with the intellectual agility to reason critically, think ethically, and argue persuasively, applying these skills in a dynamic and fast-changing world.

Political Science iconPolitical Science

Study how and why society makes collective decisions, from the halls of legislatures and parliaments to the frontlines of electoral campaigns and international relations. Our students develop a deep knowledge of political theories and institutions, in the U.S. and around the world, while mastering the work of the political scientist. Our curriculum places strong emphasis on research, data analysis, and the formulation of clear and convincing evidence-based argument, a skillset valued across political spheres—and beyond.

Psychology iconPsychology

Delve into fascinating questions of human thought, emotion, and behavior. How do the brain and the mind interact? How do social and cultural forces shape us? How do we change from birth to death? How can we use psychology to help people overcome challenges in their lives, workplaces, and communities? Gain the expertise of the psychologist through courses, internships, and faculty-led research. Our graduates are well prepared for advanced study and exciting careers.

Sociology iconSociology and Anthropology

Sociologists study social life and human society, from personal relationships to global systems. Anthropologists study the human condition, from prehistory to modernity. The insights into human behavior revealed by our work improve lives and contribute to real solutions for complex social problems. Our students master a set of flexible career skills through challenging courses and field experiences, including capstone internships, community-based projects, and collaborative scholarship with faculty whose research spans the globe.

WGS iconWomen’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Connect with an inclusive, dynamic learning community where students are empowered as agents of social change. We study—and question—how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, and other identities to mold our selves and our social structures. Rigorous coursework across disciplines is paired with opportunities for global study, activism, and community engagement. Our field provides a framework for developing such skills as cultural competency and effective communication, for a complex, interconnected world.

World Languages iconWorld Languages and Cultures

Explore the world and your place in it through the study of language. Our students prepare for lives as global citizens, learning to communicate across languages and cultures. A rich curriculum is integrated with extensive cultural immersion: trips, speakers, festivals, performances, and (of course!) study abroad. Guiding our students are faculty members from over a dozen countries speaking as many languages. Together we create a dynamic community reflective of the world we live in: complex, multicultural, and interconnected.

Contact

School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Social Sciences Building, Room 302
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628

609.771.3434
hss@tcnj.edu

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