School of Arts and Humanities

School of Arts and Humanities

What can you do with a degree in the arts and

DR. KELLY HALLSTROM

Good communicators are needed in all industries and in every corner of the world. Between the popularity of social media, a 24/7 news cycle, and the advent of streaming services, the demand for thoughtful and compelling content has never been greater.

The School of Arts and Humanities develops graduates with the ability to continuously learn, to adapt, to collaborate, to imagine, and to create. These are the flexible skills needed in an economy marked by rapid change, and they are the qualities that companies are looking for in their employees.

Complementing our engaged classrooms are a variety of Theory in Action learning experiences that begin year one, including field experiences, internships, performances, and presentations. Just like any successful team-based environment, the most important part of our school is the relationships. Students from diverse backgrounds are led by passionate professors, allowing them to truly get to know one another and work together toward successful outcomes.

The arts and humanities is not an education only for your first job; it is an education for your career. Explore our programs, check out our faculty, and learn how the School of Arts and Humanities can help you build your own unique future.

Dr. Gerry Lorentz

Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and Acting Dean of the Thelma P. Lally School of Education

humanities? Anything you want!

Take a deep dive into our arts and humanities programs

The arts and humanities have been the core of a college education as long as there have been colleges. Our programs will allow you to explore and get to know yourself as we prepare you for your professional career. Engage with expert faculty, gain real-world experience, and build a meaningful life.

Studying arts and humanities at The College of Saint Rose will set you up to become a creative problem solver, philosophical thinker, and expert communicator. Skills that ALL employers value.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“I see my communications major as a lifestyle more than a degree on a paper. It teaches me life skills that I can put into practice as soon as I learn them. Communications is everything; everything we do or say is public relations. This major allows you to find your true core sense and bring the best out of yourself. I would agree that it takes bravery to pursue an arts bachelor and, I can truly say, it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Don’t be afraid of pursuing it! The internship opportunities that I have had, the connections I have made working with community clients, the experience I have gained working with my classmates, have given me the opportunity to intern for the Marketing Department at Saint Rose. One of the projects I have worked on has been creating the viewbook you are reading, so I hope you enjoy it!”

‘23

Isa Sanchez

Communications major, Golden Knights basketball player, international student from Spain

Feed your passion, engage your curiosity, create your future

Choose from any of these arts and humanities programs:

BA, Communications

In our communications program, you don’t even have to wait to land that internship to get handson experience. With our Theory in Action approach, you’ll work with real clients on films, videos, or public relations campaigns and feel like a seasoned professional before graduation. You can further your marketable skills with concentrations in broadcast news and mobile journalism, integrated marketing communications, media arts and production, and critical media studies. Students in other majors have the option of minoring in journalism, public relations, media arts and production, critical media studies, political communication, and general communications. Plus, we have excellent facilities, including our own television studio.

BA, English

Unlike English majors at many other colleges and universities, Saint Rose English majors take courses in both literature and creative writing, a combination that allows students to follow creative, scholarly, and practical paths. Study the fundamentals of literature and creative writing, and learn to critically analyze literature, film, and other kinds of texts to write with the power to persuade. You will also have the opportunity to explore your interests with minors in literature, writing, digital publishing, film and digital media studies, or education. A required semesterlong internship and a Senior Seminar give you important practical experience you’ll use in your graduate studies or career.

BA, English Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) Certification

Combine your love of literature and writing to teach English to middle and high school students. You’ll sharpen your teaching skills through hands-on experience and a semester of student teaching. Pursue additional interests by adding a minor in literature, writing, and film and digital media studies.

The English/Language Arts Concentration is also an option for Early Childhood, Early Childhood/ Special Education, Childhood Education, Childhood Education/Special Education majors.

BA, History and Political Science • BA, History • BA, Political Science

Have your sights set on serving your community or changing the world? Enroll in one of three majors; a combined history and political science degree or a bachelor’s degree focusing on just political science or history. Internships, including the coveted New York State Assembly Legislative Internship Program, provide extensive hands-on experience to launch a meaningful career in education, law, non-profits, public policy, or political advocacy.

BA, Social Studies Adolescence Education

Gain a solid foundation with courses in history, economics, geography, government, and civics. You’ll progress from classroom observations to full semester-length student-teaching placements at a college renowned in the field of education.

Adolescence Education and Special Education BA/MSED

Dual-Degree ASPIRE Program

Earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, accelerating your time spent in a college classroom and launching you into your career as an educator. You will be eligible to receive two New York State certifications while specializing in either an English or social students content area.

BS, Music Industry

Learn the ins and outs of the music industry with our recording studios, audio postproduction rooms, television and radio studios, computer labs, commercial concert venue, and required internships at some of the hottest companies from coast to coast. Gain additional experience in record producing, A&R, songwriting, music publishing, public relations, marketing, and distribution with our student-run, inhouse Rose Record Label Group.

Minors and Certificates

World Languages & Cultures

Develop second language skills while also immersing yourself in that language’s culture. Learn the context and depth Google translate can’t provide that is critical to business success. No matter what your major is, our minors in Spanish, French, and Latino Studies, as well as our Spanish or French/Spanish concentrations and our Certificate in Translation Spanish <> English will help you acquire the second language skills that give you a competitive edge.

Certificate in Translation Spanish <> English

Ideal for heritage speakers and with only 18 credits required, this program will lead you to a future career as a full-time translator or offer a lucrative side hustle.

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Learn from the best – all philosophy and religious studies professors are experts with advanced degrees and professional experience in ethics, philosophy, religion, theology, and ministry. Learn how to think, not what to think.

Why arts and humanities at Saint Rose?

It’s more than just majors

Mix it up

Choosing one area of study isn’t right for everyone. With a BA in Interdepartmental Studies, you get the flexibility to combine coursework in two or more disciplines that you’re passionate about to design an individualized plan of study that’s right for you.

See the world

Participate in faculty-led or traditional study abroad programs in more than 25 countries.

Make headlines

Polish your writing and investigative skills as a journalist for The Chronicle, our student newspaper. It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and develop your portfolio. Or, refine your podcasting skills by joining the “Dear Neighbor” podcast crew and amplifying the stories of our Saint Rose community.

Dig deep

Write, write, write

There are endless opportunities for English majors to practice their craft – the English club, poetry readings, and helping to edit our literary journal are just a few. Take a deep dive into the issues that matter most by participating in undergraduate research. You’ll have a chance to publish your work and present your findings at professional conferences and at our yearly Student Research Symposium.

Add prestige to your resume

Membership in our honor societies, such as Sigma Tau Delta, means access to a network of alumni and professionals who are leaders in their field. Student-led organizations, such as the Rose Record Label Group, film appreciation club, theater club, Music Industry Student Association (MISA), a capella groups, dance teams, SRTV station, and more stoke your creativity. You’ll meet new people who share your interests and add to your development as a writer and artist.

And you can gain Theory in Action experiences through internship placements, like the New York State Assembly Legislative Internship Program for political science-history majors who are interested in government.

The Core

Now more than ever, the professional world seeks employees who can work in diverse teams, problemsolve, and adapt to changing circumstances. The Core courses help you to develop these soft skills, which will serve you in your career and in life.

Become a professional translator

Everyone loves a side hustle. With our Certificate in Translation Spanish <> English, you can acquire skills that will give you an edge in any field. This is a great degreeenhancer, especially for heritage speakers.

Fast track your education

Interested in receiving your MBA? We provide you with the opportunity to receive both your BA and MBA in 4 years (or half that time for transfer students) with our 2-in-4 programs. By accelerating your education, you can save up to $12,000 and enter the workforce earlier than your peers!

Find out what our arts and humanities alumni are up to

“The humanities have provided me with the ability to empathize and chronicle the human experience like no other academic area has. Nina Simone said in an interview, ‘the duty of an artist is to reflect the times’; and the humanities have taught me, as a writer, the ways to accomplish just that. How to feel alive and connected to the world around me and furthermore, how to write about ‘the times’ effectively.”

“I was very fortunate and landed an internship at MSNBC in my final semester at Saint Rose. That internship opened up a door to become a production assistant on what we call MSNBC Dayside. Right out of the gate, I was working on four hours of live cable news coverage every day. When I got to Saint Rose, I thought that the smaller program really suited me well. There was a lot more oneon-one interaction. The teachers really took the time with you. And they gave me what I felt were the tools I needed to come here eventually.”

Daniel Summerhill '15 Assistant professor of poetry/social action and composition studies at California State University

Kyle Griffin ‘08 Executive producer, MSNBC

“When people at work ask about my educational background and are surprised I didn’t study history, I always repeat the same message: English majors can do anything. We end up in such a variety of jobs because the degree makes it possible for us to follow paths we might not think of or even be aware of while completing our studies.”

“Saint Rose has prepared me for my current job by providing me with endless opportunities in the classroom. By giving me those opportunities, I was able to learn more about myself and my teaching style, where my comfort zone is, and how to go beyond it, while also showing me what my areas of need were before I even entered the classroom. With ASPIRE, I am able to provide my students with further support scaffolds in my classroom that allow for them to be prepared for any situation that may come their way during their learning career.”

Jessie Serfilippi ’15, G’18 Historical interpreter at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and author of “As Odious and Immoral a Thing,” which was featured by The New York Times

Jacquelyn Fossati ‘20 Sixth-grade social studies teacher with Harrison Central School District in Harrison, New York

Addressing racial justice

Our whole country is focused on social injustice, but your projects didn’t just happen to come out now. How and when did you embrace scholarship around race?

Dahn: I have been reading, writing, and thinking about these issues for many years now. My commitment is grounded in my love for Black magazines and newspapers, starting with my interest in the Chicago Defender, one of the most important Black newspapers of the 20th century.

Shavers: I’ve been interested in issues of race, class, and culture, as well as how these things intersect, for about as long as I can remember.

Sweeney: At Brown, my dissertation concerned race, gender, and professionalism: I began to research fictional depictions of Black professionals. My specific interest in (the historical publication) the Colored American Magazine arose when teaching courses on literature and magazines at Saint Rose.

Is it a coincidence your department is exploring the Black experience in America?

Dahn: The department has for a long time been concerned with social justice issues, and, as a result, we have offered multiple courses that engage with these issues. However, we, and English as a discipline, could always do better. The department affirms that Black Lives Matter, and we need to confront structural racism and work to dismantle it.

Shavers: It’s no coincidence. But more than just a racial concern, I’d go as far as to say the English Department has an active, acute interest in examining various ways individual identity is constructed: What makes us who we are, in both a contemporary and historical socio-cultural context? I think challenging, highlighting, and investigating what determines “identity” is part of the identity of the English Department.

Sweeney: It is not a coincidence! We’re a department of scholar-teachers whose work engages issues of race, gender, sexuality, economic, and environmental justice, and how these interrelate.

How can your work influence your students?

Dahn: Even though teaching is challenging at times, I teach in hope. My teaching is hopeful because it’s an action, I believe, that will develop better thinkers who will question the world around them to transform it. People like to make a distinction between college and the real world, but college is part of the real world and my teaching is grounded on the contention that reading and writing about literature are paths to a deeper understanding of injustices and, thus, paths out of those injustices.

Shavers: Rather than hope my work directly influences students – which is quite a big ask! – my hope is that all the work and the teaching I do empowers students to chart their own path(s) in ways they think will be best for them. They already have the tools; part of my job is to show them how to successfully use them.

Sweeney: As a scholar of the 19th and early-20th century, I am always looking to trace what is happening in the present moment to the period I study. Those of us living in the US in 2020 are reckoning with the consequences of what happened – and what could have happened – during Reconstruction and Jim Crow. In important ways, we’re still living in a very long 19th century.

Recognizing the history of racial bias in literature, while offering more courses featuring diverse literature is a pledge the Saint Rose English Department stands behind. We asked Professors (and faculty-authors) Eurie Dahn, Rone Shavers, and Brian Sweeney how they are incorporating race into their curriculum.

Love this class

Creative Writing with Professor Daniel Nester

“Cutting and pasting” happens in real life in this poetry-writing class, where Professor Nester has students revise by cutting their printouts into ribbons and rearranging the pieces. They also use oblique strategies to rethink concepts and sounds to create “word music.” The resulting poetry engages and moves – as good art should.

Politics of Race and Ethnicity with Professor Ryane Straus

Engage in a deep discussion of race and ethnicity and how those concepts apply to current political events. Professor Straus leads students through a framework of how race developed over time in the United States. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to bring about social change.

Film Production with Professor Liz Richards

In this class, students produce a 22-minute show. Professor Liz Richards, who served as a producer for the PBS series “American Experience,” guides students as they write and revise their scripts and then film in our TV studio or out in the field. Communications students at Saint Rose always get personal attention from faculty like her in our state-of-the-art Hearst Center for Communications and Interactive Media.

Internships make the difference

Jehlani Commander ’22 BA, Communications

"Interning at the Garnette Report was an amazing experience because it taught me that the value of networking and how it can be a powerful investment that can change not only your life but others as well. The value of patience, discipline’ and generosity that await behind it may be the greatest form of currency anybody can possess.”

Lauren

Rogoza ’19 BS, Music Industry

“Thanks to my internship at Musicians Corner in Nashville, I was exposed to so many aspects of the concert and live events.”

Mark Edem ‘22 BA, Political Science Paper of the Year winner for the New York State Assembly Legislative Internship Program

“I feel that my time in the US has exposed me to the extremely polarizing nature of politics and the ways in which those differences can be peacefully mediated.”

Getting involved!

Kaylee “Ladybyrd” Boerner ’23

Artist represented by the Rose Record Label Group

“Being a part of the Rose Record Label is an amazing experience. It helps provide people an opportunity to see what a real label looks like. Everyone is extremely supportive of each other’s music. And regardless if you are a signed artist or not, everyone’s music is good. The label is not just for music students – it’s open to all majors. So if anyone is even interested in music, the label is a great place to be! On top of it, I also played at The Linda because my band and I won a battle of the bands competition. Without Saint Rose really helping to lay a good foundation for making connections, I probably wouldn’t be playing shows.”

Ameara Ditsche ’23 Executive Editor of The Chronicle

“The Chronicle is an entirely student-run newspaper. In addition to being a vibrant source of news and information, it’s a learning tool and community. The Chronicle teaches students across all majors valuable skills like writing, adhering to deadlines, and talking to new people. I’ve met so many of my great friends working for the paper and for that I’m so thankful! It’s amazing to be able to work together creatively and passionately to produce such an important part of campus!”

“Being in Girls Next Door (GND) all-women a capella group means that I get to continue my favorite passion while still completing my college degree in a different field. It means that I get to step out of my usual full-time student and employee schedule to sit and sing my heart out with girls who share the same love for music that I do. We have sung in many different places since I was a freshman like the Madison Street Fair, ICCA at RPI, and the Tulip Festival this year. As a group we love to sing anywhere we can and participate with other groups on campus like Sabor Latino, Golden Notes, and the ALANA Steppers. Overall, Girls Next Door is a home away from home for music majors and others alike to share our passion and create the best memories here at Saint Rose.”

Sanderling Luna G’23

Member of Girls Next Door

Spaces that motivate

Creativity and thought require environments that inspire, and our facilities support your academic and extracurricular activities.

Hearst Center for Communications and Interactive Media

There is always something going on in the Hearst Center for Communications and Interactive Media (called CCIM or just Hearst for short). Produce a show in our TV studio, work on our student newspaper, host a podcast, record your own music then go old-school and press it on vinyl in the Les Paul record-cutting station or post to Spotify. And be sure to catch a show in Studio G3, our club-style performance space, which is a great place for a concert or a poetry slam. CCIM is also home to Macequipped computer labs.

Massry Center for the Arts and Picotte Recital Hall

You haven’t really experienced a performance or special lecture until you’ve sat in Picotte Recital Hall. This 400-seat venue is designed for amazing acoustics. The Massry Center, which was built to be environmentally friendly, is also home to nearly two dozen soundproof practice rooms, multiple smart classrooms, and a gallery. P.S. The natural light in the building makes it an incredible place for content creators.

The Neil Hellman Library

Located in the heart of campus, the Neil Hellman Library houses more than 160,000 print titles, 115,000 e-books, and 100 databases, which provide access to more than 120,000 journals, magazines, and newspapers. Subscription databases and other electronic resources are available to students both on and off campus. The library also offers an interlibrary loan service, allowing students to borrow and view materials from collections across the country.

And the library is a great place to shift into study mode. With four floors of accessible space, the library supports research, group work, and quiet study modes. Sixty computers (both Mac and PC) are distributed throughout the building, 30 laptops can be checked out for use within the library, and multipurpose copiers allow students to print, copy, and scan documents.

Librarians can be reached in person or via chat, email, text, or phone. Personal, oneon-one reference help is available by appointment.

The Writing Center and Tutoring Center

Located in Saint Joseph Hall, the Writing Center and Tutoring Center offer free help for students who are struggling – or just want to improve in any subject area. Visit with our staff or link up with student study groups to make sure you’re getting the most out of your education.