Undergraduate Degree Programs: Arts and Sciences

Through Saint Joseph's University's art program, you will discover your creative potential and develop an awareness of lasting cultural traditions.

The Art History program at Saint Joseph’s University covers major artistic developments in painting, architecture, sculpture, photography and new media throughout history and around the world.

The Asian studies program at Saint Joseph’s University prepares students for graduate study or professional work by exposing them to the language, history, culture, and politics of the region. This interdisciplinary program is designed to offer greater understanding by immersing students into the study of Asia.

As a biochemistry major, you’ll dive into an exciting interdisciplinary field that explores the chemicals and chemical reactions in living systems. You’ll learn to use powerful analytical tools — including nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy — to study the molecules that power life.

A biology degree from Saint Joseph’s University exposes you to all levels of biological organization, from the sub-cellular to the broad ecosystem. Our program is built with core courses covering the fundamentals of biology, a distribution of upper-level course across the major areas of biology and free electives.

As a biomedical sciences major at Saint Joseph’s University, you’ll have the opportunity to design a personalized degree in the health concentration of your choice. A rigorous and flexible curriculum covers every area of biomedical sciences and includes a variety of tracks including biotechnology, clinical science, neuroscience and physician assistant. 

The chemical biology major at Saint Joseph’s University, offered by the departments of biology and chemistry, will provide you with the tools needed to understand the chemical processes that occur at the molecular level.

The chemistry major at Saint Joseph’s introduces students to all of the major sub-disciplines in chemistry: analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic and physical. Emphasis is placed on chemistry as a laboratory science.

The classical studies minor offers courses in Latin and ancient Greek, ranging from elementary to advanced levels. Advanced courses cover the works of major authors and all literary genres, featuring a comprehensive exploration of both language and culture.

As a communication studies major, you will gain knowledge and experience to pursue a career in media, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, law, film and more.

A computer science degree from Saint Joseph’s University will help you become part of an exciting and fast-paced industry, opening the door to a wide range of technical fields and opportunities. 

Saint Joseph’s University's criminal justice degree program will help cultivate a sense of honesty, fairness and integrity and prepare you for a productive and rewarding career dedicated to helping others. As a criminal justice major at Saint Joseph's University, you will explore an interdisciplinary perspective on crime and justice.

The data science major at Saint Joseph’s University is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes statistics, math, and computer science to extract insights from data. It includes topics such as machine learning, cluster analysis, data mining and data visualization. There is a heavy focus on organizing and analyzing large amounts of data.

Economics majors at Saint Joseph’s University will study how economic reasoning is used to determine how society can effectively meet its human and material needs. By analyzing buyer and seller behavior in various markets, students will be able to think like an economist and how they view the world in terms of problem solving and decision making.

An English degree from Saint Joseph’s University offers excellent training for a broad range of careers, from public relations to teaching to journalism and beyond. Employers continue to seek talented and articulate individuals who can analyze complex situations, and a degree in English will teach you how to write both creatively and persuasively. 

All over the world, societies have become increasingly concerned about the safety of air, food and water. Recent weather‐related events have sparked an interest in understanding the earth's climate and the human factors that play a role in global climate change. This heightened public awareness of the perils facing our natural resources has increased the demand for environmental scientists and specialists.

Saint Joseph’s University's Francophone studies program offers students the opportunity to hone their language skills while gaining a multidisciplinary perspective on the French-speaking world. As a Francophone studies major, you will take courses in varied departments and gain a broader understanding of the cultures, history, political systems and other aspects of Francophone countries. The knowledge and competencies you acquire will prepare you for a wide range of careers as well as graduate study.

Studying French offers you a global perspective and develops skills to prepare you for a wide range of careers. The French program at Saint Joseph’s will hone your language skills while enhancing your knowledge of the cultures and literature of the Francophone world. No matter which course you’re taking, the instructors’ knowledge of and enthusiasm for French, together with our commitment to our students, will help you reach your goals.

The history program at Saint Joseph’s University encourages students to become researchers, critical thinkers, clear writers and historically aware global citizens. Through coursework, students develop an understanding of the political, cultural and institutional advances that have shaped the world.

The information technology major at Saint Joseph's University includes courses in computer science, economics, finance, accounting and business intelligence. This coursework prepares you to work both in the fast-changing computer science industry and the business world. 

The curriculum provides a foundation in financial and managerial accounting while offering courses in data structures, computer architecture, discrete structures and database systems. Through the information technology major, you will learn to maintain a business network infrastructure. If you wish to study IT with a stronger focus on math and science, you may also consider Saint Joseph's University’s computer science major. 

As an international relations major, you will study world regions, global affairs, economic development and human rights from various disciplinary perspectives.

Saint Joseph's University Italian program promotes the understanding of linguistic, literary and cultural competency. Additionally, we aim to provide students with experiential knowledge of the language and culture through study tours, study abroad opportunities and internships in Italy.

The Italian studies major at Saint Joseph's University provides students the opportunity to build competency in the Italian language. As an Italian studies major, you will acquire the knowledge that will prepare you for a career in cultural preservation, diplomacy, governmental service, business, teaching, museum education or the arts. It also prepares you to pursue graduate study in international relations, law and advanced work in the humanities.

As a linguistics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will study how languages work, where they come from, how they are used in society, how they are learned and how they change over time. You have the option of concentrating in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Offered at the undergraduate level, the managing neurodiversity in the workplace minor focuses on the challenges and opportunities of working with neurodiverse individuals with conditions such as ADHD and, primarily, autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

As a mathematics major or minor at Saint Joseph's University, you will study abstract algebra, real analysis, statistics and more. The program provides the experience necessary to help you become an analytical thinker with a commitment to problem-solving, a highly-regarded skill in any career path. You will also have the opportunity to take independent study courses or write an honors thesis, offering further preparation for your future career.

Saint Joseph’s biology department offers a one-of-a-kind medical laboratory science program that puts the focus on the science behind the medicine. With a versatile curriculum and a year-long internship in a medical or clinical lab, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to investigate and solve the mysteries of health.

The music major or minor at Saint Joseph’s University provides a comprehensive curriculum that deepens musical understanding and awareness, fosters creative expression and encourages critical analysis and inquiry. It combines coursework in music theory, composition, history and performance.

Saint Joseph’s University’s neuroscience major features interdisciplinary training that few colleges can match. Our program faculty are experts in a wide range of neuroscience specialties, allowing you to examine the nervous system across a variety of theoretical and clinical contexts.

Saint Joseph’s is the only university in the region offering a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry. With this degree, you’ll learn all aspects of drug development, from initial design to delivery.

At Saint Joseph’s University, the philosophy program offers a creative and critical exploration of the meanings and values by which we live our lives. Students inquire, in a disciplined yet free and unrestricted manner, into matters, society, state and culture.

The Department of Physics at Saint Joseph's University offers areas of study in the properties and behavior of matter and energy in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from the sub-microscopic particles from which all ordinary matter is made (particle physics) to the behavior of the universe as a whole (cosmology). Students also study interfaces of physics and biology, and physics and chemistry.

The political science major at Saint Joseph’s University offers the opportunity to examine politics, government and the political process. This program is ideal for those interested in the study of power, behavior, compromise and relationships between political figures in a variety of different contexts.

The Department of Psychology offers courses in all of the major subfields of psychology, as well as a clinical concentration of courses in support of those who are interested in pursuing careers in clinical psychology, counseling psychology and related mental health fields.

The public policy degree program at Saint Joseph's University prepares you for a future career in public policy. You will gain important critical-thinking skills through an inclusive and diverse community lens to help populations that are often marginalized in the policymaking process. The interdisciplinary coursework focuses on theory, analysis and application of policy to prepare you for a future career or graduate work.

Religious Studies majors acquire and hone tools for the critical analysis of the major religious traditions found throughout the world. This program will include immersion in the scriptures and other sacred texts within their historical contexts. It also offers robust engagement with visual and performing arts, and other components of material culture, as well as an understanding of how traditions influence and are influenced by the life settings in which they are found.

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Saint Joseph’s University provides students with opportunities to analyze and assess human behavior and its impact on society. The sociology department is comprised of expert teachers and active researchers working to understand society and make positive, practical applications of their findings. Sociology majors go on to work in government, law, public service, criminology, research and nonprofit organizations.

The Spanish program at Saint Joseph's University focuses on the language, literature, history and cultures of Spain and Latin America, as well as Spanish linguistics. Small class sizes allow for the individual attention necessary in learning a language.

The theatre and film major at Saint Joseph's University nurtures creative expression and technical proficiency while fostering intellectual curiosity and cultural awareness. Students declare a concentration in film/TV, musical theatre or theatre.

Theology majors acquire and hone tools for critical analysis of the Bible, key doctrines, including those concerning Jesus Christ, Church and tradition history and religious authority. The program also includes the study of ethics, including personal and communal morality, as well as the importance of interfaith relations. All majors in the humanities also acquire important skills that are essential in any career: how to distinguish truth from conspiracy theory; how to read carefully; how to write effectively; how to think creatively; how to formulate evidence-driven arguments; and how to speak persuasively.

Saint Joseph’s University is the perfect place to begin your studies if you're undecided about your major. Our undergraduate curriculum includes a comprehensive General Education Program (GEP) which is designed to keep you on track for graduation while exploring entry-level courses in a number of disciplines.

The American studies program at Saint Joseph’s University is dedicated to the study of historical and modern cultures in the United States. This program will encourage you to explore sources, texts, and media to help better understand various aspects of culture, ranging from art to zoos, religion to race, politics to class, and language to literature.

At Saint Joseph's University, Classical Studies majors have the opportunity to choose between two concentrations: classical languages and literatures or ancient cultures. Ancient cultures is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to specialize in an area of their own interest.

The Animal Studies minor is an interdisciplinary field that invites students to not only learn more about animals, but to also investigate the relationship between human and non-human animals.

In the art therapy program at Saint Joseph's University, you will learn the theories and concepts in psychology and art to deliver transformational and whole-person-focused care.

The Behavioral Neuroscience program at Saint Joseph's University is a first step for undergraduate students contemplating professional, academic and/or research careers in neuroscience, medicine, neuropsychology, pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicine and/or animal science.

The Chinese language and culture program at Saint Joseph’s University prepares students for opportunities and challenges involving the greater region of China and its people — economically, socially and politically. You will learn the Chinese language and gain a window into the history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with roots extending more than 6,000 years.

Saint Joseph’s commercial photography minor focuses on technical skills needed to produce work in the food, entertainment, advertising and marketing industries.

Saint Joseph's University offers an interdisciplinary study across the departments of computer science, physics, and mathematics for students interested in minoring in computational engineering & applied physics. This interdisciplinary minor gives you a broad understanding of all the elements of computational science and engineering to ensure that you leave the program with the knowledge you need to be competitive in your field.

The creative writing minor at Saint Joseph’s University prepares students to tell stories that matter. Courses help students develop narrative skills in various kinds of writing including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, magazine writing, food writing and personal memoir.

A minor in environmental and sustainability studies at Saint Joseph’s University helps students understand how human activities impact the world.

The faith-justice studies minor at Saint Joseph’s University challenges students to consider existing social beliefs and priorities in light of Gospel values and faith-based social justice traditions.

The film and TV minor at Saint Joseph’s University is a great option for students fascinated by cinema and television. The program values creative expression, analytical rigor, historical insight and technical proficiency within a liberal arts format, providing tools that will help launch any future endeavor.

Gender studies minors are involved in working for change. Students take part in a variety of social justice efforts and internships outside of the classroom including Active Minds, Beautiful Social, Hawk Hub, the Rape Education Prevention Program, SJUPride, and the Women's Leadership Initiative. They have also been involved in a variety of internships in organizations that are pursuing justice and equality at the intersections in the Philadelphia area, Washington, DC, and around the world.

The German minor at Saint Joseph’s University focuses on the language and cultures of the German-speaking world.

Effective visual communication is vital in today's world. With an interdisciplinary study in communications, media studies, marketing and the arts, Saint Joseph's University's Graphic Design minor will prepare you with the skills you need to be successful in the fast-paced, dynamic field of media communications.

The health care ethics minor at Saint Joseph’s University focuses on the study and appreciation of philosophical and theological ethics.

Saint Joseph’s University’s minor in industrial and organizational psychology is an interdisciplinary major that combines coursework in psychology and management.

With its interdisciplinary focus on Irish literature, culture and politics, Saint Joseph’s University’s Irish Studies minor is an exceptional platform from which to investigate issues of diversity, globalization and social justice.

The journalism program at Saint Joseph’s University provides students with a wide array of news writing, reporting, editing and multimedia skills. The program prepares students for a profession in all forms of journalism.

Saint Joseph’s University’s justice and ethics in the law (JEL) minor emphasizes the ethical, corporate, social and political structures that underlie the law.

At Saint Joseph’s University, the Latin American and Latinx studies minor offers interdisciplinary coursework in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Haub School of Business. Students in this program participate in programs in countries such as Mexico, Chilé, El Salvador, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

The medieval, renaissance and reformation studies minor at Saint Joseph’s University offers an interdisciplinary look at the development of Western civilization.

The music industry minor at Saint Joseph’s University provides a strong foundation in the theoretical and creative aspects of music, along with practical training in business, music marketing and promotion. Whether you're interested in writing, performing or just want to feed your passion for the arts, this program will be fulfilling for you.

At Saint Joseph’s University, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a six-course minor that provides essential training for the challenging task of teaching the English language at home or abroad in private language schools, community centers or bilingual programs and in other contexts that do not require state certification.

The theatre studies minor offers students who have chosen to major in another discipline the opportunity to explore their interest in theatre. With its unique focus on acting, directing and theatre history, the minor develops skills that are valuable in any endeavor.

The theology and religious studies minor at Saint Joseph’s University explores the sacred texts, material cultures and central teachings of both Christian and non-Christian traditions.

The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate prepares students for a career analyzing and interpreting data to create visualizations of society's biggest problems. The certificate curriculum teaches you the technical skills to build GIS models while understanding the context surrounding the field.