Other Special Programs

Business and Liberal Arts (BALA)
The BALA program recognizes the business community’s need for broadly educated, articulate college graduates. “Corporations don’t want narrowly educated people,” says director Barbara Sandler. “They want problem-solvers, communicators, thinkers.” A minor for liberal arts majors, BALA combines the study of the arts and sciences with exposure to basic business disciplines such as business writing, problem-solving, law, and ethics. Courses are taught by top executives from companies like PepsiCo and Mitsui. “The networking opportunities are incredible,” says Sandler. “Our students land fast-track, upwardly mobile management positions.”

Time 2000 – Math Teaching Project
The Time 2000 – Math Teaching Project is designed to encourage top students to pursue degrees in mathematics and secondary education. Students admitted to Time 2000 receive free tuition for four years, special advisement, and share a community of learners committed to math education. In return, Time 2000 students are asked to commit, in their junior year, to teaching mathematics at the secondary-school level after they graduate. Courses in the Project are interdisciplinary and designed to encourage students to examine relationships between their own experiences in learning mathematics and current theories in learning and motivation. To be admitted, students must have a B average in their high school math courses, and have a strong commitment to the teaching of mathematics.

"To succeed as a computer scientist, you need certain qualities. For example, a proficiency in mathematics, powerful interpersonal skills, and the ability to keep up with technical changes. I had the opportunity to begin to master these elements here at Queens. As a matter of fact, I have a mentor on campus for my theoretical research; another in a professional setting for my internship. Both my parents are Queens College alumni, but even if they weren't, I'd still be here." - Robert Klein

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program
The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) is a program designed to increase the number of highly qualified candidates for PhDs in core fields within the arts and sciences. Students from underrepresented minority groups as well as other students with a demonstrated commitment to the goals of MMUF are eligible to apply. Mellon Mays scholars receive faculty mentoring; modest term-time compensation for projects related to their academic interest; stipends for summer research; and repayment of undergraduate loans if students pursue doctoral study in a Mellon Mays-designated arts or science discipline.

The Jeanette K Watson Fellowship
Queens College is one of eight colleges in New York City able to submit candidates for the prestigious The Jeanette K Watson Fellowship. The Watson Fellowship offers students opportunities for well-paid internships, high-level work experience and forums for leadership development. Queens College Watson Fellows have received placements at The Wall Street Journal, the Bronx Zoo, Pfizer, New York State Supreme Court, and many other locations. Watson internships encourage students to explore their career options and enable them to gain valuable work and leadership experience. The Office of Honors and Scholarships supports students through the application process and advises them afterward.