What Is CUNY Baccalaureate? An individualized, University-wide bachelor’s degree where highly motivated, self-directed students work with CUNY faculty members to develop one or two coherent and meaningful areas of concentration (similar to majors).

Background CUNY Baccalaureate was established in 1971 under the auspices of the CUNY Graduate School and University Center It is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Board of Regents of the University of The State of New York Two degrees awarded: the BA and the BS

Hallmarks Pursue an individualized or interdisciplinary course of study Collaborate with faculty mentors Study at several CUNY colleges or in multiple academic departments Flexible degree structure (internships, independent study, on-line courses, study abroad, credit by exam) CUNY Baccalaureate Scholarships

Areas Of Concentration: Examples • African World History • Japanese Language & Culture • Animation & Web Development • Language & Storytelling • Art Therapy • Law & Labor Relations • Buddhist Studies • Middle Eastern Studies • Child Psychology • Musical Theatre • Community Development • Neuroscience • Conflict Resolution • Photojournalism • Entrepreneurship • Political Economy • Forensic Computing • Sports Nutrition & Training • Global Public Health Policy • Sustainable Food Studies • Independent Documentary Filmmaking • Zoology

Area of Concentration: Sample Arts, Media and Social Change College Department Course No. Course Title Credits Baruch Psychology 3288 Psychology of Advertising 3 Public Affairs 3108 Public Campaigns and Advocacy Communications 3059 Video Communication and Production Philosophy 3240 Philosophy of Art Journalism 3280 Documentary Film Interdisciplinary Studies 4050H Conceptual Art and Writing Media and Democracy Hunter Art 221 Drawing Lehman 451 Topics in Computer Imaging: Media Marketing Arts, Media and Social Change

Faculty Mentors Faculty mentors play a central role. They guide students in planning their area(s) of concentration and ensure that these specializations are academically valid, challenging, and appropriate preparation for graduate- level study. Sometimes, they supervise independent study or internships, and they often advise students about options for graduate study. In some cases, they co-author papers and/or present at conferences with their mentees, and write grad school letters of recommendation.

Faculty Mentors Each student selects and works with a CUNY faculty member who agrees to help design and then supervise his/her area of concentration. The faculty mentor must: be a full-time professor at a CUNY college be in a discipline directly related to the area of concentration Two faculty mentors are required for students undertaking dual or interdisciplinary areas of concentration

Degree Structure 120 credits required Minimum of 60 credits of Liberal Arts & Science coursework Pathways: CUNY General Education Requirement Single and dual Areas of Concentration 2.50 GPA overall and in Area of Concentration Residency requirement: 30 CUNY classroom credits Up to 30 non-collegiate credits allowed (up to 15 credits of Life Experience Credit can be earned)

Pathways Required Core: Four courses English Composition 1 & II (2 courses) Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (1 course) Life and Physical Sciences (1 course) Flexible Core: Six Courses (One in each category plus an additional course in any one of the categories) -World Cultures and Global Issues -U.S. Experience in Its Diversity -Creative Expression -Individual and Society -Scientific World

Transfer Credit Policy A total of 90 credits can be transferred (including up to 68 community college credits) All courses/grades from CUNY are transferrable within the credit limits Grades of “C” and better from non-CUNY institutions are transferrable within the credit limits ESL, remedial, and passed courses repeated are not transferable Courses previously taken can be applied to CUNY BA degree requirements

Transfer of International Credit International credit must be transcribed on a CUNY transcript or on a Course-by-Course Report by one of the following agencies: WES (www.wes.org)* Evaluation Service, Inc.:  (www.evaluationservice.net) Josef Silny & Associates:  (www.jsilny.com) Transcript Research:   (www.transcriptresearch.com) *WES evaluation accepted by CUNY BA only.

Admissions Criteria Matriculated at a CUNY college Have passed or been exempted from the CUNY Assessment Tests (CAT) Minimum of 12 credits of prior academic history Minimum 2.80 GPA Well-written Personal Statement Coherent area of concentration proposal outlining a unique or interdisciplinary course of study

Next Steps: Complete Applications 2-3 weeks turnaround time for completed applications Qualified applicants called and invited for an Admissions Appointment Successful candidates sign a Degree Contract Accepted students attend New Student Orientation Begin looking for a full-time CUNY professor in an appropriate department to serve as your Mentor