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

Area of Concentration: Sample Cross Cultural Psychology CollegeDepartmentCourse Number and Name John JayPsychology240 Psychology of Oppression " "531 Sex Roles and Work Brooklyn "13.3 Psychology of Prejudice "Anthropology30 Comparative Social Systems City CollegePsychology244 Psychology of the Black Experience " "310 Independent Study (“Cross Cultural Concepts of Mental Health”) " "319 Cross Cultural Psychology " "321 Experimental Psychology " "357 Community Psychology

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 60 credits must be Liberal Arts & Science 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 International credit must be transcribed on a CUNY transcript or WES Course-by-Course Report ESL, remedial, and passed courses repeated are not transferable

Transfer Policies, Con’t. Courses previously taken can be applied to CUNY BA degree requirements Students know their transfer evaluation and their remaining degree requirements on Day One, when they come for their admissions interview with their assigned CUNY BA Academic Advisor. Each student then signs an individualized “Degree Contract”

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 Strong letter of recommendation Coherent area of concentration proposal outlining a unique or interdisciplinary course of study

Application Outline of proposed concentration Personal Statement Letter of recommendation Proof of having passed or being exempted from the CUNY Assessment Tests (CAT) Official (and sealed) transcripts of non-CUNY colleges attended Send in complete application (proof of matriculation at CUNY may follow)

Which Non-CUNY Transcripts Must Be Submitted? Non-CUNY transcripts that were submitted directly to one of the CUNY colleges Non-CUNY transcripts submitted to the UAPC while coursework was in progress An official copy of your updated transcript(s) that includes your final grades must be submitted to CUNY BA (even if you already submitted an updated copy at one of the CUNY colleges.)

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

Recent Graduate School Acceptances Just over 50% of CUNY BA grads go to graduate school, higher than the national average! CUNY Graduate Center Central European University Emory University Fordham University Georgetown Law School Harvard Divinity School London University Rutgers University Teachers College/Columbia University Yale University

CUNY BA/BS has a 72% graduation rate, and according to recent surveys, Graduates… --routinely receive promotions and raises --begin new careers in public service, business and other professions --hold jobs related to their concentrations (up to 80%!) --go to graduate schools (50%), many within CUNY