| This guidance is intended to assist institutions of higher education in New York State in meeting the requirements of the Rules of the Board of Regents, Section 3.47 (c), Requirements for Earned Degrees, Undergraduate degrees:
“Undergraduate degrees shall be distinguished, as follows, by the minimum amount of liberal arts content required for each degree. The required liberal arts core shall not be directed toward specific occupational or professional objectives.”
Degree |
Minimum Proportion
of Content |
Minimum Number
of Credits |
|
|
|
Associate in Arts (AA) |
3/4
|
45
|
Associate in Science (AS) |
1/2
|
30
|
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) |
1/3
|
20
|
|
|
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
3/4
|
90
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) |
1/2
|
60
|
|
|
|
All other undergraduate baccalaureate degrees (BBA, BE, BFA, BPS, BTech, etc.) |
1/4
|
30
|
The liberal arts and sciences comprise the disciplines of the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences.
A. Examples of course types that are generally considered within the liberal arts and sciences:
1. Humanities:
English—composition, creative writing, history of language, journalism, linguistics, literature, literature in translation, playwriting
Fine arts—art appreciation, history or theory
Foreign languages—composition, conversation, grammar, history of the language, literature of the language, reading, translation studies
Music—music appreciation, history or theory
Philosophy—comparative philosophy, history of philosophy, logic, schools of philosophy
Religion—comparative religion, history of religion
Theater—dramatic interpretation, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, history of drama, playwriting
2. Natural sciences and mathematics:
Natural sciences—anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, earth science, geology, physics, zoology
Mathematics—calculus, mathematical theory, statistics
Computer Science—broad survey/theory courses
3. Social sciences:
Anthropology, cultural studies, economics, geography, government, history, political science, psychology, sociology
Criminal justice—introductory and broad survey courses
Communications—interpersonal communication, mass communication, public speaking, speech and rhetoric
B. Examples of course types that are generally not considered within the liberal arts and sciences:
- Business—administration, finance, human resources, management, marketing, production
- Computer applications (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet), programming (e.g., specific languages)
- Health and physical education
- Education and teaching methods
- Music—studio, performance, practice courses—voice, instrument, direction, conducting
- Office technologies and practice
- Performing and related arts—acting, costume design, dance, direction, lighting, production, scene construction, sound production
- Specialized professional courses in such fields as accounting, architecture, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine
- Studio art—drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture
- Technology/technician fields—construction, data processing, electrical, electronics, graphic arts, mechanical, medical, refrigeration repair
- Television and radio production
- Theology—pastoral counseling, ministry
Revised 2/11/2009 |