What Is CUNY Baccalaureate?An individualized,University-wide bachelor’sdegree where highly motivated, self-directed students work with CUNYfaculty 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: SampleCross Cultural Psychology

College Department Course Number and NameJohn Jay Psychology 240 Psychology of Oppression " " 531 Sex Roles and WorkBrooklyn " 13.3 Psychology of Prejudice " Anthropology 30 Comparative Social SystemsCity CollegePsychology 244 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 MentorsFaculty mentors play a central role.They guide students in planning theirarea(s) of concentration and ensure that these specializations are academically valid, challenging, and appropriate preparation for graduate-level study. Sometimes, they supervise independentstudy or internships, and they oftenadvise students about options forgraduate study.In some cases, they co-author papersand/or present at conferences with theirmentees, and write grad school lettersof 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 senior 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 AcceptancesJust over 50% of CUNY BA grads go to graduate school, higher than the

national average!

CUNY Graduate CenterCentral European University

Emory UniversityFordham University

Georgetown Law School Harvard Divinity School

London UniversityRutgers University

Teachers College/Columbia UniversityYale 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