2. 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).

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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 (
Evaluation Service, Inc.:  (
Josef Silny & Associates:  (
Transcript Research:   (
*WES evaluation accepted by CUNY BA only.

13. 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

14. 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