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
• 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

6. Area of Concentration: Sample
Cross Cultural Psychology
College Department Course Number and Name
John Jay Psychology 240 Psychology of Oppression
" " 531 Sex Roles and Work
Brooklyn " 13.3 Psychology of Prejudice
" Anthropology 30 Comparative Social Systems
City College Psychology 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

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 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

9. 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)

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
• International credit must be transcribed on a CUNY
transcript or WES Course-by-Course Report
• ESL, remedial, and passed courses repeated are not
transferable

12. 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”

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

14. 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)

15. 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.)

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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