Checklist for Content - Degree Plan Rationale

Elements of the Rationale Essay	YES	PARTLY	NO
Your introductory paragraph(s) outlines the context for your degree plan by:	xxx	xxx	xxx
-  Stating your degree, concentration and area of study.
-  Briefly describing your educational, personal and professional goals.
-  Explaining why you've chosen your degree and concentration title.
Your rationale's first major section explains the relationship between your concentration design and:	xxx	xxx	xxx
- the area of study guidelines
- your educational and professional goals
- your prior learning (transcript and PLA)
- your chosen SUNY Empire studies
- resources consulted and research conducted in Educational Planning (e.g., mentor(s), degree planning guide, AOS Guidelines, other college programs, academic or professional organizations)
Your rationale's second major section explains the relationship between your general learning and:	xxx	xxx	xxx
- your educational and professional goals
- your prior learning (transcript and PLA)
- SUNY general education requirements
- other degree requirements (e.g., liberal arts and sciences, advanced level)
Your rationale's conclusion briefly reiterates how your overall degree plan meets your goals.
Your rationale as a whole reflects your goals for your education at Empire State College.

 

The Quick Guide to Writing Your Degree Plan Rationale will assist you in developing a rationale essay which meets the content expectations. Also see the Rationale Essay Style and Format Checklist.