B.A. in Liberal Arts Program Requirements
There are three broad requirements for a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts:
I. Core Learning
II. Disciplinary Depth and Breadth
III. Collegewide Requirements
I. Core Learning
Students must demonstrate learning in five core areas: Communication; Critical Thinking; Information and Digital Literacy; Quantitative Literacy; Social Responsibility. A selection of courses that meet these requirements can be found below. Students may, in consultation with their mentor, substitute other SUNY Empire courses, transfer courses, or prior learning to demonstrate the core learning in each area. If substitutions are made, they should be reflected and explained in the student’s rationale essay.
Communication: Express and receive ideas effectively, in multiple contexts and through multiple strategies.
Courses that fulfill this requirement include any course carrying the Basic Communication General Education designation.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Evaluate, analyze, synthesize and critique key concepts and experiences and apply diverse perspectives to find creative solutions to problems concerning human behavior, society and the natural world.
Courses that fulfill this requirement include:
- CUST 2030 Introduction to Critical Thinking
- PHIL 2005 Introduction to Philosophy
Information and Digital Media Literacy: Critically assess, evaluate, understand, create and share information using a range of collaborative technologies to advance learning, as well as personal and professional development.
Courses that fulfill this requirement include:
- ARTS 1140 Media and Visual Literacy
- EDST 1122 Introduction to Digital Literacy
Quantitative Literacy: Read, interpret, use and present quantitative information effectively.
Courses that fulfill this requirement include any course carrying the Mathematics General Education designation.
Social Responsibility: Engage in ethical reasoning and reflect on issues such as democratic citizenship, diversity, social justice and environmental sustainability, both locally and globally.
Courses that fulfill this requirement include:
- PHIL 2020 Introduction to Ethics
- POLI 3080 Modern Political Theory
- LEST 4020 Theories of Law & Justice
- ENSC 2000 Principles of Environmental Sustainability
II. Disciplinary Depth and Breadth
In addition to core learning, students are required to demonstrate breadth, depth, and progression of knowledge by cultivating a broad, interdisciplinary understanding in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as expertise in a particular field. Students may satisfy the depth requirement by taking a minimum of 16 advanced level credits in one of the following subject areas (as designated by Subject Code), and a minimum of 8 additional advanced level credits in any courses in the following subject areas:
| Code | Subject |
|---|---|
| ANTH | Anthropology |
| ARTS | Arts |
| BIOL | Biology |
| COMM | Communications |
| CUST | Cultural Studies |
| DIGA | Digital Arts |
| HIST | Historical Studies |
| HUDV | Human Development |
| LITR | Literature |
| PHIL | Philosophy |
| POLI | Political Science |
| PSYC | Psychology |
| SOCI | Sociology |
III. Collegewide Requirements
In addition to addressing the program requirements listed above, students must satisfy the college’s requirements for total concentration credits, advanced level credits, academic planning credits, and general education coursework.
For requirements and procedures for applying to the program, please see the information for Bachelor's Admissions.