Academic Policies and Procedures ยป Liberal Arts
The New York State Education Department provides the following guidance to assist institutions of higher education in meeting the requirements of the Rules of the Board of Regents, Section 3.47 (c), Requirements for Earned Degrees, Undergraduate degrees:
"Undergraduate degrees shall be distinguished, as follows, by the minimum amount of liberal arts content required for each degree. The required liberal arts core shall not be directed toward specific occupational or professional objectives."
| Degree & minimum required total program credits |
Minimum Proportion of Liberal Arts Content |
Minimum Number of Liberal Arts credits |
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - 120 | 3/4 | 90 |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - 120 | 1/2 | 60 |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) - 120 | 1/4 | 30 |
The liberal arts and sciences comprise the disciplines of the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences.
Examples of course types that are generally considered within the liberal arts and sciences:
- Humanities
- English - composition, creative writing, history of language, journalism, linguistics, literature, literature in translation, playwriting
- Fine arts - art appreciation, history or theory
- Foreign languages - composition, conversation, grammar, history of the language, literature of the language, reading, translation studies
- Music - music appreciation, history or theory
- Philosophy - comparative philosophy, history of philosophy, logic, schools of philosophy
- Religion - comparative religion, history of religion
- Theater - dramatic interpretation, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, history of drama, playwriting
- Natural sciences and mathematics
- Natural sciences - anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, earth science, geology, physics, zoology
- Mathematics - calculus, mathematical theory, statistics
- Computer Science - broad survey/theory courses
- Social sciences:
- Anthropology, cultural studies, economics, geography, government, history, political science, psychology, sociology
- Criminal justice - introductory and broad survey courses
- Communications - interpersonal communication, mass communication, public speaking, speech and rhetoric
Examples of course types that are generally not considered within the liberal arts and sciences:
- Agriculture
- Business - administration, finance, human resources, management, marketing, production
- Computer applications (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet), programming (e.g., specific languages)
- Health and physical education
- Home economics
- Education and teaching methods
- Library science
- Music - studio, performance, practice courses - voice, instrument, direction, conducting
- Office technologies and practice
- Performing and related arts - acting, costume design, dance, direction, lighting, production, scene construction, sound production
- Specialized professional courses in such fields as accounting, architecture, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine
- Studio art - drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture
- Technology/technician fields - construction, data processing, electrical electronics, graphic arts, mechanical, medical, refrigeration repair
- Television and radio production
- Theology - pastoral counseling, ministry
