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New York State Liberal Arts and Sciences Requirements

In accordance with the New York State Board of Regents, Rule 3.47c: “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.”

  • A.A. degree: 45 credits minimum (3/4 of coursework)

  • A.S. degree: 30 credits minimum (1/2)

  • A.A.S. degree: 20 credits minimum (1/3)

The New York State Education Department Office of Higher Education has provided the following guidance information on Liberal Arts and Sciences courses, as of February 11, 2009:

The liberal arts and sciences comprise the disciplines of the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences.

Examples of Course Types Generally Considered Within the Liberal Arts and Sciences:

  1. 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

  1. Natural Sciences Mathematics

  • Natural sciences-anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, earth science, geology, physics, zoology

  • Mathematics-calculus, mathematical theory, statistics

  • Computer Science-broad survey/theory courses

  1. 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 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