Article II - Policy on Course Designation as Liberal Arts
Liberal arts courses provide primarily general or theoretical knowledge and are independent of specific application. These courses are designed to develop students' judgment and understanding about our relationship to the social, cultural, and natural facets of our environment. Liberal arts and sciences courses are traditionally those from the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.
Majors leading to bachelor of arts (BA) degrees should have a minimum of 90 credits (3/4) of the students' courses in liberal arts, and majors leading to bachelor of science (BS) degrees should have a minimum of 60 credits (1/2) of courses designated as liberal arts.
The following would indicate that a course is eligible for designation as liberal arts:
- Presents a theoretical understanding of the subject area
- Both breadth and scope in principal are covered
- Encourages ways of thinking that are relevant across disciplines
- Not directed toward specific professional or technical objectives
Divisions wishing to request a designation of liberal arts for a course should do so using the appropriate form in CMS. The rationale should clearly describe how the course meets the liberal arts criteria listed above and NYSED guidelines on liberal arts designations. Faculty should consult NYSED guidelines for additional details.