Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Programs

Introduction

A Geneseo education affords perspectives and skills to engage the complexities and possibilities of a globally connected world. Students encounter broad areas of knowledge, become specialists in a particular discipline, develop habits of critical inquiry and civic participation, reflect on their learning, and reach beyond themselves by exploring the diversity of human experiences, cultures, and viewpoints. In addition to meeting SUNY’s General Education requirements, our program aligns with Geneseo’s Learning Outcomes for Baccalaureate Education (GLOBE), our Mission, Vision and Values, our Community Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and our commitment to being an antiracist college.

Specialized Knowledge: The Major

Major programs prepare students for life-long success by taking them deep into a discipline’s domain of knowledge and methods; cultivating skills in Critical Thinking, Informational & Digital Literacy, and discipline-specific practices of Written and Oral Communication and Leadership & Collaboration; and, in many cases, putting knowledge into action by engaging with real-world issues via Integrative and Applied Learning experiences.

Broad Knowledge, Intellectual and Practical Skills

To participate in the social, political, and ethical dimensions of society, and to work toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable world, students need broad knowledge and a set of common skills.

Integrative and Applied Learning

Geneseo has an institutional commitment to both transformational learning experiences and a rich co-curricular life. Integrative learning fosters the ability to connect and combine knowledge and skills acquired through the curriculum and co-curriculum to new, complex situations within and beyond the college. This approach allows students to reflect on the ways that such knowledge is utilized and places them on a fast track for continuing success. More information about the Integrative and Applied Learning requirement can be found on the General Education Curriculum page in the bulletin.

Program Outline

Total Degree Program: 120 (minimum)   

Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Program

Students must meet the following requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree from the College at Geneseo.

1. Earn a minimum of 120 credits. A maximum of 64 credits (plus up to 15 additional upper-level major courses) can be transferred from two-year institutions, and a maximum of 90 credits are transferable from a four-year institution. In addition, students must complete 90 liberal arts and sciences (LASC) credits for a B.A., 60 liberal arts and sciences (LASC) credits for a B.S., and 30 liberal arts and sciences (LASC) credits for a B.F.A, as defined in state law. Please also see section titled Credit Restrictions, under Academic Policies, for limitations in many applied areas on credits that may be used toward the required 120.

2. Attain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at Geneseo.

3. Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative average in all courses in their major department applied toward completion of the major, and a 1.67 average or better in required related courses (i.e., any courses required by the major department which are outside its own academic discipline). Education students seeking recommendation from the College for New York State initial certification must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5. Note that some majors require a cumulative average higher than a 2.0 to continue in their programs (see School of Business and School of Education).

4. Complete satisfactorily all courses required for the major (as specified by the descriptions of majors, minors, and courses in “Academic Programs”).

5. Complete successfully the Critical Thinking, Informational & Digital Literacy, discipline-specific practices of Written and Oral Communication, and Leadership & Collaboration requirements in the major (or first major, for students with multiple majors). Consult individual department offices for details.

6. Complete satisfactorily the requirements of the General Education Curriculum: Broad Knowledge, Intellectual and Practical Skills (as specified in the section “General Education Curriculum”). More information, including approved courses and learning outcomes in each of the areas are described on the following website: geneseo.edu/gened

7. Complete satisfactorily at least 45 credits toward graduation in courses at or above the 200 level, with at least 24 at the 300-499 level.

8. Offer toward graduation a minimum number of credits outside the major department or outside professional preparation areas, as indicated in the table at the bottom of this page. 

9. All students must document an integrative or applied learning (IAL) experience (whether within the major or outside of it -even via the co-curriculum) that reflects the Integrative and Applied Learning Requirement learning outcomes. 

10. Complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence at Geneseo. Credit earned in Geneseo intersession, summer sessions, or in on-campus evening courses counts as residence credit.

11. After you have completed 90 credits, submit a graduation application form with the Advising Office, Erwin 106, no later than deadlines posted on the Academic Calendar.