General Education Requirements

Your curriculum includes an exposure to many different areas of study, which helps you become a broadly educated member of society. There is some choice. Before making a choice, check the general education requirements for your major, and do not retake courses that you have transferred.

For course requirements visit General Education Requirement

Writing 300-level

These are junior level courses, where you will research and write a paper on a topic related to your major. You may choose any one of Writing 301, 302, or 303.

• Writing 301 is best for students majoring in the humanities and social sciences
• Writing 302 is best for students majoring in the natural sciences, math and technology
• Writing 303 is best for students majoring in professional programs

Writing Intensive Requirement

Each semester in every department, some classes are designated as Writing Intensive. This means that writing is used in special ways to improve learning in that subject. The sections that are WI are indicated with a note in the printed course schedule. On your transcript a writing intensive course is indicated with a W or WI between the course name and the number of credits for the course. (Writing 300-level courses are NOT WI.)

The requirement is:

• Two WI courses at the 100 or 200 level.
• One WI course in your major at the 300 or 400 level.

If a course in your major is not available, another course at the 300-400 level may be substituted, with permission of your department chairperson.

CPE

CUNY requires every matriculated student to pass this test. You must take it when you have reached 45 credits, and have three tries to pass to remain matriculated. CUNY provides a booklet with information about the test. The booklet is available in the Advisement Center (AC-2C01), the Writing Center (AC-1C18), and the Testing Center (AC-1G05)

CPE information available at CUNY Proficiency Exam (CPE)  Especially note the CPE Fact Sheet.

Grades

Every student must have at least a 2.0 average to graduate. Some majors require a higher gpa. An explanation of the grading system and the calculation of averages can be found at Grades

Liberal Arts Requirement

The New York State Education Department requires 60 liberal arts credits in a Bachelor of Science program and 90 liberal arts credits in a Bachelor of Arts program. In the list of course descriptions, courses which are liberal arts for all students identified with a check mark. Courses with stars are liberal arts for all but Accounting majors.

Credit Requirements

There are requirements for the total number of credits as well as the number of credits in your major, and the number taken at York.

For details visit Credits

Majors

You will study one area in depth (your major subject). If you have chosen a major subject, you should consult with your major department. Usually the required courses should be started as soon as possible. If you have not chosen a major, an academic advisor can help you.

When you have decided on a major, declare it by filling out a card in the Registrar's Office. You should declare a major no later than attaining 60 credits. Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physicians Assistant, and Social Work are majors with a competitive application process. If you are considering any of these majors, be sure to contact the department as soon as possible.

You may major in more than one subject.  However, a course that is used to satisfy one major may not also be used to satisfy the other major.

Descriptions of majors can be found at Programs

Minors  -  You are not required to have a minor, but many students do.  A minor can be used to broaden your knowledge in a subject related to your major, or to explore an unrelated subject.

Descriptions of minors can be found at Programs