Liberal Arts and Sciences, AA

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Degree/Certificate:     Associate in Arts
HEGIS Code:             5649
SUNY Code:              0635
Major Code:              LAS

The NCCC Approach

The Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum provides a means for students with career interests that do not readily align with the requirements of the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Math and Science or the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Science curricula to pursue a liberal arts degree. This curriculum has been designed to be flexible and, also, allows students who change career choices, decide to explore new career choices or who have transferred credits from other schools to put together a program of liberal arts study for transfer to a four-year school.  The Liberal Arts and Sciences program is also appropriate for students wishing to earn a GED (General Equivalency Diploma) while enrolled in college.

The program has been designed to provide balance and breadth in the structured portion of the curriculum so that students are exposed to the major discipline areas within the traditional liberal arts. Latitude exists through liberal arts elective selection to explore various disciplines and complete an associate’s degree. Through consultation with an academic advisor and careful selection of courses, all 10 SUNY general education requirements can be met while completing the AA degree. For more information about the SUNY general education requirements, click here General Education  Free electives may be used to complete the degree but are limited to 12 credit hours.

Suggested Associate in Arts Study Areas or Fields of Academic Interest

By appropriate course selection in consultation with an academic adviser, a student pursuing the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree program may prepare for transfer to upper-division study in subject areas including those listed below as well as many others:

These study areas are provided as examples of ways in which a student can pursue individual academic interests in a variety of fields.The student’s choice of study within the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree is not restricted to the interest areas listed. Individual plans of study can be constructed in consultation with the student’s academic adviser. In addition, the student should meet with his/her academic adviser and consult with prospective transfer institutions with regard to course sequences, prerequisites and completion of degree requirements. Recent graduates of the Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) curriculum have transferred to Buffalo State College, State University of New York at Buffalo, Canisius College, D’Youville College, Hilbert College, Ithaca College, RIT, Niagara University, Plattsburgh State College, Gannon University, Brockport State College, Trocaire College and others. These students have chosen a wide range of majors, including (but not limited to) mathematics, technology, and science education; biology; dietetics; biochemistry; chiropractic; nuclear medicine technology; exercise science (pre-physical therapy); geology; speech and hearing pathology; physical therapy; community mental health; expeditionary studies; medical technology; biotechnology and earth science.

Admission

Students admitted in September and January.

The Liberal Arts and Sciences program is offered as a full-time day program or part-time evening program. Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take longer than eight semesters to complete the part-time evening program or four  semesters to complete the full-time day program if a student begins in a spring semester.

Dual Admissions

SUNY at Buffalo
SUNY College at Buffalo
SUNY College at Fredonia
SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry
Canisius College
Empire State College
Franklin University (Alliance Program)
Medaille College
Niagara University

Articulation Agreements

Cornell University  - Consult with Admissions for additional agreements.

Early Admission for Undergraduate Programs

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Program Goals and Objectives

• To provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education.
• To prepare students for successful transfer to baccalaureate or other advanced degree programs.
• To assist students in meeting a minimum of 7 of the 10 SUNY General Education Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will use the methods employed by scientists to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence and employment of mathematical analysis.
• Students will apply scientific data, concepts and models in one or more of the natural sciences.
• Students will produce coherent texts within common college-level written forms.
• Students will research a topic and develop an argument with supportive details.
• Students will perform basic operations of personal computer use.
• Graduates will understand at least one principal form of artistic expression and the creative process inherent therein.
• Students will have knowledge of the conventions and methods of at least one of the humanities.
• Students will have knowledge of major concepts, models and issues of a least one discipline in the social sciences.