CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (a.k.a. CUNY BA) allows self-directed students to design their own academic courses of study under the guidance of faculty mentors.
In most cases for students who have a Bachelor’s degree, it makes sense to move on directly to a Master’s degree. CUNY Baccalaureate, however, recognizes that there are instances when a second Bachelor’s degree is the right academic route. Accordingly, we accept candidates, including those who hold degrees from this program, for a second undergraduate degree when professional or academic purposes dictate the need.
The second degree must be an area of concentration different from the first degree’s concentration or major. Candidates will be required to complete 30 residency credits; additional credits may be required in cases where the student has not taken all the courses necessary to satisfy the CUNY Baccalaureate core distribution. Up to ninety credits from the first degree can be transferred; they will all count toward the second degree. Courses applied to the first degree’s major or concentration cannot be applied toward the new area of concentration.
Second degree candidates will be required to follow the same application and admissions procedures as first degree candidates: they must apply to (or readmit to) a CUNY college as a transfer student and they must complete the CUNY Baccalaureate application. Their personal statement must fully explain their need for a second degree. Returning CUNY Baccalaureate students need not supply a letter of recommendation or transcripts (unless they have completed academic work beyond the CUNY BA/BS.) An admissions interview will be required.
Second degree candidates are welcome to contact the program’s Academic Director or Deputy Director to discuss their plans for a second Bachelor’s degree.
To participate in CUNY BA, you will have to be accepted to one of the CUNY Colleges; to apply, go to: http://www.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate.html
