The second part of the General Education requirements, LASAR, consists of seven liberal arts and science-related areas which form the foundation of your liberal arts degree and education.  Courses that satisfy LASAR are designed to promote intellectual breadth and expose you to a variety of topics.  Whether you know what you want to major in or not, you should find LASAR courses very fulfilling – expanding upon interests you already have, and establishing new interests along the way.

You will learn more about the different courses offered that satisfy each requirement when you come to orientation.  In the mean time, become familiar with the categories and the types of subjects that fall under each.

Course numbers that end in a “W” are considered writing-intensive courses, e.g., ENGL 140W.  You are required to take a minimum of three (3) writing intensive units (or, 3 “W” courses), as part of your degree.  Writing intensive courses may be selected from LASAR courses, major/minor courses, or electives.  Please note: English 110 is a prerequisite for all writing-intensive coursework.

Before you graduate from QC, you will need to select and complete a major from one of the 70+ departments and programs and two schools within the College.  You may already have an idea of what you would like to major in, or you may be completely undecided.  Either way, it is okay – you have plenty of time to try out a few classes before you make your decision.  We encourage students to declare a major by the time they attempt their 60th credit.  Certain types of financial aid require this.  Please note: while most majors are simply declared, certain programs do have specific entrance criteria and/or an application process.

Visit http://www.qc.cuny.edu/academics/ for a listing of QC departments, programs, and schools.  Click on each listing of interest to visit the webpage for each, learn more about the major(s) available, courses offered, and faculty.  This is a great first step to take whether you are sure or unsure about your field of study.  Already thinking about what kind of career you might have with a particular major?  Under the “Current Students” tab on the Academic Advising webpage you will find “What can I do with this major?” listed.  Take a look and see…

The Office of Career Development and Internships also has excellent resources for “connecting the dots” between interests, major, and career exploration.  This office is not just for graduating seniors!  Make a point to introduce yourself during your first semester at QC to take full advantage of what they have to offer.

You are required to earn a minimum of 120 credits to complete your degree.  The amount of credits needed to complete your Primary College Competencies, LASAR, and major, may total to less than 120.  As such, you may have room in your schedule for electives, which could be any credit-bearing course that does not fulfill a specific requirement.  You may also consider pursuing a minor, which is a smaller concentration than a major in a particular discipline.  You could also consider completing a second major in addition to your primary major…it is up to you!

Once you have earned between 45 – 60 credits, you will take the CUNY Proficiency Exam (CPE).  This exam bears no credit, however you must pass it by the time you earn your 60th credit.  This exam assesses academic literacy, including reading, writing, and critical thinking.  You are allowed up to three (3) attempts to take and pass this exam.  Free tutoring and preparation workshops are available.

You will need to have a minimum 2.0 (or, C) cumulative average to graduate.  Depending on your major, you may have a specific within-major G.P.A. requirement as well.

And that is your QC baccalaureate degree in a nutshell!  It may seem like a lot, but don’t worry – you won’t tackle it all at once – you will make progress one semester at a time.  While continuing students are expected to monitor their own degree progress, you always have the Academic Advising Center as a resource whenever you have questions.  When you come to orientation, we will once again review these degree requirements with you, as well as provide you with additional support to help you plan out your first semester schedule.  Be sure to write down any questions you have now, so that when you come to orientation, you can ask us!