CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Overview
CUNY BA
The CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) is a university-wide degree pathway that allows students to design a customized Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Operating across Medgar Evers College and all 11 CUNY senior colleges, the program enables self-directed students to combine interdisciplinary coursework, work directly with faculty mentors, and create tailored academic majors aligned with specialized career pathways.
Major
Description
The CUNY BA program provides the structural framework for students to construct individualized majors—known as Areas of Concentration (AoCs)—that fall outside traditional academic department boundaries. Students can select a single concentration (8 courses / 24 credits) or a dual concentration (6 courses / 18 credits each) by cross-registering for upper-level courses across multiple CUNY campuses. Under the guidance of a designated CUNY faculty mentor and academic advisors, participants draft formal degree proposals, fulfill core university requirements, and integrate coursework to target emerging industries, specialized research topics, or complex global challenges.
Design Your Unique Major
Do you have unique interests? Want to keep up with a rapidly changing world? CUNY BA allows you to choose from thousands of courses across CUNY or your home college at Medgar Evers. Customize your degree focus using one of three pathways — the examples below are just suggestions to spark ideas, not your only options:
Specialize
Combine distinct disciplines to build deep expertise in specialized intersections.
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Public Health for Underserved Populations
- Cross-Cultural Data Analytics
- 20th Century African American Literature
- Computational Astrophysics
Problem Solve
Address pressing social, environmental, and global challenges directly.
- Restorative Justice
- Political Behavior & Analysis
- Equity in the Arts
- Wildlife Conservation
- Community Health Advocacy
Career Focus
Tailor your degree toward emerging high-growth industries.
- Dynamic Web Design & UX/UI
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Strategic Project Management
- Documentary Film Production
- Health & Exercise Science
Degree Structure & Concentration Options
8 Courses / 24 Credits
Focus deeply on one specialized area of study (corresponds to a traditional major).
- Must be intermediate or advanced-level courses.
- Taken at CUNY senior colleges.
- Approved by your CUNY faculty mentor.
6 Courses / 18 Credits Each
Combine two distinct disciplines into a double-concentration degree structure.
- Total of 12 courses / 36 credits combined.
- Cross-disciplinary integration across CUNY departments.
- Requires faculty mentorship in both areas.
Eligibility & Admissions Process
- Credit Minimum: At least 12 completed college credits (includes AP, IB, and College Now credits).
- GPA Standard: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80.
- Matriculation: Enrolled or applying as a degree-seeking student at a CUNY senior or community college.
- Educational History: Official transcripts from all prior postsecondary coursework.
- Personal Statement: A brief explanation of your academic goals and why you want to create your own degree.
- Initial Area Proposal: Draft course outline for your 1 or 2 Areas of Concentration.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions regarding the CUNY BA program or need assistance navigating the application process, please reach out to our department office.
CUNY Advisor: Georgette Brown | geobrown@mec.cuny.edu