Liberal Arts, AA

Department of Social and Behavorial Sciences

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Program Overview

Liberal Arts, AA

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Liberal Arts at Medgar Evers College provides a robust two-year foundation in general education. This program is specifically designed for students intending to transfer into four-year baccalaureate programs in fields such as political science, history, sociology, psychology, and social work. With a focus on critical thinking and cultural literacy, the A.A. degree allows students to explore various academic interests while completing sixty (60) essential credits.

Major

Description

The Liberal Arts program offers students the flexibility to customize their education through specialized concentrations. Students move through a “Required Core” of English, Mathematics, and Sciences before diving into a “Flexible Core” that explores world cultures, creative expression, and social change. The program’s unique concentration structure allows students to focus 12 credits in a specific area—such as Mass Communications, Psychology, or English—ensuring a seamless transition to a specialized Bachelor’s degree.

Program and Degree

Requirements

The A.A. in Liberal Arts requires a total of at least 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall. Key requirements are broken down into three main sections: Degree Requirements, General Education Requirements, and Major Requirements.

1. B.A. Degree Requirements

  • Total Credits: Earn at least 60 credits.
  • Residency: Earn at least 30 credits in Residence at Medgar Evers College.
  • GPA: Earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.

2. General Education Requirements (CUNY Common Core & College Option)

These requirements cover the foundation of a liberal arts education.

  • Required Core (12 Credits):
    • English Composition: ENGL 112 and ENGL 150.
    • Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning: 1 course (e.g., MTH 115, MTH 136.
    • Life and Physical Sciences: 1 course (e.g., BIO 101 or PHS 101).
  • Flexible Core (18 Credits – 6 Courses): Complete one course in each of the five areas, plus an additional Flexible Core course in any area.
    • World Cultures and Global Issues (e.g., ANTH 201).
    • U.S. Experience in its Diversity (e.g., HIST 200).
    • Creative Expressions (e.g., ART 100).
    • Individual and Society (e.g., ECON 212 or ECON 213).
    • Scientific World (e.g., CIS 101).
  • One Flexible Core Course (Any Area)

3. Major Requirements

The major requires a minimum GPA of 2.0.

  • Required Core Courses
    • Major Requirements:Freshman Seminar (FS 101), World Civ (HIST 101), Library Research (LIB 100), Logic (PHIL 101), and Sociology or Psychology.
    • Concentration (12 Credits): Focused study in one of six areas (English, Foreign Languages, Mass Comm, Philosophy/Religion, Psychology, or Social Sciences).
    • Open Electives (6 Credits): Any college-level courses to reach the 60-credit total.

Degree Map

A Degree Map (or Academic Pathway/Plan) is an advising tool that outlines a suggested sequence of courses to complete the A.A. in Liberal Arts degree in a timely and efficient manner, often over two years (four semesters).

2-Year Degree Map