Bachelor of Arts

Many of Manhattanville's undergraduates pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree. Some first year students know the academic area or areas in which they want to concentrate; most do not. Consequently, it is possible to begin work in a major field the first year, but there is no need to declare a major until the second semester of the sophomore year. All students must complete a minimum of 90 credits in the liberal arts and sciences to meet New York State requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Self-Designed Major

If a student's interests lie outside or between the areas of existing programs, they may propose to the School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee (SASCC) a self-designed major program of study. The SASCC approves all self-designed majors. The student's proposal must include a carefully thought-out rationale stating the goals of the program and the means of attaining them with the courses chosen. Self-designed majors are by nature interdisciplinary and involve courses from two or more programs. The student must consult with faculty from the programs from which courses are drawn and obtain their signatures on all forms requiring major program approval. Students considering self-designed majors are advised to discuss their case with the Academic Advising Office or the chairperson of the SASCC. Examples of recent self-designed majors include Social Justice, Ethics and Society, the Economics of the Performing Arts, Political Economy, Art and Society, Italian Civilization, and German Cultural Studies.

Double Major

Students pursuing the requirements for a double major must complete the academic requirements for both majors and/or both degrees. Completing two majors that result in the same degree (e.g., both majors award a B.A.) will result in a double major being listed on the transcript. Completing two majors that result in two different degrees (e.g., a B.A. and a B.S.) will result in both degrees being listed on the transcript. Students majoring in Education are required to be double-majors: they must have a second major of education with a primary major in a liberal arts field.

Preparation for Professional and Graduate Study

A Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee advises students who are preparing for medical school and careers in health. Students preparing for law school can consult with the Pre-Law advisor; students preparing for business school or other types of graduate study should work with a faculty advisor in the appropriate program. See Pre-Professional Studies for pre-health and pre-law requirements.