The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires that each undergraduate student complete a certain number of credit hours in liberal arts and sciences (LAS), depending on the degree.[1] D’Youville programs may mandate which LAS courses their students will take. Any remaining LAS credits that are not mandated by programs can be chosen freely by the students.

LAS credits required by each type of undergraduate degree:

• Associate in Arts (A.A.) - 45 LAS credits of 60 total credits required
• Associate in Sciences (A.S.) - 30 LAS credits of 60 total credits required
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - 90 LAS credits of 120 total credits required
• Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.) - 60 LAS credits of 120 total credits required

Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses

Examples of course types that are generally considered within the liberal arts and sciences:

• Humanities:
  • English—composition, creative writing, history of language, journalism, linguistics, literature, literature in translation, playwriting
  • Fine arts—art appreciation, history or theory
  • Foreign languages—composition, conversation, grammar, history of the language, literature of the language, reading, translation studies
  • Music—music appreciation, history or theory
  • Philosophy—comparative philosophy, history of philosophy, logic, schools of philosophy
  • Religion—comparative religion, history of religion
  • Theater—dramatic interpretation, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, history of drama, playwriting
• Natural sciences and mathematics:
  • Natural sciences—anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, earth science, geology, physics, zoology
  • Mathematics—calculus, mathematical theory, statistics
  • Computer Science—broad survey/theory courses
• Social sciences:
  • Anthropology, cultural studies, economics, geography, government, history, political science, psychology, sociology
  • Criminal justice—introductory and broad survey courses
  • Communications—interpersonal communication, mass communication, public speaking, speech and rhetoric

Examples of course types that are generally not considered within the liberal arts and sciences:

• Agriculture
• Business—administration, finance, human resources, management, marketing, production
• Computer applications (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet), programming (e.g., specific languages)
• Health and physical education
• Home economics 
• Education and teaching methods 
• Library science 
• Music—studio, performance, practice courses—voice, instrument, direction, conducting
• Office technologies and practice 
• Performing and related arts—acting, costume design, dance, direction, lighting, production, scene construction, sound production 
• Specialized professional courses in such fields as accounting, architecture, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine
• Studio art—drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture
• Technology/technician fields—construction, data processing, electrical, electronics, graphic arts, mechanical, medical, refrigeration repair
• Television and radio production
• Theology—pastoral counseling, ministry

Transfer Policy

All transfer credits are reviewed by The Registrar, working closely with admissions counselors and with faculty in determining on-going course equivalencies. If the evaluator is unable to determine required course work equivalency from the course description, it will be sent to the appropriate department chair for review and equivalency evaluation. 

D’Youville also gives credit for Advance Placement (AP) examinations for any grade higher than a C.  Students who have completed an International Baccalaureate program (IB) with a g.p.a. of 3.0 or higher are awarded 30 credits of LAS.

Students will receive general education waiver of credit requirement for any Liberal Arts coursework that does not have D’Youville equivalency according to a credit-threshold table.  In every case, D’Youville will create a transfer package for every incoming student that maximizes all previous coursework and proceeds students effectively toward completion of their D’Youville degree.

General Education

The General Education Program is primarily met by taking certain Liberal Arts and Sciences courses. Follow this link for more information on the General Education Program.