CAS Basics

Question 1

What are the three academic divisions within the CAS?

Answer 1

Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences (the latter also hold appointments with Maxwell).

Question 2

What is the minimum credit number required for the B.A. or B.S.?

Answer 2

120

Question 3

How many of the 120 credits toward the B.S. must be upper level?

Answer 3

30 (or at least 6 credits above the B.A. requirements, whichever is greater).

Question 4

How many of the 120 credits toward the B.A. must be upper level?

Answer 4

18

Question 5

Of the upper-division credits counted toward the completion of a major, how many must be taken at Syracuse University

Answer 5

12

Question 6

What is the maximum number of credits of coursework at the 300-level that may overlap among all majors and minors, regardless of number?

Answer 6

6

Question 7

What is the required GPA for upper-level courses taken at SU and counted toward the major?

Answer 7

2.0

Question 8

To be eligible for graduation, what is the minimum GPA requirement for courses taken at SU?

Answer 8

2.0

Question 9

Name and define the credit rule (it’s a number).

Answer 9

The ninety-six rule. For singly enrolled students, 96 credits must come from the CAS, or be transferred in as CAS credits. That leaves 24 open to outside credits (or as transfer of non arts and sciences credits).

Question 10

For students enrolled in dual programs, how many hours must be taken within the CAS?

Answer 10

90 (or transferred from another institution as arts and sciences credits). Up to 30 non CAS hours may count toward the dual degree.

Question 11

What are the requirements for combined degrees?

Answer 11

The 96-hour rule still applies. However, instead of the 120 credits, the student will require an additional 30 credits (150 total) for the combined degree.

Question 12

What are the arts and sciences credit requirements for selected studies programs for the B.A. and B.S.?

Answer 12

B.A.: 90 credits in arts and sciences

B.S.: 75 credits in arts and sciences

Question 13

What is the maximum credit number of the combination of independent study, experience credit or pass/fail coursework that may be counted toward a degree in the CAS?

Answer 13

Maximum of 24 credits

Question 14

What about Physical Education Courses?

Answer 14

Up to 4 credits in physical education (PED) courses numbered 100 to 299 may be included among the 24 non-Arts and Sciences credits counted toward a degree in the college for singly enrolled students.

Question 15

What are the CAS requirements for intra-university transfer?

Answer 15

(1) Attend an info session (2) submit the application before the July 15 Fall deadline and December 15 Spring deadline (3) Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (which is automatic acceptance).

Question 16

How does an individual attempt an intra-university transfer into the CAS with a GPA below 3.0?

Answer 16

submit a letter with the application, explaining the reason(s) for prior academic problems, why they believe they will be academically successful in the College of Arts and Sciences and what major they are interested in pursuing. Students who will have junior standing when entering the College must include a plan of study form signed by their intended major department. (Salomone does the review).

Question 17

When must students declare their majors?

Answer 17

Before or during the second semester of their sophomore year. There’s an official form they fill out (which requires that department’s approval). If they neglect to fill-out this form before they complete 54 hours a hold will be placed on their account. Students will be asked to write down their major in various places prior to this time, but these are informal expressions.

Question 18

Can a student change their major?

Answer 18

Yes, they can re-submit the declaration form anytime prior to registration for the last semester of classes.

Question 19

What’s the process of declaring a double major?

Answer 19

They write both majors (and secure department consent for both majors) on their declaration form. The second major must be declared prior to registration for the last semester of classes.

Question 20

How do double majors work?

Answer 20

Students can pursue two majors within the CAS, but only one degree is awarded. The 96 credit rule applies, and only 6 hours of 300-level and up work may overlap. If a student is pursuing a major in another university they must still satisfy all requirements within the CAS, including the 96-credit rule.

Question 21

Define the difference between the standard program and the selected studies program in the CAS.

Answer 21

The Standard Program includes the Core, a major, electives, and maybe a minor (or additional major). Two years mostly toward reqs, the last for major/electives.

The selected studies program is a highly individualized curricular plan, leading to either the B.A. or B.S. It’s a tailored program.

Question 22

What is a combined program?

Answer 22

As the name suggests, this is a “combination” between the CAS and another school/program at SU. They lead to two degrees and require an additional 30 hours beyond the regular requirements (usually taking 5 years).

The CAS offers a combined program with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, leading to a B.A. or B.S. from the CAS and a B.S. in Engineering from the other school.

Question 23

What is dual enrollment?

Answer 23

If a student is dually enrolled, they’re pursuing one degree, but that degree is certified by more than one school. The CAS offers dual enrollment with S.I. Newhouse and the School of Education.

Question 24

Discuss the combined Bachelors/Masters Program

Answer 24

It’s offered with the School of Education and requires one additional year of study. Both degrees are conferred at the same time, but there’s a two-stage admission process. To be admitted into the master’s you need a cumulative 3.0 and a 3.0 in the education courses. This program meets NYS requirements for certification for grades 7-12 in English, mathematics, a science area, or social studies.