2016-2017 Undergraduate Bulletin
Unless otherwise noted, the information provided in this bulletin should be utilized in the following manner:Academic regulations are in effect for all students during 2016-2017. The general degree requirements and requirements for majors and minors are effective for students who matriculate during 2016-2017. The University at Albany does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or any other basis made unlawful by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 or any other applicable law, ordinance, or regulation. Inquiries concerning this policy should be directed to The Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The calendars, curricula, and fees described in this bulletin are subject to change at any time by official action of the University at Albany. For questions about the Undergraduate Bulletin, please contact The Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. UAlbany's General Education Program made a multi-year transition to new requirements. The General Education Program requirements effective with this 2016-2017 Bulletin apply to all students matriculating in Fall 2016. This includes students mastering General Education Academic Competencies of Advanced Writing, Oral Discourse, Information Literacy, and Critical Thinking through the completion of their declared majors. As Competencies Plans are implemented, departments may make slight adjustments to the structure of requirements for the major. This Bulletin Guide may be a source for a summary of any updates during the Fall 2016 semester. Summary of some changes for 2016-2017 in this Bulletin:
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The Office of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education
In addition to publishing the Undergraduate Bulletin each academic year, the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education is responsible for the coordination of the academic experience of undergraduate students at this University. The Vice Provost works closely with the deans and faculty of the individual schools and colleges and with the Undergraduate Academic Council in developing, coordinating, and implementing undergraduate academic policy and curricula as well as actively promoting undergraduate opportunities in applied learning such as research and internships. The Vice Provost oversees the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Honors College, the General Education Program, the Writing and Critical Inquiry Program, the Office of Transfer Student Services, the Student Engagement Initiative, the Center for Achievement, Retention, and Student Success (CARSS), and the Advisement Services Center.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education also provides coordination of and advisement for: independent study; student-initiated interdisciplinary majors and minors; interdisciplinary courses; and the New York State Senate and Assembly Internship as well as other University-wide internships. The Office coordinates with the Office of Access and Academic Enrichment, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar's Office, and other University offices to implement changes in academic policies and curricula.
The Office provides assistance and counseling to undergraduate students who are contemplating leaving the University, who are seeking to take a Leave for Approved Study at another college or university, or who wish to re-enter the University after having been away for a semester or more. It also coordinates the Degree in Absentia process.
Visit the Undergraduate Education website for details about programs and services and for copies of relevant forms as well as petitions for exceptions to academic policies: www.albany.edu/undergraduateeducation/.
The Vice Provost is eager to facilitate help for all students who wish to explore academic issues and concerns. Students may contact the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education by visiting Lecture Center 30, by calling (518) 442-3950, or by email to [email protected].
Schools and Colleges
Undergraduate study is offered through the faculties of each of the separate schools and colleges comprising the University.
The College of Arts and Sciences provides all undergraduates with study in most of the disciplines within the liberal arts and sciences. Those students wishing to explore many of these areas in depth may become majors within the college. Graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences may apply for graduate-level teacher certification programs in the School of Education.
The School of Business offers programs in accounting, business administration, and digital forensics as well as a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a faculty-initiated concentration in financial market regulation. Admission to these programs is competitive, open only to the best-qualified students and including specific courses outlined in the School of Business section of this bulletin.
The School of Criminal Justice offers a multi-disciplinary degree program, focusing on the study of criminal behavior and society’s response to it. Admission to this major is highly competitive, and students must complete specific requirements before applying for admission.
The School of Education is now offering a B.S. in Human Development. It also offers courses for undergraduates who are interested in education-related careers. College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate majors may apply to teacher certification programs at the graduate level.
The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, founded in May 2015, offers academic programs to give students the knowledge and skills to prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from a growing array of natural and man-made risks and threats in New York State and around the world. Effective June 2016, an undergraduate major in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity has been approved. Depending on the concentration, the program leads to a B.A. or a B.S. and provides students with a broad overview of these three fields and develops critical thinking skills and subject area knowledge of public policy, management and risk analysis. The College also offers a minor in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity.
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences combines strong technical education and research with an application-oriented perspective. It is composed of the departments of Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Informatics, and Information Studies. The College offers General Education and advanced courses, and several major and minor programs, including degrees in Computer Science as well as a B.S. in Informatics. Effective June 2016, a new B.S. in Computer Engineering has been approved.
The School of Public Health offers an undergraduate minor in Public Health and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, one with a faculty-initiated concentration in Public Health and one with a faculty-initiated concentration in Bio-instrumentation. The field of public health addresses issues such as bioterrorism, violence prevention, health disparities, and obesity; prevents epidemics and the spread of disease; protects against environmental hazards; prevents injuries, promotes and encourages healthy behaviors; responds to disasters and assists community recovery; and assures the quality and accessibility of health services.
The Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy offers undergraduate degree programs in political science and public policy and management. These programs focus on issues of politics, public policy, and management in the public service in the local, state, federal, and international arena. The program in public policy and management is a combined major and minor sequence, where students choose concentration areas.
The School of Social Welfare offers a combined major and minor sequence that prepares students for beginning social work. This program serves the liberal education needs for students interested in the social sciences and human services professions. Admission to this major is competitive, and students have to complete specific requirements before applying for admission.
The Interdisciplinary Studies Committee of the Undergraduate Academic Council works with the academic colleges and schools to develop and approve Interdisciplinary Studies majors with faculty-initiated concentrations and interdisciplinary minors. The approval of student-initiated Interdisciplinary Studies majors and interdisciplinary minors is also under the jurisdiction of this committee. In addition, the committee recommends and monitors University-wide independent study, internships, special projects, and interdisciplinary topics courses.
