Undergraduate Catalog

New Paltz Requirement

1 course

Basic Communication

1 course

(typically, ENG180 Composition II - prerequisite: ENG160 Composition I or by placement)

Basic Communication

1 course

(ENG170 Writing & Rhetoric - prerequisite: ENG160 Composition I or by placement)

Natural Sciences

1 4-credit science lecture/laboratory course or
1 3-credit science lecture course + 1 1-credit science lab course or
2 3-credit science courses (non-lab)

Social Sciences

1  course

United States Studies

1 course

Western Civilization

1 course

World Civilizations & Cultures

1 course

Humanities

1 course

The Arts

1 course
(min. 3 credits)

1 or 2 courses, depending on
placement level

Foreign Language

1 or 2 courses, depending on
placement level

Diversity

see note below*

The critical thinking competencies of Effective Expression, Systematic Inquiry, Information Literacy, and Ethical Reflection are infused throughout the above categories of academic knowledge.

*1 Diversity course must be completed at New Paltz as a requirement for graduation. GE4 does not include an additional Diversity requirement.

Each major is designed to support students' progressive development of competency in Critical Thinking and Information Management.

Minimum total credits = 36

Minimum total credits = 32

New Paltz General Education requirements (under both GE3 and GE4) exceed SUNY's system-level requirements, which are:

• Minimum total credits = 30
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in Mathematics, Basic Communication, and at least five of the following categories: American History, The Arts, Foreign Language, Humanities, Natural Sciences, World Civilizations, Social Sciences, and Western Civilization
• Competency in Information Management and Critical Thinking