Does anyone know the difference between the two, and what their respective requirements are? Also, I was told by my college that I can't do a concurrent B.A./B.S. due to some NY state regulation (?). Why is this so, and can I get around it?
YWN Coffee Room » Yeshiva / School / College / Education Issues
Information on Dual Degree/Double Major
(18 posts)-
Posted 4 months ago #
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It's clearly not against state regulations as there is a student at Fredonia (SUNY) going for a concurrent BS/BA.
http://www.fredonia.edu/commencement/seniorplans.asp (See Rachel Foltz).
The Wolf
Posted 4 months ago # -
Schools make rules, states don't. Most colleges require a lot more for a second bachelors (usually a minimum of two years extra work). For example, if you already have a B.A. in History, and want to get one in Political Science (or more likely, a B.S.N in Nursing, and a B.S. in Biology). If you are earning them simulaneously from the same school, they usually give the higher degree, with a double major.
If you are earning credits from two different colleges (or a college and a yeshiva that is structured to give credits), it is up to each school. Typically the university doesn't recognize credits that count for someone else's degree, and usually restrict the number of credits that can be transferred - and rarely accept credits at a different school taken after you started at the first school unless you asked permission in advance and had a good reason not to take the course at the first school.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Mods,
I know you normally don't allow links, but I thought this time it was appropriate as it provided the OP of proof that his desire to persue a concurrent degree is not illegal under New York State Education regulations.
On those grounds, can you please reconsider my previous post.
Thanks,
The Wolf
Posted 4 months ago # -
I'm studying at a CUNY school and we have many double majors. It's quite simple, actually. All of you have to do is allot many of your elective credits to fulfill the requirements for a second major (usually about 24 credits). This also eliminates the need for a minor which is usually 9-12 credits. So your breakdown would look something like this:
Out of 120 credits:
60 Credits, Core Curriculum
25 Credits, Major 1
25 Credits, Major 2
10 credits, Electives(If you didn't double major, you'd use about half of the second major credits for a minor, and the other half as electives.)
Posted 4 months ago # -
akuperma: The problem is that it isn't something like History/Poly Sci or Nursing/Biology - it's two (ostensibly) very different fields of study. The school said that they can't grant a double major in B.A./B.S. - the degree can only be multiple majors in one discipline. But they told me they had no choice in the matter, and that it was government regulation. I was a bit confused, as I had done some research, and this issue never turned up. Can I call them on it?
Also, about getting a concurrent degree from two different colleges - do they have to be associated with each other already, or can I apply for such a degree out of nowhere? And do you think the B.A./B.S. situation would play out the same way?
estrapade: That sounds like an interdisciplinary major. The departments aren't interrelated enough for that (I already tried...). Major/minor doesn't work either, due to a myriad of technical reasons... :(
Posted 4 months ago # -
Mods,
Thank you for reconsidering.
The Wolf
Posted 4 months ago # -
Thanks, Wolf - so how do you think I should approach the college? Do you think they would allow my idea if I show them a detailed plan of action?
Posted 4 months ago # -
Usually you can only double major within one degree. So a BA/BBA, or a BA/BS won't happen. Some schools offer exceptions. If you are already enrolled in a college you should just speak with the advisement center. If you have yet to enroll, visit several colleges and speak to the admissions officers.
Why is it that you're so keen on double majoring? What two majors do you wish to pursue?
Posted 4 months ago # -
Something in from the Engineering department, and something sort-of humanities-ish...don't worry, I do in fact have a plan for after college, eheheh... 8D
Posted 4 months ago # -
Thanks, Wolf - so how do you think I should approach the college? Do you think they would allow my idea if I show them a detailed plan of action?
I don't know. Just because you can show that there is no state regulation against it doesn't mean that there isn't a school policy regarding the matter.
Nonetheless, I can't see how it can hurt if you give them a detailed plan and/or ask them to show you the regulation in question.
The Wolf
Posted 4 months ago # -
Hmm, you really need to shop around on a school by school basis.
(Btw, I'm pursuing a degree in the humanities. Hehe.)
Posted 4 months ago # -
Wolf: They really made it sound like their hands were tied, and they'd love to accommodate me, but... So I'm a little annoyed at them, and very confused in general. I might switch schools after the spring semester.
estrapade: What do you mean? (And nice, by the way. There aren't enough of us in the world. :D)
Posted 4 months ago # -
OOM, I wholeheartedly agree. So drop the BS degree, and study literature, history, or philosophy instead.
(Mods: By BS degree I mean Bachelor of Science... :/)
Posted 4 months ago # -
Lol...I'm one of those strange people who has contradictory interests, yet is too devoted to them to give up one set for the sake of the other. If I transfer, it'll be to an engineering school, and then it's bye bye B.A. :( Hence the quandary.
I think I'm gonna ask my school if I can cross-register with some other school, so I can get the classes that might actually be able to integrate the two majors. Or if they'll just grant me the silly dual degree.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Those aren't "government" regulations, those are school rules. Meaning you don't need to talk to the legislature if you don't like, you merely need to talk to whomever is in charge of the school. Of course, if it is a public school, their school rules may be enforceable in court, meaning the Board of Trustees would have to follow the administrative procedure law to make a change.
If one wants something out of the ordinary it pays to decide on it before going to the school, and get them to say they'll allow it before you even apply. Normally, for degrees, they want you to have paid two sets of tuition. THe school catalogue sets the rules. Most schools expect you to complete the final year or two at their insititution to give you a degree.
If there are separate schools (e.g. a secular university and a yeshiva licensed to give a B.A.) each school has its own policies.
Also if you want some courses and the school doesn't offer it, you can usually get permission to take it elsewhere and transfer the credits, as long as you ask in advance.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Hmmm...do you happen to know how financial aid/merit awards work when you cross-register?
Posted 4 months ago # -
Thanks for all the help, everyone! I've been really thinking about what I want to do with my college career, and I've decided transfer (sorry, estrapade). Now I all have to do is get in...:S
Posted 4 months ago #
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