B.A. and B.S. Degree Programs:
The Freshman Seminar and the Mathematics Proficiency

Revised General Education/Core Curriculum Requirements:
Effective Fall 2011
These revised requirements supersede the former requirements described on this site, effective Fall 2011.

The following seminar is required for incoming freshmen and selected transfer students in the B.A. and B.S. degree programs (excluding the liberal studies B.A.), as well as freshmen who have not yet declared their major.
Note: VIS 1030/Art+Design Freshman Seminar satisfies this requirement for incoming freshmen in the B.S. degree program in visual arts.

Freshman Seminar: Liberal Arts and Sciences
FRS 1030 / 1 credit / Every semester
In this introduction to the merits and expectations of a liberal arts education, incoming freshmen in the liberal arts and sciences and in arts management are encouraged to become members of the Purchase College intellectual community. Through readings, discussions, and supervised activities, students learn about the College’s academic expectations and its educational and co-curricular opportunities. Graded on a pass/fail basis; cannot be repeated.

Mathematics Proficiency Requirement
The mathematics proficiency requirement has the following goals:

1. To assure that all students have the ability to read newspapers and other literature addressed to the general public with full understanding of quantitative references, graphs, ratios, etc.
2. To assume comprehension of high school–level algebra and geometry, including such abilities as the manipulation of algebraic expressions, the solution of elementary equations and their use in solving verbal problems, an understanding of the elementary geometric figure, and the computation of areas, lengths, and angles.

The mathematics proficiency requirement is satisfied by one of the following:

1. Passing a minimum of three years of sequential math in high school and receiving a score of 85 on the Sequential III (Math B) Regents exam or its equivalent
   
2. Achieving a score of 550 or higher on the quantitative portion of the SAT examination (recentered)
3. Passing the College-administered mathematics examination
4. Passing MAT 1100/Intermediate Mathematics at Purchase
5. Passing an equivalent course at an accredited college

Note: This proficiency only partially fulfills the mathematics core curriculum requirement; an approved course in mathematics (beyond MAT 1100) is also required.

Math Proficiency Prerequisites: Please note that satisfaction of the mathematics proficiency requirement is a prerequisite in some courses. In such cases, all students—regardless of major or matriculation status—must have satisfied this requirement before enrolling in the course.

Updated Jan. 12, 2011

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