Baccalaureate Degree

Baccalaureate Degree - Definitions and Requirements:
- NYSED stipulates that Baccalaureate degree programs shall normally be capable of completion in four academic years of full-time study, or their equivalent in part-time study, with an accumulation of not less than 120 semester hours.
- Minimum Credit Hours:
  - BA: 120 semester credit hours
  - BS: 120 semester credit hours
    - RIT continues to require all new and changed BS programs to be 120 credits in total. Exceptions could be made for professional programs leading to licensure or specialized program accreditation standards.
  - BFA: 120 semester credit hours
- Course Requirements:
  - Credit toward an undergraduate degree shall be earned for college level work.
  - Enrollment of secondary school students in undergraduate courses, of undergraduates in graduate courses and of graduate students in undergraduate courses shall be strictly controlled by the institution.
- Faculty Credentials:
  - Faculty members teaching at the certificate, associate degree, and baccalaureate levels must hold at least a master’s degree in an appropriate field and have the background for in-depth teaching, curriculum development, and program evaluation responsibilities.
  - Certain occupational specializations may merit demonstration of competence alternative to a master’s degree. In all institutions, faculty with master’s degrees and beyond, and with substantial collective experience in college teaching and academic administration should be strongly predominant.
  - At least one faculty member teaching in each curriculum culminating in a bachelor’s degree must hold an earned doctorate in the discipline of the major of the proposed program.

Rochester Institute of Technology
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623-5603