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Liberal Arts and Professional Electives

Per the the New York State Office of College and University Evaluation, the following are examples of Liberal Arts electives and Professional Electives for applicants to the College of Health Professions bachelor's programs.

Liberal Arts Electives:

Examples of course types that are generally considered within the liberal arts and sciences:

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1. Humanities

  • English—composition, creative writing, history of language, journalism, linguistics, literature, literature in translation, playwriting
  • Fine arts—art appreciation, history or theory
  • Foreign languages—composition, conversation, grammar, history of the language, literature of the language, reading, translation studies
  • Music—music appreciation, history or theory
  • Philosophy—comparative philosophy, history of philosophy, logic, schools of philosophy
  • Religion—comparative religion, history of religion
  • Theater—dramatic interpretation, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, history of drama, playwriting

2. Natural sciences and mathematics:

  • Natural sciences—anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, earth science, geology, physics, zoology
  • Mathematics—calculus, mathematical theory, statistics
  • Computer Science—broad survey/theory courses

3. Social sciences:

  • Anthropology, cultural studies, economics, geography, government, history, political science, psychology, sociology
  • Criminal justice—introductory and broad survey courses
  • Communications—interpersonal communication, mass communication, public speaking, speech and rhetoric

Professional Electives

Examples of course types that are generally NOT considered within the liberal arts and sciences:

  • Agriculture
  • Business—administration, finance, human resources, management, marketing, production
  • Computer applications (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet), programming (e.g., specific languages) 
  • Health and physical education 
  • Home economics 
  • Education and teaching methods 
  • Library science 
  • Music—studio, performance, practice courses—voice, instrument, direction, conducting 
  • Office technologies and practice 
  • Performing and related arts—acting, costume design, dance, direction, lighting, production, scene construction, sound production 
  • Specialized professional courses in such fields as accounting, architecture, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine 
  • Studio art—drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture 
  • Technology/technician fields—construction, data processing, electrical, electronics, graphic arts, mechanical, medical, refrigeration repair 
  • Television and radio production 
  • Theology—pastoral counseling, ministry

Prospective students will questions about pre-requisites should e-mail Student Admissions at admiss@upstate.edu. Please include the name of the degree program you're considering.

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