Purchase College: Arts, Liberal Education, And Collaborations

At Purchase College, you’ll find a distinctive blend of arts and liberal education that shapes both your studies and campus life. The college’s interdisciplinary focus lets you cross traditional boundaries, encouraging creative approaches and hands-on projects. With a culture that values collaboration and critical thinking, you’re invited to design your own path, build connections in and beyond the classroom, and discover how these partnerships can redefine what your education looks like.

Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Liberal Arts

At Purchase College, the Liberal Arts program distinguishes itself through its flexible design, allowing students to create their own interdisciplinary major by integrating up to three areas of study from a selection of over 30 academic fields.

Within the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students have the opportunity to engage with various disciplines including Film, Media, Television, History, Cultural Studies, Management, Law and Justice, and Philosophy and Critical Studies.

The StudiesMajorBA and StudiesMajorMinorBAInterdisciplinary tracks emphasize the importance of undergraduate research and facilitate career adaptability. Each senior is required to complete a capstone project, which is developed with faculty support, thus ensuring an integrative educational experience.

Additionally, Purchase College provides academic programs that facilitate connections among current students, faculty, and alumni.

This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances academic programs but also broadens educational experiences beyond conventional frameworks. Such a structure promotes a comprehensive understanding of diverse subject matters, equipping students with skills relevant to a dynamic job market.

Designing Your Own Major

Designing your own major within Purchase College's Liberal Arts program allows for the creation of a personalized educational experience tailored to individual academic interests and professional aspirations. The program offers the opportunity to combine disciplines such as Media, Management, Philosophy, Critical Studies, Latin American Studies, Film, and History within the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Students interested in this option will work closely with the BALA Coordinator, who provides guidance in selecting courses from various majors, thus facilitating the design of a cohesive interdisciplinary curriculum. This approach enables students to draw from a broad spectrum of academic resources to build a program that meets their specific educational objectives.

A significant component of the program is the requirement of a senior project, which serves as a capstone experience that allows students to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies. This project can demonstrate the synthesis of various fields of inquiry and showcase the student's ability to engage with complex topics in an informed manner.

Purchase College offers a range of academic programs that can support this personalized approach to education across multiple disciplines, providing students with the resources necessary to pursue their unique academic paths effectively.

Experiential Learning and Research Opportunities

Purchase College incorporates experiential learning within its Liberal Arts program, offering structured opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Students across various disciplines, including sciences, Film, Television, and Media, are encouraged to engage in internships and interdisciplinary projects to confront real-world challenges.

In their senior year, students are required to complete a capstone project—options include StudiesMajorBA, StudiesMajorMinorBAInterdisciplinary, or ManagementMajorMinorBA—which showcases their ability to conduct independent research or produce creative work.

Additionally, academic events such as the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference provide a platform for students to present their findings.

Purchase College offers diverse Academic Programs—such as History, Cultural Studies, Philosophy and Critical Theory, Latin American Studies, and English and Global Studies—which collectively establish a robust foundation for various future academic and professional endeavors.

Alumni Achievements and Career Development

Alumni from Purchase College demonstrate the significant impact of a Liberal Arts education on career trajectories. Graduates such as Amanda Seales have utilized their interdisciplinary studies in Media, Television, and Film to establish successful careers.

Similarly, Erin Sullivan has leveraged her academic background in the Arts and Sciences to enhance her skills in creative storytelling.

The college facilitates networking and professional development through events such as the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference, where alumni can connect and share their work.

Additionally, the School of Liberal Studies and Management offers programs that contribute to career development, providing graduates with a solid foundation for various professional paths.

Connections through social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube further enhance alumni networking.

The community support available on Anderson Hill Road also plays a role in fostering professional growth for graduates.

Overall, Purchase College alumni exemplify the diverse applications of a Liberal Arts education in the professional arena.

Collaboration Across Schools and Departments

Purchase College promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to integrate subjects from different departments and create individualized educational paths. Through this approach, students engage in projects that intersect fields such as Liberal Studies, the sciences, Management, Media, Arts, Television, and Film. This is supported by faculty from various areas, including Studies Major BA, Studies Major Minor BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Management Major Minor BA.

As students advance to their senior year, they have the opportunity to collaborate in disciplines such as Cultural History, Philosophy and Critical Studies, Latin American Studies, and English and Global Studies. This exposure provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse academic offerings available at Purchase College.

Experiential learning opportunities, including Undergraduate Research, facilitate connections between current students, alumni, and faculty, thereby enhancing career prospects.

The college's Academic Programs and Campus Life initiatives further encourage networking and community engagement among students and faculty.

Navigating Academic Programs and Resources

Within Purchase College’s School of Liberal Studies, students have access to a diverse selection of academic programs that allow them to tailor their educational experience. The institution offers majors such as Arts and Cultural Management, Law and Justice, Global Studies, and others, which emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to learning and prepare graduates for a variety of career paths.

Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty sponsors across various disciplines, including the sciences, Philosophy and Critical Thinking, Media, Television, Film, History, and English. The curriculum mandates participation in Undergraduate Research and includes a required senior project, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning.

Additionally, the college offers flexible course options, such as evening classes and online programs, to accommodate different schedules.

Students can also benefit from resources available through the Campus Directory, Calendar of Events, and Admissions related to Campus Life. This infrastructure supports a comprehensive educational environment that addresses both academic and logistical needs.

Conclusion

At Purchase College, you'll find an environment that's rich in creativity, collaboration, and academic exploration. Whether you're drawn to the arts, the humanities, or innovative interdisciplinary paths, you can shape your education to match your ambitions. By engaging in hands-on learning and taking advantage of partnerships and community connections, you’ll be prepared for a variety of career paths. Here, you’re encouraged to think critically, grow artistically, and make a real impact within and beyond campus.