ALBANY, NY—The New York State Board of Regents approved a master plan amendment for Maria College to offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in Liberal Arts. This is the College’s first program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree complementing the existing Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Liberal Arts.
“Maria College has a strong foundation in this new four year major. The Religious Sisters of Mercy founded the College in 1958 as a liberal arts institution”, stated Maria College President, Dr. Lea A. Johnson. She continued, “Providing students with a well-rounded education and broad foundation has always been a central focus of the College, together with a dedication to excellence and serving others. This Liberal Arts B.A. degree is unique, as students will have the opportunity to specialize and select either a communication or government studies track, plus get valuable work experience in an internship carefully designed for their interests. The two tracks were chosen based upon the Region’s employment needs.”
Dr. John Kowal, Vice President of Academic Affairs stated, “The B.A. in Liberal Arts will provide a solid foundation in critical thinking, problem solving and enhancement of communication skills. It is not just a means to employment, but also in keeping with the College’s mission, we are enabling students to view education as a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and enrichment.” Kowal continued, “In addition, to providing new pathways for Maria Associate degree students and alumni, this program, like our other bachelor programs are very transfer-friendly; the free electives in the program’s structure provides a great deal of flexibility.”
The Regents changed the College’s charter two years ago to grant bachelor degrees. Today, the College is enrolling students in four Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs—Psychology, Healthcare Management, Health and Occupational Sciences and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Nursing. Starting this fall, the B.A. in Liberal Arts will be included in the Maria College academic catalog. Get details on the new Liberal Arts BA.
###
About Maria College
Maria College is a baccalaureate nonprofit, independent, co-educational institution, founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, and is one of 16 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. The College serves traditional and nontraditional students through day, evening, weekend and online classes. A student focused and highly affordable private college in Albany, NY with a 99% placement rate—employment and continuing education.