NYU College Of Arts And Science Bulletin: 2026 Academic Guidelines And Degree Requirements
The NYU College of Arts and Science (CAS) Bulletin serves as the definitive legal and academic framework for undergraduate students pursuing degrees within the Faculty of Arts and Science. For the 2026 academic year, this document outlines the core curriculum, major and minor requirements, departmental policies, and administrative regulations governing progress toward the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. Students are held accountable to the policies published in the bulletin corresponding to their semester of matriculation, though certain updated 2026 mandates regarding digital literacy and interdisciplinary research now apply across all active student cohorts.
Core Curriculum Framework for 2026
The CAS core curriculum is designed to provide a rigorous liberal arts foundation, balancing depth in a chosen discipline with breadth across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The 2026 requirements emphasize an integrated approach to global perspectives and quantitative reasoning.
- Foundations of Contemporary Culture: Students must complete one course addressing the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the modern era.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Proficiency in statistics or mathematical modeling is mandatory. By 2026, the college has increased the availability of data science-focused courses to satisfy this requirement.
- Natural Sciences: Completion of two science courses, including at least one with an integrated laboratory component to ensure hands-on empirical experience.
- Foreign Language: Proficiency equivalent to the intermediate level is required, determined by a placement exam or successful completion of the four-semester sequence.
Students should note that Advanced Placement (AP) credits and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores are subject to strict evaluation. While scores of 4 or 5 on most AP exams grant elective credit, they do not necessarily satisfy core requirements without specific departmental approval.
Navigating Major and Minor Declarations
Degree completion requires the successful fulfillment of a declared major and, optionally, one or more minors. In 2026, the administrative process for declaration is managed exclusively through the Albert student portal.
Academic Declaration Protocols
Initiating the Process Students are eligible to declare a major upon the completion of 32 credits. All declarations must be finalized no later than the end of the sophomore year to ensure adequate time for upper-level coursework and senior capstone projects.
Departmental Approval While the portal facilitates the request, students must consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) for their intended department. The DUS verifies that the student has met the prerequisites, which often include introductory survey courses with a minimum grade of C.
Cross-School Minors CAS students may pursue minors offered by other NYU schools, such as the Stern School of Business or the Tandon School of Engineering. However, total credit limits apply to ensure that the majority of coursework remains within the College of Arts and Science.
NYU CAS Bentson Dean's Lecture, featuring Dr. Michael Osterholm on Vimeo
Comparison of Degree Pathways and Credit Requirements
The following table outlines the foundational credit expectations for students matriculating in the 2026 academic year. Please note that individual departmental requirements for B.S. degrees frequently exceed the minimum credit totals listed below.
| Degree Path | Total Credits Required | Core Curriculum Credits | Residency Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | 128 | 60 | 96 Credits |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S.) | 128 | 48 | 96 Credits |
| Honors Program | 128 | Varies | 96 Credits |
| Double Major | 128-140 | Integrated | 96 Credits |
Academic Standards and Probationary Metrics
NYU maintains high expectations for academic performance. The 2026 bulletin clarifies the distinction between academic warning, probation, and dismissal. Students are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.
- Academic Warning: Issued to students whose semester GPA falls below 2.0 or who fail to complete a minimum number of credits toward their degree.
- Academic Probation: Triggered by a cumulative GPA falling below 2.0. Students on probation are restricted from participating in certain extracurricular activities and must meet with an academic advisor monthly.
- Dismissal: Continued failure to improve academic standing after one semester of probation may result in academic dismissal. Petitions for readmission are handled by the CAS Committee on Academic Standing.
Research and Experiential Learning Opportunities
The 2026 academic landscape at NYU emphasizes experiential learning. The bulletin encourages students to pursue undergraduate research through the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fund (DURF) or departmental honors thesis programs. Unlike previous years, the 2026 guidelines prioritize early-career involvement in laboratory research and archival projects to prepare students for the competitive graduate school admissions market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify which credits transfer toward my CAS degree? You must submit official transcripts to the Office of the University Registrar for evaluation. The CAS advising team then maps these credits to specific core or elective requirements within the Albert portal.
Can I pursue a double major across different NYU schools? Yes, but this is categorized as a "dual-degree" or "cross-school" program and requires significant coordination. You must obtain approval from both the College of Arts and Science and the secondary school to ensure credit distribution requirements are met.
What is the deadline for dropping a course without a 'W' grade? The deadline for the 2026 academic year is strictly the end of the second week of the semester. Changes made after this date will result in a "W" notation on your official transcript, which does not affect your GPA but appears in your academic record.
How does the 2026 pass/fail policy work? Courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis generally do not satisfy major or core requirements. Students are permitted a limited number of elective courses to be taken P/F, provided they declare their intention within the specified registrar windows.
Where can I find the most recent departmental curriculum updates? While the primary Bulletin is published annually, the "Departmental Updates" section of the CAS website serves as the live repository for curriculum changes occurring mid-year. Always verify requirements against the live department pages for the most current 2026 mandates.
Strategic Advising for Degree Completion
To remain on track for graduation in 2026 and beyond, students should meet with their assigned CAS advisor at least once per semester. Use the "Degree Progress Report" in Albert to monitor your fulfillment of departmental prerequisites. If you encounter scheduling conflicts between core requirements and major-specific courses, prioritize the completion of foundational prerequisites, as these are often only offered in specific academic cycles. Should you require further clarification on specific major requirements, contact the department's undergraduate administrative assistant to schedule an appointment with your DUS.
