The ACE Bachelor's Degree
To accumulate 120 credits for the ACE bachelor’s degree, students follow this five-step sequence:
1. The Basic ACE Seminars
This series—which counts for 35 of the 120 credits required for the degree—includes;
- English Composition (3 cr.)
- Literature (3 cr.)
- Art and Music (6 cr.)
- Mathematical Literacy (3 cr.)
- Social Sciences (12 cr.)
- Biology—with a lab—(4 cr. – ACE section recommended), and
- Psychology (4 cr. – ACE section recommended)
Seminars are designed to help returning and new college students refresh their skills and prepare them to choose a major. Some courses meet once a week for three to four hours and are offered in the evenings and on weekends. In general, once enrolled, ACE students begin working on their General Education requirements. Most, but not all, of QC’s Gen Ed requirements are satisfied by either all or a combination of the eight mandatory and recommended ACE seminars.
2. Life Achievement Credits
Upon completing approximately 35 ACE credits, students can apply for life achievement credits, which can shorten the time it takes to earn a degree. Applicants prepare a portfolio reflecting prior liberal arts learning in the workplace and/or community that may equate with courses offered at the college. At the orientation meeting, the ACE director will explain standardized procedures, requirements, and timetables; and help you to identify and focus on productive areas for seeking prior learning credit. Portfolios are evaluated by academic departments.
3. Selecting a Major
The third stage is choosing a concentrated field of study—possibly a new career path, a professional sequence, or an enrichment area. Queens College offers over 60 majors.
4. Finishing Basic Requirements
While progressing in their major, students should also work toward satisfying the foreign language requirement (or an alternative plan) and liberal arts electives.
5. Electives
Elective courses are taken to bring the total credits up to the 120 necessary to complete the degree.
