To accumulate 120 credits for the ACE bachelor’s degree, students follow this five-step sequence: 

1. General Education Requirements  

The general education curriculum consists of 14 courses, a minimum of 42 credits.  

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. 

2. Life Achievement 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, an  ACE staff member 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 liberal arts electives.

5. Electives

Elective courses are taken to bring the total credits up to the 120 necessary to complete the degree.