Undergraduate Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate college degree that typically takes students four years to complete. Students take classes in various subjects and gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field. It provides a solid foundation, often serving as a pathway to graduate studies or a professional career, and is the most commonly awarded university degree in the U.S.
 

Online bachelor's degree programs are available in a variety of fields, allowing students to pursue bachelor's degree programs in areas that match their interests and career goals.
 

An NYU SPS bachelor’s program is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for advanced roles in their chosen fields through a blend of academic rigor and the development of practical, industry-relevant skills.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes two years to complete at a college, university, technical college, or community college. NYU SPS offers the following affordable applied science associate (AAS) degrees for those who have at least one gap semester from having earned their high school diploma: AAS in Business, AAS in Information Systems and Technology, AAS in Hospitality Management, and Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts.

Associate degrees can be Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degrees, each geared toward different educational paths: liberal arts, business and sciences, or technical and career-focused, respectively. 

The time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree program can vary based on factors such as how many credits a program requires, whether a student attends full or part-time, whether or not you take classes in the summer, and if you are transfering, how many of your previous credits can be applied to the new program.

Yes, it’s possible to earn two bachelor’s degrees, either simultaneously or one after the other. Some universities offer dual-degree programs, enabling students to pursue two majors and earn separate degrees within a shorter timeframe.

Yes, you can skip an associate degree and go directly to a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor’s degree programs can be categorized into several types, each with its unique characteristics and focus areas. Here are some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. It’s often pursued by students interested in humanities, social sciences, and languages. A BA provides a broad education, allowing students to explore various disciplines while focusing on their major.
• Bachelor of Science (BS): This degree focuses on scientific and technical skills. It’s typically pursued by students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. A BS degree often involves more specialized coursework and practical experience in the chosen field.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): This degree emphasizes artistic and creative skills. It’s often pursued by students interested in music, theater, dance, or visual arts. A BFA program usually includes intensive studio or performance work, preparing students for careers in the arts.
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): This degree focuses on business and management principles. It’s usually pursued by students interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or marketing. A BBA program covers various aspects of business, including accounting, economics, and organizational behavior, equipping students with the skills needed for leadership roles in the business world.

Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) depends on your career goals, learning preferences, and the field you want to pursue. A BS generally emphasizes math, science, and technical or practical skills, with a more specialized and in-depth approach to the subject area. It’s usually more structured with fewer elective options, ensuring that students gain expertise in their chosen field. A BA often has a broader focus, incorporating more courses in the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. This can be beneficial for those who value a well-rounded education and want to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and creativity.

Whether a bachelor's degree is harder than a master's degree depends on several factors, including the field of study, individual learning style, and prior experience. A bachelor's degree may feel harder due to its length and the transition to higher education, as well as the broad range of required courses. A master's degree can be more challenging due to its specialized nature, the depth of study required, and the increased expectations for academic performance.

Choosing between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree depends on your career goals, financial situation, and how much time you’re willing to invest in your education. While an associate degree takes less time and costs less than a bachelor’s degree, a bachelor’s degree can lead to more career opportunities and higher earning potential. Students may choose to start with an associate degree to earn a credential valued by employers and then continue their education by transferring into a bachelor’s degree program. At NYU SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies, associate degree graduates are automatically accepted into the related Bachelor’s degree without having to reapply or risk losing any credits previously earned.

Yes. NYU SPS welcomes transfer students into all its undergraduate programs. NYU SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies accepts students straight from other colleges or adult learners who have taken a break from academics and want to complete their undergraduate degrees. We make it easy for credits you have earned to count toward an NYU SPS degree. Transfer up to 80 credits for a bachelor’s degree and 30 for an associate’s degree. We’ll determine how to make the best use of eligible transfer credits and provide you with a comprehensive degree completion plan.
 

The NYU BS degrees in Real Estate, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management, and Sport Management accept up to 64 credits from students transferring from other colleges and universities.

Transfer applicants complete the same application as other candidates for NYU SPS DAUS degrees. We do not require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT and do not charge an application fee. Upon admission we will promptly evaluate your transcript and work with you to be sure as many of your previously-earned college credits as possible will count toward you new program.

Applicants to our Associate and Bachelor's degrees must have completed some college credit in order to apply to the summer or fall semesters. Applicants who have not completed any college coursework may apply to the spring semester. We do not require standardized tests like the SAT or the ACT, and we do not charge an application fee. Learn more about the admission process and requirements.

The cost of an NYU SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) Bachelor’s degree is lower per credit than other NYU Bachelor’s degrees. For an even more affordable NYU Bachelor’s degree, start in a DAUS associate degree whose cost per credit is lower than the first two years of a DAUS bachelor’s degree, and you may qualify to complete the associate degree tuition-free. Then continue automatically without reapplying or losing any credits earned into a DAUS Bachelor’s degree for the final half of the credits required. Of course, the total cost of any degree varies based on the number of credits and whether you’re attending the university full-time or part-time and what financial aid you qualify for.
 

To access financial aid and get the money you need to pay for college, it is essential to complete the FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Please visit the Undergraduate Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information.

The cost of an NYU associate degree is lower than the first two years of an NYU SPS DAUS Bachelor’s degree and when you complete it, you will be automatically accepted into a DAUS Bachelor's degree without reapplying or losing any credits previously earned. Of course, the total cost of any degree varies based on the number of credits and whether you're attending the university full-time or part-time and what financial aid you qualify for.

Please visit the Undergraduate Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information

NYU SPS does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Admission decisions consider multiple factors, including your academic transcript, school application materials, work experience, resume, recommendation letter, and other credentials. Visit our Undergraduate Admissions page to learn more about our undergraduate admissions criteria and application requirements and deadlines.

You will be guaranteed admission into our Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies bachelor’s degree program if you earned an associate degree with a 3.0 GPA or better, or if you are a current US active service member or veteran with 60 college credits.
  

Guaranteed admission is offered into our associate degrees to students with a high school GPA of 2.8 and those who are a US active service member or veteran.
 

Learn more about guaranteed admissions here.

Yes. Students applying to the BS in Real Estate, BS in Hotel and Tourism Management, or BS in Sport Management as first-time freshmen may qualify for the NYU Promise making the degree tuition free for families with income less than $100,000 and typical assets. Learn More about NYU first-year financial aid.
 

Students applying to associate or Bachelor's degree programs from NYU SPS DAUS may also utilize Federal and New York State financial aid and may qualify for a variety of NYU SPS and third-party-provided grants and scholarships. Students with no previous college credits who start an NYU DAUS associate degree in the spring semester may be eligible to attend tuition-free and continue automatically into an NYU SPS DAUS Bachelor's degree without reapplying or losing previous credits. This is NYU's most affordable Bachelor's degree pathway. Learn move about NYU SPS DAUS financial aid.

An associate degree is valuable as it provides a quicker, cost-effective route to higher education, usually completed in two years. It equips students with practical skills for entry-level positions in fields such as business and information technology. It also serves as a foundation for transferring to a four-year university, often enabling students to finish a bachelor’s degree faster and with lower expenses. Overall, it offers flexibility, career opportunities, and a solid academic base.

Associate degree graduates often find new career opportunities with the potential for higher salaries compared to those with a high school diploma. The median weekly earnings for associate degree graduates is 17.69% higher than those with a high school diploma according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and they can attract employers and pursue job roles that require the skills and knowledge gained from earning a degree.

The difficulty of earning an associate degree can vary based on the individual, their learning style, field of study, and other personal factors. An associate degree is manageable due to its shorter two-year timeframe, focused curriculum with fewer general education requirements, and flexible schedules offered by universities, colleges, community colleges, and technical colleges. 

At the same time, an associate degree program can be challenging due to course rigor, especially in technical fields, and the need to balance work and/or family responsibilities. Self-motivation and time management are crucial for success. Earning an associate degree is a valuable pathway for entering the workforce and furthering your education.

Earning a bachelor’s degree can have numerous benefits, including:

• Increased earning potential: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree typically earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma. This increased earning potential can significantly impact your financial stability and quality of life.

• Improved job prospects: Many employers require or prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree for certain positions, especially in fields like business, engineering, and healthcare. A bachelor’s degree can open doors to a wider range of career opportunities and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

• Enhanced skills and knowledge: A bachelor’s program helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen fields. These skills are valuable in any career and can help you adapt to and take on various professional challenges.

• Networking opportunities: College provides a great opportunity to connect with peers and professors in your field, which helps build and grow your professional network and job opportunities. Building a strong network can be crucial for career advancement and finding job opportunities.

With the rise of online learning, students now have the option to pursue their bachelor’s degree and associate degree online, on-campus, or a blend of both. Every option offers the same rigorous education and thoughtful course design with unique benefits.

Online bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees, accessible via the internet, offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to::

• Complete coursework on their own schedule, at any time and from any location. This flexibility is ideal for those who need to balance work, family, and other responsibilities with their studies.
• Access course materials and resources online, reducing the need for physical textbooks and commuting. This can save time and make learning more accessible.
• Benefit from financial aid and scholarship opportunities that are often available for online bachelor's degree programs.
• Advance career opportunities by earning a bachelor's degree online, which can open doors to new roles and promotions.

Our online, on-site, and hybrid bachelor’s and associate degree programs offer high-quality education. Courses are taught by the same expert faculty with the only key difference being the mode of instruction.

• We design our accredited online programs to meet the same standards as on-campus programs. This ensures that the education you receive online is just as rigorous and comprehensive as traditional on-campus education.

• Our experienced faculty members are experts in their field. You benefit from the same level of expertise and instruction as on-campus students.

• Online students can access a range of resources, including libraries, online tutoring, and career services. These resources can support your learning and help you succeed in your studies.

The Wasserman Center at NYU SPS offers career coaching and counseling, providing guidance on job search materials, LinkedIn, personal branding, portfolio websites, interviewing, and networking. The Center hosts industry events like recruiting fairs, trips, mixers, panels, and site visits, helping students and alumni connect with employers and build networks. NYU SPS students and alumni also have access to the NYU SPS Wasserman Center for Career Development and their career fairs, mentorship programs, and lifetime career coaching—even after you graduate.
 

93% of NYU SPS undergraduates are working or pursuing further education after graduation and 66% secured employment even before graduation.
 

NYU SPS undergraduates have pursued internships across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Global corporations

• Startups and entrepreneurial ventures

• Nonprofits and NGOs

• Marketing, and PR agencies

• Professional sales

• Healthcare institutions and hospitals

• Law firms

These opportunities help students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world organizational settings.

Every student path is different, but no one travels alone. Whether just starting out or more seasoned, online or onsite, we offer flexible academic, career and personal resources to help undergraduates achieve their goals and make the most of their time as part of the NYU SPS student community.
 

With hundreds of clubs and student organizations, leadership programs and community service initiatives, you will quickly find your community at NYU SPS. SPS embodies the vibrancy of our New York City location and helps students takes advantage of all the professional, cultural and personal opportunities it provides. Learn more about Life at NYU SPS.

NYU SPS welcomes students from around the world. 34% of our NYU SPS undergraduates are international students and NYU SPS alumni live in 111 countries. A full range of clubs and student organizations help international students build lifelong connections and learning. Learn more.