Senate Bill
1819-15
UNIVERSITY SENATE
UNVERSITY AT ALBANY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Introduced by:
Graduate Academic Council
Undergraduate Academic Council
University Policy and Planning Council
Date:
April 15, 2019
Proposal to Establish a Combined BA/MA in Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latino
Studies
IT IS HEREBY PROPOSED THAT THE FOLLOWING BE ADOPTED:
1. That the University Senate approves the attached program proposal as submitted by the
Department of Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latin Studies and approved by
GAC, UAC, and UPPC.
2. That this takes effect for the Fall 2019 semester.
3. That this proposal be forwarded to President Havidán Rodríguez for approval.
LACS BA-MA Program for Senate.docx
Page 1 of 5
University at Albany – State University of New York
College of Arts and Sciences
Course and Program Action Form
Proposal No.
18-148
Please check one:
Course Proposal
x Program Proposal
Please mark all that apply:
New Course
Revision of:
Number
Description
Cross-Listing
Title
Prerequisites
Shared-Resources Course
Credits
Deactivate/Activate Course (boldface & underline as
appropriate)
X Other (specify): LACS BA-MA
Department:
LACS
Effective Semester, Year: Fall 2019
Course Number Current:
New:
Credits:
Course Title:
LACS BA/MA COMBINED PROGRAM
Course Description to appear in Bulletin:
Combined Bachelor/Master’s Program in LACS
Minimum of 138 credits with at least 30 being graduate credits.
In qualifying for the baccalaureate degree, students will meet all university requirements including the three core
requirements, ALCS 100, 300, and 411, 412, or 413, and the minimum liberal arts and sciences credit-hour
requirements and residency. In qualifying for the BA, students must meet all university college requirements as
indicated in the major.
In qualifying for the master’s degree, students must meet all university requirements including a minimum of 30
graduate credits and any such conditions as research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examinations, or other
professional experience where required. Up to 12 graduate credits may be applied simultaneously to both the BA and
MA programs..
Prerequisites statement to be appended to description in Bulletin:
Students may apply for admission to the combined degree program in LACS at the beginning of their junior year of after
the successful completion of 56 credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of
recommendation.
If S/U is to be designated as the only grading system in the course, check
here:
This course is (will be) cross listed with (i.e., CAS ###):
This course is (will be) a shared-resources course with (i.e., CAS ###):
Explanation of proposal:
(Undergraduate Course/Program proposals: please address the effect on the department’s General Education competency plan)
See attached
Other departments or schools which offer similar or related courses and which have certified that this proposal does not
overlap their offering:
If this proposal is for an interdisciplinary program, please indicate the Department where the major/minor will be
Chair of Proposing Department (TYPE NAME)
Administrative Manager or Department Secretary (TYPE NAME)
Date
Pedro Cabán
Librada Pimentel
9/27/18
Approved by Chair(s) of Departments having cross-listed
course(s) [Copy of e-mail approval(s) on following page.]
Date
Dean of College
Date
Kathy Gersowitz
10/26/18
Chair of Academic Programs Committee
Date
Dean of Undergraduate or Graduate Studies
Date
Oliver Elison Timm
10/25/18
Form: CAS Course and Program Action Form (revised 10/19/16)
LACS BA-MA Program for Senate.docx
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PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A COMBINED BA/MA PROGRAM
Latin American, Caribbean and & U.S. Latino Studies
The Department of Latin American, Caribbean & U.S. Latino Studies (LACS) proposes a
combined B.A. /M.A. program. The combined B.A./M.A. program will provide an
opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill
integrated requirements of the undergraduate and Master’s degree programs from the
beginning of their junior year. Students may take up to 12 graduate credits that can be
applied toward both degrees. This means that students can complete both a Bachelor’s
and Master’s Degree while saving a semester of study. With a carefully designed
program, it is possible to earn the BA and MA degrees in LACS in eleven semesters.
In qualifying for the BA, students must meet all University requirements, including the:
the requirements for the major, found
here: https://www.albany.edu/lacs/lasmajor_requirements.shtml , in addition to minor
requirements, general education requirements, a minimum 90-credit liberal arts and
sciences requirement, and residency requirements.
In qualifying for the MA, students must meet all University and college requirements as
outlined in the LACS Graduate Student handbook -
see: https://www.albany.edu/lacs/LACS%20Graduate%20Handbook%202017-2018.pdf,
including:
completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits, completion of thesis or project option
and residency requirements.
Up to 12 graduate credits may be applied simultaneously to both the BA and MA
programs.
The expected impact of the new program on existing programs is an increase in overall
enrollments to the LACS Master’s Program. For students, the combined BA/MA program
allows an accelerated track to obtain a master’s degree, the opportunity for independent
research, and professional advancement.
Admissions:
Students may apply for admission to the combined degree program in LACS at the
beginning of their junior year or after the successful completion of 56 credits. A
cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of
recommendation from faculty are required for consideration. The GREs are NOT
required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a personal statement of no more
than two pages indicating why they are applying to this program.
LACS BA-MA Program for Senate.docx
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Program Requirements
BA
MA
COMBINED BA/MA
Program Requirement for the
BA Latin American,
Caribbean and U.S. Latino
Studies
Program Requirements for the
MA
in
Latin
American,
Caribbean and U.S. Latino
Studies
Program Requirement for the
combined BA/MA in Latin
American, Caribbean and U.S.
Latino Studies
ALCS 100 (3cr.)
ALCS 100 (3cr.)
ALCS 300 (3cr.)
ALCS 300 (3cr.)
ALCS 411, 412, or 413
(3cr.)
ALCS 411, 412, or 413
(3cr.)
Electives: An additional 27
credits in Latin American,
Caribbean, and U.S. Latino
Studies with ALCS prefix
courses or any courses
cross-listed with ALCS from
other departments
The Undergraduate
Director will assist students
with an individually designed
and cohesive curriculum
comprised of these electives
(e.g. 15 credits, or 5 courses,
at the 100-200-level and 12
credits, or 3 courses, at the
300-level or above with an
ALCS prefix)
Required core courses:
ALCS 502
ALCS 503
ALCS 504
ALCS 505
ALCS 506
Students must take all required
core courses, and may double
count 12 credits from the
following courses as part of
the 27 credits electives
requirement for the BA.
ALCS 502
ALCS 503
ALCS 504
ALCS 505
ALCS 506
An additional 12 credits
including:
6 credits of supporting courses
(6 credits to be determined
through consultation with
Advisor and Graduate
Director.)
ALCS 691 Directed Readings
(3 credits)
ALCS 697 Directed Master's
Project (3 credits)
OR
An additional 3 credits of
supporting courses if selecting
the exam option.
Proficiency in either Spanish
or Portuguese. The language
proficiency requirement can
be met in one of two ways: a
An additional 12 credits
including:
6 credits of supporting courses
(6 credits to be determined
through consultation with
Advisor and Graduate
Director.)
ALCS 691 Directed Readings
(3 credits)
ALCS 697 Directed Master's
Project (3 credits)
OR
An additional 3 credits of
supporting courses if selecting
the exam option.
Proficiency in either Spanish
or Portuguese. The language
proficiency requirement can
be met in one of two ways: a
LACS BA-MA Program for Senate.docx
Page 4 of 5
BA
MA
COMBINED BA/MA
proficiency exam or obtain a
minimum grade of B+ in an
upper division Spanish or
Portuguese language class.
proficiency exam or obtain a
minimum grade of B+ in an
upper division Spanish or
Portuguese language class.
General Requirements for Program Completion:
The key elements of the proposed new program are as follows:
a. Students must meet the requirements for the undergraduate BA and all
of the requirements for the MA degree in Latin American, Caribbean
and U.S. Latino Studies.
b. In qualifying for the undergraduate BA degree in Latin American,
Caribbean, and U.S. Latino Studies, students must meet all the
University requirements. These include the minimum liberal arts and
sciences graduation credit requirement, the residency requirement and
the general education requirements.
c. In qualifying for the MA degree, students must meet all University
requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion
of the minimum 30 graduate credit requirement, core and specialty
courses, and the internship or thesis writing experience as detailed in
the above table.
d. A maximum of twelve graduate credits may count toward the credit
hour requirements of both the BA and the MA. Students may take any
courses at the graduate level (except 600) to fulfill elective
requirements beginning their senior year while
also fulfilling the remaining requirements to the LACS major (i.e. the
411, 412, or 413 capstone seminar).
e. A list of graduate courses that might count toward the credit hour
requirements for both the BA and the MA include the following:
• ALCS 502
• ALCS 503
• ALCS 504
• ALCS 505
• ALCS 506
2. Specific Program Requirements:
a. Describe limitations imposed on admission to restrict to students with
exceptional academic records; include admission requirements and
LACS BA-MA Program for Senate.docx
Page 5 of 5
administrative process for making admissions decisions.
Students may be admitted to a combined degree program at the end of their
junior year and after successful completion of at least 56 credits. A GPA of
3.2 or higher, three supportive letters of recommendation. A written personal
statement is recommended. The GRE examination will not be required.
b. Indicate the number of semesters of full-time study required for program
completion at the undergraduate (if applicable) and graduate levels.
In the combined program, the requirements for both the undergraduate and
graduate degrees can typically be satisfied in 11 semesters of full-time study
(defined as 15 credit hours for undergraduates and 12 credit hours for
graduates). Of these, approximately seven semesters will be required for
undergraduate course work. Approximately four semesters will be required
for graduate course work.
c. State all other program requirements such as thesis, comprehensive
examination, field experience, project, and residence.
The full requirements are detailed in Table 1.
d. Describe the means by which program quality is assured given the time-
shortened aspect of the program.
Program quality is assured because at the graduate level all
requirements for the degree are maintained, while at the
undergraduate level more advanced graduate-level work is
substituted for undergraduate coursework.
UNIVERSITY POLICY AND PLANNING COUNCIL
CAMPUS IMPACT FORM
Version 1.8 01/22/16
Proposal Title:
_________________________________________________________________
College or School
_____________________
Department ________________________________
Program Director or
Sponsor
_____________________
Email _____________________________________
Action Category
Program Proposal
Other (describe)
Does this proposal include any
space resource implications?
Approx. sq. ft. needed:
Yes
No
Action Type
New
Revision
Deactivation
Other (describe)
Program has been identified as a
Gainful Employment Program
(GEP)?
Yes
No
Brief Description of Proposal: (attach additional pages if necessary)
When submitting a program proposal to UPPC please submit this form to
indicate the resource implications of the proposal.
Combined Bachelor/Master’s Program Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latino Studies (LACS)
CAS
Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latino Studies (LACS)$O$$
$OHMDQGUD%URQIPDQ $FWLQJChair)
DEURQIPDQ@albany.edu
■
LACS proposes a combined B.A./M.A. program which requires a minimum of 138 credits, with at least
30 being graduate credits. The combined B.A./M.A. program provides an opportunity for students of
recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill integrated requirements of the
undergraduate and Master’s degree programs from the beginning of their junior year. This means that
students can complete both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree while saving a year of study. With a
carefully designed program, it is possible to earn the BA and MA degrees in LACS in as few as nine
semesters.
In qualifying for the baccalaureate, students will meet all University and school requirements,
including the three core requirements (LCS100, 300, and 411, 412, or 413), the minimum liberal arts
and sciences credit-hour requirement, and residency requirements. In qualifying for the master's
degree, students will meet all University and school requirements, including completing a minimum of
30 graduate credits, and any such conditions as research seminar, thesis, comprehensive
examination, or other professional experience where required, and residency requirements. In
qualifying for the MA, students must meet all University and college requirements as outlined in the
LACS Graduate Student handbook - see: https://www.albany.edu/lacs/LACS%20Graduate%
20Handbook%202017-2018.pdf.
x
x
18-148 LCS (OT BA-MA Program Proposal)
UNIVERSITY POLICY AND PLANNING COUNCIL
CAMPUS IMPACT FORM
Version 1.8 01/22/16
Impact on Other Programs:
Is there an impact on other service units?
Yes
No
ITS
University Library
Scientific Core Facilities
Other services (i.e., parking, facilities, security),
please list: ______________________________
If the answer to any of the questions listed above is yes has the proposer consulted with the affected
service unit(s) and attached written verification (letters of collaboration/support) of such consultation?
Yes
No
Is there an impact on other academic programs?
Yes
No
If the answer to the question listed above is yes has the proposer consulted with the affected
academic department(s) and attached written verification (letters of collaboration/support) of such
consultation?
Yes
No
Faculty and Staff (attach additional pages if necessary)
(a) Describe new faculty hiring needed during the next 3 years
(b) Explain how program will be administered for the purposes of admissions, advising, course offerings, etc.
Discuss the available support staff.
■
■
■
■
■
This program will not require new hiring for the next three years. The program will be jointly
administered by the Undergraduate Director and the Graduate Director. Students will apply vi
a Slate and once they have acquired 128 credits they will be within the graduate program an
d be subject to the advising and course offerings as laid out for the Masters program already
in place.
UNIVERSITY POLICY AND PLANNING COUNCIL
CAMPUS IMPACT FORM
Version 1.8 01/22/16
Program Expenses
Program Expense Categories
Expenses (in dollars)
Before
Start
Academic
Year 1:
Academic
Year 2:
Academic
Year 3:
Academic
Year 4:
Academic
Year 5:
(a) Personnel (including
faculty and all others)
(b) Library
(c) Equipment
(d) Laboratories
(e) Supplies
(f) Capital Expenses
(g) Student stipends or
scholarships
(h) Other (specify):
Sum of Rows Above
$
$
$
$
$
$
APPROVALS
Department Chair
_______________________________________________ _____________________
Department Chair
Date
Dean
_______________________________________________
_____________________
Dean
Date
UPPC Chair
_______________________________________________
_____________________
UPPC Chair
Date
Completed forms should be sent to the chairperson of UPPC.
It is the sponsoring department’s responsibility to obtain all required signatures (with the exception
of the chair of UPPC) before presenting the documentation to the council. The chair of UPPC may
request additional supporting documentation prior to review by the entire council. You will be
notified when the proposal is on the UPPC agenda and invited to attend the meeting.
Alejandra Bronfman, Acting Chair
8/31/18
ABronfman
Kathleen Gersowitz 10/26/18
