The semester system
The College's academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is approximately 3 months in duration.
The Fall Semester usually runs from late August until mid December. There is then a 1 month winter break. The Spring Semester runs from mid Jan until early May, and is followed by 3 month summer break, or an optional academic summer session.
See Manhattan College's semester dates on the FAQ page.
Undergraduate degrees
Undergraduate degrees at Manhattan College and across America are taught over four years and earn you a Bachelor's degree. Your program will be structured as follows:
Freshman Year
In your first year, as a freshman, the focus is on:
- a solid grounding in a wide range of subjects through introductory courses
- a required core curriculum - 'The Roots of Learning' - which includes humanism, the sciences, the social sciences, composition, foreign language and mathematics
- developing critical reasoning and analytical skills
Sophomore Year
In your second year or sophomore year, you will:
- complete the core curriculum and advance in some subjects to the next level
- take electives in what you hope will become your main discipline of study (known as your major). E.g. you might take Economics if you wish to study a Business major
- begin taking prerequisite classes for your major if you have decided on it (however, you are not yet required to formally declare a major)
Junior Year
In the third year, as a junior, you will:
- have declared a major
- undertake more focused and in-depth study
- begin the advanced coursework for your major
Senior Year
In your fourth year, as a senior, you will:
- take your last exams
- complete the final classes required for your Bachelor's degree
- have earned at least 120 credit hours during your program
Academic progression
You must maintain academic good standing to continue to the next year of your degree program. The College measures this ability by your cumulative grade point average (GPA), which must be at least 2.0. To help you maintain satisfactory progress toward attaining a degree, Manhattan College provides academic support and advisory services.
Graduate degrees
Most Master's programs can be completed in 1 or 2 years, depending on the number of credits required. Manhattan's Master's in Engineering degree programs are awarded after completion of 30 credits of coursework. Master's in Education and Counseling degrees are awarded after completion of 33-60 credits of coursework, depending on the particular degree. Full time students usually take 9 or more credit hours of graduate course work each semester.
To complete the Master's degree you will be required to submit a thesis, advanced study research project or internship.
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