An associate degree from Empire State College requires a total of at least 64 credits (a single course is usually 3 or 4 credits) with at least 40 credits classified as "advanced standing," or non-introductory. Of these, 21 credits must fulfill the SUNY general education requirements. These credits must include at least 7 of the 10 knowledge and skill areas defined by the general education guidelines.
Empire State College requires at least 128 credits for the completion of a bachelor's degree, of which 96 must be earned from advanced standing courses. At least 30 of these credits must apply to the general education areas. Like an associate degree, 7 of the general education knowledge and skill areas must be completed. However, for a bachelor's degree two knowledge and skill areas are explicitly required: mathematics and basic communication.
There are 10 different knowledge and skill areas within the general education requirements. These are mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, American history, western civilization, other world civilizations, humanities, the arts, foreign language, and basic communication.
In addition to the general education requirements, each type of degree stipulates that a minimum number of credits falls into your concentration area and your program. A high percentage of credits must also carry a liberal studies classification. To plan your course of study, browse the course catalog for classes and see which requirements they fulfill. Consult with an academic advisor to make sure that your curriculum is compliant with the program requirements.