F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Why should I pursue an Applied Arts and Science degree?
• Are all CMS programs accredited?
• What is a professional concentration?
• How many concentrations do I need?
• What is the difference between upper and lower level credits?
• Can I transfer in professional concentrations from my previous school?
• Can my credits be transferred in if they are over 10 years old?
• How is my transfer credit evaluated?
• What exactly will I be earning my degree in?
• How much does it cost per credit hour?
• What is matriculation?
• Can I take classes prior to matriculation?
• How do I apply to this program?
• When am I supposed to register? When do courses start for a particular quarter?
• How many credits do I need for an associates degree? Bachelors degree?
• How many classes can I take per quarter?
• How can I earn credit by experience/credit by exam?
• What is the difference between a certificate and a professional concentration?
• Is advising available?
• Who teaches in CMS?
• What are some examples of professional concentrations?
• What is the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)?

The Applied Arts and Science degrees are designed for individuals who have decided that a conventional associate or bachelors degree program will not meet their career goals or work well with their current lifestyles. Applied Arts and Science degrees allow students the chance to combine one to four areas of professional concentrations into their degree.

Yes. All programs through CMS are accredited. RIT is charted by the legislature of the State of New York and accredited by The Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-2680, 215-662-5606) and the New York State Education Department, Office of College and University Evaluation (5Eb North Mezzanine, Albany, NY 12234, (518-474-2593).

A concentration is a professional area of study in which a minimum of 20 credit hours must be earned in a related area of focus.

You should have a minimum of one concentration for an associates degree and two concentrations for a bachelors degree. However, you can have up to two concentrations for an associates degree and four concentrations total towards a bachelors degree.
Please note: upper and lower level credit requirements must be met.

Lower level credits are usually indicative of coursework done in the first two years of a student's program, while upper level credits are typically third and fourth year coursework. At RIT, courses numbered 100-300 are usually lower level in nature, where 400-500 level courses are considered upper level. You may earn no more than 110 lower level credits in your bachelors degree program.   previous next top

Yes. Credits and concentrations can be transferred in from regionally accredited colleges and universities. previous next top

Yes, subject to RIT and departmental approval.  

Degree programs in CMS are structured to permit transfer of credit from other accredited institutions. When a student matriculates into a specific program, a complete evaluation is made of prior academic work. The student will know immediately how much transfer credit is awarded and what courses will be needed to earn a specific degree.

For more information on how transfer credits are evaluated click here.

Associate applicants will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Applied Arts and Science (AAS). Bachelor applicants will receive a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Science (BS).

Prices vary based on your student status. For a complete, up-to-date list of current tuition rates, please visit: http://finweb.rit.edu/sfs/billing/

Matriculation is when you are formally accepted by RIT into a degree program. Matriculation allows you the ability to receive financial aid.

Yes. However, if you plan to pursue a degree, we recommend that you consult with an advisor prior to taking more than 12 credit hours to ensure that your courses will fit into a matriculated plan of study.

The first step is to make an appointment to speak with an advisor by calling 585-475-2234 or 475-7256 (TTY). You will also have to formally apply through RIT Admissions.

Fall quarter runs from early September to mid-November. Winter quarter begins in early December and runs through the end of February. Spring quarter starts in early March and ends in early May. Summer quarter also runs from early June through mid-August. Registration dates vary but registration for a particular quarter usually starts about five to six weeks before the quarter begins.   previous next top

You must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours for your associate and 180 credit hours for your bachelors. A minimum of 45 credit hours, called the "residency requirement" must be completed through RIT in order to receive your degree from RIT.   previous next top

It is recommended to start with one if you have not taken a class in a while, but you can take up to four under our AAS/BS or certificate programs and still pay only the part time rate. Full-time day students must take between 12-18 credits each quarter. Anything over 18 credits requires departmental approval.

Talk to your advisor about your background and specifically what classes you may be interested in earning credit for. Usually only classes provided through CMS are eligible for prior learning experience. If the classes come from a different department, you will have to speak with the professor or department head of that area and see if they will allow you to test out/earn prior learning experience/exam.

Prior learning experience costs $150 per credit hour. Credit application will not be evaluated until the student is matriculated into CMS.

A certificate is a predetermined grouping of courses designed to get you started on a career or enhance your marketability if you are already working in the field. A professional concentration is a sequence of courses designed by you and your advisor and can encompass many of the certificate programs on campus.   previous next top

CMS provides academic advising regarding educational and career goals. This service is available at no charge to all students who are interested in CMS degree, diploma and certificate programs and to all students who are enrolled in one or more of the center’s courses. The faculty and academic advisors are experienced and trained across academic disciplines. They will help match educational and career goals with an appropriate plan of study. The advising process ensures that the courses will lead to a certificate, diploma or degree in the quickest, most direct manner.

Most courses are taught by instructors currently in the workforce. They bring their industry knowledge and experience with them to the classroom.

There are several professional concentrations available to CMS Applied Arts and Science Students. Some examples are Applied Computing, Disaster & Emergency Management, Health Systems Administration, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Quality Management, Safety & Health Technology, Structural Design, Technical Communications, Telecommunications, Environmental Management, Reliability Maintenance, E-Business, International Logistics & Transportation, Organizational Change & Leadership and many others. For a complete listing please contact our main office at (585) 475-2234 to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our academic advisors.