• Associate in Arts (A.A.)
• Associate in Science (A.S.)
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)
• Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

I work days and watch my kids at night, how can I take college courses?
Empire State College is far more flexible than a typical college, because we are dedicated to educating working adults. Whether you need to pursue your degree in the evening, do independent study, take classes via the web – or whatever it takes – we’ll help you fit college into your busy schedule.

What is "guided independent study"?

Guided independent study is the primary way in which most Empire State College students pursue their degrees. While this requires responsibility and commitment to study, it also gives you the added benefit of working one-to-one with an individually assigned faculty member, your mentor. He or she gives you guidance and support in all phases of your work at the College, from serving in the traditional teaching role to coordinating your work with other faculty and providing academic counseling. Empire State College faculty are uniquely suited to work with you, through their experience with adult students and their rigorous, formal academic preparation. You will work with your mentor to design learning contracts that outline the topics, learning activities and evaluative criteria for each 16-week term of study. Learning contracts contain much the same information as a traditional course syllabus. A learning contract, however, allows you to make a variety of choices, in consultation with your mentor, that suit your needs and interests. You may choose subjects that are traditionally taught in courses or you may pursue topics of special interest to you.

How does "distance learning" work?
Through the pioneering Center for Distance Learning of Empire State College, we provide college education to students around the world. Distance learning is a web-based class, where you can learn 24/7 from any computer with Internet access. Distance learning allows you to progress at your own pace and study on your own time. This is a great option for students who prefer to work with groups of other learners using the web without the need to attend a site-based program.

What if I want to take "traditional" classes in a classroom setting?
We allow students to cross register for courses at other affiliated colleges, and apply those credits toward an Empire State College degree.

Why does Empire State College assign a mentor to every student?
Your Empire State College mentor is a member of our faculty – assigned to help you make the most of your college experience. Your mentor will help you design a degree or program, and help you select the best way to access Empire State College (guided independent study, distance learning, etc.). He or she is with you every step of the way, for questions big and small.

Is Empire State College a SUNY (State University of New York) college?
Yes, we are an arts and science college and part of the SUNY system with regional accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. We are the only SUNY college dedicated to working adults.

I don’t live in New York State... can I still earn a degree at Empire State College?
Absolutely. Empire State College has the flexible options to reach out to any student, anywhere, from a business manager in Bismarck to a naval officer in the Pacific Ocean.

What do you mean by "teaching farther"?
"Teaching farther" is our promise to you – to do whatever it takes to help committed, hard-working students achieve their college goals and dreams. Dedicated faculty...a wide variety of programs...flexible teaching options...it’s all part of fulfilling that promise so that you can learn, advance your career or simply enrich your life.