The Options Program provides a bridge back to college for adults who have been away from school for a number of years and would like to begin at New York University at their own pace. Options students begin working toward their undergraduate degrees as undeclared majors. They work closely with an adviser to form an educational plan that suits their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. They can earn between 20 and 30 credits, choosing from a wide range of liberal arts and career courses, before deciding on a major. At the time when students are ready to delcare a major, all of their accumulated credits are transferred to the degree program they select.
Options is more of an advisement program than an academic program.
Options students take the same liberal arts and professional studies courses as all other students. Since Options students are usually considering more than one possible direction for their studies it is strongly recommended that they take the Educational Planning Seminar. They also work with their advisor to choose courses that will help them make an informed decision. The program is designed for students who have had no previous college or who have less than ten transferable credits. For example, if the student is considering a career in the helping professions, an undergraduate major in Social Science with either a concentration in psychology or sociology could be appropriate, but an Associates degree in Human Services or a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Policy and Planning might be equally good.