SUNY at Purchase College
Purchase, NY
Quick Facts
“Think Wide Open”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About SUNY at Purchase College
Unleash your creativity and critical thinking at SUNY Purchase, where the arts meet a broad liberal education.
SUNY at Purchase College stands as a distinctive public liberal arts institution, challenging students to "Think Wide Open." It's a vibrant community where a rigorous liberal arts education thrives alongside world-class conservatories for the arts. With a student body of 3,410, Purchase offers an intimate yet expansive environment for intellectual and creative exploration.
The college's roots run deep, tracing back to an 18th-century estate settled by the Thomas family. This land witnessed key moments in American history, including Judge John Thomas's brave public reading of the Declaration of Independence in New York in 1776. The campus itself holds historical significance, with the Thomas family graveyard, including that of Revolutionary War General Thomas Thomas, located behind the Neuberger Museum of Art, reminding us of its rich past.
Academically, Purchase is renowned for its dual strengths. The School of the Arts, enrolling approximately 40% of the student body, houses exceptional conservatories for Dance, Music, and Theatre Arts, alongside dynamic programs in Art+Design and Art Management. Complementing this creative hub is the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offering 23 diverse majors across Humanities, Natural and Social Sciences, and Film and Media Studies. Students are encouraged to craft interdisciplinary majors, truly embodying the "Think Wide Open" philosophy. Engaging lecture series, such as the Jandon Business of the Arts and the Durst Lecture Series, regularly bring celebrated authors, artists, and professionals to campus, enriching the learning experience with real-world insights and lively discussions.
Beyond traditional academics, Purchase College fosters practical skill development and professional growth. The School of Film and Media Studies prepares students for the evolving media landscape, while the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education provides noncredit professional certificate programs in high-demand fields like appraisal studies, arts management, and social media marketing. This blend of historical legacy, artistic excellence, and academic breadth ensures a well-rounded and engaging experience for every student.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1967 as a public liberal arts college with a "Think Wide Open" motto.
- ✦Home to 3,410 students, fostering a close-knit yet diverse academic community.
- ✦Approximately 40% of students are enrolled in the prestigious School of the Arts, including conservatories for Dance, Music, and Theatre Arts.
- ✦Offers 23 distinct majors within the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with flexible options for interdisciplinary studies.
- ✦Features renowned lecture series like the Jandon Business of the Arts and Durst Lecture Series, bringing celebrated figures to campus.
- ✦Students can present original research at the annual Natural and Social Sciences Symposium.
- ✦Campus includes the historic Thomas family graveyard, marking its deep ties to the American Revolutionary War.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
7 notable schools within SUNY at Purchase College
School of the Arts
Houses the college's schools of Art+Design and Art Management, along with conservatories of Dance, Music, and Theatre Arts. Approximately 40% of students are enrolled here.
School of Art+Design
Offers programs in graphic design, painting/drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture, and is home to the Richard and Dolly Maas Gallery.
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Encompasses the School of Film and Media Studies, School of Humanities, School of Natural and Social Sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, offering 23 distinct majors.
School of Film and Media Studies
Houses undergraduate programs in Cinema Studies, Film, Media Studies, New Media, Playwriting, and Screenwriting.
School of Humanities
Offers undergraduate programs in art history, creative writing, history, journalism, language and culture, literature, and philosophy, plus a master's in art history.
School of Natural and Social Sciences
Provides undergraduate programs in anthropology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, economics, environmental studies, mathematics/computer science, political science, psychology, and sociology.
School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education (LSCE)
Offers noncredit professional certificate programs in fields such as appraisal studies, arts management, geographic information systems (GIS), home staging, interior design, museum studies, and social media marketing.
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