Pace University: A Comprehensive Guide to Academic Programs and Campus Life

Pace University, a private institution with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, has been a cornerstone of higher education since its founding in 1906. Established by brothers Homer St. Clair Pace and Charles A. Pace, the university has evolved from its origins as a school of accountancy and business into a comprehensive institution offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs. This article delves into the rich tapestry of academic offerings at Pace, exploring its various schools, unique programs, and the distinctive learning environment it provides.

The Lubin School of Business: Cultivating Future Leaders

The Lubin School of Business stands as a nationally ranked leader in business education, holding the prestigious accreditation for both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide. Lubin is committed to providing students with experience-based learning that seamlessly blends business theory with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the global business environment.

Among its flagship programs is the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in a highly profitable career, with many graduates ascending to C-suite positions. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for students aspiring to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and to earn other specialized credentials, such as that of a certified internal auditor. The BBA in Public Accounting from Lubin is positioned as a launching pad into one of the most critical and profitable sectors of the business world. For those seeking an accelerated path, Lubin’s combined BBA/MBA program in Public Accounting offers specialized study within the broader context of global strategy, global markets, and data-driven decision-making, providing exceptional preparation for the CPA profession.

Beyond accounting, Lubin offers a BBA in Arts and Entertainment Management, leveraging its strategic proximity to New York City's vibrant Broadway, major broadcast networks, film studios, and numerous arts and cultural organizations. This program provides students with an inside look into the inner workings of the entertainment industry, complemented by a cutting-edge curriculum taught by accomplished faculty. The result is a program that capitalizes on New York City's status as a global epicenter for arts and entertainment, preparing students for careers in this dynamic field. An Arts and Entertainment Management minor is also available, designed to enhance the competitiveness of students from any major interested in pursuing careers in the arts or entertainment industries, particularly beneficial for performing arts students seeking to understand the business side, media and communication students aiming to develop industry-specific business skills, and business majors eager to explore this specialized sector.

Pace's commitment to evolving business education is evident in its BBA in Business Studies with a Marketing and Management concentration, offered 100% online, cultivating a strategic mindset for students. Furthermore, the BBA in Business Technology program focuses on transforming businesses and markets through technology, blending core business principles with emerging technologies and fostering a global perspective on information technology. The Business Analytics minor is specifically designed for non-business majors to achieve competency in quantitative modeling and data analysis, thereby enhancing their career preparation for a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and manage data for effective business decisions. A 146-credit accelerated degree program combines business economics and quantitative research, preparing students for diverse careers in quantitative analysis, business data analytics, finance, and government policy creation. The curriculum is adaptable, allowing for substitutions based on student interests, with prerequisites such as upper-sophomore standing for specific marketing and management courses.

Dyson College of Arts and Sciences: Fostering Intellectual Curiosity and Innovation

Dyson College of Arts and Sciences offers a broad spectrum of over 50 programs, encompassing the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional sciences, alongside numerous courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements.

In the realm of technology and innovation, the BS in Artificial Intelligence at Pace University provides hands-on experience and technical expertise essential for navigating the AI-driven world. Students master core skills in machine learning, computer vision, and data science, engaging directly with faculty mentors on research projects that prepare them for high-growth careers in technology, analytics, and innovation. The BS in Chemistry program goes beyond textbook learning, offering hands-on experience with modern laboratory instrumentation. Chemical Biology emerges as a novel, interdisciplinary, and fast-track career major, integrating the foundations and practice of chemistry, biology, and biochemistry, utilizing small molecular probes in state-of-the-art lab facilities to address challenges in biotechnology and genetic engineering.

For students interested in the life sciences, the BS in Biochemistry enables students to decode the "language of life," opening doors to careers in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or food industries. The BA in Biology program is tailored for students who desire a strong background in biological sciences but do not necessarily intend to pursue a direct scientific career. A BS in Biology prepares graduates for further opportunities in scientific industries and graduate school programs. Pace also offers accelerated dual-degree programs, such as the five-year BS in Biology and MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, providing a comprehensive scientific education. A unique combined degree program allows students to build solid scientific foundations in Pace’s BS in Biology before embarking on an immersive graduate program in Ecology and Society at the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

The field of economics is explored through various lenses. The BA in Economics equips students with the knowledge to deconstruct complex global economic issues, with a curriculum responsive to the marketplace. A 146-credit accelerated degree program combines public economic policy and quantitative research, preparing students for careers in quantitative analysis, data analytics, the non-profit sector, and government policy. The interdisciplinary BS in Computational Economics program teaches cutting-edge quantitative skills to analyze economic questions using computer science and information technology.

Computer science is another strong offering, with a Bachelor of Science degree designed for flexibility, allowing students to get coding immediately. The Seidenberg School of Computer Science & Information Systems, one of the nation's first comprehensive schools of computing and information systems, remains at the forefront, preparing individuals for professional work, research, and lifelong engagement in the dynamic information age.

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Dyson College also offers robust programs in the arts and humanities. The BA program in Art and Design provides a concentrated study of art and design within a liberal arts education. The BFA program offers a broad introduction to studio arts through an intensive sequence of courses in various media, followed by in-depth study in a chosen specialization. The Art History BA delves into major periods of Western Art History, as well as Latin American, African, and Asian Art History.

In the realm of communication and media, Communication Studies bridges public communication and mass media, preparing students to explore professional communications and media industries at the intersection of leadership, creativity, and social change, while honing advanced skillsets in self-expression. Pace’s BA in Communications provides practical, real-world skills for careers in journalism, advertising, editing, filmmaking, and public relations. An accelerated 5-year BA/MBA program in Communications is available, integrating graduate-level coursework into the undergraduate senior year.

The English Language and Literature BA offers three concentrations-creative writing, literature, or linguistics-and combined degree options, catering to diverse interests. The BA in Writing and Rhetoric is designed for those passionate about writing, preparing them for careers in communications and professional roles requiring mastery of written and spoken word, and the application of new technologies. This program includes faculty mentorship, small courses, internships, and an active writing community. A combined degree option within Writing and Rhetoric allows students to begin their law career trajectories while building strong rhetorical and writing foundations, crucial for law school admission and legal careers.

Environmental studies are explored through an interdisciplinary lens, critically analyzing issues such as sustainability, pollution, poverty, biodiversity, and resource use, with the goal of equipping students with knowledge and skills to find solutions with a strong values orientation.

The School of Performing Arts: Nurturing Artistic Talent

The School of Performing Arts offers specialized training for aspiring professionals in the entertainment industry. The BFA in Acting combines fundamental and innovative industry-focused training for careers in theater and film/media acting. A pioneering program, the BFA in Acting for Film and Media, focuses on undergraduate actor training for digital media. This degree integrates fundamental on-camera acting with specialized training in voice-over, commercials, and podcasting, blending performance with a multi-hyphenate approach to self-scripting and visual storytelling, preparing students to thrive across multiple entertainment platforms. Commercial dance is also a focus, with a program designed to open doors to the industry.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law: Preparing Legal Professionals

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law is dedicated to transforming students into effective lawyers equipped with the skill and experience to make a significant impact. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework, intense legal exercises, and client and courtroom exposure. Pace Law offers dual-degree programs, allowing qualified students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a chosen major alongside their Juris Doctor. These programs enable students to concentrate their undergraduate studies on areas of interest and then apply that knowledge to the legal field, welcoming new perspectives into the broad discipline of law. A specific dual-degree program is available for Criminal Justice majors pursuing a Juris Doctor, preparing them for leadership and management positions within the criminal justice system and offering a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework.

College of Health Professions: Addressing Evolving Healthcare Needs

Established in 2010, the College of Health Professions offers programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the healthcare system and preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare practice and research.

School of Education: Empowering Educators for the Future

For over fifty years, the School of Education has been dedicated to preparing students not only to meet the requirements for teaching certification but also to become agents of change committed to student success and lifelong learning.

Accelerated and Combined Degree Programs: Streamlining Educational Paths

Pace University offers a variety of accelerated and combined degree programs designed to provide students with a more efficient path to advanced education and career readiness. These programs often allow students to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a shorter timeframe, typically five years. Examples include:

Combined BBA/MBA Programs: Available in Public Accounting and other business disciplines, these programs offer a fast track to earning both degrees, reducing the total credit requirements compared to pursuing them separately.
Accelerated 5-Year BA/MBA Programs: In fields like Communications, these programs integrate graduate core credits into the undergraduate senior year.
Dual-Degree BA/BS/Juris Doctor Programs: These programs allow students to focus their undergraduate studies on a specific area before entering law school, providing a strong foundation for a legal career.
Accelerated BS in Biology and MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: This five-year program offers a comprehensive path in the life sciences.
Combined BS in Biology and MSc in Ecology and Society: This unique program allows students to complete their BS in Biology at Pace before pursuing a graduate degree in Costa Rica.
Combined Business and Law Degrees: These programs offer double the opportunities by integrating business and legal education.
Accelerated 5-Year Programs in Digital Cinema and Filmmaking (DCF): These programs combine undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Accelerated Dual-Degree Undergraduate/Graduate Programs: These are designed to prepare students for leadership and management roles in government, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.
Combined Degree Programs for Writing and Rhetoric Majors: These programs prepare students for law school by developing essential writing and rhetorical skills.

Online Learning and Professional Development: Flexibility and Accessibility

Pace University is committed to providing accessible education for busy professionals through a comprehensive selection of online degrees. These programs, including undergraduate and graduate options, as well as professional certificates, offer the same reputable education as on-campus programs, recognized and respected by employers. Pace Online programs are designed with the working professional in mind, featuring personalized academic programs, a variety of electives and concentrations, and dedicated advisement staff. The university utilizes Brightspace, a cloud-based, mobile-optimized Learning Management System (LMS) referred to as "Classes," to enhance the learning experience for both students and faculty. Pace also offers various course formats, including on-campus (ONCMP), HyFlex or Hybrid-Flex (HYFLX), and fully online (Asynchronous - ASYNC, and Synchronous - SYNC).

Pace University also provides a robust support system for its students, including military support programs designed to accommodate the schedules of active duty personnel, spouses, and veterans. The university is recognized for its strong return on tuition investment, ranking among the top 9% of US colleges in this regard.

Core Curriculum and General Education: Building a Foundation for Success

Regardless of major, all Pace graduates are expected to develop essential abilities for college study, career success, and graduate-level work through a comprehensive core curriculum. This curriculum is divided into two sections: Foundational Requirements and Areas of Knowledge.

Foundational Requirements: These include courses in Writing, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, and Language. Students may be eligible to place out of some foundational requirements through proficiency or placement exams.
Areas of Knowledge: This section of the Core Curriculum ensures broad exposure to various approaches and perspectives in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. These courses aim to foster social, civic, and global awareness and responsibility.

Transfer students are required to complete 44 credits in the Arts and Sciences, with specific requirements determined by the number of college credits earned prior to attending Pace. University 101, a required first-year learning experience, is mandatory for full-time day students transferring with fewer than 17 credits.

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