SUNY Purchase College, also known as Purchase College, State University of New York, is a public liberal arts college located in Purchase, New York. Established in 1967, the institution is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The college is well-known for its focus on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, as well as its strong liberal arts and sciences programs.
Key facts about SUNY Purchase College:
1. Location: Purchase College is situated on a 500-acre campus in the town of Purchase, Westchester County, New York. The campus is approximately 25 miles north of New York City, which provides students with access to a wide range of cultural and artistic opportunities.
2. Academics: The college offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, encompassing a variety of disciplines within the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college is divided into several schools, including the School of the Arts, the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Continuing Education.
3. School of the Arts: Purchase College is especially renowned for its School of the Arts, which houses various conservatory-style programs in dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts. These programs emphasize hands-on learning, creative collaboration, and professional development.
4. Conservatory of Dance: The Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College is considered one of the top dance programs in the country. It offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in dance performance and choreography, with an emphasis on ballet and modern dance.
5. Conservatory of Music: The Conservatory of Music provides rigorous training in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and studio composition. The conservatory offers Bachelor of Music (BM) and Master of Music (MM) degrees.
6. Neuberger Museum of Art: The Neuberger Museum of Art, located on the Purchase College campus, is one of the largest university museums in the United States. It houses a permanent collection of over 6,000 works of art, including pieces by renowned artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.
7. Admissions: SUNY Purchase College has a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as high school transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. For arts-related programs, applicants may also be required to submit portfolios or audition materials.
8. Student life: Purchase College offers a diverse and vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events designed to engage and inspire students. The college has a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility and offers various sustainability initiatives, including recycling programs and green building projects.
9. Athletics: Purchase College is a member of the NCAA Division III and competes in the Skyline Conference. The college offers several varsity sports teams, including basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
In summary, SUNY Purchase College is a public liberal arts college with a strong focus on the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The college is known for its School of the Arts, which offers conservatory-style programs in dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts. With a vibrant campus life, a commitment to sustainability, and proximity to New York City, Purchase College provides students with a unique and enriching educational experience.
