Your Alternate Path to a CUNY SPS Bachelor's Degree
As the leader of online education at CUNY for more than 15 years, we are committed to serving the needs of working adults by offering flexible, convenient, and high-quality learning opportunities. As part of our mission, we understand that our students may take many different paths in life before they arrive at our School. Acknowledging that learning happens inside and outside the classroom, we offer the Jump Start application as an alternate path for students to earn a CUNY SPS bachelor’s degree.
Please note, this is not applicable to the HIM and Nursing degree programs.
How does Jump Start work?
Jump Start is a performance-based application process for degree-seekers, regardless of their GPA. Instead of focusing on traditional academic requirements, this new admissions approach allows you to create a portfolio that demonstrates the college-level skills and knowledge you’ve developed inside or outside of a college classroom in areas such as leadership, research, technical skills, professional writing, and languages.
You can gain admission to CUNY SPS and finish your degree faster with Jump Start.
Jump Start application compared to the CUNY Transfer application
| Requirements | Jump Start Application | CUNY Transfer Application |
|---|
| Official transcripts | 24 or more attempted credits from a regionally accredited institution* *Bachelor of Professional Studies applicants are required to possess an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or have earned at least 45 college credits towards the AAS degree. | 24 or more earned credits from a regionally accredited institution* *Bachelor of Professional Studies applicants are required to possess an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or have earned at least 45 college credits towards the AAS degree. |
| Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement | Suggested for those with a cumulative GPA of 2.49 or lower | Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher |
| CUNY College Readiness Requirements | Not Applicable | Yes |
| Personal Statement (Admissions Essay) | Yes | Yes |
| Jump Start Essay & Portfolio | Yes | Not Applicable |
| Test Flight: Online Learning Simulation | Yes | Not Applicable |
| Connect with a Navigator | Yes | Not Applicable |
| Application Fee | $70 | $70 |
Ready to apply to Jump Start?
Discover if Jump Start is right for you. Connect with an Admissions Advisor to learn more about the application process and address any initial questions.
Jump Start Request Form
