In preparing students for careers in the professions, business, and government and for graduate studies, Newark College of Arts and Sciences (NCAS) builds on a broad foundation in the liberal arts. To earn a degree, all students must complete a general core of courses known as the general or liberal arts and science requirements. Students also must fulfill the requirements of a major (a concentration of courses in a particular field of study).

To be certified for graduation, candidates for the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree must satisfy all college requirements. Students are subject to the curriculum requirements in effect when they entered NCAS; in the case of absence for two or more semesters, those requirements remain in effect when they return.