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    Columbia Campus
   
 
  Dec 10, 2024
 
2011-2012 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
  
2011-2012 Graduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

College of Arts and Sciences


Return to Departments/Program Areas Return to: Departments/Program Areas

Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Dean
Roger H. Sawyer, Executive Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education
Steven W. Lynn, Senior Associate Dean for Liberal Arts
Robert C. Thunell, Senior Associate Dean for Natural Sciences
Will Graf, Associate Dean for Research
Sonya Brown, Assistant Dean for Academic and Fiscal Planning
Mary Ann Byrnes, Assistant Dean for Administration
Loren W. Knapp, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Advising


Overview Teacher Preparation Programs
Academic Policies Curricula
Career Development Departments and Program Areas
Special Opportunities Website
Center for Science Education  

Overview

Since 1805, the College of Arts and Sciences has been the intellectual core of the University of South Carolina, entrusted to provide superb teaching in the arts and sciences to all students. The college is a richly diverse community dedicated to the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge about the natural and human world. The college is committed to enriching the academic experience of every graduate and undergraduate student through a wide and innovative array of courses, programs, and opportunities in the arts, humanities, and sciences, and to excelling in research, scholarship, and creative activity. With its broad coverage of academic disciplines, the college is uniquely situated to promote opportunities for graduate and undergraduate student research and interdisciplinary and international learning. As the heart of a major research university, the college is a catalyst for positive change in the local community, the state, the nation, and the world. The College of Arts and Sciences aspires to transform the lives of our students and improve the world they will inhabit by creating and sharing knowledge at the frontiers of inquiry.

Undergraduate study in the College of Arts and Sciences is rooted in the great tradition of liberal education. A liberal education is necessarily broad, comprising study and experience in the arts, humanities, mathematical sciences, natural sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Such an education prepares students to reason analytically and to think critically, to communicate effectively, to expand their creative and intellectual capacities, to comprehend the relationship between humans and the natural world, to appreciate the promises and limitations of technology, and to understand the connections among diverse cultures, ways of processing knowledge, and forms of human expression. Curricula in the college, both general education and major programs of study, support these aims.

The College of Arts and Sciences consists of the Departments of Anthropology; Art; Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Earth and Ocean Sciences; English Language and Literature; Geography; History; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Mathematics; Philosophy; Physics and Astronomy; Political Science; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology; Statistics; and Theatre and Dance, as well as the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment. Programs that offer undergraduate degrees include African American Studies, Classical Studies, Comparative Literature, Environment and Sustainability, European Studies, Film and Media Studies, Latin American Studies, Marine Science, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Through departmental and interdepartmental programs in these areas, the college offers the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The college also offers an undergraduate degree program in Economics as well as a degree program in Cardiovascular Technology that combines 100 semester hours of academic work with a clinical program at an accredited hospital.

Additional programs that may offer undegraduate courses and opportunities include African Studies, Asian Studies, Islamic World Studies, Linguistics, Russian and Eurasian Studies, Southern Studies, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric. The Departments of Aerospace Studies, Military Science, and Naval Science administer the University’s ROTC programs.

In addition to serving students majoring in any of the established arts and sciences disciplines, the constituent departments and programs of the College of Arts and Sciences offer courses included in the general degree requirements and elective options for all baccalaureate students at the University. Units of the college also participate actively in the South Carolina Honors College.

The Department of Art is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD.) The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been approved by the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Committee on Professional Training, and the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry meets ACS requirements. In the Department of Psychology, the graduate degrees in Clinical/Community Psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA); graduate degrees in School Psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) through a partnership with the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE.) The Master of Public Administration degree offered by the Department of Political Science is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA.) The Department of Theatre and Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and the University/Resident Theatre Association (URTA.)


Academic Policies

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

  1. Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
  2. Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.

Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, cardiovascular technology, biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, economics, environmental science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed below in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.

Progression Requirements

To remain in a degree program offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, a student must make satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation or removed from the college. In addition, all students in the college are subject to the regulations on probation, suspension, and readmission in the section of this bulletin titled “Academic Regulations.” Additional progression and retention requirements for specific majors are specified in the appropriate section of the bulletin.

The faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences recognizes the importance of clear, precise, and correct writing as part of a liberal education. Therefore, the faculty encourages the assignment of written work and fully supports professors who require written assignments to conform to reasonable standards of organization, development, coherence, and acceptable English usage.

Attendance Requirements

Enrollment in a course obligates the student not only for prompt completion of all work assigned but also for punctual and regular attendance and for participation in whatever class discussion may occur. It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed concerning all assignments made. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, do not absolve the student from this responsibility.

Absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive, and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences.

Graduation

In order to be eligible for graduation, students in the College of Arts and Sciences must meet all course requirements for the degree program, be in good standing, meet any departmental or program requirements, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on all work attempted at USC.

Department and program requirements appear under the appropriate departmental listing.

Advising

Students who wish to pursue a degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences must be admitted to the college and advised within the college. Each of the degree programs of the college has a director of undergraduate studies who supervises the academic advising of the students majoring in that program. Although it is the responsibility of students in the college to ensure that they complete all graduation requirements, the faculty and administration of the college make every effort possible to see that students are provided with accurate and timely academic advising. Students must see their academic advisors at least once each semester for assistance in planning their academic program. No student will be allowed to complete the registration process without an advising form approved by an assigned advisor.

Freshmen planning to major in one of the college’s degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, or arts are advised by the college’s freshman Dean’s advisors. Assignment of students to specific Dean’s advisors is handled by the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Advising in Flinn Hall; upon the completion of the first 30 hours, students are sent to the major department or program, where they are assigned a major advisor who is responsible for planning and approving the program of study. Freshmen planning to major in the sciences, mathematics, statistics, or cardiovascular technology are assigned a major advisor upon entry to the college.

During the next-to-last semester before graduation, students must arrange for the academic advisor to complete a major program card; students must then schedule an appointment for a senior records check in the undergraduate dean’s office. Any deficiencies in general education, major, minor, cognate, or special departmental requirements will be noted. This information should form the basis for the student’s final academic advising.

All advising, senior records checks, graduation, and related processes for students majoring in one of the college’s degree programs are supervised by the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Advising, Flinn Hall.

It is the responsibility of each student to understand and complete all requirements for the degree. Each student should obtain a copy of the Guidelines for Advising that corresponds to the curriculum in which they are enrolled.  The college has two sets of curricula - Curricula I - African American Studies, Anthropology, Art Education, Art History, Art Studio, Classics, Comparative Literature, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Dance, Economics, English, European Studies, Experimental Psychology, Film and Media Studies, French, Geography, German, History, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, International Studies, Latin American Studies, Media Arts, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Russian, Sociology, Spanish, Theatre, and Women’s and Gender Studies; and Curricula II - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Cardiovascular Technology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geological Sciences, Geophysics, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.  The student’s major department and major advisor should be consulted for interpreting and applying major, minor, and cognate requirements.  The College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Advising is the final authority on all degree requirements.  Please consult the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Advising with all concerns on the applicability of curricular requirements.  When special problems arise, the student may consult the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Advising. 

Students seeking further information should contact Dr. Loren Knapp, knapp-loren@sc.edu or call 777-2993/2505. 

Right of Petition

A student may seek relief from academic standards and regulations by appealing to the Scholastic Standards and Petitions Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences. Information on procedures may be obtained from the Offices of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Advising in Flinn Hall.

Withdrawal

Students may drop a course(s) without academic penalty by the deadline for that term and session. The deadline is published in the Master Schedule of Classes each semester on the registrar’s Web site and is referred to as the “Last day to drop a course or withdraw without a grade of “WF” being recorded.” Students who drop a course(s) on or before this deadline are assigned the grade of W. Students who drop a course(s) after the deadline are assigned the grade of WF, which is computed as an F in the GPA and suspension formula.

Exceptions to the assignment of the WF grade are possible in cases of extenuating circumstances. An extenuating circumstance withdrawal from all courses for a particular term can be requested only for an acceptable major cause that is documented and verifiable. Requests for selective withdrawals, i.e., from one or some classes, are normally not granted.


Career Development

The career development program in the College of Arts and Sciences aims to complement academic advising by assisting students in clarifying career directions. Students are encouraged to begin the process of career planning as early as possible, normally in the freshman year. Career counselors are available in the University Career Center to assist students in gaining an understanding of the student’s own interests, values, abilities, and personality; the nature of a liberal education and the related marketable skills; and the numerous career opportunities available for arts and sciences students. The University Career Center provides individual career counseling, testing, workshops, networking and job shadowing opportunities, job search seminars, and a career planning library. In addition, students are encouraged to complement their academic studies with career-related work experience such as internships, cooperative education, part-time work experience, or volunteer work. The University Career Center provides advisors with career resource listings to assist them in referring students to the center.


Special Opportunities

The college endorses the use of departmental independent study courses to further students’ intellectual pursuits in alternative ways. Before students may register for an independent study course, they must present a completed independent study contract that has been approved by the instructor selected for the independent study project, the major advisor, and the appropriate undergraduate dean. No student may apply more than 15 hours of independent study credits toward the degree. Unless approved as a part of the major, minor, or cognate, independent study courses will be graded only on a Pass-Fail basis. A grade point average of 2.50 or greater is required to enroll in independent study courses.


Center for Science Education

The Center for Science Education, in conjunction with selected departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, is responsible for developing and coordinating interdisciplinary teacher education courses and programs in science and mathematics. These courses are listed and described below under “Science and Mathematics for Educators” and carry the interdisciplinary SMED designator. Click here to view SMED Courses. 

The Center for Science Education also assists individual departments in offering content-specific courses in their disciplines designed for in-service teachers. These courses carrying individual departmental designators include:

  • BIOL 770, 771, 772, 775, 776
  • CHEM 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 709
  • GEOL 531, 702, 703
  • MSCI 777, 778
  • MATH 650, 701-I, 702-I, 703-I, 704-I, 712-I, 736-I, 752-I, 780-I
  • PHYS 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 787, 788, 789

Teacher Preparation Programs

The College of Arts and Sciences participates in teacher preparation programs for undergraduate students who wish to pursue teacher certification. The University of South Carolina Columbia’s innovative five-year program is closely coupled with a student’s undergraduate major. This special program leads to a bachelor’s degree and is followed by a master’s degree leading to teacher certification. Because the University of South Carolina is committed to preparing professionals who will serve as leaders in education, admission to the master’s degree program with certification is highly competitive.

Students seeking certification as secondary teachers may pursue bachelor’s degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences as preparation for the Master of Teaching (MT) degree in the College of Education. In addition to all requirements for the specific undergraduate degree program, students must complete all prerequisites for the MT program as specified by the College of Education. Students planning to pursue certification in secondary English should pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English. Those seeking certification in secondary social studies may pursue the appropriate bachelor’s degree in history, economics, geography, political science, international studies, psychology, or sociology. Students seeking certification in secondary biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics should pursue the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the appropriate discipline. In addition, students may apply for the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program to achieve certification in two disciplines with the following combinations: chemistry/physics, biology/chemistry, or earth science/life science.

It should be noted that the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is also available at the University of South Carolina in selected disciplines, including art, English, foreign languages, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and theatre. The College of Arts and Sciences also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in art education that prepares students for K-12 certification in art. Students majoring in classics, French, German, or Spanish may seek K-12 teacher certification in Latin, French, German, or Spanish through a teacher preparation option at the undergraduate level.  Students majoring in dance with a concentration in dance education  K-12 are prepared for certification in K-12 dance.


 Curricula

Degree requirements vary among the undergraduate degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Curricula Section I.

Curricula for undergraduate degrees in the following majors:

African American Studies (Bachelor of Arts), Anthropology (Bachelor of Arts), Art Education (Bachelor of Fine Arts), Art History (Bachelor of Arts), Art Studio (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts), Classics (Bachelor of Arts), Comparative Literature (Bachelor of Arts), Criminology and Criminal Justice (Bachelor or Arts), Dance (Bachelor of Arts), Economics (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), English (Bachelor of Arts), European Studies (Bachelor of Arts), Experimental Psychology (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), Film and Media Studies (Bachelor of Arts), French (Bachelor of Arts), Geography (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), German (Bachelor of Arts), History (Bachelor of Arts), Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies), International Studies (Bachelor of Arts), Latin American Studies (Bachelor of Arts), Media Arts (Bachelor of Arts), Philosophy (Bachelor of Arts), Political Science (Bachelor of Arts), Religious Studies (Bachelor of Arts), Russian (Bachelor of Arts), Sociology (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), Spanish (Bachelor of Arts), Theatre (Bachelor of Arts), Women’s and Gender Studies (Bachelor of Arts).

The curricula established for all baccalaureate degrees awarded by the college include a set of courses that fulfill general education requirements, a set of courses that comprise a departmental major, a set of courses that comprise a cognate or minor, and several hours of free elective courses. A course may be used to fulfill only one requirement.

A student who chooses to major in one of the areas above is advised to read carefully the statement of the major department or program and to consult frequently with the major advisor. No student will be permitted to change a major field of study during the final 30 hours of academic work.

General Education Requirements. Degree candidates in the College of Arts and Sciences must satisfy the general education requirements prescribed for the specific degree program. These requirements are designed to provide students with a broad experience in the liberal arts and sciences and opportunities to develop intellectual skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, as well as competence in written and oral communication. General education is not defined by subject matter alone, but rather by an attitude toward the world that emphasizes intelligent functioning as a human being.

Through the general education requirements, students are provided with opportunities to learn and apply the modes of inquiry essential to each discipline and to develop the following skills, perspectives, and attitudes. Writing: Fluency in writing is essential for success in college work and for effectiveness as an educated person. Foreign language: The study of a foreign language enables students both to develop an important skill and to gain an appreciation of the uniqueness of a foreign culture as reflected in its language. History and cultural awareness: Students must be informed about the traditions that are part of our cultural heritage and must have some understanding of the forces, figures, and events that shaped American history, as well as basic knowledge of other cultures. Mathematics and analytical reasoning: Students must be able to reason logically and understand analytical and quantitative ideas. Natural sciences: Direct experience in science through both the lecture and the laboratory is essential for students to function as informed citizens in matters of science and technology and to understand the complexities of science and the risks and benefits of its applications. Philosophy: The study of philosophy provides students with a formal introduction to issues of fundamental human importance, such as the nature of humankind and the criteria for knowledge and moral decisions, and fosters the development of skills in clear thinking, rational evaluations, and critical self-reflection. Fine arts, literature, and the humanities: These disciplines provide students with an understanding and appreciation of aesthetic, cultural, and ethical values. Social sciences: The study of human behavior and questions regarding the possibilities and the limitations of the human condition are essential parts of general education.

Each student must complete the specified number of hours or attain the desired level of achievement in the groups of courses outlined below. Note that the credit hours required in these groups vary somewhat between the B.A. and B.S. degrees. In planning the course of study during the first two years, a student should give precedence to courses that satisfy the general education requirements. Students must complete English 101 and 102 within the first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.

Majors. Every degree candidate in the college must successfully complete a major program of study, approved by a major advisor, that meets the major requirements of the department or program. A general major consists of at least 24 hours of approved advanced study in the student’s field of interest. An intensive major requires 36 to 48 hours of approved advanced study; no special notation will appear on the student’s transcript or diploma. The intensive major is often conceived specifically as preparation for professional or graduate study. A minimum grade of C is required for any course submitted for fulfillment of general or intensive major requirements. At least half of the major courses must be taken in residence in the College of Arts and Sciences in order to apply to the degree.

Interdisciplinary Studies. The College of Arts and Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies for students who want a program of interdisciplinary studies without a major in a single department or in a structured interdepartmental degree program (e.g., African American Studies). For details see the section titled “Interdisciplinary Studies.”

Second Major. In some degree programs of the College of Arts and Sciences, a student may elect a second major. Normally, second majors are possible only in degree programs with similar general requirements and are thus not available from other schools and colleges.  In those cases students may apply for two separate degrees. The second major option is not available in all colleges.

The following specifications for a second major apply:

  1. The student must meet admission and progression requirements for the second major.
  2. In those cases where second majors in two separate colleges are possible, the student must have received approval from both deans for a second major.
  3. All requirements for the second major must be fulfilled.
  4. All general education and special departmental requirements normally associated with the second major must be fulfilled.
  5. In cases where the first major and the second major lead to different degrees, the student must designate one as the official degree of record.

A second major eliminates the cognate requirement; however, special departmental requirements normally completed as part of the cognate are not waived. Fulfillment of the requirements for a second major are indicated on the student’s official transcript upon graduation. No notation for a second major is placed on the official transcript for course work completed after graduation.

Second Baccalaureate Degree. For information on second degrees, see “Graduation” in the academic regulations chapter of this bulletin.

Cognates. In addition to satisfactorily completing all courses in the major field of study, a student must also satisfactorily complete a minimum of 12 hours in advanced courses related to the major, but outside the major, as prescribed by the major department.

The cognate is intended to support or augment the course work in the major. Cognate courses may be drawn from one or more departments, depending on the individual interests and requirements of the student as judged by the departmental advisor. A cognate differs from a minor in that the courses must be above prerequisite level and may be distributed over more than one subject area. For degrees in Curricula Section I, cognate courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

Courses offered by departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences that are acceptable for cognate credit are outlined below; for cognate course offerings in other departments or colleges, consult the appropriate section of this bulletin.

Courses Acceptable for Cognate Credit in Degree Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences 

Minors. In place of the cognate a student in the College of Arts and Sciences may choose a minor consisting of at least 16-21 credit hours of prescribed courses. (Some minors in the sciences require a minimum of 16 hours.) The subject area of the minor may be related to the major.

The minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. It differs from the cognate inasmuch as the courses must be concentrated in one area and must follow a structured sequence. Interdisciplinary minors can be designed with the approval of the dean.

Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. At least half of the hours in the student’s minor must be taken at the University.

Minors are available in participating departments of the College of Arts and Sciences and in other colleges. For descriptions of specific minors, students should see their academic advisors and the appropriate sections of the bulletin.

Areas from Arts and Sciences
Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics; Aerospace Studies; African Studies; African American Studies; Ancient Greek Literature; Anthropology; Art History; Art Studio; Asian Studies; Astronomy; Biology; Chemistry; Chinese Studies; Classical Studies; Comparative Literature; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Dance; Economics; English; Environmental Studies; European Studies; Film and Media Studies; Foreign Language Education; French; Geography; Geological Sciences; Geophysics; German; History; International Studies; Islamic World Studies; Italian; Japanese; Latin; Latin American Studies; Linguistics; Marine Science; Mathematics; Media Arts; Medical Humanities; Military Science; Naval Science; Neuroscience; Philosophy; Physics; Political Science; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Renaissance Studies; Russian; Russian and Eurasian Studies; Sociology; Southern Studies; Spanish; Speech Communication; Statistics; Theatre; and Women’s and Gender Studies

Other Colleges and Departments
Arnold School of Public Health; Computer Science and Engineering; Education; Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management; Moore School of Business; Mass Communications and Information Studies; Music; Social Work; and S.C. Honors College (Inquiry Minor)

Electives. The B.A. and B.S. degrees in Curricula Section I require the successful completion of at least 120 credit hours in academic subjects. No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may be applied as credit toward a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. To encourage the student to select electives that will broaden the educational background and to strike out into areas that might otherwise be neglected, the College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.

Basic Degree Requirements for B.A. Degrees (for majors in Curricula Section I) (120 Hours) 

Basic Degree Requirements for B.S. Degrees (for majors in Curricula Section I) (120 Hours) 

 Curricula Section II

Curricula for undergraduate degrees in the following majors:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Bachelor of Science), Biological Sciences (Bachelor of Science), Cardiovascular Technology (Bachelor of Science), Chemistry (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry), Environmental Science (Bachelor of Science), Geological Sciences (Bachelor of Science), Geophysics (Bachelor of Science), Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies), Marine Science (Bachelor of Science), Mathematics (Bachelor of Science), Physics (Bachelor of Science), Statistics (Bachelor of Science)

A candidate for the B.S. degree must satisfactorily complete the requirements for a major in one of the programs listed above. The student is advised to read carefully the statement of the appropriate department or program in the following pages. No student will be permitted to change a major field after the beginning of the senior year.

The curricula established for all baccalaureate degrees include a set of courses that fulfill the general education requirements, a set of courses that comprise a departmental major, a set of courses that comprise a cognate or minor, and several hours of free elective courses.

General Education Requirements. Degree candidates in the College of Arts and Sciences must satisfy the general education requirements prescribed for the specific degree program. These requirements are designed to provide students with a broad experience in the liberal arts and sciences and opportunities to develop intellectual skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, as well as competence in written and oral communication. General education is not defined by subject matter alone, but rather by an attitude toward the world which emphasizes intelligent functioning as a human being These requirements are outlined below.

Major Options. Arts and sciences students pursuing degree programs under Curricula Section II may satisfy a general major with a minimum of 24 to 28 hours in advanced courses in one department, or an intensive major with 33 to 41 hours in advanced courses in one department. The intensive major is intended specifically for students who plan to pursue graduate work or wish to meet standards of professional societies; no special notation will appear on the student’s transcript or diploma. A minimum grade of C or better is required on all major courses. At least half of the major courses must be taken in residence in the College of Arts and Sciences in order to apply to the degree.

Second Major. In some degree programs of the College of Arts and Sciences, a student may elect a second major. Normally, second majors are possible only in degree programs with similar general requirements and are thus not available from other schools and colleges. In those cases students may apply for two separate degrees. The second major option is not available in all colleges.

The following specifications for a second major apply:

  1. The student must meet admission and progression requirements for the second major.
  2. In those cases where double majors in two separate colleges are possible, the student must have received approval from both deans for a second major.
  3. All requirements for the second major must be fulfilled.
  4. All general education and special departmental requirements normally associated with the second major must be fulfilled.
  5. In cases where the first major and the second major lead to different degrees, the student must designate one as the official degree of record.

A second major eliminates the cognate requirement; however, special departmental requirements normally completed as part of the cognate are not waived. Fulfillment of the requirements for a second major are indicated on the student’s official transcript upon graduation. No notation for a second major is placed on the official transcript for course work completed after graduation.

Second Baccalaureate Degree. For information on second degrees, see “Graduation” in the academic regulations chapter of this bulletin.

Other Regulations

In addition to the University academic regulations, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science (Curricula Section II) degree are subject to the following:

  1. A student shall not be permitted to enroll for more than 18 credit hours without the approval of the assistant dean of the college.
  2. The assistant dean of the college, with the recommendation of the appropriate faculty, may authorize a student to repeat a course.

Basic Degree Requirements for Majors in Curricula Section II (128 Hours)  


Departments and Program Areas

Click the links below to view programs and courses administered by each unit.

Aerospace Studies  (Air Force ROTC)

African American Studies 

African Studies

Anthropology 

Art 

Asian Studies

Biological Sciences 

Cardiovascular Technology

Chemistry and Biochemistry 

Comparative Literature

Confucius Institute

Criminology and Criminal Justice 

Earth and Ocean Sciences 

Economics (College of Arts and Sciences Information) 

English Language and Literature 

Environment and Sustainability Program 

European Studies 

Film and Media Studies 

Geography 

History 

Interdisciplinary Studies (College of Arts and Sciences) 

Islamic World Studies

Jewish Studies 

Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 

Latin American Studies 

Linguistics 

Marine Science 

Mathematics 

Military Science  (Army ROTC)

Naval Science  (Navy ROTC)

Philosophy 

Physics and Astronomy 

Political Science 

Psychology 

Religious Studies 

Russian and Eurasian Studies

Sociology 

Southern Studies 

Speech Communication and Rhetoric

Statistics 

Theatre and Dance 

Women’s and Gender Studies 

SMED, STEM, and COLA Course Descriptions 

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