WCSU Faculty Handbook : Curriculum and Academic Standards

Degree Definitions

Undergraduate Credit Parameters for Majors
Bachelor of Arts 30-48 credit hours in one subject, (25-40% of all coursework), language required in all disciplines
Bachelor of Arts (Interdisciplinary) 48-66 credit hours in two or more subject areas (40-55% of all coursework), language required in all disciplines
Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Business Administration

48-66 credit hours within one subject area (40-55% of all coursework), language required in some disciplines.
Bachelor of Science (Interdisciplinary) 66-80 credit hours across two or more disciplines (55-66% of all coursework), language required in some disciplines.
Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Fine Arts

More than 70 credit hours within one subject (65-75% of all coursework), language required in some disciplines

Interdisciplinary Majors:

The interdisciplinary major weaves together two or more disciplines to create a coherent whole. Examples include BS in Meteorology, BA in Biochemistry, or any Secondary or Elementary Education degree. Up to 18 credits from the secondary major disciplines and/or cognate courses may be used to satisfy the breadth requirement in general education. A further reduction would not allow students to have a reasonable expectation of meeting all competency requirements within the credits allotted. There is no reduction in the number of competencies.

Cognate Courses:

A cognate course is a non-major course deemed essential to supporting the major discipline. Examples include economics for the BBA degrees or calculus for Computer Science. Cognate courses should only be assigned if they are essential to success in the major or reflect national norms for the degree. Up to 18 credits of cognate courses may be applied to the breadth requirement in general education. A further reduction would not allow students to have a reasonable expectation of meeting all competency requirements within the credits allotted. There is no reduction in the number of competencies.

Language Requirements:

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to study a language other than English to at least an elementary level II. The BS, BBA, BM, and BFA vary in their language requirements which are determined by the departments.

Senate Approval: February 17, 2016,

Administrative Approval: February 17, 2016

 

Certificate and Graduate Program Definitions
Undergraduate Certificate-Non degree No more than 30 semester hours of credit which fall within an approved program.
Graduate Degree Programs A minimum of 30 semester hours
Option within a graduate degree No more than 12 semester hours for credit within and approved program
Graduate Certificate-Non Degree No more than 12 semester hours of credit within an approved program

Senate Approval: November 14, 1990 (R90-11-11)

Admin. Approval: February 1, 1991