Program Requirements
Students must review their program requirements for their catalog year, fulfill these requirements, and maintain regular contact with their academic advisor. All degree programs require completion of the general education requirements and a major. Some programs may also offer areas of concentration or require cognate courses that are related to the major. The department chairperson can waive or substitute departmental requirements. Additional requirements may be imposed by outside licensing or accrediting agencies in programs leading to licensure or certification, which may revise a student's plan of study.
GENERAL EDUCATION
All degree programs require completion of the 46-credit Liberal Education Program (LEP). Students must also complete three writing-intensive (W) courses. Some majors recommend specific LEP courses that count towards both LEP and major requirements, but credits are only counted once towards the 120 credits needed for graduation. For more information, visit the General Education page.
MAJOR/CONCENTRATION
A major is a planned sequence of at least 30 credits in one discipline; various options are available with departmental consent, and electives may be utilized to enhance the basic requirements. Some majors have designated up to three courses in the major that also fulfill general education requirements. A concentration is a required set of courses within a major that define a specific area of study.
COGNATE
A cognate is a supplement of credits in a related discipline(s), outside of one's major or minor. Courses in a cognate may be used to fulfill requirements for a minor and/or the general education requirements.
MINOR
A minor is an additional planned sequence of at least 18 credits alongside one's major requirements. Students can choose up to two minors with guidance from departmental or program advisors. Credits beyond the 120 required for a primary degree might not be eligible for financial aid. Courses in a minor can count towards a cognate or the general education requirements. One course in a minor can also fulfill a major or another minor requirement. To ensure 14-15 credits are unique to the minor, students need to take substitute courses if there's more overlap, with approval from the Chairperson.
ELECTIVES
The number of electives varies based on the major and the student's commitment to the other aforementioned options. Prerequisite courses may also reduce the number of free electives remaining in a student's program.