2011-2012 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 19 2011–12 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Graduate Study Cedarville University graduate academic programs are designed to meet the professional, personal, and spiritual needs of adults who desire to honor God with their careers and lives. Truth from Scripture is integrated with the knowledge taught in each course to provide effective learning and enduring life values. The knowledge and skills learned from the curricular experiences provide adults with an excellent background for professional competence in their chosen fields. Three benchmarks make the Cedarville University graduate program worth consideration: • Convenience – Program design works well with active professionals. • Cost – Tuition is competitively priced with other graduate programs. • Content – Biblical truth is integrated into all course content. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) Teacher-Leader program prepares educators interested in enhancing their classroom effectiveness and becoming instructional leaders in their schools. This is a 34 semester hour program. The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice with three areas of focus: family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and global health ministries. The program ranges from 41 to 43 semester hours. For information about available graduate opportunities, contact the graduate admissions office at 1-888-CEDARVILLE (233-2784), e-mail gradadmissions@cedarville.edu , or visit cedarville.edu/ graduate . Undergraduate Study The Cedarville University undergraduate academic program is designed to meet the educational, moral, physical, social, and spiritual needs of young people who desire to honor God with their lives. The total program represents a balance between the knowledge gained through the courses studied, the co-curricular activities, and worship in the regular chapel and church services. In such a setting, truth from Scripture is integrated with the knowledge taught in each course to provide effective learning and enduring life values. The knowledge and skills learned from the courses give students an excellent background for professional competence in their chosen fields. Calendar and Credits The regular college year consists of two semesters of 15 weeks each plus final exam days, extending from August to May. Credits are earned in terms of semester hours; a semester hour equals one 50-minute period each week for one term. As an illustration, a student completing a course that meets 50 minutes a day, three days a week, for 15 weeks receives three semester hours credit. Laboratory sessions, applied music courses, physical education courses, compressed courses, and internships are exceptions to this pattern. Classification of Students Regular students are those who have met the requirements for admission, are enrolled in a degree program, and are carrying at least 12 semester hours of credit from Cedarville University in that academic semester. Non-degree students are those taking courses but not enrolled in degree programs. Part-time students are those who have met all admission requirements, are seeking a degree, and are taking fewer than 12 semester hours. Transfer students are those who have studied full time for at least one term at another accredited college or university after graduation from high school. High school students are those who have not completed high school graduation requirements. Assignment to Classes Official class membership is determined according to the following schedule: Class Hours Completed Freshman 0–30.99 Sophomore 31–60.99 Junior 61–90.99 Senior 91+ Non-Degree Assigned Class Attendance In general, regular attendance is necessary for the student to receive full benefit from the college experience. Since there are several different ways in which ideal class attendance may be achieved, official faculty policy allows each faculty member to determine and develop attendance standards that will meet the particular needs of the course. Degree Requirements Cedarville University eight baccalaureate degrees: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.Cp.E.), Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.), Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). A degree candidate should carefully study the requirements for that degree as well as the special requirements for graduation found in this catalog. Careful attention to these requirements will enable the student to avoid doing unnecessary work. Students are responsible to see that graduation requirements are met. Bachelor’s degree requirements are listed below. 1. Meet all admission and proficiency requirements. 2. Complete at least 128 semester hours (not including proficiency), 32 hours of which must be of upper-division work (3000–4000 level courses). 3. Maintain an overall cumulative GPA of not less than 2.0. 4. Maintain a GPA in the major of not less than 2.0. 5. Establish minimum residency of one year (32 semester hours, normally the senior year). 6. Complete the general education requirements. 7. Complete the specific course and professional requirements for the desired major. At least one-third of the course requirements within a major must be taken from Cedarville University. 8. Pass ENG-1400 Composition. 9. Satisfy the appropriate global awareness requirement. 10. Participate in the University testing and assessment program when asked. 11. Complete an application for graduation. Specific curricular requirements are outlined in each departmental section of the catalog. Requirements for a Second Degree If a student has a baccalaureate degree from Cedarville University and desires to earn a second degree, the student must: 1. Meet all the admission requirements. 2. Have fulfilled each of the general education courses in biblical education. 3. Earn a minimum of 160 credits (32 credits beyond the 128 minimum required for a first baccalaureate degree). At least 22 of the credits earned after 128 must be taken at Cedarville University. 4. Earn at least 43 credits in upper-division courses (3000– 4000 level courses).