1 Exploring Academic Major Choice

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

1 Exploring Academic Major Choice 1 EXPLORING ACADEMIC MAJOR CHOICE AND SELF-EFFICACY IN A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE: LOW-INCOME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AND PURSUIT OF THE HUMANITIES DEGREE __________________________________ A Dissertation! Presented to! The Faculty of the Curry School of Education University of Virginia _________________________________ In Partial Fulfillment! of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy _________________________________ by! Sarah E. Whitley, B.S., M.Ed. May 2017 2 ©Copyright by Sarah E. Whitley All Rights Reserved May 2017 3 ABSTRACT Advisor: Dr. Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas Relying upon explanatory mixed methods (Creswell, 2002, 2003, 2007; Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2003), this study investigated the academic decision-making of low-income undergraduate students with interest in humanities majors. The purpose of this study was to consider the influences, including those internal and external to the college environment as well as occurring prior to and during college, that shaped low- income students’ self-efficacy and academic decision-making at different points in the process. Moreover, this study sought to understand the barriers encountered by students in academic decision-making and to identify the supports recognized by students as improving their confidence in successfully choosing a major. Given the negative post- Recession climate surrounding humanities study and a rise in focus on and funding for majors deemed vocational or pre-professional, this study examined why low-income students still express interest in humanities fields and whether majoring in these disciplines may be a benefit to this marginalized population. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (Lent, Brown & Hackett, 1994, 2000, 2002) and Bronfenbrenner’s (1979, 1993) Ecological Systems Theory as frameworks for considering goals, outcomes, efficacy, and environmental influences, this study considered the following research questions: ▪ What influences low-income undergraduate students to pursue academic majors in humanities disciplines? ▪ In what ways are low-income undergraduate students' senses of academic self- efficacy regarding their choice of major shaped through experiences and influences within the college and external environments? 4 ▪ What college and external environments or experiences, specifically, shape the major choice process for low-income undergraduate students interested in humanities disciplines? Despite indicating humanities interest at the time of admission and identifying humanities-related interests in high school academic and extracurricular experiences, students were also encouraged to consider pre-professional majors by their immediate family and high school educators. The influence of parents and teachers, along with feeling connected to an academic discipline prior to entering college, improved confidence and self-efficacy in the pre-college major choice. However, upon entry, students identified multiple barriers (e.g., lack of information, poor faculty and advisor support, academic difficulties, shifting interests) that prompted a need to consider other majors and resulted in declines in decision-making efficacy. Students in the study sought mentoring relationships with older peers, returned to hobbies and interests as inspiration for major choice, and identified small, supportive academic communities as the supports necessary for regaining self-efficacy and choosing a major. Moreover, students reported finding these desired supports within humanities disciplines. Additionally, the presence of a comprehensive institutional aid model offered students unexpected freedom and flexibility in academic decision- making. The study’s findings offer support for the use of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) (Lent, Brown & Hackett, 1996; Lent, 2005) and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979; 1993) as frameworks for exploring academic decision-making. Suggestions are offered for extending the use of SCCT to include college, major, and career choice as well as development of a consistent adaptation of Bronfenbrenner’s model specific to higher education research. The study’s findings offer support for 5 considering how comprehensive financial aid models can be expanded to benefit students at varying types of institutions, continuing improvement in federal financial aid policies for low-income students, and reconsidering widespread funding cuts across humanities degree programs. For practitioners, the study findings suggest that students, and influential individuals, need better major choice information prior to college and for this information to be delivered with greater intention throughout matriculation. Moreover, findings support initiatives for greater awareness of faculty and staff regarding the barriers and supports identified in the major choice process for marginalized students alongside consideration of formalized mentoring programs for student support from consistent and knowledgeable resources. Recommendations are made not only for improvements in how humanities programs are marketing degree options and outcomes but, reciprocally, for non-humanities faculty to learn about ways in which the humanities foster learning environments favored by low-income students. As this study considered a specific population at a selective institution, findings are not intended to be generalizable. However, the findings presented offer significant opportunity for future research including comparison samples across institutions of varying selectivities, financial aid models, academic disciplines and peer groups. Moreover, additional research exploring the informal development of academic mentoring relationships with peers, student perceptions of humanities faculty, and reported pervasive struggles with connecting majors with personal and career goals is recommended. 6 Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy Curry School of Education University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA APPROVAL OF THE DISSERTATION This dissertation, “Explorating Academic Major Choice in a Shifting Landscape: Low- Income Undergraduate Students and Pursuit of the Humanities Degree,” has been approved by the Graduate Faculty of the Curry School of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. ________________________________________ Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas, Advisor _________________________________________ John T. Casteen III __________________________________________ Nancy L. Deutsch __________________________________________ Josipa Roksa March 31, 2017 Date 7 DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated in loving memory of my father, Henry V. “Bubba” Whitley, Jr., who instilled in me a strong work ethic, fierce loyalty, and the strength to persist when difficult. Thank you for being my coach and champion, my consummate supporter, my unyielding cheerleader, and for sacrificing so much to allow me to pursue my dreams. Nothing would make me happier than to have you here today. Love and miss you, buddy. Okay, Okay. vii 8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of this task is not without tremendous appreciation to those who have encouraged me both personally and professionally and continue to be significant influences in my life. First, I must thank the students, particularly the eight interview participants, who excitedly shared their life experiences and allowed me to understand college through their eyes. Thank you to the Curry School of Education and the Higher Education program for funding my education, and the Curry School of Education IDEAs program and the American College Personnel Association Foundation for generously funding this research. I am indebted to Dr. Teresa Gonzalez, Dr. Patricia Cormier, and Dr. Ken Perkins for their mentorship in the earliest parts of my career, encouraging doctoral education, and providing pathways to empower women in our field. I chose to attend UVa for the opportunity to work with Dr. Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas and it has been a highlight of my experience. Karen, the guidance you’ve provided is unparalleled. Not only do I walk away from this experience with an outstanding academic and professional mentor but a friend as well….and a greater appreciation for Egg McMuffins and the Cubs. Thank you. Dr. Josipa Roksa, you challenged me in ways I never knew existed. You forced me to think through a completely new lens while also being incredibly thoughtful, generous, and caring in the process. I’m so thankful our partnership and friendship will continue. It has been a privilege to learn from and with Dr. John T. Casteen III. The gracious opportunity you’ve provided in sharing your classroom and your interest in my education is eternally appreciated. Finally, to Dr. Nancy Deutsch, who sparked my interest in qualitative viii 9 methods and, without fail, made time for every question and concern. Thank you for making me a better researcher and for always advocating for what is right in this world. In addition to my committee, Dr. Amy K. Swan kindly “showed me the ropes” of doctoral education and gave me my earliest research experiences. Your patience, thoughtfulness, and friendship is so appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Christian L. Steinmetz for sharing your classroom, supporting my development, and helping me find a place in the program. However, without question, our friendship is one of my greatest gifts from this experience. To my HERS sisters, Sue Frost, Donna Hight, Julie McDonald, and Ellen Schendel, your steadfast friendship, support and empowerment is a joy and privilege in my life.
Recommended publications
  • The Effect of Loans on Time to Doctorate Degree: Differences by Race/Ethnicity, Field of Study, and Institutional Characteristics
    Dongbin Kim Cindy Otts The Effect of Loans on Time to Doctorate Degree: Differences by Race/Ethnicity, Field of Study, and Institutional Characteristics Introduction Graduate schools prepare students not only for fu- ture careers in academia, but also for leadership positions in govern- ment, business, non-profit organizations, and other industries. Given the likelihood of doctoral degree recipients being active in research or lead- ership positions, they may have considerable opportunity to influence public policy. In a global, knowledge-driven economy, the need for a highly educated workforce is vital to maintaining the nation’s status and economy. Doctoral-granting institutions, therefore, play an important role in educating academicians and professionals alike who can take the lead in this highly interdependent world. Unfortunately, the nation’s graduate schools fail to fully educate many students who enter doctoral programs because the programs are plagued by high attrition rates. This material is based upon work supported by the Association for Institutional Re- search, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Science Foundation, and the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative under Association for Institu- tional Research Grant Number 223. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recom- mendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association for Institutional Research, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Science Foundation, or the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative. Authors thank the anonymous reviewers for comments and encouragements on ear- lier drafts. Dongbin Kim is an assistant professor in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Kansas.
    [Show full text]
  • Transfer Students and General Education Requirements January 30, 2018
    Transfer Students and General Education Requirements January 30, 2018 Transfer Action Status 1. FYE and HPLW 105 are satisfied. With Associates 2. All breadth areas of GE and corresponding overlays (Artistic Expression, Communication, and from State Global Diversity and Citizenship) are marked as satisfied. System 3. Any accepted transfer courses outside of the GE breadth area whose ESU course fulfills an University overlays (i.e. WII, WIII, or I) will need to be reviewed by the Transfer Office and the relevant Academic Dean/Dept Chair before being used to fulfil the overlay (See example A). 1. Full “junior standing” 2 2. FYE and HPLW 105 are satisfied. With Associates 3. ESU will “fully accept general education course work when comparable (though perhaps not (Part of P2P) identical” to GE at ESU. There is “not a course to course equivalency requirement.” 1 Review conducted by the Transfer Office and relevant Academic Dean/Dept. Chair. (See examples B & C) With Associates 1. FYE satisfied and HPLW 105 satisfied. (Not part of 2. Course to course credit review by Transfer Office and relevant Academic Dean/Dept. Chair to P2P) fulfil breadth and overlay areas. 1. If 24 credits or more FYE satisfied; 60 credits or more HPLW 105 satisfied. 2. If the GE program at the prior state system university is complete, the GE program at ESU will be marked as complete.2 Without Degree 3. If the GE program at the prior system system university is not complete, then Course to course from a State credit based on review by the Transfer Office and relevant Academic Dean/Dept.
    [Show full text]
  • Academic Affairs Guidelines
    ACADEMIC AFFAIRS GUIDELINES Section 2: Academic Programs and Curriculum: Guidelines and Procedures Title: Curriculum and Program Definitions Number (Current Format) Number (Prior Format) Date Last Revised 2.1 II.F.1 10/2018 Reference: BOR Policy 2:25 – Articulation of General Education Courses: South Dakota Technical Institutes without a Memorandum of Agreement with the Board of Regents BOR Policy 2:29 – Definition of Credits and Related Institutional Requirements BOR Policy 2:23 – Program and Curriculum Approval BOR Policy 2:7 – Baccalaureate General Education Curriculum BOR Policy 2:26 – Associate Degree General Education Curriculum Related Form(s): 1. Undergraduate Degree Programs 1.1. Bachelor’s Degree Universities award a bachelor’s degree to a student for satisfactory completion of a prescribed course of study. Bachelor’s degree programs shall require one hundred twenty (120) credit hours. The Board of Regents may grant exceptions those cases in which a program must comply with specific standards established by external accreditation, licensure or regulatory bodies or for other compelling reasons approved by the executive director in consultation with the Board of Regents’ president (Board Policy 2:29). A diploma and transcript signify the measure of achievement and verify the degree. The bachelor’s degree enables a student to acquire a certain amount of general learning and become proficient in a particular field of study or a profession. The curricular structure of a bachelor’s degree program includes a system general education core curriculum (thirty [30] credit ours per Board Policy 2:7), support courses, major courses, and electives. 1.2. Associate Degrees 1.2.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Index of Educational Terms 2Nd Edition Now with Farsi
    INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION ® Index of Educational Terms 2nd Edition now with Farsi 1969-2019 Celebrating 50 years of service Index of Educational Terms We are pleased to present this 2nd edition of the Index of Educational Terms, as part of IERF’s 50th anniversary celebration. This handy resource can trace its beginnings to the 1979 publication of The Glossary of Foreign Educational Terms. Developed by Theodore Sharp, IERF’s co-founder, The Glossary focused on a selection of languages from Europe and Latin America. The Index of Educational Terms, compiled by IERF evaluators, provides glossaries from 11 major languages around the world, including Arabic, Chinese and Russian. This new edition, which now also includes Farsi, is intended as a handy tool for admissions officers, credentials analysts and registrars, the Index of Educational Terms focuses on the most commonly used terms found on international academic records. We are grateful for the enthusiastic feedback we have received over the years, since its first release in 2012. I would like to give special thanks to the following individuals for their hard work and for making this possible: Editors: Emily Tse Alice Tang Contributors: Liana Amelova Andrej Molchan Andrea Ben Zion Maryam Rawson Daniel Borhanian Irene Romo Joshua Everett Amy Santiago Matthew Fisher Traci Wells Victoria Haydenko Alvin Yin I-Hsing Lin Nina Zhao Finally, I would also like to express my appreciation to our colleagues, Ujjaini Sahasrabudhe and Herman de Leeuw, for their kind support and feedback.
    [Show full text]
  • 08-22-2017 Agenda
    Board of Governors’ Meeting Boardroom Administration Building Dixon University Center 2986 North Second Street Harrisburg, PA 17110-1201 Tuesday, August 22, 2017 4:00 p.m. via conference call Agenda Call to Order and Roll Call of the Members Public Comments Board Action 1. Policy Dispensation a. Policy 1985-01-A: Requirements for Initiation or Change of Credit-Based Academic Programs b. Policy 1999-01-A: Student Transfer Policy 2. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Loan Forgiveness Adjournment (NOTE: An Executive Session may be called during the meeting as needed.) Board Members: Cynthia D. Shapira (Chair), Senator Ryan P. Aument, Representative Matthew E. Baker, Audrey F. Bronson, Secretary Sarah E. Galbally (Governor Wolf’s designee), Representative Michael K. Hanna, Shaina M. Hilsey, Donald E. Houser, Jr., Jonathan B. Mack, David M. Maser (Vice Chair), Barbara McIlvaine Smith, Daniel P. Meuser, Thomas S. Muller, Guido M. Pichini, Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera, Senator Judith L. Schwank, Harold C. Shields (Vice Chair), Brian Swatt, and Governor Thomas W. Wolf. For further information, contact Randy A. Goin, Jr. at (717) 720-4010 BOARD MATERIALS - PAGE 1 ITEM #1A Board of Governors Meeting August 22, 2017 SUBJECT: Special Dispensation to Board of Governors’ Policy 1985-01-A: Requirements for Initiation or Change of Credit-Based Academic Programs (ACTION) UNIVERSITIES AFFECTED: Cheyney University of Pennsylvania BACKGROUND: Section B. Moratorium of the Board of Governors’ Policy 1985-01-A: Requirements for Initiation or Change of Credit-Based Academic Programs states “Students currently enrolled or admitted will be allowed to complete the program.” The university is seeking Board approval for an exception to this sentence of the Board Policy.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Declaration of a College Major and Its
    EARLY DECLARATION OF A COLLEGE MAJOR AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO COLLEGE STUDENT PERSISTENCE by DAVID BRENT SPIGHT FRANKIE SANTOS LAANAN, CHAIR NATHANIEL BRAY DAVID HARDY CLAIRE MAJOR CHARLIE NUTT A DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies in the Graduate School of The University of Alabama TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA 2018 Copyright David Brent Spight 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED i ABSTRACT Completion of a college degree, as reflected by graduation rates, is a priority for campus administrators, politicians, families, and students. When students do not graduate, it has an effect on students, families, institutions, and surrounding communities. Colleges and universities, whether public or private, may find financial support declining when graduation rates do not improve. Debt acquired during college can be costly for students who drop-out before earning a degree. Some students, parents, administrators, faculty, and staff perceive that students making an early decision about a major is necessary for success in college. Many believe that enrolling as undeclared contributes to student attrition from college. Significant numbers of first-time in college students enroll each year without having chosen a major. Previous research examining undeclared students, however, is limited, conflicting, and dated. Still, increasingly, administrators and other stakeholders agree on two things: students should persist to graduation and
    [Show full text]
  • 20 17– 20 18 August 2017 Brunswick, Maine Bowdoin.Edu/Academic
    BOWDOIN BOWDOIN COLLEGE ACADEMIC HANDBOOK ACADEMIC HANDBOOK: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2017–2018 2017–2018 Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs August 2017 Bowdoin College Brunswick, Maine 5800 College Station bowdoin.edu/academic-handbook Brunswick, ME 04011-8449 BOWDOIN BOWDOIN COLLEGE ACADEMIC HANDBOOK ACADEMIC HANDBOOK: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2017–2018 2017–2018 Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs August 2017 Bowdoin College Brunswick, Maine 5800 College Station bowdoin.edu/academic-handbook Brunswick, ME 04011-8449 Academic Handbook: Policies and Procedures 2017–2018 August 2017 Brunswick, Maine bowdoin.edu/academic-handbook Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses. The information in this publication was accurate at the time of publication. However, the College is a dynamic institution and must reserve the right to make changes in degree requirements, regulations, procedures, and charges. In compliance with the Campus Security Act of 1990, Bowdoin College maintains and provides information about campus safety policies and procedures and crime statistics. A copy of the report is available upon request or by accessing bowdoin.edu/security/crime-prevention-personal-safety/ campus-crime-report. Bowdoin College and the other members of the New England Small College Athletic Conference take strong stands against abusive drinking and its negative side effects.
    [Show full text]
  • Degree Programs
    ACADEMIC PROGRAMS THE SERENBETZ INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND GLOBAL AWARENESS The Institute for Women’s Leadership and Social Responsibility was established in the fall of 2010 to support Cottey College’s mission to promote the education of women as “learners, leaders, and citizens.” In 2014, the Institute was named in recognition of a major gift to the college by Thelma Serenbetz. The Institute’s vision is to become a premier women’s leadership program, employing focused research, innovative instruction, and life-long mentorship to equip Cottey graduates for excellence of responsible leadership globally. Each of Cottey’s four-year baccalaureate programs incorporates the three vital themes for which the Institute is named: the themes of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness. Under the auspices of the Institute, these same emphases shape still further courses and events offered to the Cottey campus and Nevada community. While some of these offerings may be incorporated directly into the classroom, others may include special workshops, conferences, or speakers. Specific initiatives sponsored and promoted by the Institute include the following: 1. The Leadership, Experiences, and Opportunity (LEO) program provides students a personalized approach to leadership identity development through hands-on experience and reflection 2. Undergraduate Research Grants for students and faculty to pursue research on leadership and its development within their academic disciplines 3. Leadership Immersions, involving academic study or personal enrichment travel concerning women’s leadership, social responsibility, or global awareness in students’ disciplines 4. Summer Leadership Internships, providing opportunities for students to explore leadership within a community, governmental, political, or non-profit organization 5.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Andrews University Academic Catalog
    St. Andrews University A Branch of Webber International University Academic Catalog 2019-2020 The official Academic Catalog for St. Andrews (a Branch of Webber International University) is located on the campus website at the following location: https://www.sa.edu/files/Academics/Catalog2019.pdf 1 It includes all of the revisions found in this document as well as other revisions that have been made from time to time. Please use the published copy of the Academic Catalog as your guide but remember the online version is the authoritative one. 2 St. Andrews University A Branch of Webber International University 2019 -2020: Academic Calendar REVISED Fall Semester 2019 Thursday-Sunday August 22 – 25 New Student Orientation Monday August 26 First day of academic term Registration – Main Campus Tuesday August 27 Sandhills and main campus courses begin Friday August 30 Last day to add a Demi 1 course - Last day to drop a Demi 1 course without a “W” grade (After this date, there will be a $10 charge to add or drop) Monday September 2 “W” grades begin for Demi 1 courses Wednesday September 4 Last day to add a semester long course or drop a semester long course without a “W” grade (After this date, there will be a $10 charge to add or drop) Thursday September 5 “W” grades begin for semester long courses Wednesday September 18 Demi 1 mid-term grades due Monday September 23 Check points due Monday September 30 Last day to withdraw from a Demi 1 course with a "W" grade Tuesday October 1 WP/WF grades begin if a student withdraws from a Demi 1 course
    [Show full text]
  • PROGRAMS of STUDY ACCOUNTING and FINANCE Irons, Mclaughlin, Moon, Olson, Sullivan, Willis Lower-Level (100-200) Courses in the Department Are Open to All Students
    PROGRAMS OF STUDY ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE Irons, McLaughlin, Moon, Olson, Sullivan, Willis Lower-level (100-200) courses in the department are open to all students. Upper-level (300-400) courses in the department are open to students not major- ing in accounting, or finance with consent of the department head; a small percentage of seats in each class is reserved to accommodate such students, but such students should follow the department’s closed course petitioning process. However, students not majoring in accounting, or finance may take only one upper-level course in the department unless required to do so by a major out- side the Department of Accounting and Finance, or unless they receive permis- sion from the department head. The major in accounting meets the accounting requirements for taking the Certified Public Accountant Examination in Illinois and provides excel- lent preparation for entry into field of public accounting and the practice of accounting in industry or government. To sit for the CPA exam in Illinois, cur- rent law requires students to have completed at least 37.5 course units or the equivalent of 150 semester hours. It may be possible for students to complete these requirements in four years at IWU. Contact the department head for details. See more at www.iwu.edu/accounting. IWU’s Finance major is designed to produce articulate, well-informed, responsible graduates who learn finance in a liberal art setting. We emphasize critical thinking and communication, two skills that are essential to success in any financial field. At IWU, the program centered on application for real- world problems and culminating in multiple real-world experiences including investing actual money.
    [Show full text]
  • Procedures Procedures
    POLICIESPOLICIES && PROCEDURESPROCEDURES 2018-2019 A Branch Campus of Franklin University Urbana University is a branch campus of Franklin University. Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org/800.621.7440). Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org/800.621.7440). Franklin University is authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Franklin University does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status. For inquiries about the University’s non-discrimination policies, please contact the Dean of Students, Student Services Center, 201 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215, 614.947.6758, [email protected]. Franklin University and Urbana Branch Campus 2018-19 Academic Catalog Policies & Procedures Table of Contents GENERAL INFORMATION Accreditation & Authorization 9 Academic Calendar 12 A Profile of Franklin University 13 A Profile of Urbana University 13 University Partnerships 20 Campuses & Locations 22 Academic Information 28 Tuition & Fees 45 Paying for Your Education 50 Student Affairs 54 STUDENT POLICIES & PROCEDURES UNDERGRADUATE POLICIES Student Admission 60 Student Registration 71 Academic Policies 73 GRADUATE POLICIES Graduate Education Vision & Values 86 Student Admission 86 Academic Policies 88 DIRECTORY & INDEX Directory 97 Index
    [Show full text]
  • Degree Requirements 1
    Degree Requirements 1 Degree Requirements To earn an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science), a student must: • Complete 32 full academic courses (equal to 128 semester hours), plus two physical education credits; • Earn one PE credit by the end of the first year and an additional one by the end of the sophomore year1; • Meet the general education requirements of the College before the beginning of the senior year2; • Of the 32 academic full courses (128 semester hours) presented for a bachelor’s degree, no more than 13 full courses (52 semester hours) may be presented in any single subject. Students and their advisors are strongly encouraged to develop a program of study for the junior and senior year that reflects breadth of involvement in disciplines beyond their principal academic interest; • Complete an academic major; • Attain a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all academic work at Sewanee; • Spend at least four semesters in residence, including the final two semesters; • Earn a minimum of 64 semester hours of credit at Sewanee. • Additionally, a student must satisfy all financial obligations to the University. The University will neither confer a degree nor provide transcripts to any student or former student who has unsatisfied financial obligations to the University. During the first two years, many of the student’s courses are options listed within prescribed categories of general education. During the last two years, a student’s courses are usually selected from those offered in a major field of study but also include ample electives. The College offers a broad undergraduate education in the arts and sciences rather than highly specialized training.
    [Show full text]