Course Catalogs

You are viewing the
2014-2015 Course Catalog
Other available Course Catalogs: 2024-2025, 2023-2024, 2022-2023, 2021-2022, 2020-2021, 2019-2020, 2018-2019, 2017-2018, 2016-2017, 2015-2016, 2014-2015, 2013-2014, 2012-2013
Catalog
2014-2015

Undergraduate Academic Program

Degrees Offered

Nebraska Wesleyan University provides undergraduate programs and academic leadership in the liberal arts and sciences with selected complementary professional programs. The University’s curricula lead to the following degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The specific degree a student pursues is determined by his or her major. Several majors are available for more than one degree, and in these cases, the student selects the pursuant degree based on future academic/professional plans or personal preference. See course catalog for degree availability and major requirements.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Ultimate responsibility for completion of degree requirements lies with the student. Nebraska Wesleyan University provides faculty advising and online academic analyses to assist students in monitoring degree progress.

Candidates for all baccalaureate degrees must complete the following requirements:

  • A minimum of 126 credit hours, of which
    • at least 18 are earned in 3000-level or 4000-level courses
    • at least 32 are earned at Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • A major of at least 30 credit hours, of which
    • at least 12 are earned in 3000-level or 4000-level courses
    • at least 12 are earned in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan
  • Completion of the general education curriculum.
    • "Preparing for Global Citizenship" curriculum for first year students starting prior to Fall 2014 and transfer students starting prior to Fall 2015.
    • "Archway Curriculum" for first year students starting Fall 2014 to present and transfter students starting in Fall 2015 or later.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.00 with
    • no more than 25 credit hours graded “D+”, “D” or “D-”
    • no credit hours graded “D+”, “D” or D-” earned in the major, minor, or supporting program
    • no credit hours graded “P*” earned in the major, minor, or supporting program unless approved by the department chair or program director
    • no more than two courses with grades of “P*” may be used toward general education requirements. This excludes courses from the “First Year Experience” category.
  • A senior comprehensive course for each major, taken in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan, consisting of at least one of the following:
    • successful completion of a comprehensive examination in the major discipline, or
    • successful completion of a thesis or independent study in the major discipline demonstrating ability to conduct research, or
    • successful presentation of a performance, exhibition, or an internship appropriate to the major discipline. (The senior comprehensive requirement is waived for students who complete degree programs by transferring credit from a professional program previously and officially approved by Nebraska Wesleyan University or for students who transfer a senior comprehensive course from a study abroad experience that has been previously approved by that department chair or program director.)

Catalog Determination of Degree Requirements for Graduation

Students must meet graduation requirements stipulated in the catalog under which they first matriculate as a candidate for a degree at Nebraska Wesleyan. However, a student may select requirements announced in a subsequent catalog instead of those in effect when he or she first matriculated. If a course listed under a student’s degree requirements is no longer offered, it will be replaced with a course recommended by the department or program.

Once a student declares a major, he or she must meet requirements specified in the catalog in effect at the time the major is declared, unless he or she chooses requirements stipulated in a later catalog. The same holds true for the declaration of a minor.

Residency Requirement

All baccalaureate degree students must take 32 credit hours of coursework in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Any request for exceptions must be directed to the Executive Committee for approval.

General Education Requirements

The general education requirements have been revised.

  • First year students starting prior to Fall 2014 should follow the "Preparing for Global Citizenship" curriculum.
  • First year students starting in Fall 2014 or later should follow the "Archways Curriculum".
  • Transfer students starting prior to Fall 2015 should use the "Preparing for Global Citizenship" curriculum.
  • Transfer students starting in the Fall of 2015 or later should use the "Archways Curriculum".

Click here for "Archway Curriculum" requirements.

Click here for “Preparing for Global Citizenship” requirements.

Majors

A major consists of at least 30 credit hours pursued under the direction of a department or an interdisciplinary program. (See course catalog for information on majors and minors.) Major requirements in effect at the time a student declares a major govern his or her program unless he or she chooses requirements stipulated in a later catalog.

A major must include at least 12 credit hours earned in regular Nebraska Wesleyan classes. Credit earned by examination may not be counted toward this 12-hour minimum requirement.

Majors Offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The following majors are offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

Departmental

  • Accounting
  • Acting
  • Art
  • Athletic Training
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice in Society
  • Directing
  • Economics
  • Elementary Education
  • English
  • Exercise Science
  • French
  • German
  • Health and Fitness Studies
  • Health and Physical Education
  • History
  • Integrative Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Middle Grades Education
  • Music
  • Music Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Nursing
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religion
  • Social Work
  • Sociology-Anthropology
  • Spanish
  • Special Education
  • Theatre Arts
  • Theatre Design and Technology
  • Theatre Studies

Interdepartmental

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Business-Sociology
  • History-Social Science Education
  • International Business
  • Language Arts Education
  • Music Education
  • Natural Science Education
  • Political Communication
  • Sport Management
  • Theatre Arts Education

Interdisciplinary

  • Gender Studies
  • Global Studies

Pre-professional Studies
Nebraska Wesleyan does not offer majors in pre-professional programs. It does provide foundation courses for future study in the following professional fields through its academic departments:

  • Architecture
  • Chiropractic
  • Dentistry
  • Engineering
  • Forensic Science
  • Law
  • Medical Technology
  • Medicine
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathic Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Podiatry
  • Theology
  • Veterinary Science

Majors Offered in University College

The following majors are offered through University College at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

  • Business Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Health Science
  • Nursing
  • Organizational Leadership and Communication
  • Social Work

Declaring a Major

Requirements for various majors differ across and within departments. When selecting a major, students should not hesitate to meet with department chairs for information and counsel beyond what is included in each department’s section in this catalog.

A College of Liberal Arts and Sciences student declares a major by filing the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office. Students may declare a major any time after their first semester and are expected to do so during their sophomore year. After a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences student has declared a major, he or she is assigned an advisor in the major department. The student then works closely with the advisor to plan each semester’s course work.

Once a student declares a major, he or she must meet requirements specified in the catalog in effect at the time the major is declared, unless he or she chooses requirements stipulated in a later catalog.

Double Majors

A student who wishes to complete two or more majors should designate a primary major. Every requirement for each major must be completed. In completing a second major, however, a student may use any course common to both majors to meet the requirements of both. The first (primary) major must contain no fewer than 25 hours required for the major that are not common to both majors. In the case of two majors that require two different degrees, a student earns two degrees rather than double majors. Earning two degrees requires an additional 25 credit hours beyond the 126-hour minimum. The credit counted toward a major and supporting program for one degree cannot be counted toward the major and supporting program for the second degree.

Supporting Programs

Many majors require students to strengthen the program of concentrated study. To fulfill these requirements, students work with their advisors to develop a supporting program that involves one or more additional disciplines. A supporting program consists of courses selected from other fields acceptable to, or designated by, the major advisor.

Supporting program requirements for students who are completing a minor or a second major may be reduced or waived upon the recommendation of the appropriate department chair.

Minors

A minor consists of a minimum of 12 credit hours and is defined by the department or interdisciplinary program offering it.

A College of Liberal Arts and Sciences student may earn more than one minor at Nebraska Wesleyan. Each minor must contain at least 12 hours of course work not counted toward any other major or minor the student has declared.

A minor must include at least 4 credit hours earned in regular Nebraska Wesleyan classes (not credit earned by examination or advanced placement). However, the Executive Committee is authorized to accept a minor not offered at Nebraska Wesleyan. In such instances, the Nebraska Wesleyan department most closely related to that discipline recommends the minor and approves the courses, content, and number of hours required.

Once a student declares a minor, he or she must meet the requirements specified in the catalog in effect at the time the minor is declared unless he or she chooses requirements stipulated in a later catalog.

Minors Offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The following minors are offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

Departmental

  • Accounting
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Coaching
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • English
  • Exercise Science
  • Finance
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • German
  • Health and Fitness Studies
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • Japanese
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religion
  • Sociology-Anthropology
  • Spanish
  • Sport Management
  • Studio Art
  • Theatre Arts
  • Writing

Interdepartmental/Interdisciplinary

  • American Minority Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Family Studies
  • Gender Studies
  • Global Studies
  • International Affairs
  • Legal Studies
  • Peace and Justice Studies

Minors offered in University College

The following minors are offered through University College at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

  • Human Resources Management
  • Marketing
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Public Relations

Certificates in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The following certificates are offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

  • English Language Learner
  • Teaching Certificate

Certificates in University College

The following certificates are offered through University College at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

  • Project Management
  • Health Care Management

Academic Advising

Nebraska Wesleyan offers academic advising to all degree-seeking students from their first registration until graduation.

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a faculty advisor provides initial academic guidance to each entering student during the registration process. From New Student Orientation in August until the student chooses a major, the student’s Archway Seminar instructor serves as his/her academic advisor and is available for guidance in the exploration of life, career, and educational goals. Once a major is officially declared, the student is assigned a major advisor in the department.

In University College, a professional advisor is assigned to all students upon admission. Students are encouraged to maintain frequent contact with their advisors to explore options, ask questions, and gather information before making their own decisions as they set and achieve academic goals.

Questions and concerns regarding academic advising should be directed to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or the Dean of University College.

Graduation

Each student is responsible for making certain he or she has met all degree requirements. Faculty advising and a check system by the Registrar’s Office help students monitor their progress toward graduation.

Candidacy for Graduation

In order to be a candidate for graduation, a student must file his or her graduation application in the Registrar’s Office. Graduation applications are due on October 1 of the previous year for students graduating in May and April 1 of the year students intend to graduate in December.

The faculty recommends graduation candidates to the Nebraska Wesleyan Board of Governors for approval.

Nebraska Wesleyan confers degrees twice per year, in December and May; however, graduation ceremonies are held only once a year, in May. All candidates are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony; however, students have the option of graduating in absentia.

No student is allowed to participate as a graduation candidate in more than one commencement ceremony unless returning for a second degree. See the Registrar for additional information.

Post-Baccalaureate Options

Additional Major or Minor for Nebraska Wesleyan Graduates
A Nebraska Wesleyan graduate may take additional coursework at Nebraska Wesleyan to complete a major or minor not originally earned with, but applicable to, his or her degree. As with any major, an additional major must consist of at least 12 credit hours earned in regular Nebraska Wesleyan courses and must include a senior comprehensive. An additional minor will consist of at least 4 credit hours from regular Nebraska Wesleyan classes. Because an additional degree is not earned, no diploma is issued; the additional major or minor is recorded on the student’s transcript.

Second Baccalaureate Degree for Nebraska Wesleyan Graduates
A Nebraska Wesleyan graduate wishing to earn a second baccalaureate degree must meet all requirements for the second degree and complete 25 credit hours in residence in addition to the 126 required for the first degree. The credit counted toward a major and supporting program for one degree cannot be counted toward the major and supporting program for the second degree. Students will receive a diploma for the second degree and may participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Baccalaureate Degree at Nebraska Wesleyan for Graduates from Another Institution
A person wishing to earn a baccalaureate degree at Nebraska Wesleyan who has already received a baccalaureate degree from another regionally-accredited institution must fulfill the final 30 hours in residence requirement*, earning at least 30 credit hours* at Nebraska Wesleyan after the first baccalaureate degree is awarded. The major shall not be in the same discipline as the major the student has previously completed. At least 12 credit hours of the major must be earned in regular Nebraska Wesleyan classes and a senior comprehensive must be completed. Fulfillment of Nebraska Wesleyan’s general education requirements is also required.

(*Students in the Advantage Program earning BS degrees in Business or Organizational Communication or BSN degrees must take a minimum of 32 hours in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan.)

Certification for Teaching
Certification for teaching is available for persons who have already completed a bachelor’s degree (at Nebraska Wesleyan or another accredited institution). Unless a second bachelor’s degree is desired (in this case, see previous section), graduation requirements at Nebraska Wesleyan do not need to be met; only the education requirements for state certification are required. Contact Nebraska Wesleyan’s Department of Education for details.