Return to: Ohio University Arts and Sciences

http://www.cas.ohiou.edu/

Wilson Hall, College Green

Benjamin Ogles, Dean

Maureen Weissenrieder, Associate Dean

Caryn Asleson, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

Karen Dahn, Assistant to the Dean for Student Affairs

In 1804, a small group of young men arrived at the first seat of higher learning in the Old Northwest Territory to enroll for instruction in Greek and Latin, history, literature, mathematics, geometry, and physics. Then, as now, the best preparation for helping students meet the challenges of an unknown future was to offer a wide range of courses—a breadth of knowledge. Providentially, the founders had chosen to use a liberal arts model of connecting past to future through classic instruction. And so it was, with a tradition rooted firmly in the liberal arts, the fledgling college at the edge of the wilderness matured into the prestigious and many-faceted institution we know today as Ohio University.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio University is proud to continue the tradition of providing a wide choice of traditional majors to discerning students, even as it offers an expanded and modern curriculum, with both appropriate to a 21st-century education. In addition to teaching specific knowledge and essential skills in tune with an ever-changing world of work and technology, the underlying philosophy of an arts and sciences curriculum promotes the love of lifelong learning.

The objectives of a liberal arts education, historically speaking, have been met through curricula that provide a fuller understanding of the human condition and the world around us, falling as they do within the academic disciplines known as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It is the nature of courses such as these to reflect a breadth and scope from both the past and the future. Fortunately, for students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, they are the core of a modern liberal arts education.

In addition to a fundamental education acquired through instruction in the social sciences, natural sciences, foreign languages, and other humanities, you will receive specialized knowledge in a major field of study that is likely to include a wide range of course options. Whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, and whether you reach particular educational or career objectives with a “special curriculum” major, or go with a time-honored “traditional” major, an Arts and Sciences degree is all about choice.

A significant number of students elect to finish two majors or two degrees for optimum use of their undergraduate years, while others add value by completing a minor or certificate program from the dozens offered. In addition, many departments in Arts and Sciences provide the opportunity for junior- or senior-level students who maintain a 3.5 GPA to write a thesis and graduate with departmental honors. If you have not settled on a major before coming to the University, but are considering a major in Arts and Sciences, you are invited to apply as undeclared or “undecided” in Arts and Sciences.

The College of Arts and Sciences holds the distinction of being the largest and oldest college at Ohio University. Yet it is ever-changing to meet the needs of students. For example, an exciting array of language and culture classes attracts students from all majors—time-honored choices of Latin, Greek, French, German, and Spanish are available at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels; but you may want to consider Russian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Swahili, or Arabic, instead of, or in addition to, more familiar languages. Another way to optimize the liberal arts experience is to participate in one or more of the incredible study abroad options in locations around the world.

Comprising 21 departments, the College of Arts and Sciences supports 32 “traditional” majors, nearly 50 special-curriculum majors with a specific career-related focus, the undeclared (“undecided”) option, 29 minors, and 7 certificate programs. College and departmental requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees are described in detail in the following sections.

Departments

The College of Arts and Sciences comprises the following 20 academic departments:

African American Studies
Biological Sciences
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Classics and World Religions
Economics
English
Environmental and Plant Biology
Geography
Geological Sciences
History
Linguistics
Mathematics
Modern Languages
Philosophy
Physics and Astronomy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology and Anthropology
Women’s Studies

The College also includes the following six programs:

Master of Public Administration Program
Master of Environmental Studies Program
Master of Social Studies Program
Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE)
Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology Program

Departments offering master’s programs are Economics, Geography, Geological Sciences, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, Social Work, and Sociology and Anthropology. Master’s and doctoral programs are offered by the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, English, Environmental and Plant Biology, History, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology. Further information about the advanced-degree programs can be found in the Ohio University Graduate Catalog.

Office of Student Affairs

The College of Arts and Sciences Office of Student Affairs assists students with academic concerns, such as advising and career choices, or change of major, as well as overseeing administrative matters related to academic progress, academic suspension, reinstatement, and graduation conferral. The office is located in Wilson Hall, suite 104, on the College Green and information is available on the Web at http://www.cas.ohiou.edu/undergrad/. 

Degrees, Majors, Minors, and Certificates

The College offers two four-year degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The B.A. and B.S. degree programs differ in the language requirements (see “Foreign Language Requirements”) and in specific major course requirements as established by the departments. Regardless of major, all Arts and Sciences degree students must meet basic, consistent requirements, including a minimum core program of no less than 36 quarter hours, with 16 hours at the 300-400 level. At least 50 percent of the major course credits must be completed at Ohio University to satisfy the residency policy of the University. For most majors, the B.A. or B.S. designation is determined by the program itself and is not subject to student inclination.

B.A. Degree Programs

A major for the B.A. degree may be completed in the following areas. This list is in alphabetical order by department and includes both traditional majors and special curricula (in italics):

African American Studies
African American Studies

Anthropology
Anthropology

Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Predentistry
Premedicine

Classics and World Religions
Classical Civilization
Greek
Greek and Latin
Latin
World Religions

Economics
Economics
Pre–Foreign Service
Prelaw

English
English
Creative Writing
Prelaw
Pretheology

Environmental and Plant Biology
Plant Biology

Geography
Geography
Urban and Regional Planning

Geological Sciences
Geological Sciences

History
History
Pre–Foreign Service
Prelaw
Pretheology

International Studies premajor status*
International Studies—Africa
International Studies—Asia
International Studies—Europe
International Studies—Latin America

Linguistics
Linguistics

Mathematics
Mathematics
Meteorology
Prep. for Actuarial Sciences
Prep. for Advanced Training

Modern Languages
French
German
Russian
Spanish

Philosophy
Philosophy
Prelaw
Pretheology

Physics and Astronomy
Physics

Political Science
Political Science
Pre–Foreign Service
Prelaw
Public Administration

Psychology
Psychology
Pre–Physical Therapy

Social Work
Pre–Social Work*
Social Work

Sociology
Sociology
Criminology
Prelaw

Women’s Studies

*Entry-level programs do not fulfill a degree and are intended as preparation for admission into a major or professional school or program.

B.S. Degree Programs

A major for the B.S. degree may be completed in the following areas. This list is in alphabetical order by department and includes both traditional majors and special curricula (in italics):

Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Marine, Freshwater, and Environmental
Biology
Microbiology
Prephysical Therapy
Preprofessional Program (predentistry, premedicine, preoptometry, preveterinary  medicine)
Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
Predentistry
Premedicine
Prepharmacy
Environmental and Plant Biology
Plant Biology
Cell Biology and Biotechnology
Environmental Biology
Applied Ecology

Geography
Geography
Environmental Geography
Environmental Prelaw
Geographic Information Science
Meteorology
Urban and Regional Planning

Geological Sciences
Geological Sciences
Environmental Geology

Mathematics
Mathematics
Prep. for Actuarial Sciences
Prep. for Advanced Training
Applied Mathematics
Meteorology

Physics
Physics
Applied Physics
Astrophysics
Meteorology

*The pre- status does not fulfill any degree and is intended as preparation for admission into the actual major.

Minors

If you wish to complete a formal minor in addition to your major, you may select a minor offered by the College of Arts and Sciences or choose one from another college. Minors available through the College of Arts and Sciences are:

African American Studies
Anthropology
Astronomy
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Classical Civilization
Economics
English
French
Geography
Geological Sciences
German
Greek
History
Japanese
Latin
Linguistics
Mathematics
Meteorology
Philosophy
Physics
Plant Biology
Political Science
Psychology
Russian
Social Services
Sociology
Spanish
World Religions

Certificates

Certificates available in the College of Arts and Sciences can be a part of any major program offered by Ohio University. Detailed information is available in the Majors, Minors and Certificate Programs section that follows. Certificate programs include:

East Asian Studies
(in cooperation with the Colleges of Business, Communication, and Fine Arts)
Environmental Studies
Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Gerontology
(in cooperation with the College of Health and Human Services)
International Studies—African, Asian, or Latin American
Italian Studies
(in cooperation with the College of Fine Arts)
Political Communication
(in cooperation with the College of Communication)
Women’s Studies

Certificate programs and minors are open to students in any program, regardless of college, except as restricted by that program or college.

Departmental Honors

Many departments in the College of Arts and Sciences offer outstanding students the opportunity, through the writing of a thesis, to graduate with departmental honors. To be eligible to participate in an honors program in Arts and Sciences, you must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA. For specific information about honors recognition for your major, see your academic advisor before the end of your junior year.

Admission Requirements

Upon being admitted to Ohio University as a first-year student, you may declare any of the majors listed above to be enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Note: you may earn no more than 90 hours in the undecided category before you must declare a regular major.

Transfer From Other Colleges Within Ohio University

To transfer into the College of Arts and Sciences from another college within the University, you must declare a major in the College of Arts and Sciences and be in good academic standing. If you have earned 45 or more hours, you are not eligible to declare an undecided major in Arts and Sciences.

Courses taken to satisfy requirements in other colleges (e.g. MATH 120, HSLS 378) will not necessarily fulfill requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences or in your new major.

As long as your GPA is 2.0 or higher, you may apply to transfer to the College of Arts and Sciences at any time in the quarter. After the 14th day, the change will not become official until the following quarter.

Transfer From Other Universities

Applicants to the College of Arts and Sciences from other accredited collegiate institutions must first meet Ohio University’s transfer specifications as outlined under “Transfer Applicant” in the Admissions section of the catalog. Transfer students may not declare an Undecided major in Arts and Sciences.

The College determines the transferability of credit from other institutions based upon whether the institution is accredited or a recognized candidate for accreditation. The College follows the recommendations of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers in recognizing transfer credit. For credit earned at foreign institutions and in other special cases, the College accepts the recommendations of the University Examiner in the Office of Admissions.

The College evaluates credits on a course-by-course basis, and assigns an Ohio University course number whenever possible.

Technical credits for nonbaccalaureate-level courses (e.g. office management) are evaluated as technical electives. Although such credits do not meet any specific degree requirement, you may count up to 25 hours of technical credits toward total graduation hours. The benefit of technical credits applied to a degree program at Ohio University may be minimal. If you are currently enrolled in a two-year program with the intention of transferring to Ohio University, it is important to take as much college-level work as possible in areas such as humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science to improve your chances of completing the four-year degree program within two to three additional years.

Students whose transfer credit is equated as comparable to Tier I-level composition or to quantitative courses are considered to have met that Tier I requirement. Transfer students without comparable credit in composition and/or quantitative courses must complete the requirement.

Student records sent to the Office of Admissions from other collegiate institutions rarely include high school transcripts. Students transferring to Ohio University and the College of Arts and Sciences should order a high school transcript to be sent directly to the Office of Student Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, so that language placement can be determined.

To fulfill University residency requirements, you are required to complete at least 50 percent of your major concentration at Ohio University, with a minimum of 12 hours at the 300 level or above, and earn a minimum of 48 total hours in residence. If you have a double major, you will need to complete at least 50 percent of work in each major at Ohio University, with a minimum of 9 hours at the 300 level or above in each of the two departments. Additionally, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Courses should be approved by the respective departments.

To fulfill a minor in Arts and Sciences, you must complete a minimum of eight hours of coursework at Ohio University at the 300-400 level with a grade of 2.0 or above.

Foreign Language Requirement for Transfer Students

The College of Arts and Sciences requires that all candidates for a B.A. or B.S. degree successfully complete two years of foreign language at the college level, or the equivalent. The table below explains how transfer credit for foreign language courses is evaluated. (For more information about foreign language, see Foreign Language Requirement and Language Placement Table.)

Note that the type of degree (B.A. or B.S.) determines how the two-year requirement will be satisfied. These requirements are determined by the degree program.

Foreign Language Requirement for Transfer Students

SEMESTER HOURS

The B.A. degree requires 24 quarter hours (two years) of one foreign language.

1. Students who have completed 16 semester hours of one foreign language, contingent upon the courses being equivalent in content (as determined by the College), will receive credit for 24 quarter hours (two years of instruction) and fulfill their foreign language requirement.
2. Students who have completed 8 semester hours of one foreign language, contingent upon the courses being equivalent in content (as determined by the College), will receive credit for 12 quarter hours and would fulfill one year of their foreign language requirement..
3. Students who have completed 6 semester hours of one foreign language, contingent upon the courses being equivalent in content (as determined by the College), will receive credit for 9 quarter hours and need to make up 3 quarter hours to complete one year of foreign language as required by the degree program.

QUARTER HOURS

The B.A. degree requires 24 quarter hours (two years) of one foreign language.

1. Transfer students who have completed 24 quarter hours of one foreign language will receive credit, contingent upon the courses being equivalent in content (as determined by the College), for two years of instruction and would fulfill their foreign language requirement.
2. Students who have completed 12 quarter hours of one foreign language, contingent upon the courses being equivalent in content (as determined by the College), will fulfill one year of their foreign language requirement.
3. Students who have completed 9 quarter hours of one foreign language, contingent upon the courses being equivalent in content (as determined by the College), would need to take an additional three quarter hours at Ohio University to fulfill one year of foreign language. FURTHER:
4. If you are transferring 9 quarter hours of language credits, you must complete your foreign language requirement by doing the following:
   1. Take the language placement test in Spanish, German, or French, offered by the Department of Modern Languages. For other languages, contact Modern Languages Department to arrange a placement test.
   2. If your placement score indicates an achievement level comparable to the 113 or 213 level of that language, you must complete either 113 or 213 at Ohio University.
   3. If your placement score is above 113 or 213 of that language, the College will waive the deficient 3 credit hours and accept 9 credits as equivalent to 12 credits, to fulfill the first or second year series. (Transfer credits maintain their 3-hour credit value.)

College Requirements

If you are in Arts and Sciences, you are expected to become familiar with this section of the catalog, which relates specifically to College requirements. This section contains information essential to your being a well-informed student at Ohio University. It should be noted here that you are responsible for understanding and meeting all requirements designated for your degree program. The following list outlines the Arts and Sciences degree information presented in the sections that follow:

Advising
Academic Probation
Degree Requirements (B.A., B.S.)
Second Bachelor’s Degree
Degree in Absentia
Major Requirements
Double Major
Minor Requirements
General Education Requirement
Foreign Language Requirement
Humanities Area Requirement
Social Sciences Area Requirement
Natural Sciences Area Requirement
Level of Study Requirement
Single Application of Credit
Credit, Noncredit, and Pass/Fail Credit
Transient Study
Teacher Licensure
Education Abroad

Advising

All departments in the College of Arts and Sciences provide a designated undergraduate advising coordinator who oversees advising procedures within that department. Every student in the College of Arts and Sciences is assigned an advisor, including undeclared (“undecided”) students. It is expected that you will schedule a conference during the priority registration period each quarter. For students with declared majors, your advisor is a faculty member in the department of your major. For undecided majors, an advisor is assigned from Arts and Sciences faculty and administrative staff.

While advising conferences are particularly encouraged during the registration period, it is recommended that you maintain regular contact for assistance with concerns related to academic and career planning. Any requests by students to deviate from stated major requirements must be communicated in writing by the department chair or the undergraduate advising chair to the College Student Affairs office. While your advisor is expected to assist with course choices and recommendations, it is your responsibility to see that your own program requirements are met. If you have questions about fulfilling requirements you are invited to seek help at the College Office of Student Affairs in Wilson Hall.

To change majors, contact the Office of Student Affairs in Wilson Hall. A new advisor will be assigned. All other matters pertaining to advisors are administered by Advising Coordinators or the departmental offices.

Academic Probation

If at the time of review you do not have the required 2.0 accumulative GPA, you will be placed on academic probation and are required to complete an Academic Success Workshop. The session is mandatory and is intended to help you improve your academic performance and return to good standing as quickly as possible. Information about the workshop will be sent to your Oak e-mail account.

Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

General requirements for a B.A. or B.S. are:

1. a minimum of 192 quarter hours
2. 90 hours of Arts and Sciences coursework above the 199 level
3. the equivalent of two years of college-level foreign language
4. at least 18 hours each of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences coursework
5. General Education Requirements— Tiers I, II, III—and
6. all requirements stipulated by the department for the chosen major. Minors are optional.

A minimum of 192 quarter hours of credit is required for either a B.A. or B.S. degree. Policy does not allow an accumulation of more than 72 hours in any one major for a B.A. and no more than 80 hours in one major for a B.S., without a penalty against the total hours to graduate. Any hours earned in excess of the stated maximum for the major will necessitate earning equivalent credit hours over 192.

To receive a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, you must have a minimum 2.0 GPA on all of the following:

1. all hours attempted at the college level
2. all hours attempted at the college level in the major
3. all hours attempted at Ohio University
4. all hours attempted at Ohio University in the major.

The graduation GPA is computed after deductions for repeated and noncredit courses have been made. See the “Credit and Grading” section for information on repeated course removal.

Graduation requirements are defined by your catalog of entry and remain in effect for five years from your date of admission to Ohio University. An average course load of 16 hours a quarter is necessary to graduate in four years. Five years after entry, graduation requirements become redefined by the catalog of that year.

For specific information involving graduation requirements, including residence requirements (i.e., the minimum number of credit hours that you must complete at Ohio University), see the “Graduation Requirements— Universitywide” section of the catalog.

Second (Double) Bachelor’s Degree

The College of Arts and Sciences awards a B.A. or B.S. only once, regardless of the number of majors completed with that degree designation (e.g. one B.A. degree for double majors in Women’s Studies and African American Studies). Consequently, one diploma is issued per degree. In the case of the dual degree comprising a B.A. and B.S. (e.g. Spanish and Biological Sciences) or one B.A. or one B.S., and a second degree earned in a different college (e.g. College of Arts and Sciences and College of Health and Human Services), two degrees are conferred and two diplomas are awarded.

University policy requires the completion of a minimum of 208 quarter hours for the second or dual degree (an additional 16 hours beyond the 192 required for the first degree), including all specific requirements for both degree programs. For the guidelines to earning a second or dual bachelor’s degree, refer to the Graduation Requirements  - Universitywide section.

Degree in Absentia

To be eligible for in absentia privileges, you must first be enrolled in one of the programs listed in item 5 below. To earn a degree in absentia, you must have:

1. completed 144 quarter hours at Ohio University, including specific requirements for the chosen program
2. earned a GPA of 2.0 or better on all work attempted and on all work in the major
3. completed all General Education Requirements
4. completed all college distribution area requirements, except the 200-level requirement, of which 45 hours must be complete
5. completed a full year’s work in an accredited school of dentistry, law, clinical laboratory science, medicine, optometry, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine
6. been advanced without condition to the second year of training when the professional school’s program is for two or more years
7. successfully completed the professional program specified.

For the clinical laboratory science program, you must receive the approval of the clinical laboratory science advisor. For any other in absentia programs, you must secure a statement from the dean of the College before you enter the professional school granting the degree in absentia privilege.

Major Requirements

If you are a first-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences, you may enroll in the College as an undecided major; you must declare a major at or before you have earned 90 hours. If you have earned 45 or more credit hours from Ohio University, you are ineligible to transfer into the College as an undecided major. Transfer students from other universities may not enroll as undecided in Arts and Sciences.

College policy requires that any major program consist of a minimum core of 36 quarter hours in one subject area, including 16 quarter hours to be taken at the 300–400 level. Most majors require more than 36 hours and there may be specific departmental requirements, such as minimum GPA, for core coursework. Methods courses for certification in education are not included in hours that apply to the major. Whether you have chosen a traditional or a special curriculum major, you are obligated to fulfill the requirements specified by the department of the major which, at minimum, requires a 2.0 GPA and at least 50 percent of the major concentration from Ohio University, with no fewer than 12 of those hours at the 300 level or above. No courses in any major (except extradepartmental requirements, e.g. chemistry for a biological sciences major) may be applied to the area distribution requirements.

A second major or second degree program allows an exception to the rule stated above. In the case of a single major, courses used to fulfill that major cannot be used for area requirements. However, courses used to complete a second major may also fulfill the Arts and Sciences distribution areas.

B.A. degree candidates may count a maximum of 72 hours in one subject toward the degree; B.S. candidates may count a maximum of 80 hours. Exceeding this maximum requires increasing total hours to graduate to match the excess major hours. All courses in the major numbered above 199 are applied to the 90-hours-above-200-level requirement. To earn a major in an Arts and Sciences discipline, you must be enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences (except for economics majors, who may be enrolled in either the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Business). If you are a student in another college at Ohio University, you may enroll concurrently or consecutively in Arts and Sciences.

Double Major

For a degree to be granted, you must complete at least one major. A second major (or more), an option that any Arts and Sciences student may pursue, requires that all requirements for each major as described in the Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs section, be fulfilled. You will need to complete at least 50% of the credit hours in each major at Ohio University, including a minimum of nine hours at the 300 level or above in each of the two departments, while maintaining a 2.0 GPA in each major.

Courses in the second major, including extra-departmental requirements, may be applied to the area distribution requirements. Completing more than one major program for the same degree program will not, of itself, increase the minimum hours required for Arts and Sciences areas or the 192 hours to graduate.

Minor Requirements

Arts and Sciences students interested in completing a formal minor may choose from the 29 minors offered by the College of Arts and Sciences or select a minor offered by another college. You must declare the minor and fulfill all hour and course requirements for it to be conferred and noted on your Ohio University transcript. The minor will not show on the transcript until a degree is conferred.

University policy stipulates that a minor comprise 24 to 35 required hours, including at least two courses at the 300–400 level. In the case of foreign languages, the minimum requirement is 24 hours beyond the 213 level. English courses fulfilling Tier I composition requirements do not count toward an English minor. To fulfill a minor in Arts and Sciences, you must complete a minimum of eight hours of coursework at Ohio University at the 300–400 level with a grade of 2.0 or above. Within these limits, the distribution of courses, as well as other specific requirements, are determined by the department. At minimum, a 2.0 GPA is required. In cases where extradepartmental courses required to fulfill your major either nearly or completely duplicate courses for your chosen minor, declaring that minor may not be acceptable. See the Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs section for specific minor requirements.

General Education Requirement

The University General Education Requirements (Tiers I, II, and III) are similar to, but lesser in scale than, the Arts and Sciences requirements. You may select courses that, while fulfilling University General Education Requirements, can partially satisfy Arts and Sciences distribution requirements in foreign languages, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and courses above the 199 level. The following lists for humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences indicate specifically, and without exception, the courses that fulfill the three Arts and Sciences areas. Many of these courses also satisfy Tier II requirements.

All courses that fulfill General Education Requirements, even if they are not Arts and Sciences courses, apply toward the 192 credit hours needed to graduate from Ohio University.

Some courses designated for Tier I quantitative skills and freshman composition (including any skills courses needed as prerequisites) apply only to hours for graduation and do not apply to Arts and Sciences distribution requirements. MATH 163A-B and PSY 221 may fulfill multiple requirements.

Arts and Sciences courses that fulfill the Tier I advanced composition requirement at the junior level can apply to the humanities distribution area and, in certain cases, to your major.

Courses designated as Tier III do not fulfill Arts and Sciences requirements except when they are taught by Arts and Sciences faculty. In this case, the course contributes to the hours-above-200-level requirement. Courses designated as “Tier III equivalents” may count both for Tier III and toward the major.

Transfer students whose credit is equated as comparable to Tier I level composition or to quantitative courses are considered to have met that Tier I requirement. Transfer students without comparable transfer credit in composition and/or quantitative courses must complete the requirement.

Foreign Language Requirement

The College of Arts and Sciences requires that all candidates for a B.A. or B.S. degree successfully complete two years of foreign language equivalent to or at the college level. The type of degree (B.A. or B.S.) determines how the two-year requirement is completed. These requirements are determined by the degree program (B.A. or B.S). (Transfer students should refer to the “Transfer from Other Universities” section for specific information about transferring foreign language credits to Arts and Sciences.)

Not all language courses taught at Ohio University meet the curricular guidelines of the foreign language requirement. Acceptable languages include: Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian/ Malaysian, Japanese, and Swahili (African and Asian); Greek and Latin (classical); German (Germanic); French, Italian, and Spanish (Romance); and Russian (Slavic). The first or beginning year of language at Ohio University is represented by the course numbers 111, 112, and 113, while the second or intermediate year is represented by the course numbers 211, 212, and 213. (See the Courses section for a complete description of language courses.)

Language Placement Table

The language placement table below represents the broadest interpretation of the language requirement and therefore applies more specifically to the B.A. degree. If your major is designated B.S., use the table as a guide to determine if you qualify for the options described in the Candidates for the B.S. Degree section following the table.

The language placement table represents two years of high school language as being equal to one year of college language. The study of a foreign language at Ohio University must begin according to the recommendations listed below. If you have completed two or more years of high school language, these recommendations assume there has been thorough foreign language preparation within the last year. If this is not the case, you are strongly advised to enroll first in a lower-level course as preparation to enter the intermediate level.* A placement exam is available to evaluate your competency in French, German and Spanish. Enrolling at a level higher than indicated by the table and your high school experience is not permitted.

Students wanting to enroll in a higher-level foreign language course than indicated by the table need to contact the assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences to discuss options:

*If you find it necessary to repeat high school–level work (111–113) to prepare for the intermediate level, these credits will be applied to the 192-hour graduation requirement, but do not fulfill any part of the language requirement. Once the language requirement is completed, any foreign language course that does not duplicate coursework for the requirement or high school work will be applied to the humanities distribution area.

B.A. Degree Options

The foreign language requirement for B.A. degree candidates is the successful completion of a two-year sequence of study of one language from level 111 through level 213. Two years of high school language are considered the equivalent of one year of college language. According to your preference, however, your two years of college-level study may be a language other than the one studied in high school.

For the B.A.
Zero to one year of high school foreign language must complete two years of one foreign language at the college level.

Two to three years of one high school foreign language must complete the intermediate level (second year) 211–213, of the same language or, if you prefer, two years (111–213) of a language different from the one studied in high school.

Four or more years of one high school foreign language must complete level 213 or 341 or higher in the same language.

Four years of high school Latin may complete LAT 351 rather than LAT 213. LAT 351 is recommended.

B.S. Degree Language Options

If you are earning a B.S. degree, you must meet the foreign language requirement through two years of college language study or the equivalent. This policy allows for several interpretations.

For the B.S.
Zero to one year of high school language must choose to complete a full sequence in one language (two years—6 quarters, 111– 213) or one year each (3 quarters for each) of two different languages of beginning level (111–113; 111–113).

Two to three years of high school language must choose either to complete the intermediate level of the same high school language (211–213) or complete the beginning year of a second language (111–113).

Four or more years of high school language (that includes either four years of one language or two years each of two different languages), may consider the language requirement met.

Choice of Degree Options

For the limited number of majors that offer a choice of either the B.A. or B.S. degree (see listings in the Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs section), you may choose which degree to pursue. Be certain to select the appropriate language requirement. See above section for the respective B.A. or B.S. language requirements.

Transfer Students

Please refer to the “Transfer From Other Universities” section for specific information about the transfer of foreign language credits.

International Students

For international students whose first or native language is not English, and who completed high school where the first or native language was the one primarily used for instruction, the foreign language requirement may be satisfied by demonstrating competence in English. This must be approved by the Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and generally requires the successful completion of at least one or more courses in English as a foreign language, specifically ENG 151 and/or ENG 305J or 308J.

You may also satisfy the foreign language requirement by taking a foreign language at Ohio University other than your own first language or by successfully completing the NYU foreign language exam.

Enrollment in the beginning or intermediate level (under 300) of your own first language(s) will be considered a noncredit course.

Humanities Area Requirement*

The humanities requirement may be met by selecting 18 quarter hours from two or more departments, excluding the major, with at least eight hours in one area, from the following:

1. African American Studies 106, 110, 150, 210, 211, 250, 310, 317, 350, 352, 353, 355, 356
2. Art History
3. Classical Archaeology except 211, 212, 213
4. Classics in English
5. Communication Studies 351, 352, 353
6. Dance 170, 351, 352, 353, 370, 471, 472, 473
7. English except 150, 151, 152, 153, 153A, 153B, 451, 452
8. Fine Arts 150
9. Foreign language courses other than those used to complete the foreign language requirement and except JPN 341
10. History 121, 122, 123, 314A-G, 328, 328A, 329A–C, 330, 331, 350A, 351, 352, 353A–C, 354A–B, 354B, 356A–C, 357, 360A–B, 370, 389
11. Humanities 107, 108, 109, 117, 307, 308, 309
12. Interdisciplinary Arts
13. International Literatures in English–International Literature: Linguistics and International Literature: Modern Languages
14. Modern Languages 370J
15. Music/Music Literature 120, 124, 125, 150, 321-3, 427, 428
16. Philosophy except 120
17. Theater 150, 270, 271, 272
18. University Professor 150–152H, 450–452H
19. Women’s Studies except 360
20. World Religions

Social Sciences Area Requirement*

The social sciences requirement may be met by a selection of 18 quarter hours from two or more departments, excluding the major, with at least eight hours in one area from the following:

1. African American Studies 101, 202, 220, 225, 254, 340, 341, 345, 346, 360, 368, 440, 482
2. Anthropology except 201, 346, 355, 447, 448, 492, 496
3. Business Law 255, 442, 475
4. Classical Archaeology 211, 212, 213
5. Economics
6. Geography except those listed under natural sciences (see below)
7. History except those listed under humanities (see above)
8. International Studies 103, 113, 118, 121
9. Japanese 341
10. Linguistics
11. Political Science
12. Psychology except 120, 221, 312, 314, 321
13. Social Work
14. Sociology
15. University Professor 150–152S, 450–452S
16. Women’s Studies 360

Natural Sciences Area Requirement*

The natural sciences requirement may be met by selecting 18 quarter hours from two or more departments, excluding the major, with at least eight hours in one area from the following:

1. Anthropology 201, 346, 355, 447, 448, 492, 496
2. Astronomy
3. Biological Sciences except 217
4. Chemistry except 115
5. Environmental and Plant Biology except 217
6. Geography 101, 202, 302, 303, 304, 305, 315, 316, 358, 406, 407, 411, 417, 418, 476
7. Geological Sciences
8. Mathematics except 101, 102, 109, 113, 115, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 320, 320L
9. Physical Sciences
10. Psychology 221, 312, 314
11. Physics
12. University Professor 150–152N, 450–452N 

Note: Methods courses are not applicable to area requirements.

*These listings must be used as the official guide for the completion of the Arts and Sciences area (distribution) requirements. Exceptions to the 18-hour Arts and Sciences area distribution requirements will be made only under the most unusual of circumstances and by petition only. Consideration for inclusion of courses not listed is not made on an ad hoc basis but requires formal approval of the Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee.

Some courses from these categories may also be applied to the University Tier II requirements. However, the three Arts and Sciences area categories differ in scope from the five Tier II groupings (Applied Science and Technology, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Cross-Cultural Perspectives). If you wish to select a course that will apply to both the Arts and Sciences and Tier II requirements, take care to choose a course that has been approved for the desired category in both the College and the University listings. (The list of courses approved for Tier II categories appears in the Graduation Requirements - Universitywide section of the catalog.) Most courses that can fulfill Tier I quantitative skills and freshman composition requirements and the Tier III requirement do not apply to the Arts and Sciences area distribution requirements. Exceptions include MATH 163A, 163B, and PSY 221.

Level-of-Study Requirement

(Hours at the 200 level or above)
Within the total hours applied to the degree, at least 90 quarter hours of Arts and Sciences courses must be above the freshman level (numbered above 199). Arts and Sciences courses are defined as courses listed earlier in this section under humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and include foreign languages, courses from the department major, and courses taught by faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences intended to meet the junior composition or Tier III requirement. University Professor (UP) courses taught by Arts and Science faculty will count only if they are listed as applicable to any of the three area requirements.

Economics majors may apply QBA 201 and, with departmental approval, other advanced courses in statistics, to the Arts and Sciences 200-level requirement for a maximum of 15 hours.

Non–Arts and Sciences courses are almost always considered electives and not counted toward the level of study requirement. Rather, they apply toward the 192-hour requirement for graduation.

Single Application of Credit and Exceptions

Excluding the exceptions listed below, no course may satisfy more than one of the area requirements in foreign language, humanities, social sciences, or the major requirement. For example, a philosophy major may not apply any courses in philosophy toward the humanities requirement. Courses that fulfill freshman General Education Tier I requirements or Tier III will not apply to the distribution area requirement.

Exceptions are:

MATH 163A, 163B, and PSY 221 (will fulfill the Tier I quantitative requirement, as well as the natural science area).

Courses required for a major apply only to the major except in the case of Tier III equivalent courses, which may fulfill both major and Tier III requirements. Required courses from outside the major department (extradepartmental) will be counted toward the area requirements, except in the case of interdisciplinary majors (i.e. international studies, classical studies) where required courses normally may not be applied to the distribution areas.

Courses required for a second major may be used for the area requirements.

Courses required for a minor will be counted toward the area requirements, except for non–Arts and Sciences minors.

Foreign language courses at the beginning and intermediate levels for students majoring in that foreign language fulfill the language requirement since the major is defined as including language courses above the intermediate level only.

Junior-level advanced composition courses offered by departments within the College of Arts and Sciences apply to the distribution area requirements, except when they are required for the major (e.g. ENG 307J, HIST 301J, or Tier III equivalents).

Hours of Credit (CR), Pass/Fail Courses, and Noncredit Allowed

Credit (CR) Hours
Hours of coursework that are offered for credit (CR) may be applied toward requirements, but are limited to 15 hours total. (Do not confuse credit (CR) with pass/fail (P/F).)

Pass/Fail Hours
Courses taken pass/fail are limited strictly to electives hours, or hours that fulfill hours to graduate, and may total no more than 20 hours. No course taken pass/fail may fulfill any requirement, except the total hours requirement. For an Arts and Sciences student, this policy effectively restricts taking any pass/fail course within the areas of foreign language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, major, minor, 90-hours-above- 200, and special curriculum requirements, unless that area is completed, as required. See the Pass/Fail section in the Credit and Grading section of the catalog for further information.

Noncredit Hours
Noncredit courses do not count toward the 192-hour requirement. Noncredit courses are those numbered below 100; courses completed out of sequence (i.e. a lower-level course taken after completing an advanced course in the same academic department); certain technology courses; developmental courses (e.g. ENG 150 , MATH 101) in excess of eight credit hours; skills courses such as UC 110 and 112 in excess of the eight-hour limit; credits duplicated by the repetition of coursework; and courses taken for audit. See the Guidelines and General Information section for details about credit and grading, repeated courses, and residence requirements that affect hours required.

Transient Study

Transient study is defined as earning credit hours at another institution for the purpose of fulfilling specific Ohio University or College of Arts and Sciences requirements. (Transfer study refers to credits transferred from another institution once students are admitted to Ohio University.) See “Transferring Credit” in the Admissions section.

If you are a senior and wish to earn credit by transient study, remember that you must complete 50 percent of your major, including at least 12 hours of 300–400 level work at Ohio University. Any minor must include 8 hours of courses at the 300–400 level and 50 percent of required coursework from Ohio University.

Before registering for courses at another institution to earn credit through transient study, you must secure permission from the College of Arts and Sciences. A visit to the College’s Office of Student Affairs will determine beforehand the value of any intended courses to your progress toward graduation. You may need a catalog and/or course description from that institution in order to complete the petition form. Permission forms can be downloaded from the CAS Web site at http://www.cas.ohiou.edu/undergrad/. Keep in mind that while credits are transferable, grades are not. Your GPA will not be affected by credit hours transferred from another school.

See the major requirements section for information regarding Ohio University credits.

Teacher Licensure

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences may meet the requirements for licensure to teach at the secondary school level by completing requirements for either the B.A. or the B.S. degree program and completing any necessary requirements through the College of Education. Information about requirements is available from department representatives in the College of Arts and Sciences. If you are interested in teaching, begin planning for your required courses as early as possible.

Education Abroad

Among the many study abroad opportunities offered by Ohio University are more than two dozen programs open to all majors sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, listed below. For additional information about education abroad, please refer to the “Academic Opportunities - Universitywide” section. See also, Global Leadership Center. Be sure to inform your academic advisor and meet with staff in Education Abroad and the Office of Student Affairs in the College to discuss your plans. For information on programs and on using your financial aid for study abroad, visit the Office of Education Abroad in 185 Lindley Hall or at http:///www.ohio.edu/educationabroad/. All programs are subject to change.

Language Programs Abroad

Chinese Language and Culture Abroad, Beijing, China, summer;
Intensive French Abroad, Avignon, France, spring quarter;
Intensive French Abroad, Quebec, Canada, summer;
Intensive German Abroad, Salzburg, Austria, spring;
Intensive Spanish Abroad, Merida, Mexico, winter;
Intensive Spanish Abroad, Toledo, Spain, fall, winter, spring, and/or summer;
Spanish Language and Latin American Studies, Cuenca, Ecuador, spring;
Greek in Greece, Greece, spring;
Japanese Culture and Language Abroad, Chubu University, Nagoya, Japan, fall (3- to 9-month programs also available);
Russian Study Abroad, Moscow, Russia, spring quarter.

Student Exchange Programs

University of Southern Denmark Exchange Program, Odense, Denmark, fall semester or one academic year;
University of Leipzig Exchange Program, Leipzig, Germany, one academic year;
University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia, one semester or one academic year;
University of Wales Exchange Program, Swansea, Great Britain, one semester or one academic year;
Chubu University Exchange Program, Nagoya, Japan, one semester or one academic year.

Other Arts and Sciences Programs

Global Studies in Plant Biology, ecological and geographical locations change, fall-winter intersession, and summer;
Internship with the National Assembly of Wales, fall or spring semester;
Fall Term in Rome, Classics;
Tier III Bahamas: An Island as Environment, winter intersession;
Tropical Disease Workshop and Research, Ecuador, summer;
Galapagos Islands Natural History, Ecuador, summer;
Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Cuenca, Ecuador, summer
Puerto Rican Culture and Language, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs

Specific requirements for every program in the College of Arts and Sciences are outlined in this section. This includes traditional majors, special curricula, minors, and certificate programs, so that you can investigate the full range of majors and degree options available in the college.

Special curricula are four-year degree programs structured to help you prepare for a specific application of your undergraduate program to a selected educational or career objective. To be recognized as having completed a special curriculum and to meet graduation requirements, you must complete the entire curriculum as listed, plus additional courses as necessary to reach a total of 192 hours and meet both University General Education Requirements and the Arts and Sciences degree requirements. Should you elect not to fulfill the special curriculum, you must complete all requirements for another major to graduate.

Majors are arranged alphabetically by department and are listed by complete name (e.g., Forensic Chemistry).

Study of the Environment

The study of the environment includes the physical nature of the planet as well as plant and animal interactions involving other living organisms, space, land, and water. The departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental and Plant Biology, Geography, and Geological Sciences offer programs for preparation in the study of the environment. These programs allow you to develop a fundamental knowledge of the nature of basic environmental parameters; a sense of the complex interactions of living organisms, including humans, on those parameters; and a basis for approaching solutions to problems resulting from this impact. To major in the study of the environment at Ohio University, choose a discipline for intensive investigation (biological sciences, chemistry, environmental and plant biology, geography, geological sciences) and, in consultation with an advisor in that department, develop a program to meet your goals.

The following degree programs are offered:

1. Preparation for Environmental Biology (Biological Sciences Emphasis)
2. Preparation for Environmental Biology (Plant Biology Emphasis)
3. Preparation for Environmental Chemistry
4. Preparation for Environmental Geography
5. Preparation for Environmental Geology

In addition, the Department of Geography offers an environmental prelaw major.

For the specific requirements of each program, refer to the respective department’s listing in this section of the catalog.

The College of Arts and Sciences sponsors the undergraduate Environmental Studies Certificate Program for students who are interested in environmental studies but do not wish to major in the field. The program is available to students in any major within the University. See the Environmental Studies Certificate Program listing in this section for requirements.

Preparation for Law

If you are in the College of Arts and Sciences and plan to enter law school, complete the specific requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree. No special curriculum is prescribed. You may complete a major in the area of your principal interest. Select courses from as many of the following as possible: English composition and literature and American literature; history, especially for English and American; political science; economics; sociology; a laboratory science; mathematics; philosophy, including ethics and logic; accounting; psychology; and a foreign language. Courses in speech and training in expression, as well as activities that develop the capacity for independent thought and action, are recommended.

The Departments of Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology and Anthropology designate prelaw faculty advisors. These advisors have information about the Law School Admission Test and can supply applications. See the respective department listings in this section for specific information about major requirements. A further opportunity is the environmental prelaw major offered by the Department of Geography. See Geography—Environmental Prelaw for information. The Department of Philosophy offers an opportunity to prepare for the study of law through a program emphasizing logic and the analysis of social, political, and legal thought. See Philosophy–– Prelaw Major. The Prelaw program in the Department of Political Science centers on the Law, Justice, and Political Thought track which offers a liberal arts overview for undergraduate prelaw students, as well as those studying political theory and legal institutions from a broader perspective. See Political Science—Prelaw major.

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that to enter law school you must be able to show possession of an undergraduate degree from an approved college if you wish to take the Ohio Bar Examination. Law schools in the state of Ohio require the degree of all entering students, regardless of the state in which they plan to take the bar examination.

The degree in absentia privilege is available if you do not plan to seek admission to an Ohio law school. After you have completed 144 quarter hours at Ohio University with a GPA of 2.0 or above on all hours attempted, and have satisfied the requirements for a B.A. or B.S., you may obtain the degree after completing, at an accredited school of law, a full year’s work of the quality prescribed for a bachelor’s degree at Ohio University, provided you are eligible for advancement without condition to the second year of law school. Before entering the school of law, you must secure a statement in writing from the dean giving you the in absentia privilege.

Preparation for Physical Therapy

Ohio University offers a unique opportunity to the prospective physical therapist. Recognized for leadership in the development of preprofessional physical therapy curricula since the 1930s, the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Psychology, both in the College of Arts and Sciences, work cooperatively with the School of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Human Services.

Physical therapy programs are offered at the graduate level only. As of January 1, 2002, undergraduate physical therapy programs are no longer accredited. To be eligible for admission to most accredited professional schools of physical therapy, you must first complete the baccalaureate-level preprofessional preparatory coursework and then apply on a competitive basis to a professional school of physical therapy. If you are accepted, the professional program extends for an additional two to three years, culminating in a degree in physical therapy. The optional plans of study available will prepare you to be highly qualified for admission to most schools of physical therapy. However, some professional programs require special prerequisites—either courses or practical experience as a volunteer—before you apply for admission. It is your responsibility to check the admission requirements for programs you wish to attend and, in consultation with your academic advisor, to fulfill any special prerequisites.

Ohio University has the first entry-level doctoral program in the state of Ohio. Although a master’s degree is sufficient to sit for the national licensing examination, the profession has been making a rather rapid transition to the doctoral degree (DPT). At Ohio University, the entry-level doctoral program in the School of Physical Therapy admits students on a competitive basis. It is a three-year program with approximately 17 quarter hours per term. A baccalaureate degree is required for admission to the program. Although a baccalaureate degree in any field is acceptable, as long as the prerequisites have been attained, the most direct routes at Ohio University are the biological sciences/prephysical therapy or psychology/prephysical therapy majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. A major in exercise physiology in the College of Health and Human Services is also an option.

Application should be made in the senior year. The GRE should be taken at the beginning of the senior year in order to meet requirements for early admission status. Some volunteer experience is possible through Ohio University Therapy Associates, particularly in the course, PT 259B.

For additional information, see Biological Sciences or Psychology Prephysical Therapy majors in this section, and “Physical Therapy” in the College of Health and Human Services section. Students should consult the Web page (http://www.ohio.edu/phystherapy/) for the most up-to-date information.

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