The College of Arts and Sciences
Stanley R. Aeschleman, Acting Dean
Richard N. Henson, Associate Dean
Rainer H. Goetz, Assistant Dean
The College of Arts and Sciences connects Appalachian State University to the
tradition of the liberal arts. Faculty and staff in sixteen academic
departments spanning the Humanities, and Mathematical, Natural and Social
Sciences, and in two units dedicated to learning about the Appalachian region,
provide instruction and research essential to the University's mission. The
breadth and depth of learning provided by the College are necessary for
productive citizenship in a free society.
The College of Arts and Sciences serves all undergraduate students through
general education courses; it also offers disciplinary and interdisciplinary
programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, combining liberal arts and
professional education, with a special commitment to teacher education. Through
innovative instruction, creative and collaborative scholarship, and engagement
in professional activities, the faculty and staff foster the development of
knowledge and skills essential to continued learning, success in careers and
the attainment of advanced degrees.
The College encourages study in diverse local, regional, national, and
international communities, and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry,
learning, and service among all of its constituents.
DEPARTMENTS
The College of Arts and Sciences consists of the following departments/center:
Anthropology
Center for Appalachian Studies
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
English
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Geography and Planning
Geology
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Mathematical Sciences
Philosophy and Religion
Physics and Astronomy
Political Science/Criminal Justice
Psychology
Sociology and Social Work
In cooperation with the Department of Economics, the College of Arts and
Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics; the Economics
Department is administratively housed within the College of Business.
NOTE: Although the requirement for most degree programs at Appalachian can
be met within the minimum of 122 semester hours, the student should be aware
that certain programs of study require additional hours. Students are advised
to check with the department of their intended major early in their studies.
Meeting graduation requirements is the student's responsibility.
DEGREES OFFERED
The College of Arts and Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of
Science, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Social
Work degrees. In cooperation with the College of Education, it offers the
Bachelor of Science degree with teacher licensure in English; French; history;
mathematics; Spanish; biology, chemistry, geology, and physics (leading to
science education licensure); and social science education with concentrations
in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and
sociology.
To be admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences, a student must meet the
requirements to officially declare a major as follows.
1. Completion of at least 30 semester hours.
2. A grade-point average of at least 2.0.
3. Completion of English 1000, 1100.
A student who is a candidate for teacher licensure must meet the specified
requirements for admission to the Reich College of Education.
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
To earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, a
student must meet the following requirements.
1. Completion of at least 122 semester hours (128 for biology) with a minimum
cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 and a minimum major
grade-point average of 2.0.
2. Completion of core curriculum requirements.
3. Completion of six semester hours of intermediate or higher level foreign
language.
4. Completion of major requirements from one of the program areas listed
below:
Anthropology
Biology
Chemistry
Economics
English
French
Geography
Geology
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Mathematical Sciences
Philosophy and Religion
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Specific requirements for each department major preface the list of courses
offered by the department. A candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree may
count no more than 40 hours above the core curriculum requirements in any one
discipline for the degree.
5. Completion of a minor. Students seeking a minor in the Departments of
Leadership and Educational Studies; or Language, Reading and
Exceptionalities must receive prior permission from the Dean of the College
of Arts and Sciences.
6. Electives to complete 122 semester hours (128 for biology). A minimum of
two semester hours of electives must be outside the major discipline.
7. Completion of residence requirements.
8. Compliance with regulations concerning settlement of all accounts.
Meeting graduation requirements is the responsibility of the student.
Students pursuing the B.A. degree are advised to refer to the section entitled
"Credit Limitations" which apply to that particular degree.
A candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree may qualify for a teaching license
by admission to professional education courses through the chair of the
Department of Curriculum and Instruction and by completing all academic and
professional education requirements for licensure.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE (without teacher licensure)
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, a
student must meet the following requirements.
1. Completion of at least 122 semester hours (128 for biology) with a minimum
cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 and a minimum major grade-point
average of 2.0.
2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements.
3. Completion of major requirements from one of the program areas listed below.
Anthropology
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geography and Planning
Geology
History
Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Specific requirements for each department major preface the list of courses
offered by the department.
4. Electives to complete 122 semester hours (128 for biology). A minimum of two
semester hours of electives must be outside the major discipline.
5. Completion of residence requirements.
6. Compliance with regulations concerning settlement of all accounts.
Meeting graduation requirements is the responsibility of the student.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE (with teacher licensure)
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with teacher licensure in the College of
Arts and Sciences, a student must meet the following requirements.
1. Completion of at least 122 semester hours (123 for social sciences
education, 128 for biology) with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of
2.5 and a minimum major grade-point average of 2.0.
2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements.
3. Completion of major requirements from one of the program areas listed below.
Biology
Chemistry
English
Foreign Languages (French, Spanish)
Geology
History
Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Social Sciences
NOTE: Social sciences licensure requires 123 semester hours to include the
social sciences licensure core courses plus a concentration in one of the
following areas. (See the list of specific courses under the appropriate
department.)
Anthropology
Economics
Geography
History
Political Science
Sociology
4. Admission to the Reich College of Education and completion of all
professional education requirements.
5. Electives to complete the required number of hours (122-128) for the degree.
A minimum of two semester hours of electives must be outside the major
discipline.
6. Completion of residence requirements.
7. Compliance with regulations concerning settlement of all accounts.
Meeting graduation requirements is the responsibility of the student.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree, the student
must meet the following requirements:
1. Completion of at least 122 semester hours with a minimum cumulative
grade-point average of 2.0 and a minimum major grade-point average of 2.0.
2. Completion of core curriculum requirements.
3. Completion of a major consisting of 61 semester hours as specified and STT
2810. See the Department of Political Science/Criminal Justice.
4. Electives to complete 122 semester hours. A minimum of two semester hours of
electives must be outside the major discipline.
5. Completion of residence requirements.
6. Compliance with regulations concerning settlement of all accounts.
Meeting graduation requirements is the responsibility of the student.
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE
The following requirements must be met in order for a student to earn the
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in the College of Arts and Sciences:
1. Completion of a minimum of 122 semester hours with a cumulative grade-point
average of at least 2.0 and a major grade-point average of at least 2.0.
2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements.
3. Completion of the requirements of the social work major which consists of
45 semester hours of professional courses and 29 semester hours of cognate
courses as specified. See the Department of Sociology and Social Work.
4. Students must have at least a 2.0 grade in EACH course in the social work
curriculum at Appalachian.
5. Electives to complete 122 semester hours. A minimum of two semester hours of
electives must be outside the major discipline.
6. Completion of residence requirements.
7. Compliance with regulations concerning settlement of all accounts.
Meeting graduation requirements is the responsibility of the student.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Academic advising for students in the College of Arts and Sciences is available
in each of the departments in the college. Advising is required prior to each
registration and encouraged at other times. The Academic Services unit of the
Dean's Office (100 I.G. Greer) certifies students for graduation; provides
senior academic audits; assists students with special course processing,
dropping and adding classes; and responds to general inquiries regarding
students' academic programs.
GRADE-POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
To graduate, a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 is required. A
minimum grade-point average of 2.0 is also required in the major. Included in
the calculation of the major grade-point average are all courses taken in the
major department, all courses in the approved program of study/contract/
concentration, and all cognate courses. A "C" is required in each professional
education course; however, the professional education courses are not included
in the calculation of the major grade-point average.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
The internships offered in the College of Arts and Sciences provide students
with opportunities to learn outside of the regular classroom and to formulate
career plans based on their experiences. Student interns earn academic credit
toward their degrees. Internships offer realistic on-the-job experience and
personal contacts with employers.
Agency or industry personnel, in close cooperation with faculty in the
student's major department, provide internship instruction. The student's
career interests are considered in arranging internship assignments and
placements. In many majors and career-oriented concentrations, an internship
is required in the course of study; in others, the internship is available as
an elective.
Students seeking further information should contact their major advisor, or
their departmental chair.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Cooperative Education Program provides students with an opportunity to gain
supervised work experience that is closely related to their major. Students
alternate college course work with career-related employment.
To participate in the Program, the student must:
1. Be enrolled as a full time student in a degree program.
2. Have completed at least two full-time semesters (one for transfer students)
at Appalachian State University and have a minimum of sophomore standing.
3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25.
4. Complete an Application and Agreement form and arrange an interview with
the Director or a Co-op Coordinator.
For additional information, students should contact the Cooperative Education
Program, 100 I.G. Greer, (828) 262-4891.
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN THE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM (CEP)
This catalog reflects only the fall and spring semester courses. Courses
offered in summer terms can be found in the Summer Sessions Bulletin.
CEP 1000. Cooperative Education Program/(0).F;S.
A monitored work experience in a field related to the student's major. Open to
all majors. Alternating semesters of study and employment are completed with
paid work experiences tailored to meet the needs of the student and the
employer. A parallel plan (part-time study and part-time work) may also be
selected. Prerequisite: sophomore standing, admission to a degree-granting
college and to the Cooperative Education Program, completion of departmental
requirements, minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. (Graded on an S/U basis.)
CEP 2000. Cooperative Education Program/(0).F;S.
Continuation of the Cooperative Education Program work experience for students
meeting Program participation requirements. Prerequisite: successful completion
of CEP 1000, compliance with all program requirements. (Graded on an S/U
basis.)
CEP 3000. Cooperative Education Program/(0).F;S.
Continuation of the Cooperative Education Program work experience for students
meeting Program participation requirements. Prerequisite: successful completion
of CEP 2000, compliance with all program requirements. (Graded on an S/U
basis.)
CEP 4000. Cooperative Education Program/(0).F;S.
Continuation of the Cooperative Education Program work experience for students
meeting Program participation requirements. Prerequisite: successful completion
of CEP 3000, compliance with all program requirements. May be repeated. (Graded
on an S/U basis.)
PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Appalachian State University provides students with preparation for
professional training in other institutions. Some preprofessional programs
(law, medicine, dentistry and theology) are four year programs and lead to a
B.A. or B.S. degree from Appalachian; others (engineering, forestry, and
pharmacy) are one or two year programs and prepare students for pursuit of a
degree to be granted by the professional school.
Whatever program students select, they are urged to consult professional school
catalogs and to work closely with the appropriate advisors at Appalachian.
LAW
Law schools require a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) but, in most cases, no
specific selection of courses. Advisors can help students plan a curriculum
most likely to prepare them for the study of law. Usually students do not
specialize during a regular law school program, but are expected to establish a
solid foundation of legal knowledge upon which they may build a special
practice. Academic areas with materials especially relevant to the study of law
are business, communication, criminal justice, economics, English, history,
philosophy, political science, psychology and sociology. Pre-law students are
encouraged to participate in the forensics program as part of their
extracurricular activity. Advisors: Dr. Ronald Stidham, Department of Political
Science/Criminal Justice; Dr. Karl Campbell, Department of History; Dr. Terry
Cole, Department of Communication.
THEOLOGY
Most seminaries now require a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.), but in most
cases no specific selection of courses. In working with their advisor at
Appalachian, students can develop a curriculum suited to the seminary and
specialty of their choice. Pre-theological students should be aware of the
increasing variety of church-related professions available to them.
In general, the pre-theological student is advised not to overload in religion
courses but rather seek to understand the phenomenon of humanity from as many
perspectives as possible. This may mean developing a general studies degree
curriculum although a number of traditional majors offer a solid background for
seminary. Advisors: Dr. Conrad E. Ostwalt, Jr., Department of Philosophy and
Religion; Dr. Larry Bond, Department of History.
MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
All medical and dental schools require at least three years of satisfactory
undergraduate work and most give preference to candidates holding a bachelor's
degree. The catalog from the school selected should be consulted and an
individual program designed with the help of an advisor to prepare the student
for both specific admission requirements and the Medical School Admission Test.
In general, solid work in the humanities plus a core of courses such as the
following are recommended:
BIO 1110, 2001, 3301, 3306, 3307, 3308, 3800, and 4100
CHE 1101, 1110 and 1102, 1120; 2201, 2203 and 2202, 2204; 4580
MAT 1025, 1110-1120; STT 2810
PHY 1103-1104 or PHY 1150-1151
PSY 1200
Students should begin taking chemistry during the freshman year. Medical and
dental schools will look at the overall quality of performance, not just
achievement in science. Interested students should contact Dr. Mathius J.
Sedivec, Department of Biology.
ENGINEERING
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers two separate pre-engineering
programs and advises students interested in engineering. In addition, the
Department offers dual-degree programs with Auburn University and Clemson
University.
THE NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM
The North Carolina System Pre-Engineering Program has been approved by the
Subcommittee on Engineering Transfer for transfer to the engineering programs
at North Carolina A & T State University, North Carolina State University, and
the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Pre-engineering students in this program take the following courses:
MAT 1110, 1120, 2130, 3130
PHY 1150-1151
CHE 1101, 1110
CS 1400 or 1440
TEC 1001
ENG 1000, 1100
Other recommended courses (certain of these may be required for some
engineering disciplines) include:
PHY 2010-2020
CHE 1102, 1120
ECO 2030
P&R 3600
THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM
The second pre-engineering program is with Clemson University. Pre-engineering
students in this program take the following courses:
MAT 1110, 1120, 2130, 3130
PHY 1150-1151, 2010
CHE 1101, 1110 and 1102, 1120
CS 1400
ECO 2030
ENG 1000, 1100
ENG 2010, 2020 or 2030, 2040 or 2310, 2320, 3700
HIS 1101 or 1102
Different courses are required depending on the particular engineering
discipline. After completing two semesters of courses, students will complete
the form "Intention to Transfer to Engineering at Clemson University" and mail
it to the College of Engineering, Clemson University. This form is available
from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Students who plan to enter either pre-engineering program or who desire to
develop a pre-engineering program for another university are strongly urged to
consult with an advisor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
DUAL-DEGREE ENGINEERING PROGRAMS WITH AUBURN UNIVERSITY AND CLEMSON
UNIVERSITY
Dual-degree programs are now offered in cooperation with Auburn University and
Clemson University which permit students to attend Appalachian for three years
and either Auburn or Clemson University for approximately two years. After
finishing one of the programs, students will receive two degrees.
Study during the first three years includes course work in mathematics and
the sciences and also courses chosen to meet Appalachian's core curriculum
requirements. These courses plus two semesters of courses taken at Auburn or
Clemson will be counted towards fulfilling the requirements for a baccalaureate
degree from Appalachian.
Upon completion of this dual-degree program, the graduate is awarded a
baccalaureate degree from Appalachian and an engineering bachelor's degree from
either Auburn University or Clemson University.
Dual-degree candidates from Appalachian are eligible to seek a bachelor's
degree from Auburn University in aerospace engineering, aviation management,
chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial
engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, textile chemistry,
textile engineering and textile management.
Dual-degree candidates from Appalachian are eligible to seek a bachelor's
degree from Clemson University in ceramic engineering, civil engineering,
engineering analysis, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and
mechanical engineering.
For additional information, contact Dr. Thomas L. Rokoske, Department of
Physics and Astronomy, through the College of Arts and Sciences Web Site:
www.cas.appstate.edu
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES
A major in biology leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in clinical
laboratory sciences consists of a minimum of 96 semester hours of work at
Appalachian and 32 semester hours of work at an affiliated medical technology
school. The 96 semester hours at Appalachian include 44 semester hours in
general studies; 31 semester hours in biology, including BIO 1110, 2000, 2001,
3301, 3306, 3308, 3800 and 4568; 16 semester hours in chemistry, CHE 1101, 1110
and 1102, 1120; CHE 2201, 2203 and 2202, 2204; and MAT 1110 and STT 2810.
Courses taken at an affiliated medical technology school include clinical
chemistry (nine semester hours), clinical microbiology (ten semester hours),
clinical microscopy (nine semester hours), and blood banking (four semester
hours). Appalachian has affiliations with schools of medical technology at
Baptist Hospital and Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., and
with Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., and Moses Cone Hospital in
Greensboro, N.C. Only a limited number of qualified applicants are accepted
into the clinical year of this program and the competition is keen. Applicants
are selected on the basis of grade-point average, course selection and work
experience. Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey A. Butts, Department of Biology.
FOREST RESOURCES
Students who are interested in forest resources can complete many of the
prerequisite courses at Appalachian and then transfer to North Carolina State
University or to another university offering the degree. Students should make
early contact with schools in which they are interested to obtain the
requirements for admission to a specific program or concentration. In general,
students might expect to take the following courses (requirements vary
depending upon the program):
ENG 1000-1100
MAT 1025-1110-1120
CHE 1101, 1110 and 1102, 1120
BIO 1110 and/or 2000
PHY 1103-1104
COM 2101
ECO 1010 or 2040
PE (four hours)
Humanities and social sciences (12 hours)
Electives (six hours)
For additional information, contact: Dr. Richard Henson, Department of Biology.
PHARMACY
Students who wish to pursue a career in pharmacy may complete the pre-pharmacy
requirements at Appalachian; students may then seek admission to a school of
pharmacy (in North Carolina, two schools offer pharmacy degrees: UNC-Chapel
Hill and Campbell University). The requirements of the traditional two year pre-
pharmacy program will normally include four courses in chemistry (including two
semesters of organic chemistry), one or two courses in mathematics including
calculus, two courses in biology (with at least one course beyond the
introductory level), two courses in physics, and core curriculum courses,
including two English courses and a history course. (UNC-Chapel Hill also
requires completion of three semesters of college-level foreign language). Each
School of Pharmacy has its own specific requirements and a student considering
pharmacy must make early contact with the Schools of Pharmacy in which they are
interested to obtain current pre-pharmacy requirements for admission into their
programs.
The pre-pharmacy advisor maintains information on the requirements for various
Schools of Pharmacy in the state and region, and the Pharmacy College
Admissions Test (PCAT) scores are requested by most pharmacy schools as part of
the admission application. Because of the variety of course requirements,
admission procedures and rigorous admission standards, early contact with the
pre-pharmacy advisor is strongly recommended. Advisor: Dr. Lawrence Brown,
Department of Chemistry, (828) 262-3010.
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS
Minor in Appalachian Studies
The Appalachian Studies minor is offered for the student who wishes to explore
Appalachian regional concerns, and to understand Appalachian social, cultural,
and environmental issues in the appropriate interdisciplinary context.
Curriculum offerings, projects, and research relating to the Appalachian region
are coordinated by the director of the Center for Appalachian Studies. The
Center facilitates individual research projects and will direct the student
toward involvement with research or project activities.
Courses cannot be used for the minor if fulfilling core curriculum
requirements.
A student may earn an undergraduate minor in Appalachian Studies by successful
completion of an interdisciplinary program of 18 semester hours as follows:
1. Required: (3 s.h.)
AS/IDS 2410 Introduction to Appalachian Studies, Humanities
OR
AS/IDS 2411 Introduction to Appalachian Studies, Social Sciences
2. Core: Select three courses from the following: (9 s.h.)
ANT 4120 Appalachian Culture
AS/MUS 2016 Appalachian Music
ENG 4720 Appalachian Literature
GHY 3320 Environmental Issues in Appalachia
HIS 3726 History of the Appalachian Region
P&R 4549 Seminar: Southern Appalachian Religion
PS 3630 Appalachian Politics
3. Electives: Choose two courses from the following: (6 s.h.)
Courses listed in the core above
BIO 5512 Local Flora (with permission)
OR
BIO 4550 Nature Study
ENG 3050 Studies in Folklore
ENG 4810 Advanced Folklore
FDN 4810 Education in Appalachian America
HIS 4575 Introduction to Public History
HIS 4660 Topics in Public and Applied History
P&R 3050 Religion in America
Selected topics courses (3530-3549) with Appalachia as the subject (with the
consent of an Appalachian Studies advisor).
Minor in Gerontology
Ed Folts, Director
A student may earn a minor in gerontology by successful completion of an
interdisciplinary program of 15-18 hours.
1. Required courses
SOC 3100 Gerontology 3 s.h.
BIO 4563 Biology of Aging 3 s.h.
PSY 4562 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 3 s.h.
2. Electives
FCS 4551 Families in Later Life 3 s.h.
SW 4555 Death, Dying, and Living 3 s.h.
RM 4560 Leisure and Aging 3 s.h.
3. Other electives will be added. Students choosing this minor will need to
check with the coordinator in order to receive more information.