Ferrum College awards the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), and Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degrees, depending on the major that students pursue. All degree candidates must complete at least 121 hours of coursework, of which 30 hours must be at the 300-400 level, with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average within their academic major. At least 50% of the hours required for a major or a minor must be completed at the College. (This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the program coordinator in association with the School Dean.) Please refer to the detailed listing for graduation requirements.
The undergraduate program of study consists of two complementary parts: General Education requirements and Major requirements. Students must complete both sets of requirements to earn the Bachelor’s degree. Some Majors may require the completion of a Minor as well. Students may also meet a Minor requirement by completing a second Major.
General Education Requirements
The General Education requirements are designed to provide students with a breadth of knowledge, skill, and understanding that will prepare them to perform successfully as well-informed citizens and professionals in their community, nation, and world. General Education courses also provide an enriching context for the in-depth study required in every major. All students, regardless of their major program of study, must complete the General Education requirements.
The General Education requirements are divided into two types: Foundations courses introduce students to the full range of academic disciplines traditionally associated with college-level education, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and sciences. Perspectives and Interactions courses allow students to engage actively with that breadth of knowledge by developing their abilities to analyze, connect, evaluate, persuade, and communicate. Ferrum College is firmly committed to the idea that the combination of Foundations and Perspectives and Interactions courses in the General Education curriculum provides students with the strengths they need to realize their individual potential and to engage meaningfully in the world around them.
Catalog Addendum
Pursuant to faculty vote at the November 30, 2018 faculty meeting, the requirements for Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Global Awareness (GA) and Integrated Learning (IL) are being eliminated from the General Education requirements from the 2016 catalogs and forward. The QR, GA, IL designated courses are no longer necessary to fulfill graduation requirements.
Foundations: the Liberal Arts Requirements
A multidisciplinary range of courses selected from all the academic schools of the College provides the foundation upon which the Ferrum College curriculum is built. All Bachelor’s degree students at the College must complete courses that fulfill the 37-hours of requirements in the Liberal Arts. A detailed list of these requirements is provided on the following page.
Perspectives and Interactions: the Skills Requirements
In combination with the Foundations requirements, the Perspectives and Interactions requirements are designed to develop the level of awareness and essential skills necessary to interpret, evaluate, and utilize knowledge. (Please note that some of these courses may simultaneously fulfill some of the Foundations and Major / Minor requirements.) Students must complete courses that allow them to develop their abilities and understanding in the following important areas:
Oral Communication (Courses Designated as Speaking Intensive)
Speaking Intensive (SI) courses prepare students to enter their careers and communities with the ability to share ideas and information through effective oral presentation. For a detailed description of how to complete this requirement, please see Oral Communication.
Written Communication (Courses Designated as Writing Intensive)
Writing Intensive (WI) courses, offered within a variety of disciplines, challenge students to develop their writing skills beyond the fundamental level established in first-year English Composition courses. In WI courses, students strengthen their abilities in the effective written presentation of research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and argument. For a detailed description of how to complete this requirement, please see Written Communication.
Quantitative Reasoning (Courses Designated as QR)
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) courses show students how to gather, interpret, evaluate, explain, and use quantitative information. For a detailed description of how to complete this requirement, please see Quantitative Reasoning.
Global Awareness (Courses Designated as GA)
Global Awareness (GA) courses encourage students to recognize their role in the larger world and provide them with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to interact effectively with culturally and geographically diverse situations and audiences. For a detailed description of how to complete this requirement, please see Global Awareness.
Integrated Learning (Courses Designated as IL)
Integrated Learning (IL) courses allow students to establish fruitful interconnections among different disciplines as well as to apply academic learning to real-world situations and to be self-aware about their own growth and perspectives. For a detailed description of how to complete this requirement, please see Integrated Learning.
Foundations Courses: Fulfilling the Liberal Arts Requirements
Perspectives and Interactions Courses: Fulfilling the Skills Requirements
(Note: some of these courses may also count towards fulfilling requirements in other General Education areas or in particular Majors and Minors.)
Students must complete requirements in the following categories:
Oral Communication: Fulfilling the Speaking Intensive (SI) Requirement
Writing in the Curriculum
Ferrum College considers writing a vital academic process, a special mode of learning, and one of the best available indicators of a student’s ability to think. Therefore, the faculty expects students to show increasing skill in stating logical, unified ideas, developing concepts, organizing appropriate formats, and using language both correctly and effectively. To help students attain this goal, the faculty expects that the regular instructional program of the College will teach writing skills throughout the student’s four-year program of study.
- All students must complete one full year of freshman composition, one course in sophomore literature, and the College Writing Intensive requirement. The faculty expects that these courses will develop the fundamentals by which all students’ writing skills will improve during the junior and senior years.
- To support students in their development as writers, Ferrum College provides a faculty-staffed Writing Center where students can receive individualized professional assistance with any writing project.
- The College also offers a Fundamentals of Writing course for students who need additional preparation before entering the traditional freshman composition courses.
- Individual departments may establish additional writing elements for their classes.
Written Communication: Fulfilling the Writing Intensive (WI) Requirement
Students can fulfill the WI requirement by completing six hours of courses designated as Writing Intensive with a grade of “C” or higher in the writing assignments. At least three hours of Writing Intensive courses must be at the 300-400 level. (Completing ENG 102 with a grade of “C” or higher is a prerequisite for registering for any Writing Intensive course.)
Students who have completed one 200-level literature course (ENG 200 , ENG 201 , ENG 202 , ENG 203 , ENG 204 , ENG 205 , ENG 206 , ENG 207 , ENG 209 , ENG 210 , ENG 211 , ENG 212 , ENG 213 , ENG 214 , ENG 215 ) to meet the Liberal Arts Requirements may fulfill three hours of the WI requirement by earning a “C” or better in a second 200-level literature course (ENG 200 -ENG 215 ) or in an upper-level foreign language literature class or SPA 403 or SPA 404 .
All courses used to satisfy the Writing Intensive requirement must be taken at Ferrum College. Students who wish to transfer courses specifically designated as writing intensive at other institutions may appeal to the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities.
The list of Writing Intensive courses may vary from year to year; courses that can fulfill the requirement are not limited to those listed in the student’s catalog year of entry.
Use the following link to access a list of courses that meet the Writing Intensive requirement.
Catalog Addendum
Pursuant to faculty vote at the November 30, 2018 faculty meeting, the requirements for Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Global Awareness (GA) and Integrated Learning (IL) are being eliminated from the General Education requirements from the 2016 catalogs and forward. The QR, GA, IL designated courses are no longer necessary to fulfill graduation requirements.
Quantitative Reasoning (QR): Fulfilling the QR Requirement
Students can fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement by passing two courses that have a QR designation. A Student-Justified Course Experience (SJCE) may be substituted for one course; see proposal process outlined below.
Students who transfer in with freshman or sophomore standing must complete at least two experiences from each of the following areas (i.e., Global Awareness, Integrated Learning, and Quantitative Reasoning). Those who transfer in with junior or senior standing must complete at least one experience from each of the three areas. Courses that are transferred cannot be used to meet these requirements.
Use the following link to access a list of courses that will meet the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
Global Awareness (GA): Fulfilling the GA Requirement
Students can fulfill the Global Awareness requirement by completing one semester of approved study away or by passing two courses that have a GA designation. A Student-Justified Course Experience (SJCE) may be substituted for one course; see proposal process outlined below.
Students who transfer in with freshman or sophomore standing must complete at least two experiences from each of the following areas (i.e., Global Awareness, Integrated Learning, and Quantitative Reasoning). Those who transfer in with junior or senior standing must complete at least one experience from each of the three areas. Courses that are transferred cannot be used to meet these requirements.
Use the following link to access a list of courses that will meet the Global Awareness requirement.
Integrated Learning (IL): Fulfilling the IL Requirement
Students can fulfill the Integrated Learning requirement by passing two courses that have an IL designation. A Student-Justified Course Experience (SJCE) may be substituted for one course; see proposal process outlined below.
Students who transfer in with freshman or sophomore standing must complete at least two experiences from each of the following areas (i.e., Global Awareness, Integrated Learning, and Quantitative Reasoning). Those who transfer in with junior or senior standing must complete at least one experience from each of the three areas. Courses that are transferred cannot be used to meet these requirements.
Use the following link to access a list of courses that will meet the Integrated Learning requirement.
(Note: Some of the courses on these lists may also count towards fulfilling other General Education and/or Major/Minor requirements. In addition some courses meet multiple QR, GA and IL requirements as well.)
Student-Justified Course Experiences (SJCE) for GA, QR or IL requirements:
To fulfill some of these requirements, it is also possible for students to design their own course experience (such as independent study, independent research, directed study, or internships). Students may meet a Global Awareness, Integrated Learning, and/or Quantitative Reasoning experience by designing and executing a proposal that addresses the appropriate skills. This Student-Justified Course Experience (SJCE); form available on Panther Portal) with all signatures must be completed and submitted by the student no later than the end of the second week of classes in the relevant semester. The SJCE should include a plan for demonstration and assessment of the appropriate skills, and must be approved by the advisor, dean(s), and faculty involved. Note: the SJCE approach cannot apply to courses already completed.
Experiential Learning: Fulfilling the Experiential Requirements
Experiential Learning courses involve students in direct experiences combined with focused reflection as a way to enhance knowledge and skills. This approach to education connects learning to the world beyond the classroom and links theory with practice. At Ferrum College, students must complete an Experiential Component, which is listed within each program of study in the College Catalog. In addition to the Experiential Component requirement, student must pass at least one course in the Experiential Term (E-Term). E-Term is conducted in the three weeks immediately following Commencement and includes a choice of both on-campus and travel courses in a variety of disciplines. E-Term courses may also apply to other General Education and/or Major/Minor requirements.
A majority of E-Term courses do not have prerequisites and are appropriate for most students, even those entering their second or third semester of college. Courses offered in E-Term vary from year to year; a complete list of choices will be available for consideration during registration for the Spring Semester. Credits for E-Term courses may also apply to other requirements in majors / minors and the General Education curriculum.
Costs for E-Term: For full-time students, there are no additional tuition or room/board costs for the required E-Term session. Any supplementary course costs for travel, materials, laboratory use, etc. in an E-Term course will be listed with the course description as a course fee during preregistration and then applied to the student’s account upon registration. Students are obligated to pay all non-refundable course fees if they do not drop the E-Term course by the fourth week of the spring semester.
Part-time students will be charged for an E-Term course at the credit hour rate that is applied to regular semester courses.
Limited scholarships for travel courses are available; contact the Director of E-Term for further information.
If a student wishes to take more than the one required E-Term course, tuition and room/board costs will be applicable at the current per credit hour rate.
Registering for E-Term: Currently enrolled full-time and part-time students will generally register for an E-Term course when they register for Spring Semester; the last possible date to register for E-Term is the last “add” date during the first week of the Spring Semester.
An E-Term course does not count as part of the 12-hour load required for full-time status. If a student is registered for 18-19 hours in the Spring Semester, adding an E-Term course may put the student in “overload” status for that semester, but overload fees will not be applied.
Students’ academic standing will determine their eligibility for enrollment in E-Term travel courses (see guidelines in Academic Progress and Financial Aid Eligibility ).
Regardless of the timing of enrollment, all students must abide by specific course enrollment requirements, which may include interviews or seeking the approval of the instructor. A student enrolling for an E-Term course after the typical November registration must accept decisions already made by the instructor in any missed class meetings and agree to any additional restrictions set by the course instructor to insure student safety.
The last day to drop an E-Term course is the first day of E-Term classes.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Impact on E-Term Participation
Students who are in good academic standing or have been placed on academic warning may register for any E-Term course and are eligible for travel scholarship opportunities.
Students who are on academic probation or who are on disciplinary probation or higher during the fall semester may not register for an E-Term course that has overnight or off campus travel but they will be eligible to register for on campus E-Term courses.
If the student is not meeting satisfactory academic progress at the end of the fall semester, the following factors apply:
- Students placed on academic warning for the spring semester, will remain in the E-Term course and will be allowed to retain any travel scholarship that has been awarded.
- Students placed on academic probation for the spring semester, will be dropped from any enrolled E-Term course that has overnight off campus travel. All fees will be refunded and any travel scholarship award will be forfeited.
- Student placed on academic suspension for the spring semester, will be withdrawn from all classes for the spring semester, including the E-Term course. If the student appeals the academic suspension and is allowed to return for the spring semester on probation, the student will not be allowed to enroll in any E-Term course involving overnight off campus travel.
Students who were on probation during the fall semester and return to good standing by the beginning of the spring semester, may register for any E-Term course, including overnight off campus travel during add week in the spring semester. Students opting to do this will be responsible for payment of applicable deposits and fees.
Students placed on disciplinary probation or higher after spring registration or during the spring semester will be removed from the E-Term overnight off campus travel course. The student will be responsible for applicable deposits and fees.
Students who choose to drop an E-Term course due to poor performance in multiple Spring Semester classes may be responsible for all applicable deposits and fees.
Students whose grades in spring semester (excluding the E-Term course) result in academic suspension will be withdrawn from the enrolled E-Term course. Students will be responsible for applicable deposits and fees.
Graduation Requirements
Students must utilize online Eight-Semester plans and assistance of faculty advisors in the formulation of an acceptable course of study leading to a degree. Students should review their progress frequently by using the Panther Portal “Academic Planning” link and “Program Evaluation” link to be sure they are in compliance with all degree requirements. Both the student and the advisor will review the catalog, program evaluation and academic planning tool each semester and adjust the academic plan based on the course rotations and schedule of offerings. Prior to registration, all second semester sophomore and junior students will be provided with an audit and pre-graduation clearance from the Office of Advising.
Students reaching Senior status will be required to complete a Graduation Clearance and Diploma Order form with their Advisor. The student and the advisor will update the student’s academic plan. The completed Graduation Clearance and Diploma Order forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar for approval. The student is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with all degree requirements.
To graduate, a student must:
- complete the Graduation Clearance and Diploma Order form from the Office of the Registrar by early October of the Fall Semester prior to May graduation.
- successfully complete 121 semester hours, with 30 of these hours at the 300-400 level, maintaining a grade point average of at least 2.0 for hours earned at Ferrum College. Students must also maintain a 2.0 grade point average within their academic major.
- meet the appropriate Liberal Arts Core Requirements and major/minor requirements (including Program Specific Requirements, Experiential Component, and pass one E-Term).
- satisfy the Speaking and Writing Intensive requirements.
- satisfy the Global Awareness, Integrated Learning and Quantitative Reasoning requirements (see Transfer Credit Policy if a transfer student, or Regulations Governing Catalog if changing a program of Study after the first year of enrollment.
- be enrolled for at least one academic year or its equivalent at Ferrum College.
- have completed at least 50% of total hours required for a major at Ferrum College. The Program Coordinator can recommend that this requirement be waived. It must be approved by the School Dean.
- have completed at least 50% of total hours required for a minor at Ferrum College. The Program Coordinator can recommend that this requirement be waived. It must be approved by the School Dean.
- complete the last semester of academic work at Ferrum College. A student may transfer a maximum of nine semester hours of work back to the College to complete the requirements for graduation. More than nine hours must have the approval of the Academic Standards Committee.
- clear all financial obligations to the College.
To participate in graduation, a student may not fall short of the required minimum of 121 credit hours by more than one course or an internship. Also students must have attained at least a 2.0 cumulative and major grade point averages. Students lacking a course or internship must submit proof of summer registration to the Office of the Registrar to complete the work prior to the beginning of the next fall term. All degree candidates are encouraged to participate in graduation exercises.
Catalog Addendum
Pursuant to faculty vote at the November 30, 2018 faculty meeting, the requirements for Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Global Awareness (GA) and Integrated Learning (IL) are being eliminated from the General Education requirements from the 2016 catalogs and forward. The QR, GA, IL designated courses are no longer necessary to fulfill graduation requirements.
Programs of Study (Majors)
A major is a focused, disciplinary or interdisciplinary program of academic concentration. There are two kinds of majors at Ferrum College: those which require a minor and those which do not. If a program of study requires a minor, a student may choose to satisfy that minor by completing a second major. Every bachelor’s degree candidate must complete a major. Programs of more than 39 hours are normally interdisciplinary with significant content drawn from two or more disciplines. A major may require up to 57 hours of which no more than 39 hours can be required in a single discipline or subject designation. In addition to the particular courses required in the major, a school may specify up to 20 hours within the general college Liberal Arts requirement. Note: At least 50% of the required courses for any major must be completed at the College.
Program Specific Requirements
These requirements may consist of up to 12 hours of additional coursework as designated by the Program (major) and may include, but are not limited to: foreign language, accounting, computer science, PHI 101 , BUS 230 , COM 201 additional laboratory science, additional mathematics, etc.
Minors
Minors are groups of related courses with at least 9 hours at the 300-400 level (6-8 hours may be considered adequate depending upon the nature of student learning in the proposed courses in the minor, and upon a strong and compelling rationale for less than 9 hours). Such a proposal must be approved through the full faculty approval process. Except for the teacher education minor, minors contain 18-21 hours. Note: At least 50% of the required courses for any minor must be completed at Ferrum College.
Declaring/Changing Programs (Majors)/Minors
Students may declare programs (majors), and minors with their academic advisor. The advisor will complete a Program Change Request Form available under Advising from Faculty & Staff Services on the Panther Portal. Students must discuss their desired program shifts with their advisors to insure complete understanding of the requirements and options involved and to avoid any loss of time and credits.
The catalog for the year in which a student enters Ferrum College is the governing document for requirements for graduation. However, students who change their program of study after their first year of enrollment must apply the regulations in the current year’s catalog. Students must submit a new degree plan indicating the catalog change.
Earning a Second Degree
A student currently working on a first baccalaureate may acquire a second major or minor by completing the courses and hours required. If a student wishes to earn two different degrees simultaneously (i.e., seeking a B.A. and a B.S.), instead of one degree with multiple majors, he or she must meet the conditions listed below.
A second baccalaureate degree may be earned by persons who already hold a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College or from another accredited institution. A student who enters Ferrum College to work on a second degree shall be classified academically as a senior. To earn a second degree, the student must meet the following requirements:
- All Liberal Arts Requirements in effect at the time of the second degree must be completed (either by current or previous coursework);
- The student must meet all prerequisite and course requirements in the major field of the second degree, with at least half of the required courses in the major taken at Ferrum College;
- The student must complete at least 30 hours of additional coursework at Ferrum College beyond the earned hours of the first degree;
- The student must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in coursework completed for the major and second degree;
- A person seeking a second degree must be admitted through the regular admissions process.
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