Mar 19, 2024  
2015-2016 Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate.

Degree and General Education Requirements



General Requirements All Degrees

  1. Students must earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 for all WSU work. No more than 20 credit hours of “D” grade may be applied toward graduation. A college or department may reject any or all “D” grade work toward major or minor requirements.
  2. Graduation credit hours must be earned after students have matriculated. Credit hours earned prior to matriculation must be approved by the Graduation Office.
  3. All financial obligations to the university must be cleared.

Requirements for Minors

The term “minor” refers to a collection of related courses that are a student’s secondary field of academic concentration or specialization while completing a bachelor degree. Minors may be completed with any bachelor degree. Many majors require the completion of a minor; this is designated under the requirements for each major.

Requirements for Master’s Degrees

WSU offers eleven master’s degree programs. Information concerning admission to and requirements for these programs is located in the sections of this catalog for the colleges indicated below.

Also refer to the WSU Graduate Programs policy at weber.edu/ppm/Policies/11-1_GraduatePrograms.html.

Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees

  1. A minimum of 120 credit hours.
  2. A minimum of 40 upper-division credit hours (courses numbered 3000 and above).
  3. A minimum of 30 hours in residency (WSU courses).
  4. At least a 2.0 (C) WSU grade point average (GPA).
  5. Completion of WSU general education, diversity, major and minor requirements.
  6. One of the following bachelor’s degrees must be specified and the WSU general education, major and minor requirements completed. Some departments may specify completion of specific general education courses.
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
      This degree may be earned only by Visual Arts majors; see the Visual Arts Department  section for the application process.
  • Bachelor of Music (BM)
    Bachelor of Music Education (BME)
    These degrees may only be earned by Music majors; contact the Department of Performing Arts   for more information.
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS)
    See the Integrated Studies (BIS)   section of this catalog for information about program requirements and the application process.

Language Requirement

The Bachelor of Arts degree includes a language requirement which may be met by one of the following options:

  • Option 1 - Foreign Language

One of the following

  1. Documentation of a proficiency level of “Intermediate Low” or better through an examination administered by the WSU Foreign Language Department   or through an examination by a recognized testing agency.
  2. Completion of WSU foreign language course 2020 with a grade of “C” or higher, or comparable transfer credit.
  3. Completion of any upper-division WSU foreign language course with a grade of “C” or higher, or comparable transfer credit.
  4. Students for whom English is a second language may meet the BA foreign language requirement by:
    • verifying their proficiency in their (non-English) native language in cooperation with the Foreign Language Department 
      and
    • verifying their proficiency in English as a Second language by passing the ESL Special Examination.
  5. Documentation of a minimum proficiency level in American Sign Language through an examination administered by the American Sign Language/Interpreting Program at Salt Lake Community College. The signer must produce and maintain American Sign Language with “continuity and precision.”
  6. Completion of WSU American Sign Language course 2020 with a grade of “C” or higher, or comparable transfer credit.
  7. Completion of twelve semester-hours of foreign language.

Refer to the Foreign Language   section of this catalog for additional information on obtaining foreign language credit.

  • Option 2 - Foreign Language with Language Arts

Note: This option is only available when specified by the major course requirements.

  1. Completion of at least six semester-hours of foreign language with further course work up to six semester-hours in the language arts beyond the composition requirement in the general education core. Language arts course work may include literature, creative writing, rhetoric, music composition, etc. Students should refer to the major for specific requirements.

The Bachelor of Music degree and Bachelor of Music Education degree requirement is for two semesters of foreign language chosen from French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The requirement may be satisfied by taking two semesters of the same language, or one semester each of two different languages.

Requirements for Associate’s Degrees

AA/AS Degree Requirements

If you are earning an Associate’s Degree in General Studies, contact the Student Success Center (see weber.edu/ssc).

  1. A minimum of 60 credit hours.
  2. A minimum of 20 hours in residency (WSU courses).
  3. At least a 2.0 (C) WSU grade point average (GPA).
  4. Completion of WSU general education requirements.

    The Associate of Arts Degree must include a foreign language or ASL (American Sign Language) requirement which may be met by one of the following:
    1. Documentation of a proficiency level of “Novice High” or better through an examination administered by the WSU Foreign Language Department   or through an examination by a recognized testing agency.
    2. Completion of WSU foreign language course 1020 with a grade of “C” or higher, or comparable transfer credit.
    3. Completion of any WSU foreign language course at a level beyond the first year with a grade of “C” or higher, or comparable transfer credit.
    4. Documentation of three years of the same language completed in high school with a minimum grade of “B”.
    5. Documentation of a minimum proficiency level in American Sign Language through an examination administered by the American Sign Language/Interpreting program at SLCC. The signer must “demonstrate proficiency in temporal aspect, spatial agreement and in describing things around her/him and the deaf culture.”
    6. Completion of WSU American Sign Language course 1020 with a grade of “C” or higher, or comparable transfer credit.

AAS Degree Requirements

  1. A minimum of 63 credit hours.
  2. A minimum of 20 hours in residency (WSU courses).
  3. At least a 2.0 (C) WSU grade point average (GPA).
  4. General education requirements are specified by each program and include at least the following:
    1. ENGL 1010  or ENGL 2010  and one other course in oral or written communication (6 credit hours);
    2. Math or discipline-specific statistics as designated by specific programs (3 credit hours);
    3. One course in each of the three following areas (9 credit hours): Creative Arts & Humanities (CA or HU), Life & Physical Sciences (LS or PS), and Social Sciences (SS).

Requirements for Institutional Certificates

Students are awarded an Institutional Certificate when they complete a program of study fulfilling a 10 credit hour minimum in residence at Weber State. Course work for institutional certificates is designed in a specific area for career and technical education purposes or for professional development. Students enrolled in Institutional Certificate programs are awarded diplomas indicating they have completed an Institutional Certificate in a defined area. Institutional Certificates are designated as “Institutional Certificate” under the Degrees/Programs listing (see Programs Sorted by Degree ). Refer to the listings under the academic department for specific requirements. At the discretion of the department credits earned as part of an Institutional Certificate may be applied to a degree. Students enrolled in Institutional Certificate programs may need to meet additional credit hour requirements in order to qualify for financial aid and should check with the Financial Aid Office.

Requirements for Graduate Certificates

A Graduate Certificate is a program of study, less than a year in length, made up of graduate-level course work, with a prerequisite of at least a Bachelor’s degree. Students enrolled in Graduate Certificate programs are awarded diplomas indicating they have completed a Graduate Certificate in a defined area. Institutional Certificates are designated as “Grad Cert” under the Degrees/Programs listing. Refer to the listings under the academic department for specific requirements.
 

Requirements for Certifications

Students are awarded departmental certifications for completing a course or series of courses in a specified area. Certifications are designated as “Certification” under the Degrees/Programs listing (see Programs Sorted by Degree ). Refer to the listings under the academic department for specific requirements. Students enrolled in certification programs may need to meet additional credit hour requirements in order to qualify for financial aid and should check with the Financial Aid Office. 

Weber State University General Education Requirements


Click for PDF version of the GE Requirements

General education at Weber State University provides students with a foundation in the arts and sciences that transcends and complements their academic emphases.  This exposure to diverse fields of study enables students to make intellectually honest and ethical decisions that reflect a knowledge of and respect for diverse people, ideas, and cultures.  Such breadth of education also cultivates skills critical to student success in academic, personal, professional and community endeavors both within and beyond the university.

Students completing general education can:

  • Communicate, understand and interpret ideas and information using written, oral and visual media
  • Think critically and creatively to construct well-reasoned arguments supported by documented research
  • Use quantitative, mathematical relationships, operations and reasoning
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history, foundational principles, economics, and politics of the United States
  • Demonstrate proficiency in computer and information literacy
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the biological and physical sciences describe and explain the natural world
  • Demonstrate an understanding of humans, their behavior, and their interaction with and within their physical, social, local and global environments
  • Demonstrate an understanding of diverse forms of aesthetic and intellectual expression

Before selecting general education courses, students should consult with an academic advisor (weber.edu/advisors) and review their CatTracks degree evaluation accessed through the eWeber student portal.

CORE GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS


The core requirements listed below apply to all Bachelor’s degrees and AA/AS degrees. It is recommended that students complete these requirements within the first 60 credit hours. General education requirements for AAS degrees vary and are specified by each program.

 

COMPOSITION (EN) 3 credit hours


Complete ENGL 2010 EN - Intermediate College Writing  (3) and earn a “C” grade or better.

Entrance into ENGL 2010  requires one of the following:  Passing ENGL 1010  with a grade of “C” or better, passing the AP Language and Composition or Literature and Composition examination with a score of 3 or better, achieving an ACT English and Reading score of 29 or better, a CLEP with essay test with a score of 50 or better, or an articulated transfer credit from another regionally accredited college or university.

 

QUANTITATIVE LITERACY (QL) 3-5 credit hours


Select one of the following options and earn a “C” grade or better:

To enroll in MATH 1030 , 1040 , 1050 , or 1080 , you must have either earned an ACT Math score of 23 or higher, completed MATH 1010  with a “C” grade or better, or earned an appropriate Accuplacer score.

If you earned a “C” grade or better in PHIL 2200  between Spring 2007 and Spring 2013 and you are declared in a catalog year between Spring 2007 and Spring 2013, your QL requirement is also met.  Some departments may not accept PHIL 2200  toward program requirements.

 

MATH & ENGLISH PLACEMENT


Upon admission to Weber State University, Math and English course placement is determined based on students’ prior academic performance and test results. Fees may be charged for assessment tests and/or tutoring. Students may enroll in courses for which they meet the prerequisites. Individuals placed into developmental courses should complete these classes as soon as possible since they provide foundational skills for success in subsequent courses.
 

MATH COURSE PLACEMENT

  • Your initial Math placement is based on your Math ACT* score OR a weighted rubric of your high school GPA and Math ACT* scores.
  • If you do not have a high school GPA and ACT* you can enroll in Math 0950 OR choose to take a placement test. There are practice self-assessments in math to help you determine your knowledge level at Developmental Math.
    • Take the Math ACCUPLACER◊ test if you expect to place into, or out of, Quantitative Literacy (QL), or place into Math 1060 or Math 1210.
    • Take the Math Mastery** placement test if you expect to place in Math 0810, 0990, or 1010. No test is required to enroll in Math 0950.
      NOTE: For placement based on AP exam results, see Quantitative Literacy.
       
Level Placement Criterion WSU Course Placement
1 Rubric score of 0.0 to 19.9 MATH 0950  
2 Rubric score of 20.0 to 21.9 MATH 0810  or 0990  
3 Rubric score of 22.0 to 24.8 MATH 1010  
4 Math ACT 23 or higher^ or
ACCUPLACER◊ CLM score of 50 to 69
MATH 1030 , 1040 , 1050 , 1060 , or 1080 .  These courses, with the exception of MATH 1060, can satisfy the Quantitative Literacy (QL) requirement

5

ACCUPLACER◊ CLM score of 70 or higher
——————————–
ACCUPLACER◊ CLM score of 90 or higher

Quantitative Literacy (QL) requirement satisfied
——————————–
MATH 1210

*If you took the SAT, rather than the ACT, contact Admissions at 801-626-6743 for your placement.
**You may take the Math Mastery placement test up to two times within a 12 month period. This test will allow you to place up to, but not out of, QL. Exam results expire after 24 months.
◊You may take the ACCUPLACER test up to 2 times within a 12 month period. ACCUPLACER scores expire after 24 months. If you take ACCUPLACER and do not place in QL, or higher, and want to improve your developmental math placement, you will need to take the Math Mastery placement test for an additional fee.
^For placement into Math 1030, 1040, 1050, or 1080 the Math ACT score expires after 24 months. Afterwards, for placement, you can choose to take the ACCUPLACER or use the Rubric for an ACT Math score of 22. ACT scores do not expire for developmental math placement.


ENGLISH COURSE PLACEMENT
Your English course placement is based on your ACT* or ACCUPLACER◊ scores. If you did not take the ACT*, you should take the Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills ACCUPLACER◊ tests to obtain your placement. Non-native English speakers should contact the Learning English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) Program (801-626-6028) for placement testing.

 

Level English & Reading ACT* Scores                      (expire after 24 months) Reading Comprehension & Sentence Skills      
ACCUPLACER Scores (expire after 24 months)
WSU Course Placement
1 Score of 12 or lower in either English or Reading Score of 39 or lower in either Reading Comprehension (RC)
or Sentence Skills (SS)
ENGL 0900  
2 Score of 13-16 in either English or Reading Score of 40-89 in either Reading Comprehension (RC)
or Sentence Skills (SS)
ENGL 0955  
3 Score of 17 or higher in both English and Reading Score of 90 or higher in both Reading Comprehension (RC)
and Sentence Skills (SS)
ENGL 1010  
4 Score of 29 or higher in both English and Reading N/A ENGL 2010  
5 Composition requirement satisfied

*If you took the SAT, rather than the ACT, contact Admissions at 801-626-6743 for your placement.
◊You may take each ACCUPLACER test up to 2 times within a 12 month period. ACCUPLACER scores expire after 24 months.   

                         

 HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PLACEMENT QUESTIONS

  • Visit weber.edu/TestingCenter/math-mastery for Math Mastery placement testing information.
  • Visit weber.edu/TestingCenter/accuplacer for WSU ACCUPLACER testing information (including a Distance ACCUPLACER Request form if you are more than 50 miles away from WSU).
  • Practice developmental math self-assessments are available at weber.edu/developmentalmath/SelfAssessments.
  • Contact the Developmental Math Advisor, Tes Yadete, devmath@weber.edu, (801-626-7451) with questions regarding placement into Math 0950, 0810, 0990, and 1010.
  • Contact the Math Department Office (801-626-6095) with questions regarding placement into Quantitative Literacy (QL) courses or go to weber.edu/quantitativeliteracy.
  • Contact the English Department (801-626-6251) with questions regarding English course placement.
  • Review course descriptions for Math and English courses in the WSU catalog.
  • Find contact information for WSU’s academic advisors at weber.edu/advisors.


COMPLETING YOUR QUANTITATIVE LITERACY AND COMPOSITION GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Because Math and English skills are necessary to succeed in many other courses, it is important to begin the courses you placed into and work towards completing the Quantitative Literacy (QL) and Composition requirements for your program of study early in your studies. Information about completing these requirements can be found below.
 

QUANTITATIVE LITERACY
There are five ways to fulfill your QL requirement:

  • Earn “C” or better in MATH 1030, 1040, 1050, or 1080 or
  • Earn “C” or better in any math course for which either MATH 1050 or 1080 is a prerequisite or
  • Score 3 or higher on AP Calculus exam or
  • Score 3 or higher on AP Statistics exam or
  • Score 70 or higher on Accuplacer College Level Math (CLM)
    □ If you earned a “C” or better in PHIL 2200 between Spring 2007 and Spring 2013, your QL requirement is also met.

Before choosing one of these options, consult the WSU Catalog or your major advisor (weber.edu/advisors). Many programs require you to take a specific QL course to fulfill their program requirements. Depending on your placement, you may need to take one or more prerequisite courses before enrolling in a QL course. Your placement indicates where you need to begin in one of the following QL prerequisite course sequences:

  • MATH 0950 → MATH 0990 → MATH 1010 → MATH QL course or
  • MATH 0950 → MATH 0810 → MATH 1030

Important note: Once you pass a prerequisite math course, the course is valid for 24 months before it expires as a prerequisite.

 

COMPOSITION
To fulfill your Composition requirement, complete English 2010 with a “C” grade or better. Some Associate of Applied Science degrees (AAS) only require successful completion of English 1010.  Depending on your placement, you may need to take one or more prerequisite courses before enrolling in ENGL 2010. Your placement indicates where you need to begin in the following composition prerequisite course sequence:

  • ENGL 0900 → ENGL 0955 → ENGL 1010 → ENGL 2010 or
  • ESL courses → ENGL 1010 → ENGL 2010 (for non-native English speakers)

 

AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS (AI) 3-6 credit hours


Select one of the following options and earn a “C” or better:

 

COMPUTER & INFORMATION LITERACY (CIL) 2-5 credit hours


Successful completion of approved four-part (A, B, C, D) requirement. Can be met by receiving a credit grade on each proficiency exam or taking courses with a “C” grade or better, or a combination of the two.  Completion of one three-credit NTM 1700 TE - Introduction to Computer Applications  course and/or one one-credit IST 2010 TE - Business Computer Skills  and/or one four-credit CS 1030 TE - Foundations of Computer Science  will meet Parts A, B, and C of the requirement.  Exams are credit/no credit, courses vary.  Students should check with the advisor for their Major to determine the best way to meet the computer literacy requirement. More information is also available at: http://programs.weber.edu/cil/ or by contacting the CIL Administrator at 801-626-6059.

 

 Emphasis Area

 Part A: Document Creation

 Part B: Content, Internet Identity,
 and Device Management

 Part C:  Data Manipulation,
 Visualization, and Presentation

 Part D: Information Literacy

 Exam Options: See
 programs.weber.edu/cil for

 practice problems and tutorials

 NTM 1501
 
Document Creation Competency
 exam (.5)

 NTM 1502
 Content, Internet Identity, and Device
 Management Competency exam (.5)

 NTM 1503
 Data Manipulation, Visualization,
 and Presentation Competency 
 exam (.5)

 NTM 1504
 Information Literacy Competency
 exam (.5)

 Course Options

NTM 1700 Introduction to Computer Applications (3) OR
IST 2010 Business Computer Skills for Business Majors (1) OR
CS 1030 Foundations of Computer Science for Computer Science Majors (4)
Fulfills parts A, B & C

 LIBS 1704  Information Navigator (1)
- O R -
 
LIBS 2504 Information Resources in
 History (1)

- O R -
 LIBS/EDUC 2604  Information
 Resources in Education (1)
- O R -
 LIBS/BSAD 2704  Information
 Resources in the Business
 Disciplines (1)
- O R -
 LIBS 2804 Information Resources in
 the Social Sciences (1)
 - O R -
 LIBS/HTHS 2904 Information
 Resources in the Health Professions
 (1)

 NTM 1701
 Document Creation (1)

 

 NTM 1702
 Content, Internet Identity, and Device
 Management (1)

 

 NTM 1703
 Data Manipulation, Visualization,
 and Presentation (1)

 

Note: Computer and Information Literacy (CIL) transfer credit that does not automatically transfer from another college or university will be evaluated on an individual basis. Transfer credit must meet the current WSU CIL requirements, have been taken within the last seven years, and passed with a grade of “C” or above. The Network Technology and Business Multimedia Department offers testing options for those who have transfer credit over the seven-year limit.

 

DIVERSITY


Complete one of the following general education courses and earn a passing grade.  Note: the following courses will meet both a breadth and diversity requirement (see courses marked with a “♦” in the Breadth requirements).

BREADTH GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS


DO NOT DUPLICATE DEPARTMENTS: Courses selected to fulfill breadth requirements must each be from a different program, with the exception of Honors.

HUMANITIES & CREATIVE ARTS


Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Integrated Studies: Select nine (9) credit hours - at least three (3) credit hours from Humanities and at least three (3) credit hours from Creative Arts and earn a passing grade.

Associate of Applied Science: Select three (3) credit hours from Humanities or Creative Arts and earn a passing grade

 

HUMANITIES


Anthropology

CREATIVE ARTS


SOCIAL SCIENCES


Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Integrated Studies: Select six (6) credit hours in addition to the American Institutions requirement and earn a passing grade.

Associate of Applied Science: Select three (3) credit hours and earn a passing grade.

SOCIAL SCIENCES


Child and Family Studies

Health Education

Information Systems & Technologies

Women & Gender Studies

PHYSICAL SCIENCES & LIFE SCIENCES


Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Integrated Studies: Select nine (9) credit hours - at least three (3) credit hours from Physical Sciences and at least three (3) credit hours from Life Sciences and earn a passing grade.

Associate of Applied Science: Select three (3) credit hours from Physical or Life Sciences and earn a passing grade

PHYSICAL SCIENCES


Physics

LIFE SCIENCES


AP, CLEP and Transfer Credit


General education requirements may also be satisfied by:

AP Credit

Students who have completed advanced placement courses in high school and passed the Education Testing Service examination with acceptable scores (3, 4, or 5) may be granted WSU credit hours for each, and will be given general education credit in the appropriate category. (Refer to the Credit by Examination or Petition  section and/or contact the Admissions Office for more information.)

International Baccalaureate Credit (IB)

Students who have completed International Baccalaureate courses in high school and passed the corresponding Higher-Level or Diploma examinations may be granted WSU credit hours for each, and will be given general education credit in the appropriate category. (Refer to the Credit by Examination or Petition  section and/or contact the Admissions Office for more information.)

CLEP Credit

All students are eligible to take the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) battery which, if passed satisfactorily, may satisfy most of the general area requirements. (Refer to the Credit by Examination or Petition  section and/or contact the Admissions Office for more information.)

Transfer Credit

Weber State University accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees earned at any higher education institution accredited by one of the following six regional accrediting associations (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) will satisfy all general education core and breadth requirements provided the granting institution was regionally accredited at the time the degree was awarded.

  • North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges

For students who are transferring from a non-regionally accredited institution, please refer to Credit by Examination or Petition .

Contact the Transfer Admissions Advisement Office for more information (see Transfer Advisement ).