A bachelor of science degree is only available in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, geology, mathematics, microbiology, neuroscience, physics, psychology, or statistics. Students also completes a minor area of specialization as outlined below.
Each student must complete the degree requirements listed below. We recommend that every student focus on introductory courses in the major, University Writing Program, and BG Perspective Quantitative Literacy in the first semester. When possible, students should select first-year major courses that also fulfill BG Perspective requirements. Students will generally complete the Arts and Sciences Quantitative Literacy requirement (Calculus) by the fall term of the second year. When possible, students should make initial progress toward completing the Arts and Sciences Multidisciplinary Component or World Languages and Cultures requirement during the second year as well. It is expected that BS degree students make substantial progress on the Arts and Sciences requirements during the third year.
(University degree requirements and the BG Perspective curriculum are explained elsewhere in the catalog.)
College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements
World Languages and Cultures. Fulfilling the Arts and Sciences World Languages and Cultures requirement means acquiring fundamental skills for today’s citizens and professionals; linguistic and intercultural competence, global awareness, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives and experiences. Graduates will be more competitive in the workplace and more connected in their communities by obtaining the transferable skills that World Languages and Cultures courses foster. By successfully completing the requirement, students advance their ability to:
- Identify the role that language and culture play in the formation of identities and worldviews- both their own and those of others- in national and international contexts.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with people whose backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences differ from their own.
- Build connections across linguistic and cultural boundaries in their personal and professional lives.
Completing the Arts and Sciences World Languages and Cultures requirements also equips students to pursue advanced levels of linguistic and intercultural competence through upper-division coursework, co-curricular opportunities, and immersive experiential learning both on campus and abroad. Students who purse advanced learning can develop the bilingual dexterity and deep cultural sensitivity that will empower them as global citizens and strengthen their ability to collaborate, contribute, and lead in the diverse workplaces of today’s professions.
Each student completes the world languages and culture requirement by one of the options listed below:
- Graduating from high school where all instruction was conducted in a language other than English;
- Demonstrating proficiency in the language on the 2020 course level;
- Having completed four years of one language in high school (students must have completed the fourth full year, for example, Spanish IV, and received credit for those courses);
- Having completed one of the departmental options listed below (12-14 hours minimum in the same language and culture area, or fewer by previously earned language credit (advanced Placement, College Credit Plus, transfer hours, etc.) or by placement exam scores).
The courses in the different language and culture areas are offered regularly on campus, and there are also opportunities to take courses abroad. Consult the Department of World Languages and Cultures regarding education abroad course offerings.
Return to: