Admission requirements for the Master of Science in Applied Computer
Science program are:
- undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- a minimum of 2.75 undergraduate cumulative GPA
- a minimum combined score of 800 on the verbal and math sections of the GRE
Special regular track requirements are:
- an undergraduate major in computer science, applied computer science, computer
information science/systems, computer engineering or other closely related field, OR
- a score of 50 percentile on the GRE computer science subject
test, OR satisfactory completion of preparatory courses or exams as prescribed by the
department (probationary acceptance until preparatory courses are completed).
Special Online Track Requirements:
- Students must have a personal Internet connection
- Each student must have a personal computer which is capable of running the required
software.
- Students must have the ability to administer their systems, install and configure their
own software. (Software includes servers such as SQL-Server, MTS, IIS.) No support is
provided to help manage personal systems or software. Students must provide personally
licensed copies of required software.
- Exams are computerized. Each student is responsible to locate and arrange to have an
approved off-campus proctor administer all examinations. Approved proctors including
various public officials such as librarians. During the exam, the computer must maintain a
continuous Internet connection.
- See the Department of Computer Science link through the Columbus State University URL at
http://www.colstate.edu. Visit the MS in Applied
Computer Science online support site. This site has a lot of general information useful to
online students. It includes a FAQ page as well as addressing common questions like
logging in, technical support, taking course exams, managing your account, contact links,
software, hardware, and more.
Application for Graduation
Approval of an application for the Master of Science degree in Applied Computer Science
is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for
the degree by the College of Science. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted
to the Office of the Registrar no later than the semester prior to completion of degree
requirements.
- The following requirements must be met for the completion of the degree program:
Students must earn a 3.0 grade point average calculated on all graduate work attempted for
which letter grades are awarded.
- At least 27 of the hours required for the degree must be earned in the program. A
maximum of nine semester hours with no grade lower than B may be accepted for transfer.
Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade point average.
- All degree requirements must be completed within six years of first enrollment.
Division
of Health Professions
BS Health Science
The BS degree program in health science is designed so students can use prior education
and/or experience to realize their career goals in a health/human service field. Graduates
will have the knowledge of available resources and practices and the ability to assess
needs to enable them to fill the role of the care-giving professional. The flexible
program is structured as an academic, as well as career-ladder-offering. Students with
associate degrees in such areas as nursing, dental hygiene, or respiratory therapy;
certificates in radiologic technology; or diplomas in nursing can generally complete the
program in two years or less of full-time study. The program also provides opportunities
for the entering freshman or transfer student from a non-health related field.
This program does not prepare students for nursing practice.
The degree has special relevance for the following individuals:
- Those who desire academic preparation in fields for which no universally recognized
baccalaureate has been established, such as environmental health, community health
education, health administration, nursing home management, and voluntary health
organization service.
- Those with a basic technical education in a health career who desire to broaden their
exposure to the liberal arts as well as to continue study in the health field.
- Those who are moving their careers away from their basic discipline yet desire to
broaden their career options in health care.
- Those who plan to enter a graduate program that requires a strong background in health
affairs and yet is not specific to any one discipline. Health systems, health planning,
public health education, hospital administration, counseling and social work are prime
examples.
Expected Outcomes
- Graduates will understand the role of the care-giving professional in the provision of
services to clients/patients.
- Graduates will be familiar with leading health/social services resources and can use
them to address current problems.
- Graduates will compile, calculate and use health-related data to identify and evaluate
health needs, interests and concerns of individuals and/or groups.
- Graduates will be able to function as providers of assistance for the health-related
problems of individuals and/or groups.
- Graduates will be able to identify and describe components of good mental and physical
health.
- The program will provide a flexible degree program that enables students to prepare for
a career of their choosing.
- The program will provide a quality educational experience for its students.
Admission Requirements
Students transferring into the health science program from another major at Columbus
State University or from another institution, must have a minimum combined grade point
average of 2.00.
BSN Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an eight-semester curriculum
with nursing courses beginning the sophomore year. Graduates are prepared to assume the
role of the professional nurse.
Facilities
The nursing program is in Illges Hall where classrooms, a skills laboratory, and
faculty offices are located. Facilities for clinical nursing experiences include Doctors
Hospital, The Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, West Central Georgia Regional
Hospital, Martin Army Community Hospital, Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital, and others in
the area. Long-term care facilities include Pine Manor, Muscogee Manor, and Oak Manor.
Other facilities are physicians' offices, Columbus Department of Public Health, and West
Central Health District sites, public schools, preschools, and industrial sites.
Expenses
Expenses beyond the usual university fees will be incurred by students to include
uniforms, equipment, and transportation to clinical sites. Detailed information is
available from program directors.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has full approval from the Georgia Board of
Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61
Broadway, New York, New York 10014, (212) 363-5555.
Licensure
Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to take the Registered Nurse Licensure
Exam (NCLEX-RN). A student with a felony conviction may be admitted to the nursing
program, but permission to take the NCLEX-RN rest with the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Further licensure information may be obtained from the director of the nursing program.
Clinical agency agreements
In accordance with University System of Georgia standard clinical agreement contracts,
students of both programs must comply with the following policies prior to enrollment in
the first nursing course:
- evidence of professional liability insurance
- a current negative tuberculin screening (e.g. PPD) or negative chest X-ray
- current basic CPR certification
- immunizations and current physical examination
Performance standards
For admission and retention, an applicant to the nursing program must have abilities
and skills of four varieties: observation, communication, motor, and behavioral.
Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis. However, an applicant is
expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
Observation - An applicant must be able to observe a patient/client accurately.
Examples of observation include: listening to heart and breath sounds, visualizing the
appearance of a surgical wound, detecting the presence of foul odor, and palpating an
abdomen.
Communication - An applicant must be able to communicate effectively with
patient/clients and other members of the health care team. He/she must be able to interact
with patients/clients and other members of the health care team in order to obtain
information, describe patient situations, and perceive nonverbal communication.
Motor - An applicant must have adequate motor function to effectively work with
nursing problems and issues and carry out related nursing care. Examples of nursing care
include ambulation of patients; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; administration of
intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral medications; application of pressure to
stop bleeding; opening an obstructed airway; and the provision of patient/client daily
hygiene care.
Behavioral - An applicant must possess the emotional health required for total
utilization of his/her intellectual abilities. Applicants need to be able to tolerate
physically taxing work loads and to function effectively during stressful situations. They
must be capable of adapting to ever-changing environments, displaying flexibility, and
learning to function in the case of uncertainty that is inherent in clinical situations
involving patients/clients.
Adapted with permission from the Medical College of Georgia, January 1993.
Employment
Upon successful completion of the first clinical nursing course, students are often
hired as a nurse technician/nurse aide by some health care agencies. LPN students may also
be employed while in school. The nursing program at Columbus State University renounces
all responsibility for the actions of nursing students who are employed in these
positions. Clearly stated job descriptions for these positions are the sole responsibility
of the employing agency. The employing agency also assumes legal and ethical
responsibility for the actions of these employees.
Health related licenses
Students with health-related licenses must bring the license to the nursing program
director's office. A copy of the license may be made for the students record.
Mission
The mission of the Columbus State University baccalaureate nursing program is to
provide an innovative professional educational program, excellence in teaching, clinical
expertise, scholarly inquiry and professional service locally, nationally and
internationally. The mission is achieved through educating nurses who strive for the
highest standards of health care, are sensitive to changing societal needs for nursing
care, and develop behaviors that enable them to function in a changing complex society.
The program is designed for qualified high school graduates, college students,
individuals who have already earned a degree in another field, and registered nurses with
associate degrees or diplomas who wish to prepare for professional nursing practice.
Today's changing health care delivery system, as well as the increasing complexity of
health problems, requires better educated and better prepared nurses. Baccalaureate
education has become the standard for professional nursing.
The nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing synthesizes general and professional
education and experience to make critical clinical judgments concerning client responses
to actual or potential health problems in order to give effective and efficient nursing
care. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice in the community hospital, large
health science center, military, public health agency, nursing home, school system, and
industry, as well as care for individuals and families in their homes. Nursing education
at the baccalaureate level also prepares the nurse for management of client care,
application of research findings in nursing practice, continued study, participation in
professional nursing organizations, and pursuit of graduate education.
The first three semesters of course work are designed as pre-nursing. The following
five semesters comprise the professional nursing major.
Expected Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
program prepares professionals with a liberal arts background who are capable of
delivering comprehensive health care to a multicultural clientele in a variety of settings
across the life-span, using accepted methods for diagnosis and treating human responses to
actual or potential health problems. Each graduate will be able to demonstrate critical
thinking skills, communicate effectively, make independent judgments in therapeutic client
interventions, and display leadership skills needed to obtain entry-level nursing practice
positions.
- Graduates will compete successfully in a nursing career.
- Graduates will utilize appropriate forms of communication in relating effectively to
clients/patients, family members, the health care team and the community at large.
- Graduates will utilize the nursing process and theoretical frameworks to perform health
promotion and therapeutic nursing interventions directed at individuals, families and/or
aggregates.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate reasoning skills, employing critical thinking and
leadership skills.
- Students admitted to the major in the BSN program will complete the baccalaureate degree
at a comparable percentage rate as students enrolled in similar programs at the state,
regional, and national level.
- Students, alumni, employers and faculty will express high satisfaction with the BSN
program.
- Faculty and students will participate in community service activities (health education
and promotion, clinical practice, political process, service on policy boards with the
community and university) to assist in meeting the service and leadership needs of the
Columbus region.
Admission Requirements
A student who meets the criteria for admission to Columbus State University may be
admitted to the university for any semester and be classified as a pre-nursing student. An
informational interview with a member of the nursing faculty is the first step in student
advisement and pursuit of a nursing career.
Admission to the University as a pre-nursing student enables the student to take core
curriculum and general education courses only, as they are available and consistent with
the prerequisites. Acceptance as a pre-nursing student does not guarantee admission to the
professional nursing course sequence of the program.
Advance standing through College
Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit in pre-nursing courses is granted in the
behavioral sciences, humanities, social sciences and mathematics according to policies
stated in this catalog. No CLEP credit is allowed in the science courses required by this
program.
One nursing class is admitted each spring semester. Students must submit a separate
application to the Baccalaureate Nursing Program for the nursing course sequence of the
program. Applications should be submitted between June 1 and September 1 to be considered
for spring semester admission.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission the program, students must
have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required
pre-nursing course grades only
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses within seven years of application
- submitted a completed application, references, and an essay
Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the
academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional
resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all
students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Selection Criteria
If there are more qualified applicants than the number of spaces allotted for the
program, applicant decisions will be based on:
- a score derived from a combination of grades received in prerequisite courses
- the number of prerequisite courses completed
- the written essay
Admission decisions are made by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and
submitted to the program Director. Students not selected for admission will be placed in
their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be selected
for admission from this waiting list until all the spaces available in the class have been
filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the BSN Program for the
following spring semester.
Progression Policies
A grade of C or better is required in each nursing course. Students enrolled in a
clinical nursing course must complete both the theoretical and clinical portions of the
course successfully in order to pass the course. Students are evaluated in the clinical
portion of such courses on a pass/fail basis. If a student fails the clinical component of
any nursing course, the entire course must be repeated upon its next offering on a
space-available basis in order to remain in the program. Exceptions for extenuating
circumstances may be considered by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee.
Students may not transfer credit from another institution to substitute as credit for a
clinical nursing course failed at Columbus State University.
A student who has failed or withdrawn from a clinical or non-clinical nursing course
will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of or withdrawal from the course
or failure of or withdrawal from a second nursing course will result in exclusion from the
BSN program.
Special requirements for progression are:
- completion of Regents’ Test
- completion of prerequisites
- completion of required calculation proficiency levels for each nursing course
- completion of required achievement examinations
- annual evidence of either a current TB screening
- annual evidence of current basic CPR certification
- annual evidence of professional liability insurance
Advanced Placement for Registered Nurses
RN students must be fully admitted to the University in order to apply to the RN-BSN
Program.
The registered nursing (RN) student is admitted to prerequisite courses and counseled
individually by a nursing faculty advisor regarding the courses and advanced placement
options. Support and encouragement are provided to promote attainment of the student's
academic goals. Based on previous experience and current practice, and after successful
completion of NURS 3278, RN students receive credit for NURS 2275, NURS 3175, NURS 3176,
NURS 3272, NURS 3273, NURS 4271 (33 semester credit hours). NURS 3278 is offered as the
first nursing course in the three-semester RN-BSN track.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, students must
have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required
prerequisite course grades only
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
- submitted a completed application, references, essay and evidence of current licensure
in Georgia
- documented practice or testing
- graduated from an NLN accredited program
Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the
academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional
resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all
students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Selection criteria
If there are more qualified applicants than the number of spaces allotted for the
program, applicant decisions will be based on:
- a score derived from a combination of grades received in prerequisite courses
- the number of prerequisite courses completed
- the written essay
Admission decisions are made by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and
submitted to the Program Director. Students not selected for admission will be placed in
their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be selected
for admission from this waiting list until all of the spaces available in the class have
been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the BSN program
for the following spring semester.
Readmission Policy
Students who have withdrawn from the nursing program one time due to academic
difficulty or failure will be considered for readmission if:
- written request for readmission is submitted to the Admission, Progression, and
Retention Committee one semester before the requested return semester
- the student has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on courses required
for the degree
- resources are available to support such additional enrollment
A student who has failed or withdrawn from a clinical or non-clinical nursing course
will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of or withdrawal from the course
or failure of or withdrawal from a second nursing course will result in exclusion from the
BSN program.
Graduation Requirements
Degree progress grade point average 2.0 or higher, and satisfactory completion of all
university requirements are required. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements
within seven years of their first admission to the nursing program are subject to having
all credits reevaluated on the basis of the prevailing graduation requirements for the BSN
degree.
BS Respiratory Therapy
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Respiratory Therapy (RT) at Columbus State
University offers an eight-semester curriculum with RT courses beginning in the junior
year. Graduates are prepared to sit for all credentialing examinations offered by the
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
The mission of the RT program is to provide an innovative professional educational
program, excellence in teaching, clinical practice, scholarly inquiry and professional
service locally and nationally. The clinical specialization courses are designed to meet
the current and future needs of the respiratory care profession.
The program is designed for qualified high school graduates, college students,
individuals who have already earned a degree in another field, and respiratory therapist
with associate degrees or diplomas who wish to prepare for professional respiratory care
practice. In Georgia, baccalaureate education has become the standard for RT at four
universities: Columbus State University, Georgia State University, Medical College of
Georgia, and Armstrong Coastal State University.
The graduate with a baccalaureate degree in RT synthesizes general and professional
education and experience to make critical clinical judgments concerning patient responses
to actual or potential health problems in order to give effective and quality patient
care. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice in the hospital, home care agency,
medical company, and teaching institutions. They may also participate in research,
continued study, professional respiratory care organizations, and pursuit of graduate
education.
The first four semesters of course work are designed as pre-RT core requirements. The
following four semesters comprise the professional RT major.
Facilities
The classroom, laboratory, and faculty offices are located on the first floor of Illges
Hall. Facilities for student clinical experience are provided at local and regional
hospitals and health care centers. The primary clinical affiliates include East Alabama
Medical Center, Medical Center, Phenix Regional Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and West
Georgia Medical Center. In the near future, additional clinical facilities will include
selected area home care agencies and hospitals outside Columbus.
Expenses
In addition to current applicable university tuition and fees, students are expected to
incur expenses in uniforms, equipment, supplies, malpractice insurance premium, exit
exams, graduation pinning ceremony, and meals, transportation, and living expenses to
clinical sites. Detailed information is available from program director.
Accreditation
The RT program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory
Care (CoARC) located at 1701 W. Euless Blvd., Suite 300, Euless, Texas 76040-6823, phone
(817) 283-2835.
Licensure
Graduates of the RT program are eligible to take all examinations offered by the
National Board for Respiratory Care (www.nbrc.org).
These exams lead to the following credentials in respiratory care: CRTT, RRT, CPFT, RPFT,
and Perinatal Pediatric Specialist. Upon successful completion of the CRTT exam, graduates
are eligible to apply to the Georgia Board of Medical Examiners (404-656-3913) for a
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) certificate.
Clinical Agency Agreements
In accordance with University System of Georgia standard clinical agreement contracts,
RT students must comply with the following policies prior to enrollment in the first RT
course:
- evidence of professional liability insurance
- a current negative tuberculin screening (e.g. PPD) or negative chest x-ray
- current basic CPR certification
- immunizations and current physical examination
Performance Standards
For admission and retention, an applicant to the RT program must have abilities and
skills in each of these three learning domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective.
Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis. An applicant must contact
the Office of Disability Services if such accommodations are needed or anticipated. All
applicants are expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner. Cognitive — An
applicant must be able use didactic, laboratory, and clinical knowledge to identify and
solve problems that may arise in a patient care situation. Psychomotor — An applicant
must be able to operate medical equipment and supplies so as to provide sound, safe, and
efficient patient care. Affective — An applicant must be able to achieve the
professional standards as outlined by the clinical facilities and the professional
organization. These standards may include appropriate emotional health, interpersonal
relationship, attendance, and flexibility to workload and assignments.
Employment
Upon successful completion of the junior year in RT, students are sometimes employed by
local hospitals on an as-needed basis. The RT program at Columbus State University waives
all responsibility for the actions of RT students who are employed in these positions on
their own. Clearly stated job descriptions for these positions are the sole responsibility
of the employing agency. When a person is working as an employee, the employing agency
assumes total responsibility for the actions of this employee.
Expected Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science degree program in RT prepares professionals with a liberal arts
background who are capable of providing quality respiratory care to patients in a variety
of health care settings. Each graduate will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and
problem solving skills, effective communication, and leadership skills needed to obtain
entry-level respiratory care practitioner positions. Specifically, the graduates will:
- compete successfully in a respiratory care profession
- communicate effectively to patients, family members, and other health care providers
- perform pertinent diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in respiratory care
- demonstrate reasoning, critical thinking and leadership skills
- achieve high satisfaction ratings from employers
- participate in pertinent community service activities
Admission Requirements
Students who meet the criteria for admission to Columbus State University and declare
RT as their major program are admitted to pre-RT. An informational interview with a member
of the RT faculty is the first step in student advisement.
Applicants may enter the university in any semester and take courses in the pre-RT
curriculum as they are available and consistent with any of their prerequisites.
Satisfactory completion of the pre-RT course requirements will allow students to be
considered for admission to the professional component of the RT program.
Advance standing through College
Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit in pre-RT courses is granted in the behavioral
sciences, humanities, social sciences and mathematics according to policies stated in this
catalog. Students must verify the current availability of any CLEP credits at the
Admission/Registrar's Office. No CLEP credit is allowed in the science courses required by
the RT program.
Pre-RT students must formally apply by the end of February for admission to the
professional RT program for the summer semester. The RT admissions committee will consider
applications at the end of April and notify students of their status by letter as soon as
possible thereafter.
Transfer students must have gained full admission status to CSU and they must also
formally apply for admission to the professional RT program by the end of February. They
will be evaluated individually at the appropriate times, on an space-available basis. One
RT class is admitted each summer semester.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission the program, students must
have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required
pre-RT course grades only
- completed and passed all pre-RT courses
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses
- submitted a completed application and all required documents and attachments
Admission policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic
qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and
objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who
meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Selection Criteria
Respiratory therapy applicants who meet the all admission consideration requirements
will be ranked from the highest pre-RT grade point average to a grade point average of 2.5
and accepted in that order until available spaces are filled. Students not selected for
admission will be placed in their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available
students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all the spaces
available in the class have been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for
admission to the RT program for the following summer semester.
Progression Policies
A grade of C or better is required in each RT course. Exceptions for extenuating
circumstances may be considered by the program director and faculty. Students may transfer
credit from another institution to substitute as credit for a RT course at CSU only with
prior written request from student and written permission from RT faculty.
A student who has failed a clinical or non-clinical RT course will be allowed to repeat
it only once. A second failure of the course or failure of a second RT course will result
in exclusion from the RT program.
Special requirements for progression in the RT program are:
- completion of required proficiency levels for each RT course
- completion of required achievement examinations
- annual evidence of either a current negative screening (e.g., PPD) or a negative chest
x-ray
- annual evidence of current BCLS or ACLS certification
- annual evidence of professional liability insurance
Advanced Placement for Certified (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT)
The certified respiratory therapist (CRT) or registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
student is admitted to pre-RT and counseled individually by a RT faculty advisor regarding
pre-RT courses and advanced placement options. Support and encouragement are provided to
promote attainment of the student's academic goals. Clinical proficiency or proficiency
exams may be required to ascertain the competency level of the person seeking advanced
placement in the RT program at CSU.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, students
seeking advanced placement must have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required
pre-RT courses grades only-
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses taken within seven years of
application
- submitted a completed application and all required documents and attachments
- submitted a notarized copy of the CRT or RRT certificate issued by NBRC
Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the
academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional
resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all
students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Readmission Policy
Students who have withdrawn from the RT program due to academic difficulty or failure
will be considered for readmission if:
- written request for readmission is submitted to the RT admission committee one semester
before the requested return semester
- the student has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on courses required
for the degree
- resources are available to support such additional enrollment
A student who receives a grade of D, WF, or F in any two RT courses or the same RT
course twice is not eligible for readmission to the RT program.
Graduation Requirements
Degree progress grade point average 2.0 or higher, and satisfactory completion of all
university requirements are required. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements
within seven years of their first admission to the RT program are subject to having all
credits reevaluated on the basis of the prevailing graduation requirements for the RT
program.
Department
of Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics offers the Bachelor
of Arts (BA) in mathematics and the Bachelor
of Science (BS) in mathematics that has flexibility to allow the student to
concentrate in either mathematics or applied mathematics. The two programs are designed to
produce graduates with a solid foundation in calculus, abstract and linear algebra,
probability and statistics, and real analysis, as well as some knowledge in other areas of
mathematics. Graduates of these programs will demonstrate an ability to solve problems
creatively and effectively, to reason logically and to apply mathematical skills and
modern technology in positions in industry or the professions, or to continue their
studies at the graduate level.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates will have:
- an understanding of calculus and an ability to use calculus in applications
- knowledge of algebraic structures
- knowledge of the real numbers, functions, the topological properties of R,
differentiation, and integration
- knowledge and ability, to apply probability density functions
- knowledge of appropriate mathematical models
- the ability to think critically
- the ability to understand mathematical arguments and to construct mathematical proofs
- the ability to use computational devices and software in problem solving situations
- communication to acquire, develop, and convey mathematical knowledge
Department
of Psychology and Sociology
Psychology
Two degree programs with a major in psychology are offered: the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts. Graduates of both will have
studied psychology in a liberal arts framework and be prepared for graduate study in
psychology or related fields or for careers requiring a baccalaureate degree. The bachelor
of arts graduate will also have proficiency in a foreign language.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate a knowledge base of significant facts, theories, and issues of psychology
and a conceptual framework within which new facts and ideas can be assimilated
- demonstrate reasoning skills, employing critical thinking
- use English to participate effectively in communication of psychological knowledge and
processes
- gather, synthesize, and utilize information from various sources
- demonstrate the ability to design experiments, gather data, and utilize quantitative
tools and skills to investigate questions of human behavior
- demonstrate an understanding of the historical roots and development of psychology as a
discipline and its place in the broader intellectual traditions of the sciences and
humanities
Sociology
The BS in sociology is designed to
satisfy the following objectives:
- to give students a more profound understanding of society, its structures, how it
functions, the interrelationships among its institutions, and its impact on the human
individual
- to prepare those students who are planning careers in which knowledge of sociology
contributes to quality performance
- to provide a strong foundation in the discipline for students planning to attend a
graduate school of sociology
Expected Outcomes
Graduates will:
- be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental ideas and concepts of contemporary
sociology
- be able to demonstrate the ability to choose the appropriate research methods and, where
applicable, the appropriate statistical methods to employ for study of a sociological
subject
- have attained what C. Wright Mills calls the sociological imagination ("The
sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations
between the two within society.")
- have obtained an understanding of values as well as propositions. They will have learned
how to use these concepts in the exploration of human betterment. They will know how to
think intelligently about what might constitute a good rule, norm or law; good structures;
and how together the rules and structures may be used to create societies which provide
the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
- be able to demonstrate understanding of the ethical issues relevant to sociological
research
- be able to read, listen, and think analytically, critically, and creatively about
sociological matters.
MS
Environmental Science
The Master of Science program in
environmental science is designed to prepare graduates who can deal effectively with
the increasing problems and questions related to environmental impacts and in planning for
the maintenance and management of environmental quality in the face of population and
industrial growth. The program builds upon an undergraduate science background and
provides a foundation in pertinent areas of biology, chemistry, and geology, as well as
social and philosophical issues related to the development of sound environmental policy
and regulation.
Statement of Mission
The Master of Science program in environmental science provides advanced training,
education and research opportunities to post-baccalaureate science students living
primarily in the Georgia/Alabama region. Graduates of the program are trained to serve as
environmental professionals in local, state, and federal environmental resource agencies;
in the private sector, as environmental consultants; or are prepared to enter a doctoral
program in environmental science or related fields. Primary emphasis is placed upon
acquiring a sound background in the underpinning concepts in environmental science,
designing and conducting an original piece of research, and effectively communicating the
results, in both written and oral forms. These professionals will be able to critically
assess a wide range of environmental issues and create a plan for sound maintenance and/or
environmental management.
Admission
Minimum admission requirements for the MS program in environmental science are as
follows:
- Students must hold a baccalaureate degree in one of the natural sciences or engineering
from an accredited college or university.
- Students must have earned an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.0
scale, calculated on all work attempted in which letter grades were awarded.
- Students must present evidence of a minimum score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative
(aptitude test) of the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE).
Provisional Admission
Students who have earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree, but whose undergraduate
grade point average is lower than 2.75 or whose Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
aptitude tests score is lower than 800, will be given consideration by the graduate
admissions committee of the College of Science and may be admitted provisionally.
Provisional students may be given specific coursework or independent study requirements
in order to make up deficiencies but, at a minimum, must complete a minimum of 10 semester
hours of program core courses with a grades of B or better. Provisional students will not
be eligible for teaching assistantships until they have obtained full admission to the
program.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this program, students admitted to this
program will be expected to have completed courses in the following disciplines: physical
and historical geology, introductory biology, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry,
calculus, and introductory physics. At the discretion of the Environmental Science
Advisory Committee, students without this background may be granted conditional
acceptance. However, it is expected that these deficiencies will be removed within the
first two semesters of graduate work. The Environmental Science Advisory Committee will
provide guidance and approve these remedial courses.
The required thesis is to be a significant original contribution in environmental
science. The topic must be approved by the student's advisory committee in advance of the
beginning of the thesis research. At least one member of the committee will provide advice
and guidance in the student's research and in development of the thesis. The full
committee will evaluate the defense of the thesis upon its completion. Candidates must
choose an advisor and committee members by the end of the first semester of enrollment in
the program.
Application For Graduation
Approval of an application for the Master of Science in Environmental Science is
contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for
the degree by the College of Science. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted
to the Office of the Registrar the semester prior to completion of the degree
requirements.
The following requirements must be met for the completion of the degree program:
- Students must earn a 3.0 grade point average calculated on all graduate work attempted
for which letter grades are awarded and cannot include more than five hours with grades of
C. At least 30 of the hours required for the degree, including the program core, must be
earned in residence. A maximum of six semester hours with no grade lower than B may be
accepted for transfer. Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade
point average.
- A comprehensive examination must be satisfactorily completed before graduation. This
examination will be based upon the content of the program core and, normally, will be
taken within two semesters after completion of the core courses. The comprehensive exam
may be in written or oral format, at the discretion of the environmental science advisory
committee. The exam contains material covered in the core courses as well as a selection
of critical topics that a student should have studied in his/her undergraduate career. A
candidate who does not perform satisfactorily may be required to enroll in additional
courses or, through a special topics class, review critical literature and techniques. In
any case, a student who has unsatisfactory results will not be eligible for re-examination
before the following quarter. In such instances, it will not be necessary for the student
to be enrolled in order to be re-examined.
- Each student must successfully defend the thesis as determined by the advisory
committee.
- All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of first enrollment.
Course Load
The maximum recommended course load for a graduate student in the College of Science in
a given semester is 12 semester hours, except that the maximum course load for a student
holding a graduate assistantship is nine semester hours.
