10.1 General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees
Vision Statement: In keeping with the Mississippi University for Women Mission, the General Education Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.
Mission Statement: The Mississippi University for Women General Education Program provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.
Guiding Principles: All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women general education program will demonstrate:
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Literacy
- Quantitative & Technology Skills
- Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
- Life-Long Learning
General Education Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking & Effective Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to
- Evaluate information for the purposes of making informed decisions
- Analyze the arguments and points of view of others
- Present information, arguments, and ideas in oral, written and visual forms appropriate to their contexts
- Cultural Literacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to
- Analyze individual aesthetic and cultural works
- Compare human endeavors across cultures and through history
- Discuss global perspectives and cultures objectively
- Quantitative and Technology Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to
- Solve problems, draw conclusions, and make predictions using quantitative information
- Analyze quantitative information presented in different formats
- Adapt to emerging technologies
- Understanding of Self, Society, and The Natural World: Students will demonstrate the ability to
- Analyze the interactions between the individual and society
- Engage in activities that promote personal and civic well-being
- Apply the scientific method to solve problems
- Life-Long Learning: Students will demonstrate the ability to
- Transfer general education strands to their major fields of study and to make connections between disciplines
General Education Curriculum:
I. Written and Oral Communication:
The written and oral communication requirement can be met through the successful completion of the following three-hour courses: (Minimum grade of C or higher required.)
II. Quantifying Skills:
The mathematics requirement can be met through successful completion of one of the following three-hour courses:
III. Natural Sciences (8 semester hours)
The Natural sciences requirement can be met through successful completion of the following courses:
IV. Humanities and Fine Arts: (12 semester hours)
The humanities and fine arts requirement can be met through successful completion of approved three-hour survey course(s) from the following areas:
V. Social Science: (3 semester hours)
The social science requirement can be met through successful completion of an approved three-hour course from one of the following areas:
VI. Critical Thinking: (3 semester hours)
The critical thinking requirement can be met through successful completion of an approved three-hour course from the following area:
VII. Technology
Each major will specify opportunities for its students to work with and learn to adapt to emerging technologies. Please see the degree requirements for individual majors to learn about any additional requirements.
VIII. Breadth of Understanding:
To satisfy the requirements for any major, students are encouraged to complete courses addressing global* and historical perspectives.
In addition, students must complete at least six hours of general electives. those electives may include (but are not limited to) foreign language courses, courses for a minor, or courses for a second major.
*A global perspective is the understanding of environmental, social, cultural, political, and economic forces that shape the world.
IX. Meeting the Challenge of College Life: (0-1 semester hour)
Entering freshmen with fewer than 12 hours earned (excluding AP and CLEP credit, college credit earned while in high school, and college credit earned during the summer between high school graduation and fall enrollment) are required to successfully complete the following course:
X. Reinforcing and Extending the General Education Curriculum:
In meeting the mission of the general education curriculum and fulfilling its student learning outcomes, each major will specify courses or activities that reinforce each of the guiding principles for the general education curriculum.
Total: (38-39 Semester Hours)
Some Colleges maintain minimum standards for core requirements, demanding a minimum grade of C in all such classes. Students are encouraged to complete most of the core curriculum during the freshman and sophomore years. They should consult their academic advisors or Section 11 Programs of this Undergraduate Bulletin about the standards for specific majors.
One-Credit Courses
One-credit courses may be used toward elective hours for graduation requirements. However, no accumulation of one-credit elective courses may be used to satisfy a General Education requirement.
Proficiency in English
Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required of all students. Students deficient in English may be referred to the Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy or Academic Support Services for remediation to correct the deficiency.
The ACT score in English, required of all entering students, is used to determine the level at which each student should begin English composition. All entering freshmen with an ACT English subtest score of 16 or below will be required to take EN 100 during their first semester of enrollment and will be required to enroll in EN 100 until a passing grade is earned.
English Composition Requirement
All students must take EN 101 and EN 102 in their first year. A student must earn a grade of C or higher in EN 101 and EN 102 to satisfy the English composition requirement. These courses may not be fulfilled through correspondence courses.
10.2 Post-Baccalaureate Core
In order to qualify for a second baccalaureate degree, the student must earn at least 25 percent of the required hours in residence following the completion of the first Bachelor’s degree and meet all academic requirements for the desired degree. Note: 50 percent of the major hours must be earned at MUW. Students entering MUW in pursuit of a second undergraduate degree must meet the following core requirements:
English (9 hours)
- English Composition (6 hours)
- Literature (3 hours)
Laboratory Science (8 hours)
- Biological Science or Physical Science
Mathematics (3 hours)
Oral Communication (3 hours)
Philosophy (3 hours)
- Philosophy (non-religion) course
History (3 hours)
Fine Arts (3 hours)
- Fine Arts (history or appreciation course)
Mathematics or Computer Course (3 hours)
- Mathematics above College Algebra or Computer Applications/Programming
Liberal Arts Courses (4 hours)
- Four additional hours of liberal arts courses
10.3 Degree Program Requirements
Bachelor of Arts Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must include the following courses (or demonstrate equivalent competency) in their academic program:
To fulfill the language requirement for the B.A., students must complete the 202 level or above in a foreign language. For information on foreign language placement, see the Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy section in this Bulletin. If, upon entering the University, a student already has sufficient background to be successful in 201-202, he/she does not need to enroll in 101-102. The requirement is in essence six hours credit at the 200-level or above.
While a minimum of 124 hours is required for graduation under this curriculum, some programs may stipulate additional credit hours beyond the minimum.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Requirements
The prescribed course of study for those pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree can be found in the Department of Art and Design section of this Bulletin. A minimum of 124 hours is required for graduation under this curriculum; however, the stipulated credit hours of some areas of emphasis may exceed 124 hours.
Bachelor of Music Requirements
In addition to the general core requirements, the student must complete the prescribed course of study in Music Education or Music Therapy. The specific curriculum stipulated for those pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree can be found in the Music Education Major or Music Major, Music Therapy Concentration program descriptions.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:
- 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
- 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 or higher (excluding MA 123 )
- 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
- 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course
A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.
A minimum of 124 semester hours is necessary for graduation under this curriculum; however, some programs may require additional hours beyond the minimum.
Associate of Science in Nursing Requirements
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program is two years in length and is designed to provide students, as well as those who already have a practical nursing license, with the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. The two-year curriculum consists of 71 semester hours, approximately 42% in general education and 58% in nursing. Upon receiving an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, the student is recommended for the State Board of Nursing Licensure Examination, the successful completion of which entitles the nurse to be called an RN (Registered Nurse). Please see the material entitled Undergraduate Admissions: Admission Plans-Nursing in this Bulletin for additional information regarding the Board of Nursing’s licensure protocol. For curriculum information, see the section on the College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology in this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year program (128 semester hours) combining general education and nursing education courses. The program provides qualified students with an opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is recommended for the State Board of Nursing Licensure Exam, the successful completion of which entitles the nurse to the designation RN (Registered Nurse). Please see the material entitled Undergraduate Admissions: Admission Plans-Nursing in this Bulletin for additional information regarding the Board of Nursing’s licensure protocol. Graduates of this program are prepared to accept professional nursing positions, to function in a variety of settings, and/or to continue their formal training in a graduate nursing program. For curriculum information, see the section on the College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology in this Bulletin.
Special Requirements of the College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology
The College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology has special standards relating to grades and transfer credit. Please see the appropriate sections in this Undergraduate Bulletin for these requirements: 9.3 College of Nursing and Health and 3.8 Nursing Program Admission Plans
Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a four year degree (124 semester hours) offered through the Department of Business with a major in Business Administration and concentrations in Culinary Arts, General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Legal Administration, Management, and Management Information Systems. Specific program requirements can be found in the Professional Studies major descriptions for each concentration. A student who holds a completed A.A.S. or other approved technical Associate’s degree may transfer 36 semester hours of approved career and technical credit, which can only be applied towards a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
10.4 Major and Minor Requirements
General Requirements
Major coursework requires at least 30 semester hours while minor coursework requires no more than 24 and no fewer than 18. For specific major and minor requirements, see the appropriate program listing in this Bulletin.
Students should meet with their faculty advisor each semester for information on course schedules and rotation, as well as for planning an efficient program of study. Some courses required in the major or minor may also fulfill requirements for the General Education Curriculum and Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science requirements, though the major or minor may require specific courses or a minimum grade to meet both requirements. Students may not count any courses toward both a major and a minor. When attempting to satisfy requirements, students may not count any particular courses toward both a major and a minor.
Transfer students who wish to receive a degree from Mississippi University for Women must complete at least 50% of the credit hours required in both their major and their minor in residence at MUW. See Section 7.14 Transfer Credit.
Declaration of a Major
Degree seeking students who have earned 60 or more credit hours are not permitted to remain undeclared, but must select a major before they can register for additional coursework. Students may change majors, but may not change back to undeclared. Declaring a major involves completing the appropriate paperwork with the chosen academic Department.
Change of Major
In any given semester, students are permitted to change their major, provided they do so between the first day of class and the last day to drop without academic penalty. See the Academic Calendars for specific dates.
Double Majors
Students may have more than one major; however, when attempting to satisfy the requirements for multiple majors within the same College or Institute, students may not count any major course in more than one program of study, but must satisfy the credit hour requirements without duplication. If a student is graduating with two majors, the first major listed will be comparable to the degree received. Both majors will be recorded on the transcript.
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