The minimum hours for a bachelor's degree is 120 semester hours, although total hours will vary by academic program. Most courses receive three semester credit hours, with courses including a laboratory usually earn four semester credit hours. The range of hours reflected below for larger degree programs are determined on the following scenarios:
Credit hours for courses numbered less than 100 do not count toward the minimum hours required for graduation. Also, there are restrictions on the number of credit hours that may be counted for individualized and co-curricular courses. Details are provided in the Restricted Course Types section.. Additionally, a maximum of 12 credit hours of English as a Second Language (ESL) may be counted towards graduation.
For some academic programs, careful planning may be required to complete both general education and major requirements within the hours specified above.
Restricted Course Types
Limitations on Individualized Courses
Individualized courses include directed research, independent study, internships, and tutorships. They are described under “Individualized Courses” in the Curricular Options and Enhancements section of the Catalog. A student may count no more than nine hours towards graduation in any combination of these courses with the restriction that there be no more than two hours of tutorship.
Limitations on Co-curricular Hours
Students may count up to 20 credit hours of co-curricular courses to satisfy the Credit Requirement described above. The following are the co-curricular courses with further restrictions within the 20 credit maximum:
Communication: A total of eight credit hours of Practicum in Media Studies and/or Communication (COMM/MASS 222, 322, 422) may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree.
Leadership: A total of 8 credit hours of Practicum in Leadership (LEAD 121, 140, 170, 171, 240, 271, 272, 340, 372) may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree. LEAD 272 Peer Mentor Practicum is NOT included in this limitation.
Applied Music: A total of eight credit hours of Applied Music courses (MUSC 150, 151, 251, 351, and 451) may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree with the exception that music majors may count the 12 hours of applied music that are required for the major towards the hours required for graduation.
Ensembles: A total of eight credit hours of Ensemble courses (161 through 169, 361-369) may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree.
College Studies: A maximum of four credit hours of 100-level College Studies (COLL) courses may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree.
Physical Education: A total of four credit hours of Aerobic and Lifetime Activity courses, and Varsity Sports may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree. Lifetime Activity courses (PHED 101, 116, 117, 119, 121, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, and 210) may be used as part of the Health and Physical Education option. A maximum of two credit hours of Varsity Sports (football, soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball, volleyball, track, tennis, softball, and crew) can be used as part of the Health and Physical Education option.
Theatre: A total of eight credit hours of Theatre Practica (THEA 225, 226, 325, 326) may be applied to satisfy the minimum credit hours required for the Bachelor degree.
Limitations on S/U Courses
Except where a course is offered only on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grade basis, all courses used in satisfaction of all general education requirements and in satisfaction of requirements for majors, minors, and certificates must be taken for a letter grade.