Academic Catalog Spring 2019

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND POLICIES DEGREES

Bluefield College, a Christian liberal-arts college, awards associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees in various fields of study. The associate degree consists of a minimum of 62 semester hours of instruction. The baccalaureate degree requires completion of a minimum of 120 hours of instruction including courses in general education, the major, and general electives. Some baccalaureate programs may also require a minor. Master’s degree programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate instruction. Students must also meet residence requirements spelled out in the Requirements for Graduation section of this catalog. BACHELOR OF ARTS In addition to General Education requirements and the requirements within the chosen major, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language or in American Sign Language through the intermediate level ‒ 12 credits of language study. The specific degree requirements are found in the description of each major. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree focus upon meeting additional requirements within the fields of mathematics, sciences, or professional studies without foreign language study. The specific degree requirements are found in the description of each major. GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM The purpose of the general education program at Bluefield College is to energize a Christian academic community where students are invited to pursue the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. Bluefield College requires a basic core of general education courses. The baccalaureate program of Bluefield College requires 45-46 semester hours in general education for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Bluefield College requires general education courses in English grammar and composition, literature, Christian studies, history, science, social science, fine arts, speech, exercise and sport science, health, mathematics. Competency in the use of computers is included in the learning outcomes of the English grammar and composition courses. Students Learning Outcomes for General Education 1. Students develop a broad base of knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences by demonstrating the ability to think critically, reason analytically, act creatively, communicate effectively orally and in writing. 2. Students develop skills that promote lifelong physical and emotional wellbeing. 3. Students develop the ability to integrate faith and knowledge while demonstrating familiarity with the biblical narrative. The Associate of Science program is available online to provide a gateway for adult students with no college education, and to provide dual enrollment curriculum to high school students seeking advanced degrees.

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