BCAcademicCatalog2016

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

DEGREES Bluefield College is a four-year college that grants baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences in various fields of study and an Associate of Science degree in general studies. The baccalaureate degree consists of a minimum of 126 semester hours of instruction, including courses in general education, the major, and general electives. Some programs may also require a minor. The associate degree consists of a minimum of 63 hours of instruction. A minimum of 25 percent of the baccalaureate and associate degrees must be completed through Bluefield College coursework. GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM 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. 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. THE MAJOR A major is an academic program designed to enable students to acquire mastery of a particular discipline or interdisciplinary area. Baccalaureate majors at Bluefield College consist of a minimum of 10 courses or 30 semester hours, at least five courses of which are 3000 level or above. The total number of courses a baccalaureate program may require at any level in the major and related departments is generally no more than 18 courses or 54 semester hours. THE CONCENTRATION A concentration is an academic program in which a student completes a basic set of courses within the major and another predetermined set of courses that more specifically define the major. The academic department specifies the courses required for a concentration. Concentrations require a minimum of five courses or 15 semester hours. At least five courses must be at or above the 3000 level. THE TRACK A track is an academic program within the student’s declared major that enables the student to focus the elective hours beyond the core courses in the major. The academic department specifies the courses for a track. Tracks require a minimum of three courses or nine semester hours. At least three courses must be at or above the 3000 level. THE MINOR A minor is an academic program that a student completes in an academic area other than that of the declared major. The academic department specifies the courses required for the minor. Minors require a minimum of five courses or 15 semester hours. Students may complete the requirements for any minor, but the major determines the student’s degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science).

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