CCSU Undergraduate Catalog: Academic Programs

Official Certificate Programs

Official Certificate Programs (OCPs) are defined as academic programs of study that have been through a complete university curricular review and approval process, but which do not lead directly to a formal degree. These programs are designed for people interested in developing expertise in a particular field of study, but who do not wish to complete formal degree requirements. The advantages to these programs are that, as formal programs of study, students may be matriculated, pursue their studies on a full-time basis, and may be eligible for financial aid. Most importantly, these programs are coordinated by faculty closely tied to the area of interest who are committed to advising students enrolled in these programs, ensuring that the student is best able to achieve his or her educational goals.

General Education

In addition to offering baccalaureate degrees, the University aims to provide students with the basic foundations for life-long learning as rational members of society, to awaken the pleasures of intellectual exploration and to elevate aesthetic sensibilities. This commitment to personal development depends on the acquisition and expansion of knowledge, intellectual processes and techniques. The General Education program seeks to realize the following objectives:

To develop and enhance global awareness, civic responsibility, personal reflection and appreciation of cultural diversity.
To develop critical thinking skills.
To strengthen writing and communication skills.
To strengthen quantitative skills.
To develop and enhance appreciation for the arts and humanities and an understanding of the range of human knowledge.
To develop scientific understanding of the natural and social worlds.
To develop computer literacy.
To foster personal health and fitness.

General Education Program

A total of 44–46 credits of General Education studies, not including the foreign language requirement, must be completed as part of all baccalaureate degrees. Credits must be taken in each of four study areas and four skill areas as follows:

Study Areas

I. Arts and Humanities (9 credits)

At least 3 credits required in literature (see page 95 for [L] designation), and no more than 6 credits from any one discipline. Courses that focus on creative expression and interpretations of human experience, or the appreciation and development of thought and ideas. (In this Study Area, students will typically be exposed to courses in literature, philosophy and fine arts.)

II. Social Sciences (9 credits)

At least 3 credits required in history, and no more than 6 credits from any one discipline. Courses dealing with formal social structures (such as governments, interest groups, territorial entities, economic firms) in their historical and contemporary contexts. (In this Study Area, students will typically be exposed to courses in economics, geography, history and political science.)

III. Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

Courses that focus on the interaction(s) between and among individuals and/or groups and social/cultural institutions. (In this Study Area, students will typically be exposed to courses in anthropology, psychology and sociology.)

IV. Natural Sciences (6–7 credits)

A laboratory experience is required. Courses that focus on the scientific analysis of the natural world. (In this Study Area, students will typically be exposed to courses in biology, chemistry, earth science and physics.)

Skill Areas

I. Communication Skills (6 credits)
ENG 110 required.* Students who have not completed ENG 110 prior to earning 61 credits are required to take both ENG 110 and ENG 202.

II. Mathematics (6 credits)
Mathematics course appropriate to the student’s major interests plus either one additional mathematics or computer science course.

III. Foreign Language Proficiency (0–6 credits)
Proficiency in a foreign language must be demonstrated before graduation. This requirement may be met by any of the following:

a) Three sequential years of one foreign language at the high-school level.

b) Elementary proficiency as demonstrated by successfully completing a second-semester-level CCSU foreign-language course (112). Students with no previous background in a language must take the first and second semesters (111 and 112, or 120); students who place out of 111 due to previous background in the language may satisfy the requirement by taking 112 only.

c) Passing a standardized examination which demonstrates knowledge of a foreign language equivalent to completion of a second-semester course or higher.

d) Successful completion of a foreign-language course at a level higher than the second-semester level.

e) Demonstration of native proficiency in a language other than English (requires evaluation of skill level by an appropriate faculty member and/or official documentation, and approval by the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages).

IV. University Requirement (2–3 credits)
Courses designed to foster personal well being and the development of academic skills essential for the successful pursuit of a university education. PE 244 (Fitness/Wellness Ventures) will be required of all students who enter with fewer than 15 credits. Those entering with 15 credits or more may complete this requirement with 2–3 additional credits in the Skill Areas above or with other Skill Area IV courses. Remedial courses, MATH 101 and elementary language courses (111 or 112) will not fulfill this requirement.

A list of courses applicable to each Study and Skill Area will appear at the start of the Course section of this catalog. Where appropriate, courses will also bear current, as well as previous, General Education classifications in the description.

A maximum of 6 credits in the Study Area portion and a maximum of 6 credits in the Skill Area portion of the General Education program may be fulfilled by major or minor courses that are designated as applicable to General Education.

Note: First-year students starting before Fall 1998 and all students entering prior to Fall 1999 should refer to the note regarding the previous General Education program on page 97 of this catalog.

* An acceptable CCSU English Placement Test score or an appropriate equivalent is required to be eligible for ENG 110. Refer to Skills Testing and Remediation Policy. The requirement of ENG 110 may be waived for a student by the English Department, but the 6-credit requirement will not be reduced.

Writing Requirement. Where appropriate to subject matter, methodology and class size, all courses designated for General Education, in particular courses in literature, philosophy, the humanities, history and the social and behavioral sciences, will require writing, including assigned papers and essay examinations.

International Requirement. In view of the increasing relevance of the global context to the future of our students, and their need for greater understanding of the world around them, each student must complete 6 credits in courses designated as “International” [I]. Such courses shall be defined as ones: 1) dealing with a country or region other than the United States; 2) involving the comparative study of two or more countries or regions, one of which may be the United States; 3) that focus upon global themes; or 4) any foreign language course at the 112 level or higher. International courses [I] are listed with all other General Education courses.

First-Year Experience. Required for all students with fewer than 15 credits and to be taken in the student’s first semester. This requirement may be completed by either a First-Year Experience (FYE) section of ENG 110 or an FYE introductory course to a discipline in the Study Areas section of the General Education program. Those students who withdraw or fail to be enrolled in an FYE course in their first semester will be required to take an FYE course in their second semester.