College of Arts and Sciences - General Structure of a Degree Program
General Structure of a Degree Program
Courses offered at D.S.U. carry credit measured in semester hours determined basically by the number of hours the courses meet each week during a semester.
For example, ENG 101 English Composition meets three hours per week for one semester and thus carries three semester hours credit. In a few instances, for example in some physical education courses, the amount of credit allowed is less than the hours for which the class is scheduled each week. Normally science laboratory sections meet two hours for one hour credit.
Each degree offered by Delta State University requires the completion of a minimum of 128 semester hours credit and consists of several distinct components.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 44-51 hours of broad and introductory liberal arts courses which are usually completed in the first four semesters.
SPECIAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: 3-33 hours of special courses which are distinctive components of the various degrees.
AN ACADEMIC MAJOR: The field of specialization selected by the student. Requirements vary from one field to another but average around 30-36 hours. Some majors have a choice of concentrations.
AN ACADEMIC MINOR: A secondary field of specialization, amounting to 18-21 hours, selected by the student is required for most degrees. In some programs the professional education courses constitute a minor.
FREE ELECTIVES: These are courses selected by the student and are needed to supplement other components of the degree program. Electives are used to bring the total hours to 128.
Three-hour classes are generally scheduled to meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 50 minutes per session or on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 75 minutes per session.
The University Catalog or Bulletin contains all academic requirements and regulations and constitutes an agreement between the University and the student. Students are responsible for meeting all requirements and must become familiar with the Catalog.
