College of Arts and Sciences - General Structure of a Degree Program
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.
