|
Degrees and Graduation
Albright offers two undergraduate degrees, the bachelor of arts and the bachelor of science. The minimum requirements for graduation are completion of 32 courses; completion of all general studies and area of concentration requirements; a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average and a minimum 2.00 grade point average in the area of concentration; completion of the Albright Cultural Experience.
At least 16 of the 32 courses must be earned at Albright College. The senior year is to be spent as a full-time day student at Albright (at least three courses per semester).
In addition to these academic requirements, to be eligible for graduation a student must have satisfied all obligations to the College including, but not limited to, payment of any outstanding charges and return of equipment and library books. The student also must be in good standing under the Student Code of Conduct as administered through the judicial system of the College.
The College offers a general liberal arts and sciences education. The curriculum includes the general studies component; the specific area of concentration; and elective courses selected by the student.
top of page
General Studies
Albright College is strongly committed to the philosophy of a general studies program that insures both breadth of educational experience and mastery of skills essential to all well-educated individuals.
The objective of the general studies program is to educate students to:
• Think and analyze critically
• Organize and communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking
• Appreciate the human historical record
• Appreciate and express themselves through aesthetic and creative experience
• Understand the physical environment and their relationship to it
• Understand and function in the social, economic and political environment
• Appreciate other cultures
• Understand and appreciate the diversity of religious beliefs and practices
• See and use interrelationships between various fields of knowledge
• Understand and use ethical principles in developing their own natural capabilities—psychological, physical and moral
General Studies Requirements:
Each student must successfully complete the general studies courses and programs listed below. Independent studies and internships may not be used to fulfill general studies requirements.
First-Year Seminar (1 course)
The First-Year Seminar is a special academic seminar taken in the student’s first year. This course introduces students to academic study in the liberal arts at the college level and provides first-year students with the opportunity to become active, integrated members of the Albright community and to develop skills needed for academic success. Successful completion of the course is a requirement for graduation. (Students who matriculated before the 2009 fall semester are required to complete the Freshmen Forum, a special non-credit seminar).
English Composition (1-2 courses)
Competency in written English is a basic goal of general studies requirements. Two semesters of English composition are offered. Students whose test scores and writing background indicate a need for both composition courses will begin with Composition (ENG 101); students who can demonstrate competence as determined by test scores and past performance will schedule only Writing about Literature (ENG 102).
Foreign Language (1-3 courses)
Students are expected to achieve competency at the intermediate level of a language. Students may complete the language requirement in one of the following ways, depending on background and interest:
a. Elementary I and II (101 and 102), and Intermediate I (201)
b. Intermediate I and II (201 and 202)
c. Advanced (301)
d. For international students, American English I and II (SPI 101 and 102), unless exempted by the English Department
Humanities (4 courses)
Four courses from at least three of the following areas:
a. Literature
b. History or Advanced Foreign Language Culture
c. Philosophy
d. Religious Studies
Natural Science (1 course)
One laboratory-oriented course in natural science.
Quantitative Reasoning (1 course)
One course that includes a significant quantitative reasoning component.
Social Science (2 courses)
Two courses, one in each of two social sciences (economics, political science, psychology or sociology/anthropology). Computational courses such as statistics will not satisfy this requirement.
The Fine Arts (1 course)
One approved course in art, music or theatre (not all art, music and theatre courses satisfy this requirement). Four semesters of credited participation in Concert Band, Chamber Winds, Concert Choir, Women's Chorale or String Orchestra will satisfy this requirement. Applied Music Lessons (MUS 109) will not satisfy this requirement.
Interdisciplinary Course (1 course)
A course that synthesizes multiple academic disciplines around a common subject.
The Cultural Experience
This requirement promotes ongoing participation in the rich cultural and intellectual life available outside the classroom. Students attend lectures, plays, concerts, panel discussions, art exhibits and other cultural events. In general, full-time day students must attend 16 events by the end of the sophomore year. Students must complete this requirement to graduate. (See "The Albright Cultural Experience" for more information.)
top of page
Areas of Concentration
An area of concentration consists of a maximum of 13 courses. (In addition, a department may require specific general studies and introductory courses.) Students must complete at least one 400-level senior seminar course and achieve a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all required courses of the area of concentration. Requirements may include courses from related disciplines.
Programs in the following areas of concentration lead to the degree of bachelor of arts (B.A.):
top of page
Programs in the following areas lead to the degree of bachelor of science (B.S.):
top of page
Co-Concentrations
Students may choose to concentrate in two areas of study. The co-concentration requires seven courses in each area. (In addition to the required seven courses, a department also may require specific general studies and introductory courses.) Students must complete a 400-level senior seminar course in each area and achieve a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all required courses in EACH area.
The faculty adviser may be chosen from either of the two departments. The program must be approved by the chairpersons of both departments. If a student has combined a concentration leading to a B.A. degree with a concentration leading to a B.S. degree, he or she may choose either a B.A. or a B.S. degree after consulting with the adviser.
Certain areas of study are available only as a part of a co-concentration. The following areas must be taken in combination with another area of study; students may not concentrate solely in one of these areas:
*See the education department section for specific requirements for these concentrations.
top of page
Individualized Study
At any time prior to the end of the sophomore year, a student may submit a program proposal for an area of concentration different from those outlined in the College catalog. The Individualized Study Program (ISP) must provide for completion of the general studies requirements; include at least three academic disciplines; contain at least one 400-level course in each of two different areas of study; consist of 14 courses (five courses in the first discipline, five courses in the second discipline, and four courses in the third discipline); and be clearly superior to standard concentration requirements in meeting the student's academic or occupational goals.
The specific courses for each discipline must first be approved by the discipline's department chair or program coordinator. The entire ISP must be approved by the Curriculum Development Committee.
Students interested in developing an ISP should find an adviser familiar with the student's goals as well as the general areas of study in which the student intends to concentrate. With the help of the adviser, the student will submit the ISP proposal to the Curriculum Development Committee.
Changes in the approved program must also be approved by the Curriculum Development Committee.
top of page
Cooperative Programs
Two-Degree Cooperative Forestry and Environmental Studies
In cooperation with The Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, a five- or six-year curriculum is offered to lead to a bachelor of science degree from Albright College and a master's degree from Duke University.
During the three years at Albright, students must take all the courses in the general studies program. ECO 105 must be taken as part of general studies. ECO 335 is strongly recommended as an elective. Concentration requirements of the three-year program are:
• CHE 105, 106
• CHE 207, 208
• BIO 201, 202, 203
• BIO 311
• One botany course and BIO 300 (or an approved statistics course)
• MAT 107
Additional requirements for admission to the graduate program at Duke University include a working knowledge of computer programming, taking the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination and a suitable grade point average.
Upon satisfactory completion of the three-year program at Albright and 30 semester hours at Duke, the student may qualify for the bachelor of science degree from Albright; during the following year, the student may continue for a master's degree in environmental management or a master's degree in forestry at Duke.
Richard Heller, Ph.D., of the Biology Department is the adviser for this program.
top of page
January Interim
Albright's academic calendar consists of two semesters and an optional January Interim session. The January Interim offers students the opportunity to take one course on an intensive basis. The Interim course may involve off-campus work or a trip abroad.
A student may take an Interim course each year he or she is at Albright, but only two of the 32 courses required for graduation may be Interim courses. All Interim courses will appear on the academic transcript and their grades will be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average.
top of page
Writing Across the Curriculum
The Writing Across the Curriculum Program reflects Albright's belief that students should acquire good writing skills during their undergraduate education as well as the conviction that writing can be used as a tool to enhance a student's ability to think clearly and analyze effectively. Participation in Albright's Writing Across the Curriculum Program means that students will be expected to write frequently and systematically.
The normal freshman composition sequence continues to introduce students to the fundamentals of good writing, but this introduction is supplemented by other writing experiences as students pursue their work at Albright. For example, under this program, each student can expect to take at least one course in his or her area of concentration with a significant writing component. This will help insure that writing skills acquired during the freshman year do not diminish over time. It also will help students develop the ability to express themselves effectively on topics related to their areas of concentration.
Courses identified as part of the Writing Across the Curriculum Program are designated by the symbol (W).
top of page
Center for Experiential Learning and Research
The Center for Experiential Learning and Research (CELAR) serves to provide Albright students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom and gain invaluable experience to go along with academic credits. The CELAR houses the Study Abroad, Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) and Honors programs.
Study Abroad/Study Off-Campus Program
Albright College offers study off-campus opportunities with both international and domestic options. The Study Abroad/Study Off-Campus office is located in the Center for Experiential Learning and Research.
Students must declare their intent to study abroad/study off-campus one semester prior to their departure by completing an Albright application in addition to the application for the international or domestic program. Students may study off-campus at any time after their freshman year. Students must discuss their plans with their concentration adviser(s) and receive approval for all academic coursework. Students must be in good academic, social and financial standing. Final approval for study abroad/study off-campus is granted by the provost.
In addition to receiving prior approval for all courses, students must meet with the Financial Aid Office and the Controller's Office to discuss appropriate costs and billing procedures. Costs vary by program. If a student will be seeking college housing upon their return to Albright College, a meeting with the director of housing and residential learning is required. The center hosts an annual Study Abroad Fair, typically in the spring semester, and an information session during the fall semester where returning students share their experiences, insights and advice.
International Study
Albright College students are encouraged to undertake international study as a part of their concentration and/or general studies program. Knowledge of a foreign language is not a prerequisite for study abroad, except for foreign language concentrators seeking to enhance their language skills.
The Study Abroad/Study Off-Campus office maintains a collection of catalogs, directories and other information to assist students with researching programs appropriate to their individual needs. Albright has affiliation agreements with many quality programs, but students are free to study with any accredited program. The office is staffed by the director of experiential learning and research as well as student advisers who have studied abroad.
Domestic Study
The Study Abroad/Study Off-Campus office also helps students coordinate their domestic off-campus study. Two of THE most popular programs are the Washington Center (which also offers internships in London, England) and the Philadelphia Center internship programs. Students should contact Thomas Brogan, Ph.D., in the Political Science Department for more information on the Washington Center program. To find out more about the Philadelphia Center's internship program please contact the Study Abroad office.
Albright Faculty-Led Courses
Occasionally, faculty members lead off-campus courses internationally or domestically. For more information on these opportunities, students should talk with faculty in their department.
Undergraduate Research
The Undergraduate Research Program provides students with opportunities to conduct and present research. One such opportunity is through the Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) program. ACRE allows students to explore their own specific interest in detail together with a faculty member. This program is open to students of all majors and is designed to foster undergraduate scholarship, creative activity and research. Through this experience, students will increase their skills in their chosen field, foster professional relationships with faculty and advance their knowledge in the chosen project area. For more information on the ACRE program please contact the Center for Experiential Learning and Research.
top of page
Honors Program
The Honors Program allows students fulfilling the requirements to graduate with College Honors. The goals of the Honors Program are to:
• Provide additional academic opportunities to students with talent and motivation
• Encourage independent thought and initiative
• Give Honors students opportunities to meet and work together
Students may qualify to join the Honors Program in one of two ways. Incoming Warren L. Davis and Jacob Albright Scholarship recipients, and select additional scholarship recipients, qualify to join the program before they begin study at Albright on the strength of their high school record. Other students may join the program upon earning an Albright cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and by contacting the Honors Program director.
Members in good standing of the Honors Program are students who have registered for the program, maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, complete two of the three honors course requirements by the end of their sophomore year and successfully complete the honors thesis by the end of their senior year.
Probationary members of the Honors Program are students who meet all of the requirements for membership in good standing except that their cumulative grade point average has fallen to between 3.25 and 3.5.
Students who have registered for the Honors Program but subsequently fail to meet the requirements for probationary membership will be withdrawn from the program. They may apply for readmission to the program upon meeting the requirements for probationary membership.
Further information about the Honors Program may be found at http://www.albright.edu/ academics/honorsguide1.html.
Students in the Honors Program must complete three honors course units.
Honors Courses
The required honors courses all count toward the total required for graduation. These courses do not increase overall course load; instead, they make it possible to fulfill some course requirements in an enriched way. Of the three honors courses a student takes, at least one can be an introductory level course, such as ENG 102, or PSY 100, as well as more advanced courses. These courses are designed to also count towards general studies or concentration requirements. Honors courses are inquiry-oriented courses with a limited enrollment; topics vary from semester to semester and discipline to discipline.
Unit requirements may also be completed using honors modules, or an honors independent study. Students must complete two of these courses by the end of the sophomore year and the third by the end of the junior year in order to remain a member in good standing of the Honors Program. (If there is a specific reason a student is waiting longer than usual to fulfill these requirements, he/she should speak with their adviser and the director of the Honors Program).
Honors Modules: An honors module provides the opportunity to take a regular course for honors credit by supplementing or replacing part of the course requirements with a special honors project. These projects vary from course to course, so students should consult with the professor teaching the course to work out the specific details. This consultation should take place as soon as possible, but no later than the first week of the semester in which the course is being taken. Students must take the initiative in setting up this meeting, and are encouraged (although not required) to arrive at the meeting with a suggestion of what the project might entail. Students are encouraged to have regular meetings with the instructor who is part of the module they design. Students are also encouraged to put the plans for the module in writing so that expectations for both student and instructor are explicit.
If there's a choice between taking an honors course and an honors module, it's usually preferable to take the honors course. On some occasions, however, an honors module may be precisely what is desired, since it may provide an opportunity to explore in greater depth a topic that is studied only in non-honors courses. An honors module also makes it possible to use a regular course to meet the honors requirements, as well as possibly a general studies or concentration requirement. This may be particularly useful if there's a scheduling conflict with the honors courses that are being offered.
Honors Independent Study: An honors independent study provides the opportunity to arrange a specialized study with a particular professor. This makes it possible to explore specific areas of interest that are beyond the scope of regular course offerings. Students may want to consider taking an honors independent study in conjunction with the senior honors project, either during the junior or senior year.
2. Grade Point Average
In order to be a member in good standing of the College Honors Program and to graduate with College Honors, a student must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.
3. Senior Thesis
The Honors Committee determines the specific policies relating to the senior thesis and publishes them in the Honors Guide. The senior thesis is a year-long independent research project completed in the spring of the senior year. The same project may be submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for both College Honors and Departmental Distinction.
Students not enrolled in the Honors Program may take honors courses, on a space-available basis with the permission of the instructor, if they have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.
top of page
Higher Education Council of Berks County
Albright College is a member of the Higher Education Council of Berks County (HECBC) with Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College and Reading Area Community College. The consortium allows students the opportunity to take courses at any other member institution at no additional tuition charge.
A full-time, day division, degree student in good academic standing may cross register for one course per semester at one of the member institutions. The course should be beneficial to the student's overall educational program. The student must obtain the approval of his or her adviser, the chair of Albright's department in which the course will be taken and the registrar. The host school must also approve the cross registration. The course must be in the normal academic load and not produce an overload. The student assumes responsibility for the costs and means of transportation and accepts the inconvenience of different academic calendars. Further information regarding the HECBC may be obtained at the Registrar's Office.
top of page
Summer Program
Albright College summer sessions offer a variety of day and evening courses. For further information about the summer program contact the Registrar's Office.
top of page
Albright Continuing Education Degree Programs
Accelerated Degree Programs consist of:
• Accelerated Degree Start Program
• Accelerated Degree Completion Program
Accelerated Degree Start Program (DSP)
The Accelerated Degree Start Program (DSP) is designed for working adults returning to college. It offers students the opportunity to complete the general studies portion of the bachelor's degree in two years. Classes are held once a week for seven weeks.
Accelerated Degree Completion Program (DCP)
The Accelerated Degree Completion Program (DCP) is designed for adults with two years of college experience. Students can complete a degree in approximately 24 months in one of the following disciplines: accounting, business administration, organizational behavioral/ applied psychology, information systems, and crime & justice. The program's curriculum is delivered in an accelerated seminar format with heavy emphasis on use of computer technology and the Internet. DCP and DSP classes meet one night per week for five to seven weeks.
Specific information regarding the Accelerated Degree Programs, including degree requirements and course descriptions, is included in the programs' publications.
Inquiries may be directed to the Accelerated Degree Programs Office at (610) 921-7799.
top
Graduate Division
Master's Degree Program in Education
Albright College offers a master's degree program in education leading to the master of science (M.S.) or master of arts (M.A.) degree. Candidates may elect one of four concentrations within the program:
• General Education (including secondary content teacher certification, if desired)
• Elementary Education
• Special Education
• Early Childhood Education
The master's degree program requires 13 or 14 three-credit courses, which includes four core courses, five concentration courses, three liberal-studies strand courses and a capstone research component. Students choosing to do the capstone seminar track instead will be required to take one additional elective graduate level course. Candidates may elect to include work toward initial or additional teacher certification within the master's degree program.
Classes meet one night a week for 15 weeks in the fall and spring terms, and two nights a week for five weeks in the summer terms. Applicants may start in any term and take classes at their own pace.
4 + 1 Program
Albright College offers a continuous uninterrupted program to obtain the bachelor's and master's degrees, in addition to teacher certification. The program can be completed in five years and one summer.
Undergraduate students who meet the requirements can apply for this program in the fall term of their junior year. They will take the first two graduate classes spring term senior year in addition to their remaining undergraduate coursework, then graduate with their undergraduate class, receive the undergraduate degree and return that summer to continue study for the master's degree. Coursework will continue summer session one, summer session two, fall, spring, and one more summer term to complete the certification and degree.
Interested candidates should direct questions concerning these programs, requirements, course costs, fees, application, etc. to the Graduate Division office at 610-921-7856.
top of page
|
