Academic Programs Academic Policies Departments and Programs

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The Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences offers students the opportunity to gain a broadly-based liberal arts education, to learn to think critically, and to master the skills of writing clearly, logically, and persuasively. In addition to their major fields, all students in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences study a variety of areas of knowledge, including the humanities, the arts, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. In the process, they study Western and other cultures and acquire competence in mathematics.

Courses in the general curriculum are taught by experienced faculty members in classes small enough to facilitate interaction between faculty and students. Students also select a major and minor field of study from among the traditional academic disciplines and have available to them some unusual and challenging interdisciplinary programs such as majors in arts management, Chinese studies, environmental policy, film studies, organizational studies, and women’s and gender studies, as well as minors in early childhood intervention and creative writing. Students may also design a specialized major program of concentration and may earn certificates in interdisciplinary certificate programs. Perhaps of greatest importance, students in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences work with many distinguished teachers and scholars who are committed to rigorous, high-quality undergraduate education. In short, students are offered an education that allows them to expand their perspectives, explore new areas of knowledge, engage in concentrated and extensive study of specific areas of knowledge, master the skills necessary to function in the modern world, and become part of a community of teachers, scholars, and learners.

Our Mission

The College nourishes free and rigorous intellectual inquiry among students and faculty in an atmosphere that respects differences in background, belief, and aspiration; it also maintains and strengthens the academic and civic values that underlie and support an open, culturally diverse, and democratic society.

We seek to create, refine, conserve, and disseminate knowledge and artistic expression at the highest levels. The success of the College in offering all students of The University of Tulsa a broadly based liberal arts education depends upon the rigor with which the faculty approaches teaching and scholarship and upon the degree to which students commit to intellectual excellence, aesthetic appreciation, and critical thinking.

The faculty affirms that service to the institution, the profession, and the community is a significant dimension of the professional life of faculty members.

Accreditation

All programs for the preparation of teachers are recognized by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) and nationally accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. The School of Music of The University of Tulsa is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The following degrees are listed by NASM: Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music in Performance, and Bachelor of Music in Composition. The deaf education program is accredited by the Council on Education of the Deaf. The Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Academic Programs

The Core Curriculum

In the core curriculum, there are two fundamental requirements. The first is that each student learn to write English with precision and fluency, a process enhanced by continuing practice in courses across the curriculum. The second requirement is that in completing a bachelor’s degree each student acquire broad skills and knowledge complementary to his or her academic specialization.

To earn the Bachelor of Arts degree, the student completes study of a second language through the fourth-semester level or demonstrates equivalent proficiency. Language study is available in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and American Sign Language. Students who enroll in a language course above 1004 and complete the course with a grade of C or higher receive “delayed proficiency credit” for the previous course as well. Students with previous college credit or AP/IB credit are not eligible for delayed proficiency credit in the same language. A maximum of either three or four delayed credits may be earned. Non-native English speakers should consult the College Office of Advising for Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

The Bachelor of Science degree requires the student to complete a sequence of prescribed courses in mathematics and statistics. Selection of course work may be stipulated by the major program. The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education are pre-professional degrees based on the College’s historic involvement with the fine and performing arts. Degree requirements in these programs vary.

Writing Requirements

Each incoming student completes a sequence of writing courses that provides him or her with the skills needed to meet the expectations and demands of college-level assignments. The writing course teaches practical skills and abilities that are broadly applicable. An advanced course is available for highly qualified students. A fully-staffed writing laboratory is also available to all students who desire to work one-on-one with trained tutors. This laboratory is equipped with personal computers that are compatible with the large number of microcomputers available in the Computer Resource Center.

As part of the writing requirement, each incoming student completes a specialized course called FS 1973 First Seminar  during the first year at The University of Tulsa. The First Seminar provides an intimate atmosphere in which to study with a faculty member and underscores the enduring relationship between writing and learning by requiring several papers to be written during the semester.

Mathematics Placement

The College requires all entering freshmen, regardless of AP, IB, or dual enrollment and all entering transfer students with no transfer credits for Calculus I or higher to take the ALEKS Placement Assessment for math.  All incoming undergraduates must also complete, place out of, or show proficiency in MATH 1083 Contemporary Mathematics  or another basic mathematics course certified by the University Curriculum Committee, such as MATH 1103 Basic Calculus , MATH 1093 Mathematics with Applications  or MATH 1163 Pre-calculus Mathematics . Incoming freshmen also complete AS 1001 First Year College Experience , an orientation course that introduces students to a disciplinary topic as well as skills and services necessary to student success. This course is taught by the student’s faculty advisor.

Senior Project

Undergraduates in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences complete their course of study with an intensive, rigorous, senior-year academic experience. The nature of this senior requirement varies by discipline but usually consists of a specially designed course in the student’s major area of study. To determine the appropriate senior requirement, students should consult their faculty advisor or the College Office of Advising.

The General Curriculum

The general curriculum encourages the acquisition of knowledge that spans the arts and sciences. Courses in the general curriculum are distributed among intellectual categories to guarantee that each student has an understanding and an appreciation of several kinds of knowledge in addition to the knowledge acquired in the major and minor. Courses in the general curriculum also are designed to give students an introduction to the methodologies and perspectives of a variety of disciplines. Students choose from courses offered in the following categories: Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience (Block I), Historical and Social Interpretation (Block II), and Scientific Investigation (Block III). The general curriculum requirements include the completion of two courses taken in Block I, four in Block II, and two including a lab in Block III. For a description of each block, see Academic Practices and Policies .

All students in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences must also meet a Cultural Diversity and Gender Studies Requirement by taking two courses from a list compiled by the College Curriculum Committee. These are courses that focus on the formation and diversity of cultural and gender identities as well as on the way these identities change and interact with one another. These courses may also be used to satisfy requirements in the core curriculum, the general curriculum, or the area of concentration. Course selection in core and general curricula may in some cases by dictated by the major.

Area of Concentration

The area of concentration includes a major subject and a minor field or certificate program chosen by the student with the approval of the major advisor. For the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, at least 39 but no more than 55 semester hours shall be earned in the area of concentration. The 55-hour total may be exceeded only by completing hours beyond the 124 required for graduation. At least 27 but no more than 39 semester hours shall be earned in the major subject. The 39-hour total may be exceeded only by completing hours beyond the 124 required for graduation. For the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, at least 51 but no more than 65 semester hours shall be earned in the area of concentration. The 65-hour total may be exceeded only by completing hours beyond the 124 required for graduation. At least 27 but no more than 53 semester hours shall be earned in the major subject. The 53-hour total may be exceeded only by completing hours beyond the 124 required for graduation. To be eligible for graduation, the student must achieve a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the area of concentration as well as an overall grade point average of least 2.0 and the completion of a total of 124 hours.

Admission to certain degree programs may be limited and have additional academic requirements or a separate program application.

The Major Subject

Students usually choose their major subject between the end of their first year and end of their second year of study. Two-thirds of the course work in the major subject must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. Each department determines the exact number of hours required in the major subject and the area of concentration. Along with majors in all of the departments, the College offers seven interdisciplinary majors: arts management , Chinese studies , environmental policy (B.A.  or B.S. ), film studies , organizational studies , Russian studies , and women’s and gender studies .

The Minor Field

The minor field comprises courses from one or more disciplines that are distinct from the major. The minor field consists of at least 12 semester hours, six of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, in a subject approved by the major advisor. For a minor in languages, all 12 hours must be at the 3000-4000 level. The number of hours in the minor may exceed 12 as long as the total number of hours in the area of concentration (all courses in the major subject area and the minor field) does not exceed the total permitted. The student and the major advisor should consult the department in which the minor is awarded in order to determine the appropriate courses. The College Curriculum Committee must approve any programs that differ from these College guidelines. Interdisciplinary minors in advertising , early intervention , Chinese studies , creative writing , Russian studies , and women’s and gender studies  have been approved by the College Curriculum Committee and do not need to be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Student-Designed Area of Concentration

The student-designed area of concentration provides a means of accommodating student needs and interests where no appropriate program exists in the College. It is also intended to accommodate student interests that may cross collegiate lines.

A request by a student for a student-designed area of concentration must be approved by the College Curriculum Committee. To be eligible to submit a proposal, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and must have completed between 30 and 75 hours of acceptable course work. The Office of the Dean will provide assistance to any student regarding preparation of the proposal.

It is mandatory that the student secure the assistance of one or more faculty members whose areas of competence are associated with the student’s interest. All policies governing the area of concentration are applicable to a student-designed area of concentration. No more than two independent study courses may be substituted in a previously approved area of concentration. If such substitutions are necessary, the program must be re-evaluated by the College Curriculum Committee.

A proposal requesting permission to pursue a student-designed area of concentration must include the following: (1) a statement of the aims the student seeks to realize through the program; (2) a statement demonstrating that the existing programs of the College do not offer opportunities to achieve these aims; (3) an itemized list of the courses the student will seek to include in the program; and (4) an endorsement of the student’s plan from the faculty member or members who will serve as the student’s major advisor(s) in the program.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

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Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

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Certificate Programs

Students in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences may substitute an interdisciplinary certificate program for a minor field. Certificates are granted in advertising , African American studies , classics , creative writing , international studies , journalism studies , Judaic studies , museum studies , political philosophy  and visual communication . Certificate programs consist of between 18 and 24 credits. If the certificate is being completed in addition to the area of concentration (major and minor), credits may be used to fulfill requirements for both the degree and the certificate. If the certificate is being completed in lieu of a minor, at least 12 hours must solely fulfill requirements for the certificate. Students interested in fulfilling the requirements of a certificate program should consult the director of that program.

Pre-Law

The official statement of the American Association of Law Schools emphasizes that law schools prefer students who are well-rounded in their educational backgrounds, capable of critical, creative thinking, and able to express themselves. No specific undergraduate major is recommended or required. Thus, undergraduates with an interest in pursuing the legal profession usually major in an area of breadth rather than one of specialization, make full use of their electives, and concentrate on courses that emphasize analytical ability and facility with the English language. The University of Tulsa maintains an active advising system for pre-law students. For additional details, students should consult the College Office of Advising.

Arts and Sciences 3.5 + 2.5 Accelerated Law Program

Through a collaborative program with the College of Law, selected students can complete their undergraduate degree and a J.D. in six years. At the end of their second semester in Law School and the completion of 124 applicable semester hours, students in the program will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are eligible to apply for admission to the accelerated law program in their third year of undergraduate study at The University of Tulsa. Admission is highly selective.

Interested students should schedule an appointment with the College of Law’s Office of Admissions during the first two years of study to obtain information about the Accelerated Law Program and receive counseling on application requirements for the program.

Honors Program

The Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences invites graduating high school seniors with exceptional academic records and a spirit of intellectual curiosity to consider the University’s Honors Program . The core courses in the Honors Program are credited to the student’s general curriculum requirement. Students may choose to do independent research as part of their Honors Plan. In that case, a student’s directed research is applied either as elective or as major required hours. Students admitted to the Honors Program receive an academic scholarship and may choose to major in any academic discipline offered by The University of Tulsa.

Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge

The Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC) offers advanced and mature students an opportunity to conduct supervised research beginning in the first semester. Interested students should consult the Arts and Sciences TURC director.

Public Service Internships

Qualified undergraduate students in any major may participate in the Henry Kendall College Public Service Internship Program, which is designed to help students explore their interests, obtain practical experience, and prepare for public life. Students intern with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, health care services, and various arts organizations throughout the city of Tulsa. Public service internships carry three hours of academic credit, and are unpaid. Additional information, including descriptions, evaluations, and applications, is available from the Office of University and Community Service.

Seminars, Independent Research, and Independent Readings

Each department in the College may offer seminars and independent readings at any level for varying amounts of credit. Seminars vary in content and structure according to the design of the instructors. Students who wish to undertake independent research or readings must secure the consent of an instructor to supervise the study. The instructor has the option to accept or reject the projected study. Faculties vary in their policies regarding an instructor’s availability for supervising independent work.

Academic Policies

Advising

Each student is assigned a first-year faculty advisor upon enrolling in the College and coordinates his or her schedule with that advisor until declaring a major. Once accepted by a department, the student is assigned an advisor by the department chair. Students are encouraged to return to the Office of Advising at least once during their junior year and again prior to the second semester of their senior year for a graduation check to ensure the timely completion of all degree requirements. Students may inquire at the Office of Advising at any time with regard to specific needs or issues. The Office of Advising maintains student records, and its professional staff coordinates advising activities  within the College.

Advanced Standing

Work completed at other institutions is evaluated by the Office of Advising. Once students have completed 62 hours, no additional work from a junior or community college may be applied toward graduation requirements. The last 45 hours of course work must be completed in residence at The University of Tulsa.

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and OSSM

Students may earn proficiency or exemption for courses in any degree program by successfully completing a faculty-administered examination.

A list of courses credited for Advanced Placement Examinations is available from the Office of the Registrar. The Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences will award at least 30 credits to students in the College who complete the IB Diploma with a score of 28 or above. Some credit may also be available for students completing the IB Diploma with a score below 28. The College will also extend college credit for some High Level examinations and some Standard Level examinations. The amount and kind of credit will be determined by individual departments. The Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences awards credit for some mathematics and science courses completed with high scores at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. Students should consult the College Office of Advising for details.

No more than 36 hours of credit may apply through testing (International Baccalaureate, OSSM, Advanced Placement, or proficiency).

Credit by CLEP examination is not awarded by the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences.

Electives

Beyond meeting core curriculum, general curriculum, and area of concentration requirements, students must complete enough hours in electives to equal at least 124 hours.

• Students with extensive experience in a language other than English must consult the Department of Languages before enrolling in a course in that language. Consult the College Office of Advising office staff for additional information.
• No more than one First Seminar may count toward graduation requirements.
• No electives in the student’s major will count beyond the 39-hour limit.
• No electives in the student’s area of concentration will count beyond the 55-hour limit.

Pass/D-F Grading Option

A student may take one course per semester on a Pass/D-F basis, provided that the total of Pass/D-F credits for a student does not exceed the 18 Pass/D-F credits that may be applied toward the degree. The rule of one course per semester for Pass/D-F credit is applicable even if the course is offered only for Pass/D-F credit. Courses graded only as Pass/D-F also count toward the final allowable total of 18 Pass/D-F credits. With the exception of AS 1001 , courses included in the core curriculum, the general curriculum, and in the student’s area of concentration may not be taken under the Pass/D-F option.

The decision to take a course on a Pass/D-F basis must be made within the first three weeks of a regular semester or within the first 5 days of a 5-week summer session. The student must obtain approval in the Office of Advising to take a course Pass/D-F. Deadlines for declaring this option are published in each course schedule.

5000 Level Courses

Students may take graduate courses at the 5000 level for undergraduate credit with permission from the department chair and instructor.

Statute of Limitation

The policy applies to students in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences who have left The University of Tulsa before finishing a degree and who later return to the University without having attended another institution of higher education in the intervening period. Those students are allowed to continue their program of study under the curricular requirements that applied to them at the time they originally entered the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences unless more than five years have passed since the completion of their last semester in the College at the University. In the case of the curricular requirements for the major, the student returning within the five-year limit is allowed to declare and to pursue any major that was available at the time the student entered the College as long as the appropriate courses are offered at the University when the student returns.

Core Curriculum

• AS 1001 First Year College Experience  
• FS 1973 First Seminar  
• 4973 (3 hours) Senior Project - Applies accumulated knowledge and skills to an individual project within the program of study under the direction of selected faculty. Prerequisites: Senior Standing.

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