Course Descriptions

All courses, undergraduate and graduate, offered by the University are listed in this section.

Numbering System. Each course is identified by means of a course prefix and a four-digit number. The first digit indicates course level, the second digit indicates credit hours, and the third and fourth digits indicate sequence.

Course Levels. The first digit of a course number indicates course level.

1000 level (Freshman courses). These courses are broad surveys or an introduction to a discipline. They do not have prerequisites, unless it is a sequential course.

2000 level (Sophomore course). These courses are introductions to, or principles of, areas of study within a discipline. They may or may not have prerequisites.

3000 level (Junior courses). These are advanced courses, providing depth of study in a specialized topic, or pre-practicums. They often have prerequisites, or assume readiness for advanced level study.

4000 level (Senior courses). These are highly specialized courses, capstone seminars, or capstone practicums. Prerequisites, a level of readiness, or advancement within the major may be required for this advanced level work.

5000 level and above (Graduate courses). These are courses which develop the practitioners, creators, and originators of knowledge within a discipline. The courses are progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate courses and foster independent learning.

Students with senior standing may register for 5000 or 6000 level graduate courses with the consent of the dean of the school in which the course resides (refer to the Joint Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment (p. 96) section of this catalog).

Course Credit Hours. Refer to the Course Credit Hours Policy (p. 90)

Course Types

Lecture/Seminar Courses. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for one hour (50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks.

Laboratory Courses. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for two hours (100 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of four hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks. Four credit hour courses combining lecture and labs are awarded equivalent of the combined three credit hour lecture/seminar and one credit hour laboratory.

Independent Study. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. An independent study must be approved by the Department Chair and Dean and designed based on specific learning outcomes that are verifiable through the assessment of student achievement. The student will define the research topic and with the assistance of the faculty sponsor, develop the syllabus, including a course description, learning outcomes, research criteria, assignments and weekly schedule. Regular, periodic meetings with sponsoring faculty are required.

Conference Course. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. A conference course is a regular course taught by an instructor to an individual student and must be approved by the Dean and University Registrar.

Internships. A minimum of 40 hours per unit of credit is required. Host companies must be approved by the Department Chair and company supervisors must agree to place the student in a position that will benefit not only their organization, but will add to the student’s education in a meaningful manner.

Hybrid Courses: During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. All courses offered in this format shall include regular effective contact between the instructor and students, through group and individual meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, field trips, library workshops, telephone contact, correspondence, voice mail, e-mail, or other activities.

Online Courses: During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. All courses offered in this format shall include regular effective contact between instructor and students, through group and individual meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, field trips, library workshops, telephone contact, correspondence, voice mail, e-mail, or other activities.

Course Prefixes. The prefixes used to designate courses are abbreviations of the names of departments or of fields of study within the departments.

Cross-Listed Courses. Certain courses may be cross-listed, which means that students receiving credit in different disciplines may be enrolled in the same course.

Honors Courses. Some regular courses may be offered with an “honors” component. These courses require additional assignments in order to earn “honors” credit. Honors courses are designated with an “H” after the course number.

Prerequisites. A prerequisite is any special requirement, usually one or more background courses or requirements, which must be met before enrolling in a course specifying the prerequisite. Enrollment in a course with a prerequisite assumes that all requirements of the prerequisite course have also been met.

Special Topics. Special topics may be offered at a level of 2000 or higher in any department; credit hours may range from one to four hours credit. The third and fourth digits in the number listing for these courses will be 99. Approval of the proposed special topics course by the dean of the school is required prior to scheduling the course. This course may be repeated with change of topic.

Undergraduate/Graduate Cross-Listed Courses. Certain courses are cross-listed in the same discipline on the undergraduate and graduate levels. If a student completes a cross-listed course as an undergraduate, the student cannot later take the same course for graduate credit.

Guide to Course Prefixes

Accounting

Aerospace studies

Anesthesia

Art