College of Arts and Sciences

     For More Information
     Jeffrey A. Bauer, PhD., Dean
     Karen L. Leach, Secretary
     College of Arts and Sciences

     Shawnee State University
     940 Second Street
     Portsmouth, OH 45662-4344
     Phone: 740.351.3554
     Fax:    740.351.3596
     Email: jbauer@shawnee.edu

The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences is to provide liberal arts education and career preparation for Shawnee State students. Our graduates develop intellectual skills, knowledge, and habits of the mind that lead to rewarding careers and abundant life.

The variety of courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences promote:

Analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills,
Understanding of the scientific method,
Appreciation of artistic expression, complexity of human history, and diversity of cultures, and
Exploration of alternative approaches to contemporary social, economic, and political issues.

The University’s commitment to liberal education begins with the General Education Program, which emphasizes the importance of knowledge, values, and cultural enrichment. Building on the General Education Program, the College provides a spectrum of liberal arts degree programs in the English and Humanities; Fine, Digital and Performing Arts; Mathematical Sciences; Natural Sciences; and Social Sciences. These degree programs prepare you for a career or successful matriculation into a graduate or professional degree program.

Programs Offered

Bachelor or Arts

English and Humanities

Communication
Culture and Media Studies
Generalist

History
International Relations
Philosophy and Religion
Political Science
Psychology
Social Sciences
Social Sciences/Legal Assisting (2+2)
Sociology
Teaching Licensure

Language Arts
Social Sciences

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Gaming and Simulation Developmental Arts

Studio Arts

Ceramics
Drawing
Painting
Photography

Musical Theatre
Teaching Licensure, Multiage Visual Arts
Visualist Digital Design and Interactive Media

Bachelor of Science

Biology

Biomedical Sciences
Ecology/Environmental Biology
General Biology

Chemistry
Mathematical Sciences
Natural Science

Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Physics

Teaching Licensure (Grades 7-12)

Mathematics
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science
Integrated Science

Minors

American or British Literature                        Journalism
Art History                                                   Mathematical Sciences
Biology                                                        Music
Chemistry                                                    Philosophy
Communication                                            Political Science
Economics                                                  Psychology
English Language and Linguistics                  Sociology
Environmental Science                                 Spanish
Geography                                                  Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Geology                                                      Theater
History                                                        Women’s Studies

Associate of Arts Associate of Science

Fine Arts                                            Mathematics
Communication                                   Natural Sciences
English
Music                                    Certificates
Social Sciences                                  Environmental Science

Faculty: A Commitment to Teaching, Scholarship/Research and Creative Activities, and Service

The College of Arts and Sciences’ faculty are dedicated and talented individuals. Their graduate degrees are from the finest universities in the world, and they care deeply about your personal growth and academic success. The outstanding talent and achievements of our alumni are due, in large part, to the high quality of our teaching faculty. Quality education is the primary emphasis of the College, and to enrich their teaching, they are dedicated to extending the frontiers of knowledge through research, scholarship and creative activities in their disciplines as well as providing service to the community, region, state, and nation.

Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Baccalaureate degrees offered by the College of Arts and Sciences are planned in such a way that you can complete all requirements by taking classes during an eight-semester period, spread over four academic years. However, the requirements of some baccalaureate degrees make it possible for you to earn your degree in a shorter period of time.

To earn a degree in three years, you need to take classes in the summer and/or take 18 or more hours each semester, with the permission of your department chairperson or dean and the registrar. Careful planning of your course schedule is necessary. If you are interested in pursuing a three-year degree program, you should talk to your faculty advisor to make sure the option is possible within your program of study.

For more information about an accelerated bachelor’s degree, contact the appropriate department chairperson or the dean. You may also learn more by clicking here.

Selecting and Declaring a Degree Major

You should consider a choice of major and career early in your degree program, if not before. You are encouraged to seek the advice of College of Arts and Sciences faculty and, also, staff in the Office of Student Career Services. Your own interests, aptitudes, and professional/career goals should play a central role in selecting a degree major.

Double Majors and Dual (or Second) Degrees

Students may choose a second major or dual (second) degree for a variety of reasons: personal interest in the subject matter, development of knowledge and skills required for further education or for a career, or preparation for graduate or professional school. Talk to your advisor about the feasibility of pursuing a second major or dual/second degree and to discuss specific requirements.

Options for Multiple Majors

Students pursuing two majors should consider early on whether they wish to complete a single degree with two majors or two degrees.

Single Degree with Two Majors

A single degree with two majors leads to a single diploma, though both majors are noted on the student’s record and transcript.

You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
Each major must contain at least 30 unique hours (20 hours for associate degree) not contained in the other.
Overlap of the GEP and electives is permitted.
You must complete at least 120 hours (60 for associate degree) to earn both degrees.
You must fulfill all degree requirements for both degrees.
An approved petition is required to graduate with two degrees.

Two Degrees

Pursuit of two different degrees (AA, AAB, AAS, AIS, AS, ATS, BA, BFA, BIS, BS, BSE) leads to the award of two diplomas. The degrees will be designated separately on the student’s record and transcript.

You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
Each major must contain at least 30 unique hours (20 hours for associate degree) not contained in the other.
Overlap of the GEP and electives is permitted.
You must complete at least 120 hours (60 for associate degree) to earn a single degree with two majors.
You must fulfill all degree requirements for both majors.
An approved petition is required to graduate with two degrees.

Academic Advising

The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to quality academic advising, because it is essential to the ultimate success of our students. Once you have selected a major, you are advised by the teaching faculty of your department. Please consult your academic advisor regarding the two-year schedule for the department in order to determine when the department plans to offer specific courses. The chairperson of your department will assign you an academic faculty advisor, ensuing that the department’s academic advising system meets your individual needs and requirements as well as those of the department, the College, and the University. The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences facilitates the answering of interdepartmental questions and deals with exceptions and changes to related academic requirements.

In addition to faculty advising you may choose to see information about our programs through our professional advisor, Mr. Sylvester James Aji. He is available at the following:

Kricker, Rm. 227

Phone: 740.351.3670

Email: sjamesaji@shawnee.edu

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

The College of Arts and Sciences awards its baccalaureate degrees to students who meet the following minimum requirements. Please see individual degree programs for any additional requirements.

A minimum of 120 credit hours, including 34 credit hours in the General Education Program.

A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average for all courses taken at Shawnee State University.
Completion of at least 60 credit hours at the 2000 level or above.
Completion of at least 30 credit hours at Shawnee State University, of which 21 credit hours must be the upper division courses (3000-4000 level courses).
A minimum of 40 credit hours in the major field of study.
Petition of graduation in accordance with the rules prescribed by the University.

Minors

A minor is a field of study, within the baccalaureate degree, that may be taken to widen your area of interest or increase your career opportunities. Contact specific department’s information regarding minor offerings and minor field of study course requirements. Taking a minor is optional and not required.

Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees

The College of Arts and Sciences offers several programs of study which lead to two-year associate degrees. The associate degree programs all you to enter the job market immediately after you graduate or to transfer into certain baccalaureate degree programs.

Preparation for Teacher Licensure

Programs to prepare teachers at several different levels and in a variety of teaching areas are offered cooperatively between the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of English and Humanities; Fine, Digital, and Performing Arts; Mathematical Sciences; Natural Sciences; and Social Sciences. At the early childhood level (grades preK-3) a degree in education is offered. At the middle childhood level (grades 4-9); a degree in education is available. Licensure at the adolescent to young adult level (grades 7-12) requires a degree in the area of teaching specialization. Multiage license (grades K-12) in visual arts and intervention specialist are also available.

If you wish to become a licensed teacher, you should consult the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog and work with a faculty advisor on licensure matters. In addition to completing the related B.A. or B.S. degree requirements, you must complete the professional education requirements and other eligibility criteria for teacher licensure.

Course Scheduling and Offerings

The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to scheduling daytime classes, introductory and upper level, in a way that allows you to complete a degree program in a four-year period of time. As staffing permits, occasional upper division classes from the various arts and sciences disciplines are offered in the evenings. At this time, no arts and sciences degree program can be earned in the evenings over a five-year period. However, it may be possible to earn an associate of individualized studies degree in the evenings. Also, we are planning to offer a baccalaureate degree with a major in individualized studies that may be available through evening studies in the near future. You are encouraged to discuss specific course scheduling issues with your academic advisor or your department chairperson.

Pass/No-Credit Policy

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are not permitted to take courses in their major on a pass/no-credit basis.

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