Student Academic Responsibilities
Classification of Students
Academic Advising
Academic Load
Registration
Enrollment in College of Graduate & Extended Studies/Online Courses
Class Attendance
Institution-Sanctioned Absences Policy
Extended Absence Policy
Withdrawal Policies
Catalog in Effect - Graduation Requirements
Course Numbering System
Course Delivery Definition
Calculation of Credit Hour
Upper-Level (Junior and Senior) Courses
Academic Majors and Minors
Electives
Requirements for a 2nd Bachelor's Degree
Residence
Assessment
English Proficiency
University Policy for Math Placement
Special Courses
Honors Program
Study Abroad
Pre-Professional Program
Educator Certification Programs
Cooperative Programs
Student Academic Responsibilities
Because education is a uniquely personal experience, it is the individual responsibility of each student (1) to know the degree requirements for his or her own course of study; (2) to know the rules, regulations, and deadlines which govern the academic programs which are published in this catalog; and (3) to develop and follow schedules which comply with these course and program requirements. The University's faculty, advisors, and staff support each student's education in every way they can, but students must assume final responsibility to establish the timeline for advancing and completing their course of study, to register for the appropriate courses, and to complete all degree requirements. Students are also responsible for knowing and adhering to all University policies published in The Student Handbook. Registration in the University confirms students' acceptance of these obligations.
Classification of Students
Students are classified by the Hours of credit achieved.
Freshman: 1-29 Hours
Sophomore: 30-59 Hours
Junior: 60-89 Hours
Senior: 90 or more Hours
Special Students are those students who are not matriculating for a degree but who wish to enroll for specific courses. They may be full- or part-time and may or may not have a baccalaureate degree. After completing 29 hours, special students must apply to the Office of Admission and be formally admitted to a course of study in order to continue to take classes.
Part-Time Students are those students who register for fewer than 12 hours in a semester or fewer than six hours in a summer session. Part-time students may not live on campus or represent the University in extracurricular activities. Their tuition charges and fees are based on the number of credit hours undertaken.
Academic Advising
Students at CMU quickly develop personal relationships with their instructors. Through these relationships, faculty and students explore a wide range of academic and personal matters both in the classroom and through informal conferences and conversations. The faculty and administration also provide a well-structured program of student advising for each student. This program begins before students enroll through their assignment to a faculty or staff advisor on the basis of admissions information. Advisors assist students in planning their academic work and in managing problems in their college careers. As early as possible, students are assigned, or choose, advisors according to academic interest or choice of major. Students may change their faculty advisor at any time by making a formal request in the Registrar's Office. The faculty advisors, the staff of the Registrar's Office, the Associate Dean, and the Dean of the University will do all they can to assist students in interpreting degree requirements, in determining which requirements have or have not been met, and in developing plans to meet degree requirements. However, the University believes that each student's education belongs uniquely to the student.
The University holds each student to be finally responsible for being fully informed about the graduation requirements for his or her own degree program and for arranging academic schedules to meet graduation requirements on the timetable the student establishes. Faculty advisors will do all they can through the advising processes to assist students in meeting their educational goals.
The University also keeps students informed of their academic progress by sending students and their advisors (1) warning of unsatisfactory grades after the first month of classes are posted online, (2) mid-semester grade reports (posted on-line), and (3) final grade reports each term (posted on-line).
Academic Load
Fifteen to sixteen hours of academic credit is considered the normal load per semester. No student may register for more than 18 hours of academic credit unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous semester and obtains permission from the Provost. Registering for an overload (more than 18 hours per semester) requires the approval of the Provost. Students who are permitted to register for an overload will be subject to additional charges for each hour over 18. No student may receive credit for more than 21 hours in a semester unless unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous term and obtains written permission from the Provost of the University, and only under extreme circumstances.
Registration
Students must register on the days and at the times designated by the Dean. They should register only after a conference with their advisor. Deadlines for registration and changes in registration are published on the Academic Calendar.
Changes in classes or class sections may be made at no charge during the first week of classes by completing a Change of Course Form from the Registrar's Office. After the first week of classes, courses may not be added. Any exceptions require written permission from the course instructor, division chair, and the Dean. Courses may be dropped at any time prior to two weeks before the last day of classes for the semester. Students are urged to remember that the grade of "F" will be recorded on their transcripts for every course that is not completed but not officially dropped. Courses are not officially dropped until the Change of Course Form has been filed in the Registrar's Office.
Enrollment in Statewide and Online Courses
Students attending classes on the Fayette campus may choose to enroll in fall or spring courses offered online or at other CMU locations under the following conditions:
- The courses or degree program is not offered on the Fayette campus
- The student needs a course to graduate in a timely manner
- The student needs the course to finish prerequisites and not doing so would delay graduation
To enroll in fall or spring courses offered online or at other CMU locations, Fayette campus students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in at least 9 hours of courses on the Fayette campus
- Be in good academic standing and not on academic probation
- Have at least a GPA of 2.0 in the most recent fall or spring semester on the Fayette campus.
The Office of the Provost must approve all requests. If the Fayette campus student meets the above requirements and has the approval of the Office of the Provost, he or she may enroll in the online or statewide course(s). The student agrees to pay all tuition or fees above the regular tuition and fees on the Fayette campus if they are incurred or required to enroll in the course.
Class Attendance
Students may not be successful in college for many reasons, but the principle reasons for student failure are excessive absence from class and the lack of class preparation. The faculty and administration expect students to attend classes regularly and to establish adequate study patterns. Individual instructors establish their own attendance policies that are clearly stated in each course syllabus. The University reserves the right to withdraw any student from one or more classes or from the University for excessive absence. Students are responsible for any work missed as a result of absence. They should consult with each instructor to make satisfactory arrangements for academic work missed. This should be done in advance whenever possible. Students, faculty and staff are expected to adhere to the policy stated below for Institution-Sanctioned absences. Absence from class does not constitute withdrawal from the class or from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students who leave school without completing the withdrawal process forfeit their claim to honorable dismissal and will receive a grade of "F" for all courses in progress.
Institutional-Sanctioned Absence Policy
Absences incurred as a result of CMU competitions, performances, or events (with appropriate e-mail notification and the student’s name on the list provided), will not be considered when dropping a student’s grade because of absences. Students who will miss a class (i.e., lecture, lab, practicum, clinical, etc.) because of an institution-sanctioned event are responsible for talking to the professor ahead of the absence. Wherever possible, class assignments, exams or exercises are to be made up before departure.
Each coach is responsible for working with the Athletic Director’s Office to ensure that all conference limits are adhered to in regard to how many competitions can be held on class days in a season. Each coach/director/instructor (or his/her designee) is responsible for sending an e-mail communication to all CLAS faculty 2-4 days ahead of time, for each competition, performance or event that will interfere with class days. This communication should include departure time, when students will return to campus, and a list of students involved.
Faculty members should contact the coach/director/instructor if a student on the list should consider (because of class performance or previous absences) not attending the competition or performance.
If a student chooses to attend class and skip the competition, performance, or event, there will not be a direct penalty (extra running, grade penalty, pushups, etc.) from the coach/director/instructor.
Extended Absence Policy
Courses in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) rely on face-to face or synchronous class meetings. Students who cannot attend are missing key class instruction and student learning opportunities. When there are extenuating circumstances, such as serious injury or illness that result in absence of more than two weeks, or a student is unable to finish the semester, alternative arrangements may be possible. Students must apply in advance to the Provost's Office in writing for permission. Individual instructors will not be permitted to make alternative arrangements without the Provost's Office permission. Students will not be permitted to transfer from a CLAS course to the same CGES course in the middle of a semester.
Withdrawal Policies
No student may withdraw from any class the last two weeks of the Fall or Spring semester without approval of the Provost.
Withdrawals from the University
A student who wishes to withdraw from the University must obtain a withdrawal form from the Director of Student Success. It is the student's responsibility to see that this withdrawal form is completed and filed with the Director of Student Success or Hall Director. The form is NOT complete until it is returned to either the Director of Student Success or Hall Director. The form requires signed clearance from the Residence Hall Director, Library, Financial Assistance Office, Scholarship Coach or Director (music/athletics), Student Success Coordinator, and Business Office. The completed withdrawal form, together with the student ID Card, is filed with the Director of Student Success. An honorable dismissal will be granted to all students who desire to withdraw from the University if they are in good academic standing, are not subject to discipline, have made satisfactory arrangements for settling their financial account, and file the completed withdrawal form. Students who withdraw from the University will receive grades for the courses in which they are registered according to the grading policies published in this catalog.
Medical Withdrawal
Students may withdraw from classes at any time during the term for medical reasons. Requests made after the last day to drop with a "W" must be approved by the Dean of the College or, at the Dean's request, by The Academic Standards and Admissions Committee. The Registrar will indicate the withdrawal by placing a "W" on the transcript. A student (or someone representing the student) must initiate the medical withdrawal process by notifying the Office of Student Development or the Registrar's Office. They will outline the proper procedures for withdrawal. The student seeking a medical withdrawal must present a bona fide medical excuse signed by a physician. The regular refund schedule will apply to medical withdrawals. All requests must be made within one calendar year from the conclusion of the course. Medical withdrawal requests approved after the term has ended, will result in a withdrawal date of the last date of classes for that term.
Students who have been granted a medical withdrawal and wish to re-enter the University must follow standard re-admission policies and must provide satisfactory evidence that their medical condition will no longer impede their academic performance.
Administrative Withdrawal Policy
Central Methodist University expects students to be actively engaged in their courses, defined as attending each and every class meeting and diligently completing all learning activities (daily assignments, quizzes, papers, problem-sets, etc.) for each enrolled course. This administrative withdrawal policy was created to assist students in establishing good academic engagement and attendance habits. Failure to routinely complete daily and major assignments or attend class places students in jeopardy of being administratively withdrawn from any or all courses at any time during a semester or term. Administrative withdrawals may reduce the amount of financial assistance the student receives and could necessitate repayment of aid already received. Students who are administratively withdrawn will not be eligible for a tuition refund. Being administratively withdrawn does not relieve their obligation to pay all tuition and fees due to the college. The University reserves the right to withdraw any student from one or more classes or from the University for academic misconduct, excessive absence, disruptive behavior, or other sufficient cause.
Catalog in Effect - Graduation Requirements
Students' degree requirements are generally governed by the catalog in effect when they matriculate for a degree so long as enrollment is continuous. Students may choose to meet the requirements of any subsequent catalog published during their enrollment but not of an earlier catalog. Former students who are readmitted must meet the graduation requirements in the catalog at the time of re-enrollment.
Course Numbering System
Courses numbered 000-099 do not fulfill any graduation requirements. They are developmental courses designed to prepare students for college-level work.
Courses numbered 100-199 are designed with few or no prerequisites. They are survey courses, courses defining basic concepts, or courses presenting the terminology of a discipline. Typically, courses in this range will focus on recall of facts and explaining ideas or concepts. Outcomes may include words such as: define, discover, duplicate, list, memorize, repeat, state, classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify, locate, recognize, report, and select.
Courses numbered 200-299 may have prerequisites. They include survey courses of areas of a discipline. Typically, courses in this range will focus on explaining ideas or concepts and using information in new situations. Outcomes may include words such as: classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify, locate, recognize, report, select, execute, implement, solve, use, demonstrate, interpret, operate, schedule, and sketch.
Courses numbered 300-399 usually have prerequisites and typically are taken by upper division students and majors. Generally, these are courses specific to a major, not offered as part of the general education model. Typically, courses in this range will focus on drawing connections among ideas and justifying a decision. Outcomes may include words such as: analyze, differentiate, organize, relate, compare, contrast, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test, appraise, argue, defend, judge, select, support, value, critique, and weigh.
Courses numbered 400-499 usually have prerequisites and are taken by advanced students in the major. Capstone courses generally fall in this category. Typically, courses in this range will focus on evaluating decisions and creating new work. Outcomes may include words such as: appraise, argue, defend, judge, select, support, value, critique, weigh, design, construct, create, formulate, investigate, invent, and author.
Course Delivery Definition
The following definitions of educational delivery methods are based on the Online Learning Consortium (2015) course classification system. For the purposes of these definitions, synchronous is defined as class instruction and student learning occurring at the same time (for example: in the classroom at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday); asynchronous is defined as class instruction and student learning occurring at different times (for example: viewing a recorded lecture for the first time three days after it is conducted). Please note that these definitions pertain to the delivery method not course content.
- Traditional Classroom Course: 100% of course content is delivered face-to-face in the classroom. The instructor and students will meet a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of all meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website. Attendance and participation policies are at the discretion of the instructor. The learning management system, Canvas, may be used for posting course resources and materials for students.
- Synchronous Web-Enhanced Course: 100% of course content is delivered face-to-face in the classroom or through web-conferencing (Big Blue Button or Zoom). The instructor and students will meet a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of all meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website. Attendance and participation policies are at the discretion of the instructor. The learning management system, Canvas, must be used for hosting web-conferences.
- Hybrid Web-Enhanced Course: 35-75% of course content is delivered face-to-face through web-conferencing (Big Blue Button or Zoom) with the remaining content delivered asynchronously online. The total time between web-conferencing and online activities will be a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of classroom meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website, along with the total number of online hours required for the course.
- Hybrid/Blended Course: 35-70% of course content is delivered face-to-face in the classroom, with the remaining content delivered asynchronously online. The total time between the classroom and online activities will be a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of classroom meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website, along with the total number of online hours required for the course. The online component of the course will be delivered through the learning management system, Canvas, and may include several activities.
- Online Course: 100% of course content is delivered online. Instructor directed activities must equate to 15 hours per credit hours awarded (see time equivalencies for instructor directed activities). There will not be a date or time listed on the schedule available on the CMU website since online courses are asynchronous. If web-conferencing is used, attendance is optional, and recordings must be provided to students to view at their convenience in the learning management system, Canvas.
Definition and Calculation of Credit Hour
Federal Definition of Credit Hour
Credit hour: Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.8(k) and (l), a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than –
- One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
- At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. (34 CFR 600.2)
CMU’s Calculation of Credit Hour
CMU will observe the following minimum time requirements for courses:
- Online courses are as rigorous as on-ground courses and typically require as much time to complete the coursework as the on-ground counterpart. Thus, students are expected to demonstrate they have met the student learning outcomes equivalent to a traditionally delivered course.
- Hybrid courses combine on-ground and online study. These courses are as rigorous as completely on-ground courses and typically require as much time to complete the coursework as the on-ground counterpart. Thus, students are expected to demonstrate they have met the student learning outcomes equivalent to a traditionally delivered course.
Students will have the opportunity to meet learning outcomes in a number of ways through online and/or hybrid coursework.
- Direct faculty instruction will include:
- Weekly threaded discussion forums
- PowerPoint Presentations without audio
- PowerPoint Presentations with audio
- Lecture notes
- Video lectures
- Assigned videos (does not include lecture videos)
- Quizzes/Exams
- Rough Draft feedback
- Face-to-Face meetings (hybrid only)
- Out of class student work will include:
- Readings
- Written assignments (papers, journals, reviews, etc)
- Rough Draft papers
- Paper revisions
- Research
- Case Studies
- Power Point Presentations
- Assigned homework problems
- Clinical/Practicum/Internship
Calculations for an 8-week course:
| Credit Hours |
Direct Instruction Hours |
Student Work Hours |
Total Course Hours |
| 1 |
15 |
30 |
45/8-weeks |
| 2 |
30 |
60 |
90/8-weeks |
| 3 |
45 |
90 |
135/8-weeks |
| 4 |
60 |
120 |
180/8-weeks |
| 5 |
75 |
150 |
225/8-weeks |
| 6 |
90 |
180 |
270/8-weeks |
Calculations for a 16-week course:
| Credit Hours |
Direct Instruction Hours |
Student Work Hours |
Total Course Hours |
| 1 |
15 |
30 |
45/16-weeks |
| 2 |
30 |
60 |
90/16-weeks |
| 3 |
45 |
90 |
135/16-weeks |
| 4 |
60 |
120 |
180/16-weeks |
| 5 |
75 |
150 |
225/16-weeks |
| 6 |
90 |
180 |
270/16-weeks |
**Final exams and/or presentations are completed during the 16 th week.
Calculations for direct faculty instruction:
| Weekly threaded discussion forums |
100-200 level courses = 2.5 hours per topic300-400 level courses = 4 hours per topicGraduate level courses = 4 hours per topic |
| PowerPoint Presentations without audio |
50 minutes |
| PowerPoint Presentations with audio |
50 minutes |
| Lecture notes |
50 minutes |
| Video lectures |
50 minutes |
| Face-to-Face meetings (hybrid only) |
1 hour = 1 hour |
| Assigned videos (does not include lecture videos) |
50 minutes |
| Quizzes/Exams |
1 hour of prep50 minutes to take the quiz/exam |
| Mid-term/Final |
5 hours of prep2 hours to take the mid-term/final |
| Instructor feedback |
10 minutes per submitted assignment per student |
Calculations for student work:
| Readings |
100-200 level courses = 10 minutes per page300-400 level courses = 8 minutes per pageGraduate level courses = 6 minutes per page |
| Formal writing assignments |
30 minutes per page |
| Rough draft papers |
60 minutes total |
| Research |
2 hours per page |
| Case Studies |
1 hour per page |
| PowerPoint Presentations |
2 hours total |
| Speeches |
1 hour per minute for prep and presentation |
| Misc. assignments |
2 hours per assignment |
Calculations for Applied Music (Private Lessons)
| 45 hours of practice |
1 credit hour |
| 90 hours of practice |
2 credit hours |
| 135 hours of practice |
3 credit hours |
Calculations for Clinical/Practicum/Internship/Lab:
| Clinical |
40 work hours = 1 credit hour |
| Practicum |
Variable 20-40 observation hours = 1 credit hour |
| Internship |
40 work hours = 1 credit hour |
| Lab |
30 contact hours = 1 credit hour |
Calculations for Independent Study:
Independent projects, such as special problems, in which the student works more or less individually at various locations, ordinarily requiring intermittent consultation with the professor. The instructor will identify appropriate outcomes/objectives to meet the credit hour requirements of the course.
Hours spent on the course per week may vary from week to week, though the standard total time spent is as follows
| 40 hours of student work + 5 hours of direct instruction |
1 credit hour |
| 80 hours of student work + 10 hours of direct instruction |
2 credit hours |
| 120 hours of student work + 15 hours of direct instruction |
3 credit hours |
| 160 hours of student work + 20 hours of direct instruction |
4 credit hours |
| 205 hours of student work + 25 hours of direct instruction |
5 credit hours |
Upper-Level (Junior and Senior) Courses
Courses numbered 100-299 are designed primarily for Freshmen and Sophomores. Courses numbered 300-499 are for Juniors and Seniors; Freshmen should not enroll in these courses.
For bachelor's degrees, at least 30 hours must be in 300-level courses or higher. These are offered primarily for Juniors and Seniors and generally require advanced knowledge. At least 15 hours at the 300-400 level must be in the major field. These may be counted in the 30 upper college hours. Courses taken at the lower divisional level from either a two year or four year institution may meet content requirements to enroll for an upper-division course, but do not count as upper-division credit toward the required 30 hours of 300-level coursework.
Academic Majors and Minors/Secondary Field of Study
All students must have a major field of study and may elect a secondary field of study (either a second major, a minor, or the alternative to the minor). Requirements for the major and minor in each academic field are described in this catalog on each discipline's pages; academic disciplines are listed alphabetically.
Academic Majors. Central Methodist University believes that every person with a college education should have one or more areas of both in-depth and extensive knowledge. The academic major ensures all graduates have one or more widely recognized fields of study in which they can function at a sophisticated, advanced level. Students choose a degree program, and within it they choose an academic major. Within the major field, students again have both some freedom of course selection as well as a structure of requirements to fulfill.
For the BA and BS degrees, majors require at least 27 hours, and they may not require more than 65hours in the discipline named as the major. Students may, however, elect courses beyond the 65 hours required in the major field. All undergraduate degrees other than the BA and BS require a major with at least 65hours, but the major is not limited to 40 hours.
For more information on differences between the requirements for BA and BS degrees, see the General Education Requirements section of the catalog.
If selecting a double major, students must complete degree plans for both programs and must complete all requirements for each major. At least 27 hours of coursework in each major must be distinct from the other major. That is, at least 27 semester hours in each major cannot be counted in the courses which satisfy the other major.
Academic Minors/Secondary Field of Study. Students should decide on the coursework to build their degree in consultation with their advisors. If students do not choose to add a secondary field of study, they must still fulfill the general requirements to earn a degree, including at least 30 hours of 300- or 400- level credit. Degree programs may include a significant secondary field of study in addition to the major and the General Education . Students selecting a secondary field of study have the following two options:
1. Select a second major (see “double major” above).
2. Select an academic minor from a number of fields on the basis of further support for the major or personal interest. Minors require at least 17 hours. Students must submit at least 44 distinct credit hours in the major and minor combined.
Electives - As Provided By Each Degree Program
As a part of every college education, students should explore areas of interest beyond what is required of them. These interests, formally pursued in college courses, may form the basis for continued learning throughout life. Formal college education should support and encourage such continued, informal learning.
Limitations
A maximum of 14 hours in any combination of applied Music courses which have been approved by the faculty may be applied toward the BA degree. No more than four (4) activity courses in Physical Education may be applied toward any degree.
Requirements for a 2nd Bachelor's Degree
- Students with a CMU Degree. To be eligible for a second bachelor's degree, a student must complete at least 26 hours in addition to those counted for first degree. These hours must be earned in courses approved by the Dean of the University, must be taken at Central Methodist University, and must satisfy all the specific course requirements for the second degree.
- Students with a Bachelor's Degree from another institution. To be eligible for a second bachelor's degree, a student must satisfy all the specific course and degree requirements for the second degree.
Residence
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must complete at least 30 of the last 36 hours of credit in residence at Central Methodist University. Exceptions to this residence requirement may be made in the case of military veterans whose programs of study have been approved by the Dean of the University. For extraordinary circumstances, students may petition the Faculty Committee on Academic Standards and Admissions. A candidate for the associate degree must earn the last 24 hours of credit in residence at Central Methodist University. Students enrolled in Cooperative Programs are not required to meet the residence rule.
Assessment
Central Methodist University is committed to providing quality education and to assuring that students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful after they graduate. In order to assure the continuing improvement of its educational programs, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a "Program to Assess Student Academic Achievement." All students and faculty are involved in this program through various tests, class assignments, surveys, etc. conducted throughout the undergraduate program. This program seeks to measure student learning in general education and the major fields of study. The results of this ongoing study of student learning are used for continuing improvement of the curriculum and instruction. All students will complete a capstone course for each degree he or she is completing.
English Proficiency
Each student must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English before receiving a degree. This may be accomplished by receiving a passing grade in either EN305 or EN306. Those who have successfully completed six hours in composition before entering CMU will receive credit for EN110/EN111 and must still take and pass EN305 or EN306. For spoken English, students must either successfully complete a proficiency examination, or CT101 (Public Speaking) or transfer in an equivalent course.
University Policy for Math Placement
ACT
(Math Subscore) |
Course |
| < 20 |
MA090 - Computer-Assisted Pre-Algebra 3 hr course |
| 20-21 |
MA103I - College Algebra (Intensive) - 5 hr course
or MA109I Quantitative Reasoning (Intensive) 5 hr course |
| > 21 |
MA103 - College Algebra - 3 hr course
or MA109 - Quantitative Reasoning 3 hr course |
Special Courses
Special Problems Courses. 1-5 semester hours. Offered by most departments and numbered 260, 360, or 460 depending on the level of study expected, Special Problems courses consist of a program of independent study or research on a topic of special interest to an individual student. Each course is designed to study topics either not covered or treated only briefly in other courses in the curriculum. A written course proposal or abstract adequately describing the project must be prepared by the student and approved by the supervising instructor, the division chair, and the academic advisor, prior to the regular period for registration. Special Problems may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Written approval by those named above.
Special Topics Courses. 1-5 semester hours. Offered by most departments and numbered 190, 290, 390, or 490 depending on the level of study expected, Special Topics courses will be offered from time to time on topics of importance in the discipline—topics which are not covered or which are treated only briefly in other courses in the curriculum. Special Topics courses may cover topics of special interest to an instructor and a particular group of students, or they may be an experimental course being considered for addition to the curriculum. Special Topics may be repeated for credit for different topics. [After two course offerings on the same topic, departments must request that the course be added to the curriculum.] Prerequisites: Those specified by the instructor in the Course Schedule.
Internships and Field Experiences are available in most departments with varying hours of credit depending on the design of the learning experience. They are all numbered as either 268, 368, or 468. Each internship is individually arranged by the student, a supervising instructor who assigns the final grade, and a supervisor/instructor on the site of the internship experience. Students complete a separate, multi-page registration form describing the learning experience. This form must be signed and approved by the student, supervising instructor, Division Chair, and Dean of the University prior to registration for the Internship course.
Honors Program
The Honors Program is designed to empower students by offering alternative educational opportunities. These alternatives come in the form of Honors classes, either at the 100, 200, or 300 level. In these classes students will be given opportunities for greater exploration and more rigorous analysis of course content. Great emphasis is placed on the development of oral and written communication, as well as on critical thinking.
All entering students who have a GPA of 3.5 or above or an ACT of 26 or higher are eligible to enter the program. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or above and a ranking in the top ten percent of their high school class, may petition the Honors Committee by sending a letter indicating why they wish to participate in the Honors Program.
After being accepted into the program, the student must maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA and complete 12 hours of Honors coursework in order to graduate with Honors. Three hours of the 12 must be a Senior Honors thesis or an appropriate substitute. (Substitutes for Senior thesis work are arranged at the divisional level and in consultation with the Honors Committee.) The required twelve hours of Honors coursework must be taken over the course of at least two semesters.
Study Abroad
Students wishing to study abroad for credit should consult the Office of the Provost, for assistance in selecting a program. Generally, students should begin planning study abroad at least one year prior to leaving the country for studies. Before studying abroad, students must consult with the Offices of the Provost and the Registrar to determine whether the students' planned courses will transfer to CMU for credit. Some scholarship money is available. Obtain a scholarship application from the Office of the Provost.
Pre-Professional Programs
Since liberal arts education is essential to sound professional education, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides an opportunity for students to study both a liberal arts and a pre-professional curriculum in their choice of a number of pre-professional areas before entering professional schools. With thoughtful planning, transfer to the professional schools can be made without loss of credit or time. Such programs are available to students interested in engineering, journalism, law, library science, home economics, medicine, dentistry, dental hygiene, medical technology, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy, the ministry, religious education and social work.
Pre-Law Program
The Pre-Law Program is a co-curricular support service open to all students of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who are interested in learning more about career opportunities in the practice of law. As such, the program has two primary goals: (1) to provide students with the information and advising necessary for them to make informed decisions as to whether or not a career as a lawyer is for them, and (2) to provide serious pre-law students with support services designed to assist them in selecting and gaining admission to an appropriate law school.
The University has a pre-law club and a chapter of the international law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. Participation in PAD is open to all pre-law students with at least a 3.0 GPA. The pre-law club is open to all interested students.
No particular course of study (major or minor) is a prerequisite for admission or success in law school. Today's law students may have undergraduate degrees in Political Science, English, Business, Psychology, natural science, History, foreign languages, Education, Music, or other subjects. Therefore, the main guide to undergraduate study should be the student's own interests and talents. Since the successful study and practice of law can be based on any of a large number of college backgrounds, pre-law students are advised to select a major which interests them and in which they believe they can show their best work.
The skills most related to success in the study and practice of law can be developed or improved through study of any academic field in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Still, we recommend the following general guidelines to pre-law students for making curricular decisions: A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written expression. Words are the tools of the lawyer's trade; therefore, lawyers must be able to speak and write well. In addition, law students must develop the capacity for creative and critical thinking, since they must be able to reason logically from given premises to tenable conclusions and to do so quickly and under pressure.
To assist pre-law students in preparing for law school, a Pre-law Handbook is published by the pre-law program. That handbook contains a list of recommended courses for the consideration of pre-law students. Copies of the Pre-law Handbook may be obtained free of charge from the Dr. John Carter, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Pre-Law Program.
A list of recommended courses is provided to assist in identifying individual courses that may have special value in preparing for law school and a legal practice. This list is intended to supplement the CMU's general education requirements, as well as the specific requirements of whichever academic major the student may elect. Some of the courses listed may fulfill specific academic requirements of the university and/or one or more of its departments of study.
Recommended Pre-Law Preparation Courses
- Communication Skills Area
- AC201 Principles of Accounting I
- AC202 Principles of Accounting II
- CT201 Public Relations
- CT306 Media Law
- CT320 Interpersonal Communication
- EN305 Expository Writing
- EN306 Advanced Workplace Writing
- Human Institutions and Values
- AC340 Income Tax
- AC350 Accounting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit Organizations
- BU341 Business Law-Contracts
- BU342 Business Law-Commercial
- CJ202 Criminal Law
- CJ301 Constitutional Aspects of Criminal Justice
- PL306 Ethics and the Professions
- PS101 Introduction to American Government
- PS308 American Constitutional Law and the Judicial Process
- PS309 Law in American Society
- PS318American Legislative Politics
- Critical Thinking
- EC201 Macroeconomics
- EC202 Microeconomics
- EC330 Law and Economics
- MA105 Elementary Statistics
- PL101 Introduction to Logic
- PL105 Introduction to Philosophy
- PL311 The Study of Knowledge
- SO350 Social Theory
Pre-Health Science Professional Track
The Pre-Health Science Professional Track is open to all students interested in the health sciences. Pre-Health Science Professional students who may to pursue specialty areas such as Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Genetic Counseling, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Chiropractic Medicine, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and Allopathic Medicine (MD). Most of these specialty areas also strongly recommend taking MA105 Statistics. Consult your advisor and professional program for more specific application requirements including prerequisite coursework, GPA, and specialty exams. Students on this track receive intensive advising throughout their college experience.
Most Pre-Health Science Professional students belong to AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta, national pre-health professions honor society), BBB (Beta Beta Beta, national biological honor society), and Gamma Sigma Epsilan. These groups Bring guest speakers to campus and visit medical, professional, and graduate schools, pharmaceutical companies, and other sites of interest. They also attend national conventions and have been honored with awards for their outstanding activities and service. AED and BBB meet jointly and regularly to discuss issues in medical ethics and to plan service projects.
Educator Certification Programs
Central Methodist University offers four-year programs designed to meet Missouri state certification requirements for early childhood, elementary, middle school, and secondary teachers. Complete descriptions of these programs are provided under "Education" in this catalog. Students interested in certification should study this section carefully and consult with members of the education faculty as soon as they enter the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Cooperative Programs
As a result of cooperative programs entered into by Central Methodist University and selected schools, it is possible for students to complete their BA or BS degrees and then advance their studies in engineering, law, and medicine.. These Cooperative Programs are referred to as the Accelerated MBA Program (Rockhurst University), Accelerated MBA (Maryville University),programs in Engineering (Missouri University of Science and Technology), the "3-3" program in Law (University of Missouri), the "3-4" KCUMB Partners Program in Osteopathic Medicine, and the Military Science Program (University of Missouri).
Accelerated MBA Program
Upon completion of an undergraduate degree from CMU, students are eligible to enter Rockhurst University's Accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program. To be eligible, students' CMU undergraduate degrees must have included courses equivalent to and satisfying requirements for Rockhurst's Business minor; student also must satisfy requirements for admission to Rockhurst's MBA program, to include the appropriate GMAT score, as determined by Rockhurst University. Upon admission, students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate Business courses beyond the Business minor or equivalent. CMU graduates must begin this MBA program within one year of completing their undergraduate degrees, and they must complete the Accelerated MBA Program within three years of receiving their undergraduate degree.
"2-2" Program in Engineering
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a transfer agreement with the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla for Engineering students. After two years of course work at CMU, students may transfer directly into the Junior year at Rolla. Consult with the Chair of the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science for further information.
"3-2" Program in Engineering
This program enables a student to obtain a BS degree from CMU and a BS degree in Engineering from the second school in five years. Students attend CMU for three years and then transfer to the engineering school. After one year of engineering studies which fulfills the requirements for the BS degree, students will request a transcript to be sent to CMU in order for the BS degree to be conferred. Then, after two years of engineering studies which fulfill the requirements for the engineering degree, the student will be awarded a BS in Engineering by the engineering school. In certain instances, additional summer sessions may be necessary to complete requirements for the engineering degree. Combined programs in engineering have been formalized between CMU and Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla. Arrangements with other schools are also possible. Consult with the Chair of the Division of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science for further information.
"3-3" Program in Law
CMU pre-law students are eligible to apply for the University of Missouri's 3-3 Program in Law. This program, administered by the School of Law of the University of Missouri, is for exceptional students. Undergraduate students who wish to pursue this course to law school complete all general education requirements for their bachelor's degree during their first six semesters at CMU and apply for admission to the University of Missouri during their third year of undergraduate study. CMU pre-law students who enter MU Law School through this program will qualify to earn their baccalaureate degree by transferring appropriate hours of credits from the Law School to meet remaining graduation requirements at CMU. (Note that the University of Missouri suggests that most students will be best served by obtaining their bachelor's degree prior to entering MU Law School.) Please consult with Dr. John Carter, Director of the Pre-law Program and Professor of Political Science, for further information.
"3-4" Partners Program in Osteopathic Medicine
This program enables students to apply to Kansas City University (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine Partners Program in the fall of their sophomore year. Students are first interviewed by a CMU committee, and if they are approved the students then apply to and interview at KCU. If accepted, they may complete all CMU general education requirements for the program in three years. During the summer after the sophomore year, the student must complete a five-day med-prep course at KCUMB. The MCAT, normally required for admission to KCUMB, is not required of students applying through our Partners Program. Students matriculate at KCUMB as full-time first-year students following their Junior year at CMU. They receive their bachelor's degree from CMU following successful completion of their first-year at KCUMB. Consult the pre-med advisor Dr. Anna Slusarz for specific requirements of this program.
Accelerated MBA Program with Maryville University
The Accelerated MBA program with Maryville University is open to students with junior standing, a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, and who are admitted to the MBA program by Maryville University. Students are able to enroll in six hours of undergraduate coursework at CMU that will count toward the MBA and to also enroll in six hours of coursework from Maryville University's MBA that will count toward the undergraduate degree program at CMU. For additional information contact the Business, Accounting and Economics division.
The Military Science Program
The College has cooperative arrangements with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force which allows students to enroll in Military Science courses offered at the University of Missouri-Columbia. This program allows students to qualify for commission as second lieutenants by the end of their Senior year. Military Science classroom instruction is provided on campus or at the University of Missouri-Columbia, while the leadership labs are conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia in conjunction with the Cadet Corps. Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 to remain in the ROTC program. Various scholarships are available for CMU students. For more information, contact Capt. Shane Parks, U.S. Army National Guard and CMU's ROTC coordinator, at ROTC@centralmethodist.edu. For additional information, consult the Military Science section of this catalog.
