2005 - 2006 University Catalog

Degree Programs and Requirements

Academic Affairs
Churchill 130
541-552-6213 (Academic Advising)
541-552-6114 (Academic Affairs)

Arts and Sciences Programs

At SOU, the arts and sciences are centered in three schools: Arts and Letters; Sciences; and Social Science and Health & Physical Education. Two types of degree programs are available. For subject matter degrees, the major field of study is concentrated within one academic department. In the case of interdisciplinary degrees, the major work is drawn from two or more fields of study from different departments (see page 143). See the back cover for a complete listing of these degree programs.

Professional Programs

SOU professional programs are centered in three schools: Business, Education, and Social Science and Health & Physical Education. The professional degree programs emphasize in-depth coursework within these schools and also draw upon the arts and sciences programs for supporting coursework and a strong General Education component. A wide variety of emphases is available within the professional programs. Please refer to the back cover of this catalog and to the appropriate academic section.

Program Planning

Students should consider the following when planning a degree program:

  1. Core Curriculum. The SOU core curriculum has three parts: a) General Education requirements, b) special requirements for the bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree, and c) upper division writing and capstone experience requirements in each major. The General Education requirements are related to specific writing, speech, and quantitative skills set in the context of critical thinking. These requirements are met by the University Colloquium or equivalent and by selecting approved Explorations sequences, Quantitative Reasoning courses, and Synthesis courses. The General Education requirements include approximately 9 credits of coursework, the equivalent of about one year of full-time college work. The special requirements for the BA or BS degree are listed under BA/BS Requirements on page 22. The upper division requirements for writing, research, and the capstone experience vary according to the major (see the appropriate section in the catalog for a particular major).
  2. Academic Progress. Students planning to complete the bachelor’s degree in four years should take at least 15 to 16 credits a term each year.
  3. Class Schedule. Provided by the Registrar’s Office, the class schedule lists the classes available each quarter. Before preregistering, students should check the closed class list posted in the Office of the Registrar or Academic Advising to be sure their desired classes are available.
  4. Course Content. For specific course information, consult the course description in this catalog or request a syllabus from the department or instructor offering the course. Texts for a course may be reviewed in the University Bookstore.
  5. Special Course Scheduling Considerations. Many language and science course sequences begin fall quarter and cannot be entered midyear. Some courses have laboratory work that must be taken concurrently with the lecture component of the course. Students intending a major with a science specialty should consult departmental advisors early on about supporting coursework requirements in mathematics and science.
  6. Approval of Registration. Students with a declared premajor or major must obtain approval of the proposed schedule from their advisor before registration. Undeclared students and students majoring in interdisciplinary studies must obtain this registration approval from the Academic Advising Office in Stevenson Union 134.

Placement Exams

The appropriate SOU placement level is determined by placement exams in foreign languages and mathematics. For more information on these exams, see page 104 for mathematics. Contact the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department for foreign languages.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
  1. Minimum term credits: 180.
  2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements. See the following section, Core Curriculum Requirements.
  3. Work in upper division courses: Minimum of 60 credits.
  4. Satisfaction of the departmental requirements for a major. This must be certified by the department chair.
  5. Work in residence: Minimum 45 credits of last 60; last 15 on campus.
  6. Registration is blocked for any student who has completed 91 credits and does not have a declared major on file in the Registrar’s Office.
  7. Students completing a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree must complete the special requirements for these degrees. See BA/BS Requirements on page 22.
  8. Grade Point Average: Minimum 2.0 in the major, minor, and overall. Some departments have a higher minimum GPA requirement for their majors and minors (see requirements for the major and minors in the departmental listing).
  9. Restrictions:
    1. Courses numbered below 100 that are taken after fall term 1982 do not apply toward graduation requirements.

      Note: Courses numbered 0–49 taken prior to fall term 1982 are not applicable toward graduation requirements; 50–99 are applicable toward graduation as electives only.

    2. Open course numbers limitation:
      1. 199, 299, 399, 401, 403, 405, and 407 courses are limited to 45 credits in the overall program.
      2. 409 practicum courses are limited to 15 credits a prefix (e.g., Wr, Span, Anth), and 30 credits for the overall program.
      3. Courses that were taken as open-numbered courses but subsequently became regularly scheduled (non–open-numbered) courses should not be counted in the credit limits on open-numbered courses.
    3. Correspondence study: Maximum 24 credits.
    4. Extension study: Maximum 60 credits (including the above).
    5. Prior learning experience: Maximum 90 credits approved.

Core Curriculum Requirements

The faculty has developed a core curriculum that must be completed by all baccalaureate students regardless of the major or type of baccalaureate degree. This curriculum is designed to give each student the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to become a responsible and productive citizen of an increasingly international community. The core curriculum includes two sets of requirements: General Education requirements and components in the major.

General Education Requirements

The University’s General Education requirements are designed to provide undergraduates with effective critical thinking, communication, and research skills. These requirements develop in students an awareness of the connections and relationships among the social, artistic, cultural, and scientific traditions of human endeavor. The desired outcome of the General Education program is a person who is capable of resolving complex issues with intelligence, compassion, and understanding.

The General Education program includes both lower and upper division requirements. The lower division requirements include the University Colloquium and various Explorations sequences. The upper division requirements include three Synthesis and Applications courses.

Outline of the General Education Curriculum

Lower Division
University Colloquium (Core 101, 102, 103) (Complete with a grade of C- or better)12
Quantitative Reasoning*4–8

Explorations Sequences
Arts and Letters8-credit minimum
Natural Sciences8-credit minimum
Social Sciences8-credit minimum

*The Quantitative Reasoning requirement may be satisfied by completion of either a standalone course or an Explorations sequence designed to incorporate the learning objectives of the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Upper Division

Synthesis and Applications Courses
Arts and Letters3–4
Natural Sciences3–4
Social Sciences3–4
Total credits*49–56

*Total credits are at least 49, but are likely to range between 49 and 56.

For the most recent listing of courses and sequences in the General Education program, see the latest class schedule or the SOU Web site.

General Education Policies

Courses in the major or minor may be used to meet General Education requirements. General Education courses may be used to satisfy the requirements of the major or minor at the discretion of the relevant department or program.

Courses Approved for General Education

Writing and Oral Communication
University Colloquium (Core 101, 102, 103) Complete with a grade of C- or better12
Quantitative Reasoning
Precalculus II: Elementary Functions (Mth 112)4
Elementary Linear Mathematics (Mth 158 )4
Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics I (Mth 211)*4
and Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics II (Mth 212)*4
Elementary Statistics (Mth 243)4
Calculus I (Mth 251)4
Exploratory Data Analysis (Ec 232)4

*Both Mth 211 and 212 must be taken to satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Explorations Sequence

Note: You must take 8 credits of a paired Explorations sequence in each of the following areas: Arts and Letters, Natural Science, and Social Science. See Course Prerequisites Policy on page 16.

Arts and Letters
Introduction to Cultural Studies: Classic Texts and Contemporary Dynamics (AL 215)4
Introduction to Cultural Studies: Classic Textsand Contemporary Dynamics (AL 216)4
History of Art (ArtH 201)4
History of Art (ArtH 202)4
Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200)4
Media Across Cultures (Comm 201)4
Academic English for ESOL Students (Eng 101)4
Academic English for ESOL Students (Eng 102)4
Introduction to Literature (Eng 104)4
Introduction to Literature (Eng 105)4
World Literature (Eng 107)4
World Literature (Eng 108)4
Native American Myth and Culture (Eng 239)4
Native American Narratives, Fiction, and Poetry (Eng 240)4
Intermediate French Language and Culture (Fr 202)4
Intermediate French Language and Culture (Fr 203)4
Intermediate German Language and Culture (GL 202)4
Intermediate German Language and Culture (GL 203)4
Seminar: The Ancient World* (Ho 291)4
Seminar: The Rise of the Individual Renaissance and Enlightenment Periods* (Ho 292)4
Seminar: The Ancient World* (Ho 291)4
Seminar: The Modern World* (Ho 293)4
Seminar: The Rise of the Individual Renaissance and Enlightenment Periods* (Ho 292)4
Seminar: The Ancient World* (Ho 291)4
Seminar: The Modern World* (Ho 293)4
Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture (Span 202)4
Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture (Span 203)4
Music of Western Culture (Mus 201)4
Music of Nonwestern Culture (Mus 202)4
Music of Western Culture (Mus 201)4
American Jazz (Mus 203)4
Music of Nonwestern Culture (Mus 202)4
American Jazz (Mus 203)4
Introduction to Philosophy (Phl 201)4
Ethics: Moral Issues (Phl 205)4
Religion and the Human Experience (Rel 201)4
Religion and the Human Experience (Rel 202)4

*The Honors sequences are approved for General Education for students who have been accepted into the Honors program.

Natural Sciences
General Biology: Cells (Bi 101)4
General Biology: Organisms (Bi 102)4
General Biology: Cells (Bi 101)4
General Biology: Populations (Bi 103)4
Principles of Biology: Molecules, Cells, and Genes (Bi 211)4
Principles of Biology: Evolution and Diversity (Bi 212)4
Fundamentals of Chemistry (Ch 100)4
Environmental Chemistry (Ch 101)4
Survey of Chemistry (Ch 104)4
Survey of Chemistry (Ch 105)4
General Chemistry/Lab (Ch 201/204)3/1
General Chemistry/Lab (Ch 202/205)3/1
Physical Environment I (ES 111) 4Physical Environment II (ES 112)4
Physical Geology I (G 101)4
Physical Geology II (G 102)4
Fundamentals of Physics/Lab (Ph 100/104)3/1
Astronomy: The Solar System/Workshop (Ph 112/114)3/1
Fundamentals of Physics/Lab (Ph 100/104)3/1
Astronomy: The Stars/Workshop (Ph 113/115)3/1
Astronomy: The Solar System/Workshop (Ph 112/114)3/1
Astronomy: The Stars/Workshop (Ph 113/115)3/1
General Physics I/Lab (Ph 201/224)3/1
General Physics II/Lab (Ph 202/225)3/1
Social Sciences
Business, Government, andSociety (BA 110/PS 111)4
America and Globalization (PS 110)4
American Criminal Justice System (CCJ 230)4
Introduction to Criminology (CCJ 231)4
Principles of Microeconomics (Ec 201)4
Principles of Macroeconomics (Ec 202)4
Introduction to Geography: The Rogue Valley (Geog 101)4
Introduction to Human Geography (Geog 107)4
Introduction to Geography: The Rogue Valley (Geog 101)4
Global Land and Livelihoods (Geog 108)4
Introduction to Human Geography (Geog 107)4
Global Land and Livelihoods (Geog 108)4
World Civilizations (Hst 110)4
World Civilizations (Hst 111)4
World Civilizations (Hst 111)4
World Civilizations (Hst 112)4
American History and Life (Hst 250)4
American History and Life (Hst 251)4
Power and Politics (PS 201)4
Authority and Law (PS 202)4
General Psychology (Psy 201)4
General Psychology (Psy 202)4
Physical Anthropology and Archaeology: Perspectives on Humanity’s Past (Anth 211)4
Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (Anth 213)4
Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (Anth 213)4
Women in Society (WS 201)4
The Sociological Imagination (Soc 204)4
American Society (Soc 205)4
The Sociological Imagination (Soc 204)4
Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (Anth 213)4
The Sociological Imagination (Soc 204)4
Women in Society (WS 201)4
Health and Society I (HE 250)4
Health and Society II (HE 275)4
Synthesis and Applications

Synthesis and Applications courses bring together students from diverse majors to interact and share multidisciplinary perspectives. These focused synthesis courses address complex interdisciplinary topics.

Arts and Letters

(3–4 credits)
History and Theories of Cultural Studies (AL 301)4
Art and Music of the Twentieth Century to Present (ArtH 311)4
Art, Culture, and Technological Change (ArtH 330)4
Art, Culture, and Politics (ArtH 344)4
Class, Culture, and Feminism in Victorian and Edwardian England (Eng 341)4
British Women Writers (Eng 367)4
Women Writers in the U.S. (Eng 368)4
Teaching Global Perspectives Through Children’s Literature (Eng 398)*4
French Culture, Composition, and Conversation (Fr 314)4
French Culture, Composition, and Conversation (Fr 315)4
French Culture, Composition, and Conversation (Fr 316)4
German Culture, Composition, and Conversation (GL 301)4
German Culture, Composition, and Conversation (GL 302)4
German Culture, Composition, and Conversation (GL 303)4
Topics in French Film (Fr 350/Flm 350)4
Art and Music of the Twentieth Century to Present (Mus 311)4
Electronic and Computer Music (Mus 355)3
Digital Tools for Interdisciplinary Synthesis: Music as Metaphor (Mus 358)3
History of Music (Mus 360)3
History of Music (Mus 361)3
History of Music (Mus 362)3
Information Technology: Legal and Ethical Issues (Phl 310)4
History and Philosophy of Science (Phl 339)4
Death and Dying: Multidimensional Explorations (Phl 340)4
International Women’s Movements (WS 301)*4
Contemporary U.S. Women’s Movements (WS 302)*4

*Choose either the Arts and Letters or Social Science credit, but not both.

Choose either the Arts and Letters or Natural Science credit, but not both.

Natural Sciences

(3–4 credits)
Introduction to Complex Systems (Bi 381)4
Biology and Society (Bi 382)3
Science and Advocacy in Environmental Policy Debates (Bi 383)3
Ethnobotany and Cross-Cultural Communication (Bi 384)3
Women in Science (Bi 385)3
Forensic Science (Ch 300)3
Information Technology: Legal and Ethical Issues (CS 310)*4
Computer Forensics (CS 346)4
Metals and Civilization (G 330)3
Oceanography (G 353/Sc 353)3
Environmental Geology (G 360)4
Energy and the Environment (Ph 308)3
Acoustics, Sound, and Music (Ph 313)3
Light, Vision, and Optical Phenomena (Ph 314)3
Cosmology (Ph 315)3
History and Philosophy of Science (Sc 339)*4
History and Philosophy of the Environmental Movement (Sc 345)3

*Choose either the Arts and Letters or Natural Science credit, but not both.

Choose either the Natural Science or Social Science credit, but not both.

Social Sciences

(3–4 credits)
Business, Government, and Nonprofits (BA 320/PS 321)4
American Culture (Anth 310)4
Pacific Cultures (Anth 317)4
Cultures of the World (Anth 319)4
Special Studies: Native North America (Anth 334)4
Computer Forensics (CCJ 346)*4
Gender Issues in Economics (Ec 340)4
Teaching Global Perspectives Through Children’s Literature (Ed 398)4
Urban Environments (Geog 350)4
Population, Development, and the Environment (Geog 360)4
The Politics of Mass Media (PS 310)4
Law, Science, and the Environment (PS 340)4
Human Behavior and Film (Psy 313)4
Poverty, Family, and Policy (Soc 304)4
Global Culture and Media (Soc 333)4
People and Forests (Soc 350)4
International Women’s Movements (WS 301)4
Contemporary U.S. Women’sMovements (WS 302)4

*Choose either the Natural Sciences or Social Science credit, but not both.

Choose either the Arts and Letters or the Social Science credit, but not both.

University Colloquium

 Central 008
541-552-8160
Tonette Long, Interim Director

The University Colloquium is required for entering students who do not have the equivalent of Wr 121 and 122.* The Colloquium (Core 101, 102, 103) is a yearlong course. This component of the General Education curriculum combines speaking, writing, and critical thinking and is designed for all newly admitted first-year students.

Students and faculty form a cohort and remain together for the entire year. The instructor serves as the first-year faculty advisor for students who have not chosen a major. Students are asked to register for a time slot that, under normal circumstances, will remain their meeting time for the entire year. All Colloquium students read many of the same materials across sections, attend events with other student cohorts, and are encouraged to carry on class discussions and activities outside of the individual cohorts. Students, however, experience the course in a variety of ways due to inevitable differences among sections.

In Colloquium, students build the academic skills required for successful performance in college. Through a structured sequence of experiences, students progress beyond unsupported assertion to reasoned argumentation and dialogue. Critical writing and speaking and small group communication also are emphasized.

In comparing the SOU Colloquium experience with traditional communication and writing courses, the following guidelines may be useful: (1) successful completion of Core 101 with a C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit of communication; (2) successful completion of Core 102 with a C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit communication; (3) successful completion of Core 103 with a C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit of communication. Only upon completion of the whole sequence do students receive the equivalent of 12 credits in writing and communication. The communication credit is equivalent to Comm 210 at SOU.

The Colloquium does not divide the academic instruction in speaking and writing into modes. Instead, students focus on speaking and writing in terms of rhetorical purpose, with attention to audience, assertions, and reasons. Traditional modes, such as narration, exposition, and argument, are presented as means of achieving the overall purpose of writing or speaking. Students focus on claim and support and audience during term one, complete a substantive research project in term two, and practice argumentation in writing and speaking in term three.

*The University Colloquium administers the lower division Wr 121, Wr 122, and Wr 227 courses. In rare cases, students may need to complete their General Education written and oral communication requirement through Wr 122. Students should contact the Colloquium Office in Central 008 or call 541-552-8160.

Colloquium Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

Core 101, 102, 103 University Colloquium
4 credits each
Focuses on the skills students need to succeed in college. This year-long course is a component of the General Education curriculum in critical reading, writing, speaking, and thinking. Under normal circumstances, students stay with their teacher and classmates in small sections for the entire sequence. General advising and a college success component are also important aspects of the course. Enrollment in the University Colloquium is required of all freshmen who have not completed the equivalent of both Wr 121 and 122. Successful completion of all three terms of the University Colloquium is equivalent to a full year of writing and a course in oral communication.

Core 101H, 102H, 103H University Colloquium Honors

4 credits each

Each year, a few sections are designated as Core 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections often focus on a specific theme and are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace.


Core 101W, 102W, 103W Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP)
1 credit each
Designed for students who need further development of fundamental thinking and writing skills, this program is to be taken concurrently with the Colloquium. Students work closely with a peer tutor to improve specific skills needed for successful writing at the college level. P/NP only.

Core 209 Practicum
2 credits
Trains students to be one-on-one peer tutors in the Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP), located in the ACCESS Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation, an application and interview, and successful completion of Core 101, 102, 103.

Upper Division Courses

Core 409 Advanced Practicum
4 credits
Provides opportunities for students to work in partnership with faculty in the Colloquium or Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP). Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation and successful completion of a training session. Students who have successfully completed Core 101, 102, 103 are especially invited. Prerequisite: Colloquium director consent.

Writing Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

Wr 121 English Composition
4 credits
Introduces students to close reading, developing thesis statements, and approaches to essay structure. Focuses on organization and effective expression of ideas and academic essays.

Wr 122 English Composition
4 credits
Continues the focus on close reading, organization and effective expression in academic essays begun in Writing 121, concentrating primarily on argumentation. Prerequisite: Wr 121.

Wr 227 Technical Research Writing
4 credits
Covers written composition. Introduces research techniques and writing, with emphasis on technical and scientific writing. Equivalent to Wr 123. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the General Education writing requirement.

Components in the Major

Each academic major leading to a bachelor’s degree includes two upper division requirements for students completing that major.

Writing and Research Component. Demonstrate writing and research skills within the academic field of study chosen as a major. This upper division requirement is in addition to the writing requirement of General Education. It is met through coursework in the major that is designed to encourage the use of professional literature.

Students who have achieved the writing and research goals will be able to:

  1. systematically identify, locate, and select information and professional literature in both print and electronic formats within the knowledge base of the specific discipline;
  2. critically evaluate such materials;
  3. use the materials in a way that demonstrates understanding and synthesis of the subject matter; and
  4. develop cohesive research papers that use data and professional literature as evidence to support an argument or thesis following the style and conventions within the discipline of the major.

Capstone Experience. Complete a capstone experience designed to focus on and provide understanding of the major field of study. Each department specifies the manner in which its majors must meet these requirements. There is variation between fields of study. Please refer to the departmental listing of major requirements for details regarding the implementation of these requirements.

Assessment

SOU is committed to improving the quality of instruction by assessing student outcomes. The University determines the progress of the learning process by relating outcomes to clearly defined learning objectives. During their collegiate careers, students actively participate in the outcomes assessment process. Student participation contributes to curriculum design and the evolution of the learning community.

BA/BS Requirements

Undergraduate students completing a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree must satisfy the following requirements, as well as the other graduation requirements detailed earlier in this section.

Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

For this degree, students must:

  1. Complete one year of study of a foreign language at the second-year level or above at Southern Oregon University or another accredited college or university; complete four years of study of a single foreign language at the high school level; or successfully complete a proficiency examination administered by the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department. The exam is offered registration week of fall quarter. See page 84 for further details.
  2. Complete at least 48 credits in courses offered by the School of Arts and Letters. Note: Courses toward General Education, the academic major, minor, and the above requirement may be counted toward these 48 credits.

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

For this degree, students must:

  1. Complete at least two courses (8 or more credits) in mathematics, computer science (CS), designated statistics courses, or designated logic courses. The following statistics and logic courses have been approved for this requirement:
    • Applied Business Statistics (BA 282)
    • Exploratory Data Analysis (Ec 232)
    • Quantitative Methods (Ec 332)
    • Quantitative Methods of Geography (Geog 386)
    • Evaluation for Health and Physical Education (PE 412)
    • Elementary Logic (Phl 203)
    • Methods, Statistics, andLaboratory I (Psy 228)*
    • Methods, Statistics, andLaboratory II (Psy 229)*
    • Introduction to Social Research Methods (Soc 326)
    • Quantitative Data Analysis (Soc 327)
  2. Complete at least 48 credits in courses offered by the Schools of Business; Sciences; and Social Science and Health & Physical Education. Note: SOU courses toward General Education, the academic major, a minor, and the above requirement may be counted toward these 48 credits.

Requirements for the BA and BS do not apply to students completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA).

*Students must complete both Psy 228 and 229 to fulfill the requirement.

Transfer Student Policies

Students entering SOU with transfer credit from an accredited institution must meet one of the five Lower Division General Education Requirement Options listed below. Students with transfer credits from an unaccredited institution should see the section on Credit from Unaccredited Institutions on page 7. In addition, all students must complete three upper division synthesis General Education courses at SOU.

Lower Division General Education Requirement Options

Students entering SOU with transfer credit will be assigned to one of the following options:

  1. Option 1. Completion of SOU’s lower division General Education requirements as stated in the guidelines listed below for evaluation of transfer credit.
    Writing/Oral Communication

    (9–12 credits)
    1. Wr 121, 122 (completed with a grade of C- or better) and a communication course equivalent to Interpersonal Communication (Comm 125), Public Speaking (Comm 210), Small Group Communication (Comm 225), or Advanced Public Speaking (Comm 310). Note: You must transfer in two of the three classes and then complete the requirement with whichever class you were missing,

      or

    2. Take Core 101, 102, 103 (and complete with a grade of C- or better).
    Quantitative Reasoning

    (3–4 credits)
    1. Transfer in one college-level mathematics course that has a prerequisite of at least intermediate algebra.

      or

    2. Complete a Quantitative Reasoning course from SOU’s General Education list.

    Note: You must take the math placement test or transfer in a course that meets the prerequisite.

    Explorations Sequences

    Each Explorations sequence may be met in one of the following ways:

    1. Transfer in a two- to three-term lower division sequence in each of the areas of Arts and Letters, Sciences, and Social Science.

      or

    2. Transfer in a portion of a sequence and take the appropriate conclusion course at SOU.

      or

    3. Take an entire SOU Explorations sequence:
      Arts and Letters*

      (6–8 credits)

      Art, Communication, English and Writing, Foreign Languages and Literatures, General Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Theatre Arts

      Science*

      (6–8 credits, including two courses with labs)

      Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, Geology, Physics

      Social Science*

      (6–8 credits)

      Anthropology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, General Social Science


      Minimum total credits 24

      *Some sequences (especially from community colleges) may total only 6 credits. Students with fewer than the required 24 credits may complete additional courses in any of the three areas to bring the total amount of required credits to 24.

      Note: Courses used to meet these requirements may also be applied to major and minor requirements.

      For the most recent list of courses and sequences in the General Education program, see the latest class schedule or the SOU Web site.

  2. Option 2. Completion of an Associate of Arts-Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree as certified by an Oregon community college.
  3. Option 3. Completion of General Education requirements at an accredited four-year institution of higher education. Students must provide documentation from the institution stating that General Education requirements were met.
  4. Option 4. Completion of Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for either the University of California or California State University requirements, as a California community college transfer student. Students must provide documentation stating this curriculum was completed.
  5. Option 5. Completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from an accredited institution of higher education and the following requirements. Students who transfer with an associate’s degree and have finished some of the requirements in any given area will be permitted to finish the SOU area requirement as stated below. If a student transfers without work in any given area, the student must follow SOU’s General Education requirements to satisfy the area. Courses must be three or more credits each.
    1. Writing and Oral Communication. Complete two Freshman Composition courses and one Oral Communication/Speech class with a grade of C- or better.
    2. Quantitative Reasoning. Complete one college-level mathematics course that is above intermediate algebra.
    3. Arts and Letters. Complete two General Education courses in the same department that do not include studio work.
    4. Science. Complete two General Education courses in the same department, including at least one course with a lab component.
    5. Social Science. Complete two General Education courses in the same department.
  6. Option 6. Completion of the Oregon Transfer Module (OTM). For details, check with the SOU ACCESS Center.

Upper Division General Education Requirements

Synthesis Courses

All students (in all options) must complete one upper division SOU Synthesis course in each of the following areas:

  1. Arts and Letters (3–4 credits)
  2. Science (3–4 credits)
  3. Social Science (3–4 credits)

For the most recent list of upper division Synthesis courses in the General Education program, see the class schedule or the SOU Web site.

Guidelines for Normal Progress

The following serves as a guide for students and advisors to assess the rate at which students should complete General Education and major requirements.

  1. At the completion of 48 credits of study applicable to a bachelor’s degree, the student should have:
    1. a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA; and
    2. completed 12 credits of the Colloquium and at least 8 credits of lower division Explorations sequences.
  2. At the completion of 91 credits of study applicable to a baccalaureate degree, the student should have:
    1. a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA;
    2. completed all 24 credits of the lower division Explorations sequences and a Quantitative Reasoning course or sequence; and
    3. declared a major. Registration is blocked for any student who has not declared a major after the completion of 91 credits.
  3. At the completion of 144 credits of study applicable to a bachelor’s degree, the student should have:
    1. obtained a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA;
    2. completed at least one of the three upper division Synthesis and Applications courses;
    3. completed at least half of the credits in the declared major; and
    4. completed at least 30 credits of upper division coursework.
  4. At the completion of 180 credits of study, the student should have completed all requirements for the baccalaureate degree.
Guidelines for Normal Progress Notes
  1. Most baccalaureate degree programs at Southern Oregon University are designed to be completed in four academic years at an average academic load of 16 credits a quarter. Some students, however, pursue the degree at an average rate of fewer than 16 credits a quarter and complete the degree in a proportionately longer period of time. The guidelines above address the content of the program rather than the rate at which the student pursues the degree. Consequently, these guidelines are applicable to both full-time and part-time students.
  2. The guidelines above are designed for a student whose total academic program is at Southern Oregon University. A transfer student’s normal progress toward a degree should be evaluated on the basis of credits accepted for transfer to SOU by the Admissions Office plus credits completed at the University.
  3. Some majors, particularly in the sciences and preprofessional programs, require a heavy academic load in the major and supporting areas during the first two years due to the sequential structure of the major program. Students in these majors may need to delay certain elements of the General Education program until their junior or senior year. These students and their advisors may need to modify items 1b, 2b, and 3b of these guidelines to accommodate the special needs of the major.