2007 - 2008 University Catalog

Degree Programs and Requirements

Academic Affairs
Churchill 130
541-552-6114
541-552-6213 (Academic Advising, Student Affairs, ACCESS Center)

University Studies

In the 2006–2007 academic year, SOU launched the University Studies program. University Studies is an updated, streamlined curriculum that reflects several years of development aimed to create a more vital, focused, and enriched general education program. University Studies reflects a new statewide Oregon University System initiative to shape courses to meet defined student-learning outcomes. University Studies also reflects the new Oregon Transfer Module, designed to simplify transfers among the state’s institutions of higher education. SOU’s first-year experience general education program, University Seminar, has also been reorganized to offer students the option of selecting an area of concentration while learning in a cohort setting. Students enrolled in either the Arts and Sciences Programs or the Professional Programs are required to fulfill University Studies requirements.

Arts and Sciences Programs

At SOU, the arts and sciences are centered in the College of Arts and Sciences. 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 areas: Business, Education, and Social Sciences (in the College of Arts and Sciences). 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 student-learning, outcomes-focused, and general education component. A wide variety of emphases are 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) University Studies 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 University Studies requirements are related to specific writing, speech, and quantitative skills set in the context of critical thinking. These requirements are met by completing the University Seminar sequence or its equivalent and by selecting approved Explorations, Quantitative Reasoning, and Integration courses. The University Studies requirements include approximately 64 credits of coursework. 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. Available online, the class schedule lists the classes available each quarter.
  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 Enrollment Services Center.
  7. Students pursuing 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.
    6. Maximum 12 credits of PE 180 allowed for graduation.

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: University Studies requirements and components in the major.

University Studies Requirements

University Studies, SOU’s student-learning, outcomes-focused, general education program, is 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 University Studies program is a person who is capable of resolving complex issues with intelligence, compassion, and understanding.

The University Studies program includes both lower and upper division requirements. The lower division requirements include the University Seminar, Quantitative Reasoning, and various Explorations courses. The upper division requirements include three Integration courses.

Outline of the University Studies Curriculum

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

Explorations Courses
Humanities12-credit minimum
Sciences12-credit minimum
Social Sciences12-credit minimum

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

Upper Division

Integration Courses
Strand H: Science, Technology, and Society*3–4
Strand I: Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility*3–4
Strand J: Diversity and Global Awareness*3–4

*Two of three strands can be met in the major area.

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

University Studies Policies

Courses in the major or minor may be used to meet University Studies requirements. University Studies 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 University Studies

Writing and Oral Communication (complete with a grade of C- or better)
University Seminar (USEM 101, 102, 103)12
Quantitative Reasoning
Contemporary Mathematics (MTH 105)4
Precalculus I: College Algebra (MTH 111)4
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

Note: You must take 12 credits of Explorations courses in each of the following areas: Humanities (Arts and Letters), Sciences, and Social Sciences. See Course Prerequisites Policy on page 16.

Humanities
Introduction to Cultural Studies: Classic Texts and Contemporary Dynamics (AL 215)4
Introduction to Cultural Studies: Classic Texts and Contemporary Dynamics (AL 216)4
History of Art: Prehistory through Medieval (ARTH 204)4
History of Art: Renaissance through Baroque (ARTH 205)4
History of Art: Eighteenth Century through Contemporary (ARTH 206)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
Explorations in Literary Genres (ENG 208)4
Literature in the Modern World (ENG 209)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
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
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
Introduction to Shakespeare Studies (SHS 236)4
Sciences
General Biology: Cells (BI 101)4
General Biology: Organisms (BI 102)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
General Chemistry/Lab (CH 201/204)3/2
General Chemistry/Lab (CH 202/205)3/2
General Chemistry/Lab (CH 203/206)3/2
Web Development I (CS 210)4
Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers I/Lab (ENGR 221/224)4/2
Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers II/Lab (ENGR 222/225)4/2
Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers III/Lab (ENGR 223/226)4/2
Physical Environment I (ES 111)4
Physical Environment II (ES 112)4
Physical Geology I (G 101)4
Physical Geology II (G 102)4
Volcanoes and Earthquakes (G 120)3
Fundamentals of Physics/Lab (PH 100/104)3/1
Astronomy: The Solar System/Workshop (PH 112/114)3/1
Astronomy: The Stars/Workshop (PH 113/115)3/1
The Science and Technology of Nanoparticles (PH 175)3
General Physics I/Lab (PH 201/224)3/2
General Physics II/Lab (PH 202/225)3/2
General Physics I/Lab (PH 221/224)4/2
General Physics II/Lab (PH 222/225)4/2
General Physics III/Lab (PH 223/226)4/2
Social Sciences
Business, Government, and Society (BA 110)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
World Civilizations (HST 110)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
Law, Politics, and the Constitution (PS 202)4
General Psychology (PSY 201)4
General Psychology (PSY 202)4
Archaeology and Prehistory: Perspectives on Humanity’s Past (ANTH 211)4
Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (ANTH 213)4
Women in Society (WS 201)4
The Sociological Imagination (SOC 204)4
Social Problems and Policy (SOC 205)4
Health and Society I (HE 250)4
Health and Society II (HE 275)4
Integration

Integration courses bring together students from diverse majors to interact and share multidisciplinary perspectives. These focused integration courses address complex societal, ethical, and technical issues.

Integration Courses: Strand H (Science, Technology and Society)* (3 to 4 credits)
Microbiology (BI 351)
The New Sciences of Complexity (BI 381)
Biology and Society (BI 382)
Ethnobotany and Cross Cultural Communications (BI 384)
Forest Ecology and Management (BI 386)
Conservation of Natural Resources (BI 388)
Forensic Investigation: Seeking Justice through Science (CH 300)
Computer Forensics and Digital Evidence (CS 346/CCJ 346)
Environmental Geology (G 360)
Quantitative Methods in Geography (GEOG 386)
Geomorphology (GEOG 481/G 481)
Climatology (GEOG 482)
Energy and the Environment (PH 308)
Energy Alternatives (PH 309)
Energy Policy (PH 310)
Space, Time, and the Cosmos (PH 312)
Acoustics, Sound, and Music (PH 313)
Light, Vision, and Optical Phenomena (PH 314)
Cosmology (PH 315)
Science and Values: A Critical Appraisal of How Science and Values Interact (PHL 330)
Digital Electronics (PH 361/ENGR 323)
Science and Religion (PHL 329)
History and Philosophy of Science (PHL 339)
Law, Science, and the Environment (PS 340)

*Two of three strands can be met in the major area.

Integration Courses: Strand I (Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility)* (3 to 4 credits)
American Culture (ANTH 310)
Activist Art (ARTH 345)
Business, Government, and Nonprofits (BA 320)
Organizational Behaviors (BA 475)
Introduction to Nonprofit Theory and Management (BA 480)
Principles of Human Resource Management (BA 481)
Crime Control Theory and Policies (CCJ 430)
Comparative Criminal Justice (/CCJ 460)
Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking (COMM 343)
Communication and Third-World Development (COMM 460A)
Labor Economics (EC 325)
Gender Issues in Economics (EC 340)
Studies in Autobiographical Writing (ENG 315)
Environmental Geology (G 360)
Urban Environments (GEOG 350)
Population, Development, and the Environment (GEOG 360)
Land Use Planning (GEOG 439/539)
Planning Issues (GEOG 440/540)
Energy and the Environment (PH 308)
Energy Alternatives (PH 309)
Energy Policy (PH 310)
IT Ethical and Legal Issues (PHL 310/CS 310)
Science and Values: A Critical Appraisal of How Science and Values Interact (PHL 330)
The Politics of Mass Media (PS 310)
Organizational Psychology (PSY 445)
Psychology Capstone-Project/Internship (PSY 498)
Psychology Capstone-Project/Internship (PSY 499)
Poverty, Family, and Policy (SOC 304)
Schools and Society (SOC 320)
Writing Workshop for Teachers (WR 312)
Grant Writing (WR 329)

*Two of three strands can be met in the major area.

Integration Courses: Strand J (Diversity and Global Awareness)* (3 to 4 credits)
American Culture (ANTH 310)
Pacific Cultures (ANTH 317)
Native North America (ANTH 318)
Cultures of the World (ANTH 319)
Art and Music of the Twentieth Century to Present (ARTH 311/MUS 311)
Race, Gender, and Ethnicity in Art (ARTH 450)
Juvenile Delinquency (CCJ 361)
International Communication (COMM 441)
Women Transforming Language (COMM 460B)
Culture, Identity, and Communication (COMM 460C)
Class, Culture, and Feminism in Victorian and Edwardian Britain (ENG 341)
Major Authors: Toni Morrison (ENG 448A)
American Multicultural Literature (ENG 454)
Postcolonial Literature and Theory (ENG 457)
La France Contemporaine (FR 314)
Noncontinental Francophone Literature (FR 427)
The Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean (GEOG 330)
The Geography of Central and Southeast Asia (GEOG 336)
The Geography of Central and Southwest Asia (GEOG 338)
German Culture, Conversation, and Composition (GL 301)
History of Music (MUS 360, 361, 362)
World Politics (PS 350/IS 350)
Human Behavior and Film (PSY 313)
Human Sexuality (PSY 369)
Personality (PSY 432)
Abnormal Psychology (PSY 479)
Sociology of Gender Roles (SOC 340)
Fashion Through the Centuries (TA 349)
Drama in Western Culture (TA 466)

*Two of three strands can be met in the major area.

For a list of the most recent upper division Integration courses, see the latest class schedule or the SOU Web site.

University Seminar

 Central 008
541-552-8160

University Seminar is an academic first-year experience for students entering SOU. This three-term sequence introduces students to key foundational skills that help them develop as researchers, critical thinkers, and communicators. University Seminar provides students with opportunities to examine their motivation and goals with regard to higher education. Students have an opportunity to select a sequence designed around a theme relevant to contemporary issues and events. Students usually remain with the same instructor and classmates for all three terms. The third term incorporates at least one goal area in civic responsibility, science and technology, or diversity and global awareness.

Through a structured sequence of writing experiences, students progress beyond unsupported assertion to reasoned argumentation and dialogue. Discussion, presentation, and group activities are also emphasized. In comparing the University Seminar with traditional communication and writing courses, the following guidelines may be useful. Successful completion of each USEM course with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit of communication. Upon completion of the whole sequence, students receive the equivalent of 12 credits in writing and communication.

*The University Seminar administers the lower division WR 122 and 227 courses. In rare cases, students may need to complete their University Studies written and oral communication requirement through WR 122 and/or an oral communication course. Students should contact the University Seminar Office in Central 008 or call 541-552-8160.

University Seminar Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

USEM 101, 102, 103 University Seminar
4 credits each
Focuses on the skills students need to succeed in college. This yearlong course is a component of the University Studies 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 Seminar 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 Seminar is equivalent to a full year of writing and a course in oral communication (8 credits writing, 4 credits communication).

USEM 101H, 102H, 103H University Seminar Honors
4 credits each
Each year, a few sections are designated as USEM 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace.

USEM 185 Introduction to Expository Writing
2 credits
Explores the fundamentals of expository writing through writing, analysis, and revision of short essays. Surveys the basic conventions, purposes, and strategies of standard written English. Emphasizes the improvement of students’ fluency in writing expository prose and improves confidence in the ability to write acceptably and effectively at the university level. Special attention is given to sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and essay development.

USEM 209 Practicum
Credits to be arranged

USEM 225 University Seminar for Transfers: Worlds and Writing
2 credits
Reserved for transfer students with 24 credits or more, this course provides transfer students with instruction and practice in meeting goals and proficiencies in the foundational strands of communication, critical thinking, and information literacy. Emphasizes real-world and professional writing while developing advanced writing styles, writing techniques, and audience/readership considerations by providing practice in the kinds of challenging thinking, reading, and writing required by different communities in the business world and in the academy.

Upper Division Courses

USEM 409 Advanced Practicum
Credits to be arranged
Provides opportunities for students to work in partnership with faculty in the University Seminar Program or Writing Assistance Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation and successful completion of a training session. Students who have successfully completed USEM 101, 102, 103 are especially invited. Prerequisite: University Seminar Program consent.

Writing Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

WR 122 English Composition
4 credits
Focuses on close reading, organization, and effective expression in academic essays, 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. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the University Studies 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 University Studies writing requirement. 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.

Community-Based Learning

 Involvement Center
541-552-6461
http://www.sou.edu/cbl

Community-based learning, civic engagement, and volunteer opportunities are important at SOU and play a crucial role in helping students learn, grow, and contribute to the world around them. SOU believes it is crucial that our graduates leave with the skills, ability, and inclination to serve the community. Community-based learning comprises a variety of teaching and learning strategies that allow students opportunities to work and learn in a community environment and to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Community-based learning is distinguished by reciprocity and the intent to ensure equal focus on the service provided and the learning in the classroom. Community agencies benefit by having energetic, skilled, and focused students apply themselves to solving real problems and meeting real needs throughout SOU’s service area.

Students, community members, and faculty are encouraged to contact the office of Community-Based Learning to explore ideas and create partnerships that enhance the learning experience and community.

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

Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

For this degree, students must:

  1. Complete the equivalent of 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.
  2. Complete at least 48 credits of courses offered under the following prefixes, which are normally included in Arts and Humanities curricula: AL, ALA, ART, ARTH, CHN, COMM, CORE, D, DMF, ELS, ENG, FL, FLM, FPA, FR, GL, HO, HST, HUM, J, JPN, JRN, KOR, MUP, MUS, PHL, PR, REL, RTF, SHS, SP, SPAN, TA, USEM, VP, WR, and WS. Note: courses with these prefixes that count toward University Studies, the academic major, minor, and requirement #1 above may also 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, designated programming courses, designated statistics courses, or designated logic courses. The following programming, statistics and logic courses have been approved for this requirement:
    • Computer Science I (CS 200)
    • Web Development I (CS 210)
    • Computer Science II (CS 257)
    • Web Development II (CS 295)
    • 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, and Laboratory I (PSY 228)*
    • Methods, Statistics, and Laboratory II (PSY 229)*
    • Introduction to Social Research Methods (SOC 326)
    • Quantitative Data Analysis (SOC 327)
  2. Complete at least 48 credits of courses offered under the following prefixes, which are normally included in Business, Computer Science, Mathematics, Natural Science and Social Science curricula: AM, ANTH, AOM, AS, BA, BED, BI, CCJ, CH, CIS, CRIM, CS, CSM, D, EC, ED, ENGR, ES, G, GEOG, HE, HST, IS, MBA, MM, MS, MTH, NAS, NUR, PE, PH, PS, PSY, SC, SOC, and SSC. Note: courses with these prefixes that count toward University Studies, the academic major, minor, and requirement #1 above may also 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 following lower division general education requirement options listed below. In addition, all students must complete three upper division University Studies Integration courses at SOU.

Lower Division University Studies Requirement Options

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

  1. Option 1. Completion of SOU’s University Studies requirements (see www.sou.edu/access/acadvising/).
  2. Option 2. Completion of an Associate of Arts-Oregon Transfer (AAOT) or Associate of Science-Oregon Transfer (ASOT) 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) or the California State University requirements. Students must provide documentation stating this curriculum was completed.
  5. Option 6. Completion of the Oregon Transfer Module (OTM). Students must provide official documentation from the institution certifying the OTM.
  6. Option 7. Transfer students, who are admitted and attend SOU between fall 2006 and summer 2008 and who began academic coursework at another institution prior to fall 2006, have the option of following the SOU 2005–2006 catalog requirements.

*Transfer Option 5 will be honored under Option 7 only.

Upper Division University Studies Requirements

Integration Courses

All students (in all transfer options) must complete one upper division Integration course from each area:

  1. Strand H: Science, Technology, and Society (3–4 credits)
  2. Strand I: Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility (3–4 credits)
  3. Strand J: Diversity and Global Awareness (3–4 credits)

For the most recent list of upper division Integration courses in the University Studies program, see the class schedule on 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 University Studies and major requirements.

  1. At the completion of 45 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 University Seminar and at least 12 credits of lower division Explorations courses.
  2. At the completion of 91 credits of study applicable to a bachelor’s degree, the student should have:
    1. a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA;
    2. completed all 36 credits of the lower division Explorations courses 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 Integration 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 University Studies 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.