COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

 

 

African American and African Studies

Geography and Earth Sciences

Philosophy

American Studies

Gerontology

Physics

Art

History

Political Science

Biology

International Studies

Psychology

Chemistry

Judaic Studies

Religious Studies

Communication Studies

Languages and Culture Studies

Social Work

Criminal Justice

Mathematics

Sociology and Anthropology

Dance and Theatre

Museum Studies

Urban Studies

English

Music

Women's Studies

Film Studies

Neuroscience Studies

 

 

 

 

Dean: Professor Lyons; Associate Dean: Professor Hill; Director of Sponsored Research: Lesley A. Brown; Director of Instructional Technology: Dale D. Pike

 

Objectives. The College of Arts and Sciences, largest of the University's seven colleges, consists of 20 departments and six programs which share basic educational values and academic aspirations.  The primary mission of the college is threefold: 1) the provision of programs of study and instruction in the arts and sciences to qualified undergraduate and graduate students; 2) the advancement of the arts and sciences through the scholarly activity of the faculty; and 3) the provision of service to the University and general public.

 

The liberal arts are the core of the University's educational program, both for students majoring in Arts and Sciences and for students majoring in professional degree programs.  As a result, courses offered within the College of Arts and Sciences are frequently those designated to satisfy University General Education requirements (see General Education Requirements for all Baccalaureate Degrees).

 

Organization. The College of Arts and Sciences includes the Departments of African-American and African Studies; Art; Biology; Chemistry; Communication Studies; Criminal Justice; Dance and Theatre; English; Geography and Earth Sciences; History; Language and Cultural Studies; Mathematics; Music; Philosophy; Physics; Political Science; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology and Anthropology; and Social Work.  Interdisciplinary programs in American Studies, Gerontology, Liberal Studies, University Honors, International Studies, and Women's Studies are also part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

Programs. Baccalaureate degrees are offered in all departments and minors are available in the following programs: Actuarial Mathematics, African-American Literature, African American and African Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Dance, Earth Sciences, English, Film Studies, French, Geography, Geology, German, Gerontology, History, History of Art, International Studies, Japanese, Journalism, Judaic Studies, Mathematics, Museum Studies, Music, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Russian, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, Technical and Professional Writing, Theatre, Urban Studies, and Women's Studies.  Medical technology options are available in Biology and Chemistry.

 

The following graduate degrees are offered by the College of Arts and Sciences: Master of Arts degree with majors in Biology, Clinical/Community Psychology, Counseling, English, Geography, Gerontology, History, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Sociology; Master of Science degree with majors in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Applied Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, and Criminal Justice; Master of Public Administration; Master of Social Work; and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Mathematics, and Biology (Biomedical/Biotechnology).  For information regarding graduate programs, please refer to the Graduate Catalog.

 

In addition, graduate certificates are offered in the following areas: Anthropology, Communication Studies, English Language Studies, French, Gerontology, German, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Spanish, Technical/Professional Writing, and Women's Studies.  (For information, see the Graduate Catalog.)

 

Although faculty within the College are committed to departmentally-based programs, increased emphasis is being placed on providing strong interdisciplinary programs.  The

College also strives to promote inter-cultural understanding through its curriculum, as well as through student exchanges and travel opportunities.

 

Advising Center. The College of Arts and Sciences administers an advising center for students who have not selected a major.  Students admitted to the University who have not determined their career goals are urged to seek assistance from the staff of the Advising Center.  Any student, regardless of major, is encouraged to consult with these advisors to clarify academic regulations.

 

Since all students entering the University must meet the same General Education requirements regardless of major, it is appropriate to concentrate on the completion of those requirements before committing to a specific major.  Undeclared students have time to enroll in courses in several disciplines, which allows them to make a more informed judgment about future career decisions.  Advisors  have a broad working experience with the requirements for majors and offer assistance as students search for the education choice best suited to their individual needs.

 

Experiential Learning Opportunities.  Students are encouraged to participate in professional work experiences in support of their academic and career development through the cooperative education and internship programs offered to students in the College.  The College is working with the University Career Center to expand experiential learning offerings to enable more students to graduate with career related experience.  For more information about experiential learning programs, contact the University Career Center.

 

Cooperative Education involves professionally related, paid work experiences in multiple semesters.  It does not offer academic credit, but it is noted on the student’s transcript.  To participate in this program, students must have a minimum GPA of at least 2.5, meet specific departmental requirements, and pay a participation fee.  Approval for enrollment must be arranged before the student begins the work experience.  Most students begin this program during their junior year; transfer students must complete one semester at UNC Charlotte before making application for the program.  Students maintain full-time student status during their co-op work semesters.

 

Internships usually involve one semester of a professional experience that allows a student to test his or her career options. Academic requirements for participation vary by department.  Typically, a GPA of at least 2.5 is required. With faculty approval, students may receive academic credit for their work experience; non-credit internships are available through the University Career Center.  All internships must be arranged in advance. 

 

49erships involve paid or unpaid work in a career-related position for professional experience.  A minimum of 80 work hours for one semester is required to complete the program. Fall and Spring 49erships are part-time.  Summer 49erships may be full or part-time.  Full-time students who are in good University standing, have completed their freshman year, and have a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA are eligible.