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Undergraduate and Professional Degree Programs The university is organized into nine colleges, including the Graduate College. Seven colleges offer undergraduate degree programs, and the College of Veterinary Medicine offers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Iowa State University is accredited by the Commission of Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The main undergraduate academic programs of each college are listed in the summary, together with the degrees awarded upon completion. In many cases certain majors, minors, options, or electives allow for increased specialization within the programs. Programs which are administered jointly by two colleges are listed within both colleges. Bachelor’s Degree Requirements To receive a degree, a student must meet the requirements of the curriculum in which the degree is to be awarded. Verification that the student has met those requirements is made by the dean of the college, who also has the authority to waive a requirement under exceptional circumstances.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in all work taken at Iowa State University is required for graduation. A student admitted as a transfer from another college or university is normally required to have a 2.00 cumulative average at the time of entrance. A student may, however, be admitted with a quality-point deficiency, but will be required to earn sufficient quality-points above a 2.00 at Iowa State to offset the quality-point deficiency at the time of entrance.
No more than 65 semester or 97 quarter credits earned at two-year colleges can be applied to a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. There is no limit to the number of credits that may be transferred from a four-year institution. A student who takes work at another college or university after having been enrolled at Iowa State must submit transcripts of all work attempted to the Office of Admissions at Iowa State. This work must average a 2.00 or the deficiency of quality points will be assessed against the student. Failure to submit such transcripts will be grounds for dismissal. In unusual circumstances, the Academic Standards Committees of the respective colleges may review and give further consideration to the records of students who, except for grade-point average, have satisfactorily completed all graduation requirements. If the appropriate college Academic Standards Committee considers that the educational and professional needs of such a student have been satisfactorily met, or can be satisfactorily met by imposing further conditions, the committee may recommend to the dean of the college that the student be graduated or that a supplemental program be accepted in place of the fully unqualified grade point average. The college Academic Standards Committee chairperson reports such exceptional actions to the Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Standards and Admissions. A student may receive two bachelor’s degrees if he or she meets the requirements of each curriculum and earns at least 30 credits beyond the requirements of the curriculum requiring the greater number of credits. Each degree program must be approved by the appropriate department chair or head. A student fulfilling the requirements of two separate curricula in different colleges may, in certain cases, receive a degree from one of the colleges with double majors crossing college lines. Each major in a double major must include a minimum of fifteen credits not simultaneously used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. The permission of both deans must be obtained and each degree program must be approved by the appropriate department and dean. Requirements for an undergraduate minor are specified by many departments and programs in the university; a record of completion of such requirements appears on a student’s transcript. Lists of undergraduate minors offered by each college appear in the college description; minors offered by cross-disciplinary programs not administered by a single college include gerontology, and international studies. Undergraduate students in any college may elect to meet the requirements of any undergraduate minor offered in the university. Credits used to meet the minor requirements may also be used to satisfy the credit requirement for graduation and to meet credit requirements in courses numbered 300 or above. Some students may, however, have to exceed the graduation credit requirement set by their college in order to meet the requirements of both the minor and the curriculum/major. All minors require at least 15 credits, including at least 6 credits taken at Iowa State University in courses numbered 300 or above. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Courses taken for a minor may not be taken on a pass-not pass basis. Specific requirements and/or restrictions are available from the department or program offering the minor. Iowa State University believes that written communication is a fundamental skill of an educated person; therefore its graduates are expected to acquire reasonable competence in written communication during their educational careers. The following are designed to ensure that this competence is developed and maintained: 1. All students must earn credit in a sequence of basic composition courses (English 104 and 105) normally in the freshman year. 2. Continued development of communication skills following the freshman year is the responsibility of the student’s major department. This development may be promoted by requiring and critically evaluating term papers and other written assignments as part of courses offered by the department and by encouraging students to enroll in advanced English composition courses that meet their particular needs. 3. Each department is responsible for certifying that its majors have achieved an adequate level of proficiency in written communication at the time of graduation. Students whose performance on this placement examination is satisfactory will follow the regular English requirements of their major department. Students who have deficiencies will enroll in special English classes, as determined by the test results. Independent study and investigation through the use of books and libraries enable students to grow intellectually and professionally in college and afterward. For this reason, all students receive instruction in the use of the University Library, including practice in how to locate the published literature of their respective fields of study. U.S. Diversity and International Perspective Requirements One of Iowa State University’s goals is to prepare its students to meet the challenges of responsible citizenship and effective professional roles in a culturally diverse global community. To help achieve this goal, all undergraduate students must fulfill graduation requirements in two areas: U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives. The specific standards used to certify students’ fulfillment of these requirements vary from major to major, but all require three credits of course work (or the equivalent in some alternative academic experience) for each of the requirements. In most cases, courses used to meet the U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives requirements can also be used to fulfill general education requirements of the student’s college or requirements of the student’s major. Students should consult with advisers for details of the requirements in particular majors. The focus of the U.S. Diversity requirement is the multicultural society of the United States. Courses or alternative academic work used to meet the requirement address significant manifestations of human diversity and provide students with insights that enhance their understanding of diversity among people in the U.S. The focus of the International Perspectives requirement is the global community. Its objective is to promote students’ understanding of cultural diversity and interdependence on a global scale. A period of immersion in a foreign culture is often a particularly effective way of meeting these objectives, so Iowa State University encourages the use of study-abroad experiences as a means of fulfilling the International Perspectives requirement. International students, because they are “studying abroad” from their home country’s perspective, are normally deemed to have met the International Perspectives requirement. The curriculum requirements, both in number of credit hours and specific courses, are guidelines for the student and his or her adviser in planning an academic program. The curriculum is subject to change and because of these changes, adjustments may need to be made. A student may choose to graduate under the catalog in effect at the time of graduation, or one of the two immediately preceding catalogs, provided it covers a period of his or her enrollment. Full requirements of the chosen catalog must be met except that adjustments will be made in instances where courses are no longer available or where programs have been changed. Special Programs Special educational opportunities. Students in the Honors Program determine their educational objectives and devise an individualized program of study to meet those objectives. An honors program may include substitutions for required courses, combinations of courses from several departments to form a new major or minor, Honors courses or seminars, independent study and research, and other forms of innovation. Information about Honors courses and seminars for the current academic year can be obtained from the Honors Program Office. Other benefits. Members of the Honors Program have 24-hour access to the Honors building as a quiet place to study, use the computers, and visit with other Honors students. Students also have off-campus opportunities such as attending Honors semesters and Wingspread conferences. Full members—those with approved honors degree programs—receive extended loan privileges at the Library, priority scheduling, and the opportunity to apply for research funds. Eligibility. Students who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.35 become eligible to apply for admission to the Honors Program during their second semester in residence and continue to be eligible for admission as long as they have at least 48 semester credits remaining before graduation. Decisions with respect to admission are made by the college Honors Program committees. Freshman Honors Program. Entering freshmen with outstanding high school records and academic ability may be eligible to participate in the Freshman Honors Program. The Freshman Honors Program, which is designed to introduce students to an honors education, consists of special honors sections of English 105 and Library 160, a Freshman Honors Seminar, and advising by specially selected honors advisers. Students may also choose to participate in the Mentor Program, designed to introduce students to the research arena. Participants select an area of interest and are matched with faculty members conducting research in that area. Admission to the Freshman Honors Program is limited and by invitation, and is based on past academic achievement, potential, and interest in an honors education. Further information. Further information concerning the University Honors Program and the Freshman Honors Program can be obtained from the Honors Program Office in Osborn Cottage.
Inter-institutional Programs Dual-degree Programs Iowa Lakeside Laboratory
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Federal Cooperative Education Program
The Washington Center Program
Regent Universities Student Exchange Program
National Student Exchange (NSE)
Study Abroad at ISU The Study Abroad Center is a unit of International Education Services and the office with primary responsibility for study abroad. Staffed by experienced international travelers, the Center has a wealth of information on educational and work opportunities abroad, travel information, and resources within ISU college and academic disciplines. The Study Abroad Center Types of Programs Group Programs -- On most group programs, an ISU professor leads the group abroad and oversees academic work. Group programs range from one to eight weeks during a break (Spring Break, Winter Break, or Summer) up to a whole semester. Programs have been offered on every continent including the Antarctica. These are "non-integrated" programs, meaning students are taught with other ISU students and no students from the host country. On most group programs, students earn ISU credits and take courses designed especially for members of the group.
Regents’ Semester Programs -- These programs provide an opportunity to study at a university in Wales or Australia with a group of students from the Iowa Regents' Universities. These are "semi-integrated" programs, in which participants have specially-arranged programs with the other Regents' students in addition to being able to select from regularly offered courses at the host institution. Participants pay a negotiated rate and receive transfer credit. Practical Experience -- ISU students can gain experience in their academic discipline while living abroad. Choices include service learning, internships, student teaching, and study-and-work programs. Other Opportunities -- Students can participate in programs organized by other U.S. or foreign institutions. The Study Abroad Center has a wealth of information on these opportunities. In most cases, participants in these programs will receive transfer credit and can use their ISU financial aid. Financial Questions Recognizing the importance of this educational activity, ISU provides study abroad scholarships for summer, spring, and fall academic year programs. Applicants must have at least a 2.50 GPA. An application can be downloaded at www.iastate.edu/~study-abroad/ In addition to ISU aid, numerous organizations and foundations offer funding for study abroad. The Study Abroad Center library has information on funding for study abroad (including Fulbright awards for graduate students) as well as a list of fund-raising ideas that have been used successfully by students in the past.
Several reputable travel agencies and discounters offer reduced airfare to students. Discounted student health insurance is available, as well. Other student discounts (lodging, car rental, etc.) are available to holders of the International Student Identity Card. Hostelling International offers its members discounts on stays in hostels worldwide.
Program Options (By College) Additional information is available at the Study Abroad Center, 6 Hamilton Hall.
Military Training
Late Afternoon, Evening, and Saturday Classes Colleges
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