Objectives. The College of Arts and Sciences, largest of the University's six colleges, consists of 18 departments and five 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 under- graduate 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, not only for students majoring in Arts and Sciences but also for students majoring in professional degree programs. As a result, courses offered within the College of Arts and Sciences are frequently those designated as satisfying 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; Criminal Justice; Dance and Theatre; English; Foreign Languages; Geography and Earth Sciences; History; Mathematics; Music; Philosophy; Physics; Political Science; Psychology; Religious Studies; and Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work. Interdisciplinary programs in American Studies, Gerontology, Liberal Studies, University Honors, 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: African-American and African Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Dance, Earth Sciences, English, French, Geography, German, Gerontology, History, Journalism, Mathematics, Museum Studies, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, Theatre 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, English, Geography, History, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Psychology, and Sociology; Master of Science degree with majors in Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Physics, and Statistics; Master of Public Administration; and a Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics.
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. All students, regardless of college or major, are encouraged to consult with these advisers for clarification of 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. Advisers come from many disciplines, have a broad working experience with the requirements for majors, and offer assistance and support 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.