Academic Programs
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Recent studies of the American workforce have verified that average Americans make significant career changes five or more times during their working years. This indicates that not only is the undergraduate major—often a first step in a designated career—quite important but also that students' foundation—or general education—is a crucial component in preparing them for lifelong learning. Career changes, and the very nature of the rapidly changing world, will require that Pitt-Johnstown graduates return to their basic skills, competencies, and knowledge areas to "retool" and adjust to the changing circumstances of their lives.
The General Education Program at Pitt-Johnstown has been designed to prepare students to be creative, critical, and independent thinkers, capable of effective problem solving and informed decision making. Their education is characterized by both breadth of knowledge in diverse fields and depth of knowledge in focused areas of study, as well as the development of fundamental competencies necessary for personal and professional growth. Pitt-Johnstown strives to produce graduates who appreciate learning, who inquire about and carefully evaluate the perspectives of others, and who are capable of responsible citizenship and the pursuit of intellectually satisfying, well-balanced lives.
All students must complete two main categories of the General Education Program requirements:
- competency areas
- knowledge areas
The competency areas provide students with the tools necessary to make sense of the larger world. It is assumed that there are certain skills that all college students should possess before they can truly consider themselves educated. Through a set of courses focusing on writing, speaking, and quantitative reasoning, students are given these basic skills. As vital as these skills are while in college, they are also lifelong skills that will ensure continued success long after graduation.
Students will be asked to apply the skills developed through the competency areas to their college courses. These will include the specific requirements for their academic major and also will include courses in various knowledge areas. The knowledge areas fall into three categories: humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Through these knowledge areas, students are exposed to academic disciplines outside their area of expertise.
A third category of free electives can be included in the general education portion of each student's college education. Free electives are classes that students choose to take because they are of particular interest to the individual; they serve to add breadth to the student’s education with appealing study topics. Most programs require electives for graduation because they provide a unique opportunity to explore new and different subjects.
Together, these three areas—competency areas, knowledge areas, and free electives—provide Pitt-Johnstown students with a quality education that goes well beyond simple expertise in a specific major.
The information included in this bulletin is correct and up to date as of the time of printing. However, all programs and courses are subject to change. For a current list of courses that satisfy such general education requirements as primary writing and speaking courses, speaking-enhanced courses, writing-enhanced courses, quantitative reasoning courses, or knowledge area courses, please consult the Academic Source Book, which is distributed to freshmen each year, or the general advising sheets, which are updated each semester.
All official information concerning degree requirements comes from the Office of the Registrar and the specific division office for each major.
The descriptions below and on the following pages are generic in nature. Individual majors may prescribe which courses the student will take for both the competency as well as the knowledge areas. Courses taken in both competency areas and knowledge areas may also be counted as fulfilling curriculum requirements for specific majors. Refer to the individual degree sheets in the Academic Source Book distributed to freshmen each year to determine how each major has chosen to fulfill these sections.
General Education Program Requirements: Competency Areas
- Writing Competency
Writing courses provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for clear and effective communication in a variety of circumstances and written forms. Sound communication skills form the basis of success in nearly every profession.
- A satisfactory level of competence must be demonstrated by the successful completion of ENGCMP 0005 Composition 1 or ENGCMP 0002 Freshman Writing Seminar, and ENGCMP 0006 Composition 2 (or ENGCMP 0003 and 0004 Communication 1 and 2 for engineering technology students).
- Continued development of writing skills will be achieved through ONE of the following options depending upon requirements determined by individual departments/divisions:
- Option A. Satisfactory completion of one additional primary writing course* required by the major discipline.
- Option B. Satisfactory completion of two writing-enhanced** courses. The major discipline will designate whether the required writing-enhanced class must be in the major or in general education/elective courses, or a mixture of both.
* Primary writing courses are those whose main focus is on the development of skills and knowledge necessary for clear and effective written communication. These include standard English writing courses such as ENGWRT 1192 Technical Writing, ENGWRT 0050 Introduction to Creative Writing, ENGWRT 0053 Introduction to Professional Writing, etc. They may also include courses in disciplines other than English that have as their main focal point writing appropriate to an individual field of study, for example, GEOL 1108 Report Writing and Computer Applications in Geology.
** Writing-enhanced courses focus mainly on content related to a specific discipline and therefore are firmly grounded in a particular department. These are discipline courses that use writing tasks to help students learn course content as well as to refine writing skills further. Writing enhanced courses simultaneously fulfill other degree requirements in the major, minor, knowledge areas, or free electives. Courses that satisfy the Writing Enhanced requirement are identified in the printed course schedule each registration period.
NOTE: Primary writing courses taken to fulfill the writing section of the competency areas CANNOT be counted a second time as fulfillment of section 3 of the humanities knowledge area, but they DO count simultaneously as fulfillment of academic major requirements or knowledge area requirements.
- Speaking Competency
Speaking courses provide students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to express themselves orally through clarity of expression, solid content, clear organization, appropriateness of style, and effective persuasion.
A satisfactory level of competence must be demonstrated through ONE of the following options:
- Option A. Successful completion of three speaking-enhanced*** courses either restricted to or distributed among a major discipline, or general courses as specified by the student’s major.
- Option B. Successful completion of an oral communication course (such as COMMRC 0052 Public Speaking) or a public performance course (such as THEA 0053 Oral Interpretation of Literature), plus one speaking-enhanced*** course. The major discipline will designate whether the required speaking-enhanced courses must be taken in the major or in general education/elective courses, or a mixture of both.
*** Speaking-enhanced courses focus mainly on content related to a specific discipline and therefore are firmly grounded in a particular department. These are discipline courses that use speaking tasks to help students learn course content as well as refine speaking skills further. Speaking enhanced courses simultaneously fulfill other degree requirements in the major, minor, knowledge areas, or free electives.
Courses that satisfy the Speaking Enhanced requirement are identified in the printed course schedule each registration period.
NOTE: Primary speaking courses taken to fulfill the speaking section of the competency areas CANNOT be counted a second time as fulfillment of the humanities knowledge area (section 3). Speaking-enhanced courses DO count simultaneously as fulfillment of academic major requirements or knowledge area requirements.
- Quantitative Reasoning Competency
Quantitative reasoning is the ability to think rationally, employing numbers and/or symbols. Courses listed under this competency provide students with insight into the process of logical reasoning and encourage them to manage and interpret data for real-world problem solving.
All students are required to demonstrate competency in quantitative reasoning at a university level prior to graduation. There are three methods for demonstrating that competency, all of which relate to the score that a student obtains from taking the math placement test when he or she first enters the University.
- Method One—Placement test score of 28 or better. The student has completed Quantitative reasoning requirement.
- Method Two—Placement test score of 16 to 27. The student must complete one course from an approved list of courses.
- Method Three—Placement test score of 15 or lower. The student must complete Math 0001 Algebra 1 and one course from the approved list of courses.
NOTE: All approved quantitative reasoning courses have Math 0001 as a prerequisite. A student may transfer in math credits in fulfillment of the quantitative reasoning requirement, provided the course equivalency has been approved by the Math Coordinator.
General Education Program Requirements: Knowledge Areas
Knowledge Areas for Students Majoring in Arts and Sciences Disciplines
(Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences)
A. NATURAL SCIENCES (for students not majoring in a natural sciences discipline)
The General Education Program requirement in the natural sciences seeks to strengthen and broaden a student's scientific academic background. In the spirit of a liberal arts education, students are introduced to the varied nature of science. Students will learn the importance of data analysis, hypothesis formulation, and empirical testing of hypotheses within the physical sciences, the life sciences, and the mathematical and computational sciences. They will gain insight into scientific reasoning, both inductive and deductive, and the principles of science. Discussion of current scientific issues will further students’ understanding of the impact of science on society and will enhance their problem-solving skills in many fields of endeavor.
Biology
Biology is the study of all the qualities and forces that make a collection of organic compounds a living thing. This can be examined from a subcellular, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, or community level. It includes the past, what organisms were like previously; the present; and, to some extent, the future—what changes will take place as organisms continue to evolve.
Chemistry
The chemistry department strives to give students a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical changes that occur in nature and in the laboratory. Students are also introduced to the many applications of chemistry in the health sciences and technology.
Computer Science
Computer science is a discipline that seeks to build a scientific foundation for such topics as computer design, computer programming, information processing, and algorithmic problem solving. It provides the structure for today’s computer applications as well as the foundations for tomorrow’s applications.
Geology
The earth provides the basic physical environment for life. Therefore, knowledge of geologic processes and hazards is a starting place in developing an understanding of the many complex environmental issues society faces today.
Mathematics
Mathematics is the universal language that incorporates problem solving with communicating logical arguments. At introductory levels, this is done through the continued study of elementary algebraic structures, basic mathematical functions, and infinite processes such as calculus. At more advanced levels, numerical and geometrical understanding is expanded through the development of proof, which is the establishment of mathematical truths using written and oral arguments.
Physics
The universe holds a variety of objects, from large groups of stars to electrons and subatomic particles. These objects affect each other by pushing and pulling on each other by means of gravitational, electrical, and magnetic forces, among others. Physics is a study of these interactions, which are the basis of how everything works.
Psychology
Psychology seeks to understand the nature of behavior in both humans and animals. Psychologists explore overt responses, cognitive processes, emotional reactions, and physiological responses in organisms in order to describe, predict, and explain behavior in laboratory and real-life situations.
Students who are not majoring in a Natural Science subject area have two options for completing requirements in the Natural Sciences:
Option One: Complete one course from each of four different subject areas.
Option Two: Complete one course from each of three different subject areas AND complete one additional listed course from one of those three subject areas.
Natural Science courses taken to fulfill the quantitative reasoning competency may also be counted a second time to fulfill a knowledge area in Natural Sciences.
BIOL 0080 Life Sciences
BIOL 0083 Human Ecology
BIOL 0085 Human Health and Disease
BIOL 0110 General Biology 1
BIOL 0120 General Biology 2
CHEM 0080 Chemistry, Man, and Society
CHEM 0085 Drugs and the Human Body
CHEM 0111 General Chemistry I
CHEM 0112 General Chemistry II
CHEM 0190 Chemistry for the Health Professions
CS 0015 Introduction to Computer Programming
CS 0081 Computer Literacy
CS 0100 Perspectives in Computer Science
CS 0411 Intro to Computer Science Programming
CS 0417 Intermediate Programming Using JAVA
GEOL 0010 Principles of Astronomy
GEOL 0015 Physical Geology
GEOL 0024 Meteorology
GEOL 0061 Historical Geology
GEOL 0083 Introduction to Physical Oceanography
GEOL 0086 Environmental Geology
GEOL 0087 The Earth's Climate
GEOL 0089 Prehistoric Life
GEOL 0090 Earthquakes and Volcanoes
MATH 0002 College Algebra
MATH 0004 Precalculus: Functions & Trigonometry
MATH 0071 Structure of the Real Number System
MATH 0080 Fundamentals of Modern Math
MATH 0121 Business Calculus
MATH 0212 Introduction to Biostatistics
MATH 0221 Analytical Geometry & Calculus 1
MATH 0231 Analytical Geometry & Calculus 2
MATH 0401 Discrete Mathematical Structures
PHYS 0090 Explorations in Physics
PHYS 0093 Science, Technology, & Society
PHYS 0140 Introduction to Physics 1
PHYS 0142 Introduction to Physics 2
PHYS 0150 Physics 1
PHYS 0152 Physics 2
PSY 0200 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 0210 Social Psychology
PSY 0230 Child Development
PSY 0240 Theories of Personality
PSY 0384 Adult Development and Aging
PSY 1141 Psychopathology
B. SOCIAL SCIENCES (for students not majoring in a social sciences discipline)
The social sciences provide a unique set of conceptually interrelated perspectives designed to explain societal aspects of human behavior. Courses listed in the knowledge areas of the social sciences provide analytical approaches appropriate to understanding the causes, motivations, and consequences of human interaction. These approaches, commonly identified with the disciplines in the social sciences, allow students to become more aware of the context in which they live, more capable of forming independent and considered viewpoints and critical perspectives on societal issues, and better equipped to handle changing social dynamics and challenging social settings. For general education purposes, it is important that students be exposed to a range of social science approaches by completing basic introductory course work in at least three of the social science disciplines described below, as well as a fourth course, either an introductory course in a fourth discipline or a follow-up course in one of the three disciplines initially chosen.
Anthropology
Students study humanity from an evolutionary, comparative, and holistic perspective, focusing on the origins and biological development of humans as well as a rich variety of sociocultural, economic, political, kinship, familial, religious, and artistic systems and their adaptations in particular social and natural environments.
Economics
Students analyze how individuals interact in markets; how public policies affect the operations of markets; and how markets and policies affect economic growth, inflation, employment, and the distribution of income in societies.
Geography
Students examine the spatial characteristics of human (population, economic, political, urban) and physical (climatological, resources, natural hazard) processes and the interaction between humans and their physical environment.
History
Students study and analyze the economic, political, religious, cultural, and social factors that have influenced human behavior and thought through time.
Political Science
Students examine how institutions of political authority evolve and are used to resolve conflicts within and between societies and to direct societal resources to needs of common welfare.
Sociology
Students learn to study systematically how people interact, how they organize themselves into social groups, and how people and organizations change in society.
Students who are not majoring in a Social Science subject area have two options for completing the knowledge areas in the Social Sciences:
Option One: Complete one course from four different subject areas.
Option Two: Complete one course from each of three different subject areas AND complete one follow-up course from one of those three subject areas.
Anthropology
ANTH 0800 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 1290 North American Indian Cultures
ANTH 1580 Religion and Culture
ANTH 1630 Anthropology of Women
ANTH 1720 Caribbean Cultures
Economics
ECON 0105 Introduction to Microeconomic Theory
ECON 0115 Introduction to Macroeconomic Theory
Geography
GEOG 0100 Economic Geography
GEOG 0210 Physical Geography
GEOG 0310 Geography of the United States
GEOG 0320 Geography of Africa
GEOG 0325 Geography of Europe
GEOG 0610 Urban Development
GEOG 0810 Earth and People
History
HIST 0120 Western Civilization 1
HIST 0130 Western Civilization 2
HIST 0424 Classical East Asia
HIST 0425 Modern East Asia
HIST 0610 United States to 1877
HIST 0620 United States 1877–Present
Political Science
PS 0206 American Political Process
PS 0302 Comparative Politics
PS 0310 Comparative Developing Systems
PS 0501 World Politics
Sociology
SOC 0070 Social Problems
SOC 0100 Introduction to Sociology
C. HUMANITIES (for students not majoring in a humanities discipline)
The courses listed under humanities seek to instill an understanding of the major ideas and accomplishments of humankind and a sense of the values of our own and other cultures and ages. They stress the need to communicate with clarity and conviction in both the written and spoken word; they encourage the development of analytical and creative thinking that contribute to the education of the whole student; and they foster an appreciation of the cultural diversity reflected in artistic and intellectual achievement throughout history.
Section 1
Courses focus on human thought and behavior in their philosophical, visual, musical, and theatrical representation.
Section 2
Courses emphasize the literary representation of humanity as expressed through its many forms and help students to value diverse cultural practices and perspectives.
Section 3
Courses stress the theory and practice of human expression as reflected in written and spoken language, in English and other languages, and in nonverbal artistic forms.
Section 4
Courses encourage the reinforcement and development of learning in any discipline from Sections 1–3 or in an interdisciplinary course.
Complete one 3–4 credit course in each of the following four sections:
Section 1
COMMRC 0320 Mass Communication Process
FA - Any course on the history of art
JOURNL 0053 Introduction to Journalism
MUSIC 0212 Introduction to Western Art Music
MUSIC 0223 History of Western Music to 1750
MUSIC 0225 History of Western Music since 1750
MUSIC 0235 History of the Symphony
MUSIC 0712 Jazz
MUSIC 0845 Special Topics
PHIL - Any Philosophy course except 0501 or 1501
THEA 0811 Introduction to Dramatic Art 1
THEA 0812 Introduction to Dramatic Art 2
Section 2
Any English Literature course
Classical French, German, Italian, or Spanish literature in original or translation
Section 3
COMMRC 0030 Introduction to Communication
COMMRC 0052 Public Speaking
COMMRC 1138 Theories of Persuasion
ENGWRT 0050 Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGWRT 0053 Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGWRT 0500 Creative Nonfiction Writing
JOURNL 1132 Reporting 1
JOURNL 1134 Feature Writing
MUSIC 0413 Theory and Ear Training 1
MUSIC 0425 Writing About Music
Any French, German, Spanish (elementary, intermediate, conversation, or composition) language course
Primary writing or speaking courses taken to fulfill the writing or speaking competency may not be counted a second time as fulfillment of Section 3.
Section 4
Any other course listed in Sections 1, 2, or 3
COMMRC 0083 Intercultural Communication
Any second language
Knowledge Areas for Students Majoring in the Division of Engineering Technology (ET)
General Education Requirements: Knowledge Areas
A. NATURAL SCIENCES
The following courses are required and total 31 credits. They more than compensate for the fulfillment of the general requirement under arts and sciences.
Chemistry/Physics
CHEM 0111 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 0113 General Chemistry Laboratory 1
PHYS 0150 Physics 1
PHYS 0151 Physics Laboratory 1
PHYS 0152 Physics 2
PHYS 0153 Physics Laboratory 2
Mathematics
MATH 0221 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
MATH 0231 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
MATH 0241 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
MATH 1035 Differential Equations with Matrix Theory
Courses taken to fulfill the quantitative reasoning requirement may not be counted a second time as fulfillment of Section 2.
Section 4
Fulfilled by required coursework in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
B. SOCIAL SCIENCES
Division of Engineering Technology students are required to take ET 1103 Engineering Economics and will choose three other disciplines listed below and complete 3 credits in each.
Anthropology
ANTH 0800 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 1290 North American Indian Cultures
ANTH 1580 Religion and Culture
ANTH 1630 Anthropology of Women
ANTH 1720 Caribbean Cultures
Economics
ET 1103 Engineering Economics
Geography
GEOG 0100 Economic Geography
GEOG 0210 Physical Geography
GEOG 0310 Geography of the United States
GEOG 0320 Geography of Africa
GEOG 0610 Urban Development
GEOG 0810 Earth and People
History
HIST 0120 Western Civilization 1
HIST 0130 Western Civilization 2
HIST 0424 Classical East Asia
HIST 0425 Modern East Asia
HIST 0610 United States to 1877
HIST 0620 United States 1877–Present
HIST 1520 World War II
HIST 1620 The Vietnam War
Political Science
PS 0206 American Political Process
PS 0302 Comparative Politics
PS 0310 Comparative Developing Systems
PS 0501 World Politics
Sociology
SOC 0070 Social Problems
SOC 0100 Introduction to Sociology
NOTE: Engineering technology students wishing to minor in the natural sciences area are permitted to replace one 3-credit, nonrequired social sciences or humanities course with a natural sciences course required to complete the minor.
C. HUMANITIES
Engineering technology students are required to take ENGWRT 1192 Technical Writing in Section 3, and they may choose 3 credits in each of the remaining sections (Sections 1, 2, and 4).
Section 1
COMMRC 0320 Mass Communication Process
Fine Arts—Any course on the History of Art
MUSIC 0212 Introduction to Western Art Music
MUSIC 0223 History of Western Music to 1750
MUSIC 0225 History of Western Music since 1750
MUSIC 0235 History of the Symphony
MUSIC 0712 Jazz
MUSIC 0845 Special Topics: The Beatles
PHIL—Any Philosophy course except 0501 or 1501
THEA 0811 Introduction to Dramatic Art 1
THEA 0812 Introduction to Dramatic Art 2
Section 2
Any English Literature course
Classical French, German, Italian, or Spanish literature in original or translation
Section 3
ENGWRT 1192 Technical Writing
Section 4
Any course listed in Sections 1, 2, or 3, any second language, or a course listed below:
MUSIC 0062* Concert Choir (1 credit)
MUSIC 0069* Concert Band (1 credit)
ENGWRT 1130 Grammar Review
COMMRC 1138 Theories of Persuasion
* Must take 3 of these 1-credit courses.
NOTE: Engineering technology students wishing to minor in the natural sciences area are permitted to replace one 3-credit, nonrequired social sciences or humanities course with a natural sciences course required to complete the minor.
Knowledge Areas for Students Majoring in Education
The various programs in elementary and secondary education require different versions of the general education knowledge areas. Please refer to the descriptions under Programs in Education in this bulletin and to the education Red Book for specific details.
Programs in Allied Health
Director: Bruce J. Colbert
The programs in Allied Health are designed to prepare graduates for a rewarding profession within their chosen health field. Current programs include associate degrees in Emergency Medical Services, Respiratory Care, and Surgical Technology. Additionally, a student may continue for approximately two more years to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Health Care. For further information, contact the Office of Allied Health at 814-269-2960 or by writing to 227 Krebs Hall, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Faculty: Jeffrey Ankney, Lance Bistransky, Bruce J. Colbert, Terri Price
Health Care
Bachelor of Science degree in Health care
This program allows graduates from associate degree (or equivalent) health care programs or accredited hospital-based programs for health professionals with acceptable academic credits to prepare for positions as educators or supervisors/administrators within the health care field. Candidates for this program must have graduated with a minimum QPA of 2.25 (based on a 4.00 scale) from their professional program. In order to complete the requirements for the degree, the following criteria must be met:
- All general education requirements as described in this bulletin must be completed.
- The student’s previous health care professional curriculum must be evaluated, and as many as 48 technical credits can be awarded. If fewer than 48 credits are awarded, the students must make up the additional credits in consultation with their advisor.
- The student must complete the following required courses:
- BUS 0500 Principles of Management
- EDPSY 0006 Introduction to Educational Psychology
- HRP 1050 Healthcare Education
- HRP 1054 Healthcare Management
- HRP 1095 Healthcare Internship
- HRP 1119 Legal Aspects of Healthcare
- STAT 1020 Social Statistics
Respiratory Care
Associate Degree
The 84-credit respiratory care program is an American Medical Association-approved 20-month Associate Degree Program that qualifies graduates to become candidates for the national registry examination. Graduates are involved in all aspects of patient assessment, therapeutic planning, and intervention for patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Extensive clinical experiences will take place at a variety of settings including hospital-based settings, home care, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and rehabilitation departments. In addition, students will manage advanced life support equipment and perform and interpret diagnostic procedures. A maximum of 18 students are chosen from those who have a 2.25 or higher QPA at the end of the first term of study. All students who attempt the program must maintain a minimum QPA of 2.25 in required professional courses each semester. Once this degree is obtained, a student may continue at Pitt-Johnstown to receive a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare.
Pitt-Johnstown’s Respiratory Care program provides classroom and up-to-date clinical education as required by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835, http://www.coarc.com.
Courses are team taught by Pitt-Johnstown faculty and hospital instructors within their area of expertise.
| First Year—Fall Term (15 credits) |
| Biology 0950 |
| English Composition 0005 |
| Chemistry 0190, 0192 |
| Respiratory Care 0020 |
| CAS 0001 |
| |
| First Year—Spring Term (18 credits) |
| Biology 0970 |
| Respiratory Care 1022, 1026, 1028, 1041 |
| Mathematics 0001 |
| |
| First Year—Summer Term (18 credits) |
| Respiratory Care 1024, 1030, 1031 |
| Elective |
| |
| Second Year—Fall Term (18 credits) |
| Respiratory Care 1032, 1034 |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| |
| Second Year—Spring Term (15 credits) |
| Respiratory Care 1038, 1039 |
| Elective |
Surgical Technology
Associate Degree
This 75-credit program will allow individuals completing the required course work to receive a Surgical Technologist Certificate as well as an associate degree and will qualify them to sit for the Surgical Technologist National Certifying Examination.
The surgical technologist is involved in many aspects of a patient’s care in the operating room setting as well as ambulatory surgery, delivery, and emergency rooms. Supervised by either surgeons, anesthesiologists, or nurses, surgical technologists prepare patients for surgery, prepare instruments and equipment, prepare fluids for intravenous administration, prepare specimens for laboratory analysis, and prepare wound dressings. The technologist also assists the surgeon in some procedures.
Prior to official admission to the program, the applicant must be accepted to both the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s School of Surgical Technology via an application and interview process. Individuals who currently have a valid surgical technologist certification may receive an associate degree by successfully completing the necessary course requirements. Once this degree is obtained, a student may continue at Pitt-Johnstown to receive a bachelor's degree in health related professions.
Courses are team taught by Pitt-Johnstown faculty and hospital instructors within their area of expertise.
| First Year—Fall Term (14 credits) |
| Biology 0950 |
| English Composition 0005 |
| Elective |
| Psychology 0200 |
| CAS 0001 University Scholarship |
| |
| First Year—Spring Term (17 credits) |
| Biology 0970, 0980, 0981 |
| Mathematics 0001 |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| |
| Second Year—Fall Term (17 credits) |
| Surgical Technology 1010, 1020, 1030 |
| |
| Second Year—Spring Term (17 credits) |
| Surgical Technology 1040, 1050 |
| |
| Second Year—Summer Term (10 credits) |
| Surgical Technology 1060, 1070 |
Programs in Education
Chair: Malcolm L. Van Blerkom, PhD
Degrees Offered
Faculty: Julie Ankrum, Natalie Conrad Barnyak, Nina Girard, Jean James, Donna Kowalczyk, Alan Nail, Mark Previte, Scott Tracy, Malcolm Van Blerkom, Robert Zellers.
Adjunct Faculty: William Brotz, Robert Eckenrod, Charles Kormanski, Paul Neatrour, Terri Prout, Christine Rhodes, Sameul Romesberg, Robert Swanson, Matthew Thomas, Donald Yokitis.
Division Policies and Requirements
The Division of Education provides complete information on all programs and related policies in its Student Handbook, which may be obtained in 153 Biddle Hall or viewed in an abridged version on the Pitt-Johnstown Web site, www.upj.pitt.edu/education. Prospective students interested in majoring in education should read the Student Handbook prior to enrolling at Pitt-Johnstown. The Student Handbook is updated every year and is therefore more current and explanatory than this bulletin. In all cases, policies described in the Student Handbook take precedence over policies described in the bulletin.
Freshmen who plan to major in early childhood, elementary or secondary education as undergraduate students first enroll at Pitt-Johnstown as pre-education majors. To be eligible to declare pre-education as a major, incoming freshmen must have been granted admission status by the Pitt-Johnstown Office of Admissions.
Students who plan to relocate from another University of Pittsburgh campus to major in education at Pitt-Johnstown must meet minimum GPA requirements in order to declare pre-education as a major. While a 2.50 GPA is a minimum standard for students who have earned 12 or fewer credits, a higher GPA is required for students who have earned more than 12 credits.
Students who plan to transfer from another college or university to major in education at Pitt-Johnstown must meet minimum GPA requirements in order to declare pre-education as a major. This minimum GPA is based on all courses taken at another college, whether or not the credits are accepted by Pitt-Johnstown. (While a 2.50 GPA is a minimum standard for students who have earned 12 or fewer credits, a higher GPA is required for students who have earned more than 12 credits.) Students interested in transferring should request a transcript review from the Division of Education prior to applying for admission at Pitt-Johnstown. This transcript review will inform potential students of remaining course work needed to complete an education program at Pitt-Johnstown. Interested students should send a copy of all college transcripts, along with a cover letter stating the intended program and the potential term for enrollment in a program at Pitt-Johnstown, to Dr. Malcolm L. Van Blerkom at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 153 Biddle Hall, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Post-baccalaureate students who plan to seek Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certification in either elementary or secondary education at Pitt-Johnstown must also meet minimum GPA requirements in order to declare pre-education as a major. This minimum GPA is based on all courses taken at any college within the past five years and any course taken longer than five years ago that would be applied to the program. (While a 2.50 GPA is a minimum standard for students, a higher GPA is required for students for whom 12 or fewer credits will apply to their intended program.) Eligible post-baccalaureate students may choose one of two options: certification while earning a second bachelor's degree or certification without earning a second bachelor's degree. Students interested in seeking post-baccalaureate certification should request a transcript review from the Division of Education prior to applying for admission at Pitt-Johnstown. This transcript review will inform potential students of remaining course work needed to complete an education program at Pitt-Johnstown. Interested students should send a copy of all college transcripts, along with a cover letter stating the intended program and the potential term for enrollment in a program at Pitt-Johnstown, to Dr. Malcolm L. Van Blerkom at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 153 Biddle Hall, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Students already enrolled in another major at Pitt-Johnstown must gain the approval of the Chairperson of the Division of Education in order to change their major to pre-education. The student's current academic grade point average is the basis upon which approval will or will not be granted. (While a 2.50 GPA is a minimum standard for students who have earned 12 or fewer credits, a higher GPA is required for students who have earned more than 12 credits.)
Once enrolled in pre-education, students must meet specific requirements to gain admission to the upper-level early childhood, elementary or secondary education programs. Criteria for admission include 45 earned credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, satisfactory letters of recommendation, minimum C grades in several designated courses, one English composition and one English literature course, two math courses designated for the specific program, successful passing of all three Praxis I certification tests, and—for early childhood and elementary education majors—passing of the Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge test. Post-baccalaureate and transfer students also must have earned a minimum combined GPA of 3.00 (combination of all courses taken in the past five years at any institution, courses taken more than five years from the date of admission that are applied to the program, and credits taken—minimum of 15—as a pre-education student). Policies related to admission to the upper-level program are described fully in the Student Handbook.
The upper-level program is structured as a sequence of experiences. Upper-level early childhood and elementary education students complete a set of courses during a four-term period, with student teaching comprising the major part of the fourth-term component. The secondary education program is structured somewhat more flexibly, but interested students should gain an understanding of the sequential nature of the upper-level curriculum prior to declaring pre-education as a major.
Upper-level students must meet specific requirements to be admitted to student teaching, and all students who complete student teaching also must pass all required Praxis certification tests to be eligible for Pennsylvania certification.
In addition, all pre-education majors must submit copies of a criminal background clearance, a child abuse history clearance, and fingerprinting at an approved state site prior to enrolling in the pre-education course History and Philosophy of Education, which must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown.
NOTE: Prospective students who have failed any Praxis certification test are not eligible to declare pre-education as a major at Pitt-Johnstown until they have passed the failed test.
NOTE: Most pre-education courses are open only to those students who are enrolled in pre-education. All upper-level education courses are open only to students admitted to the upper-level program, and all upper-level courses must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown.
Program Requirements
Elementary Education Major (127 credits)
Students who complete all program requirements, meet graduation requirements, and pass all required certification tests will be certified in Pennsylvania to teach grades K-6. Certified elementary education graduates also may qualify for middle level certification (grades 7-9) by passing a middle level certification test for a specific content area. Information regarding the addition of middle level certification is provided in the Student Handbook. Certification requirements vary in other states, but Pennsylvania certification typically is accepted by most states for initial employment. Prospective undergraduate students and post-baccalaureate students seeking certification only may find the most current information on program course requirements in the Division's Student Handbook.
Note: Pennsylvania is phasing out the Elementary Education certificate. As of August 1, 2009 Pitt-Johnstown’s Elementary Education major is closed to new students.
The following is a summarized description of program requirements.
- Pre-Education Curriculum (75 credits): Students typically take 64 of the following pre-education credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (18 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (15 credits)
- Pre-education (10 credits)
- Free and Education Electives (13 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Elementary Education Curriculum (52 credits): All courses in the upper-level elementary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to the credits shown below, students typically take their remaining 11 pre-education curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar.
- First Term (12 credits)
- Second Term (12 credits)
- Third Term (12 credits)
- Fourth Term (student teaching and seminar, 16 credits)
Early Childhood Education Major (127 credits)
Students who complete all program requirements, meet graduation requirements, and pass all required certification tests will be certified in Pennsylvania to teach grades pre-school through 4th. Certification requirements vary in other states, but Pennsylvania certification typically is accepted by most states for initial employment. Prospective undergraduate students and post-baccalaureate students seeking certification only may find the most current information on program course requirements in the Division's Student Handbook. The following is a summarized description of program requirements.
- Pre-Education Curriculum (63 credits): Students typically take the following pre-education credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (15 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (12 credits)
- Pre-education (11 credits)
- Free and Education Electives (6 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Early Childhood Education Curriculum (64 credits): All courses in the upper-level early childhood education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. The first three terms involve methods courses and field placements. The final term is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar.
- First Term (16 credits)
- Second Term (16 credits)
- Third Term (17 credits)
- Fourth Term (student teaching and seminar, 16 credits)
Secondary Education Major
The Division of Education offers secondary education degrees and certification in the following areas of concentration: biology, chemistry, earth and space science, English, and mathematics. In addition, students who are completing certification requirements in one of the science programs may choose to add certification requirements in general science without any additional coursework. Students who complete all of their specific program's requirements, meet graduation requirements, and pass all required certification tests will be certified in Pennsylvania to teach their program content in grades 7-12. Certification requirements vary in other states, but Pennsylvania certification typically is accepted by most states for initial employment. Prospective undergraduate students and post baccalaureate students seeking certification only may find the most current information on each program's course requirements in the Division's Student Handbook.
The following is a summarized description of each secondary education program’s requirements.
Secondary Education Major with an Area of Concentration in Biology (129–131 credits)
- Pre-Education and Content Curriculum (99-101 credits): Students typically take 61-63 of the following pre-education and content credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Psychology (6 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (12 credits)
- Pre-Education (10 credits)
- Required and Elective Biology (27-28 credits)
- Required Sciences (18 credits)
- Required Math (7-8 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Secondary Education Curriculum (30 credits): All courses in the upper-level secondary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to courses in teaching methods and instructional technology (14 credits), students typically take their remaining 38 pre-education and content curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term generally is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar (16 credits).
Secondary Education Major with an Area of Concentration in Chemistry (130 credits)
- Pre-Education and Content Curriculum (100 credits): Students typically take 65 of the following pre-education and content credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Psychology (6 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (12 credits)
- Pre-Education (10 credits)
- Required Chemistry (32 credits)
- Required Sciences (13 credits)
- Required Math (8 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Secondary Education Curriculum (30 credits): All courses in the upper-level secondary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to courses in teaching methods and instructional technology (14 credits), students typically take their remaining 35 pre-education and content curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term generally is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar (16 credits).
Secondary Education Major with an Area of Concentration in Earth and Space Science (128–132 credits)
- Pre-Education and Content Curriculum (98-102 credits): Students typically take 64 of the following pre-education and content credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Psychology (6 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (12 credits)
- Pre-Education (10 credits)
- Required and Elective Geology and Planetary Science (31-34 credits)
- Required Sciences (14 credits)
- Required Math (7-8 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Secondary Education Curriculum (30 credits): All courses in the upper-level secondary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to courses in teaching methods and instructional technology (14 credits), students typically take their remaining 34-38 pre-education and content curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term generally is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar (16 credits).
Secondary Education Major with an Area of Concentration in English (128 credits)
- Pre-Education and Content Curriculum (98 credits): Students typically take 65 of the following pre-education and content credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (15 credits)
- Social Sciences (12 credits)
- Pre-Education (10 credits)
- Required Humanities (6 credits)
- Required and Elective Literature (39 credits)
- Required Writing (9 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Secondary Education Curriculum (30 credits): All courses in the upper-level secondary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to courses in teaching methods and instructional technology (14 credits), students typically take their remaining 33 pre-education and content curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term generally is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar (16 credits).
Secondary Education Major with an Area of Concentration in Mathematics (132–133 credits)
- Pre-Education and Content Curriculum (102-103 credits): Students typically take 66-68 of the following pre-education and content credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (10-11 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (12 credits)
- Pre-Education (10 credits)
- Required Mathematics (41 credits)
- Required Computer Science (7 credits)
- Mathematics or Computer Science Elective (3 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-Level Secondary Education Curriculum (30 credits): All courses in the upper-level secondary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to courses in teaching methods and instructional technology (14 credits), students typically take their remaining 35-36 pre-education and content curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term generally is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar (16 credits).
Secondary Education Major with an Area of Concentration in Social Studies (130–131 credits)
Completion of this program certifies graduates to teach anthropology, history, geography, political science, sociology, psychology, and economics to grades 7-12. (Students choose one of three strands: geography, history, or political science.)
- Pre-Education and Content Curriculum (101-102 credits): Students typically take 63-64 of the following pre-education and content credits during their freshman and sophomore years.
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (15-16 credits)
- Humanities (12 credits)
- Social Sciences Distribution (27 credits)
- Pre-Education (10 credits)
- Required and Elective Content Courses (all in either geography, history, or political science) (30 credits)
- University Orientation (1 credit)
- Upper-level Secondary Education Curriculum (30 credits): All courses in the upper-level secondary education curriculum must be taken at Pitt-Johnstown. In addition to courses in teaching methods and instructional technology (14 credits), students typically take their remaining 38-39 pre-education and content curriculum credits during the first three terms of the upper level. The final term generally is reserved for student teaching and the student teaching seminar (16 credits).
