UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

College of General Studies

Program Descriptions

 

 

A detailed description of each major offered by CGS is given below. All CGS students must fulfill the general degree requirements listed above as well as the specific requirements for fulfilling each major listed below.

Administration of Justice

In American society, the justice system is a central social institution. Its effects on individuals and social groups give it a pivotal role in a changing society. The administration of justice program, offering courses taught by faculty from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, is an upper-division undergraduate course of interdisciplinary study in the liberal arts and sciences that leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The major goal of this baccalaureate program is to develop students’ understanding of the evolution, theory, structure, functioning, and processes of change in the total system of criminal justice in our society. It is designed so that administration of justice majors may develop competence in one of four specialized areas:

• Adult and juvenile corrections
• Law enforcement
• Forensics
• Cybercrime

Of the minimum total of 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in administration of justice, 30 credits (10 courses) must come in courses that satisfy the major requirements. An outline of these major requirements follows:

Core Requirements: 12 credits (four courses)

 

Area of Specialization: 9 credits (three courses)

Choose one of the four areas of specialization. All courses listed under a given area are required.

Adult and Juvenile Corrections

 

Other related courses are offered by the disciplines of anthropology, legal studies, political science, psychology, public service, and sociology. Check with a CGS academic advisor for approved courses from these disciplines to satisfy the major’s elective requirements.

Minor requirements: Students interested in a minor, rather than a major, in administration of justice should check with their academic advisor. For CGS students, the minor consists of professional elective course work. For Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) students, the minor consists of non-A&S elective course work. For the minor, students must complete five courses (15 credits) with at least three courses from the University of Pittsburgh. A 2.0 average is required in the minor. Minor courses include ADMJ 0500 Introduction to Administration of Justice, ADMJ 1400 Introduction to Criminal Law, and 9 credits of administration of justice electives.

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Dental Hygiene

Opportunities for health care professionals are becoming available as a result of the changes in health care delivery formats. To prepare dental hygiene graduates for employment opportunities created by these changes, the University of Pittsburgh’s College of General Studies and the School of Dental Medicine have developed a course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. This degree is intended for those students who have graduated from accredited dental hygiene programs with a certificate or associate’s degree. (See School of Dental Medicine listings in this bulletin for information on the dental hygiene certificate program.) The Bachelor of Science degree enhances the already completed professional training and provides important exposure to the liberal arts. The combination of basic sciences, clinical experiences, and liberal arts strengthens the career opportunities for dental hygienists in business, sales, dental hygiene education, and research.

A distinct advantage of the Bachelor of Science degree is that hygienists can practice their profession following receipt of their certificate in dental hygiene and be employed while completing the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Class schedules can be tailored to work schedules. Classes are available in the evening, during the day, on Saturday, and through CGSOnline. Attendance can be on a full-time or part-time basis.

The following requirements must be met by students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Science program:

• Successful completion of a program in dental hygiene accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (such as the certificate program detailed above),
• Submission of an official copy of a dental hygiene program transcript as well as transcripts from all other colleges attended,
• Licensure to practice dental hygiene in at least one state or eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania, and
• A minimum grade point average of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale.

The following program requirements must be met to receive the Bachelor of Science degree:

• Completion of a minimum of 120 credits; of this total, a minimum of 30 credits must be at the junior/senior (1000) level. The courses must be completed within five years of enrolling in the program.
• Individuals who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1996 or later can apply 82 credits from their Dental Hygiene Program toward the 120 credits required for the bachelor of science degree. The following areas make up the remaining 39 credits:
• English composition or writing—6 credits
• Mathematics—3 credits
• Humanities—6 credits
• Social sciences—3 credits
• Literature—3 credits
• History—3 credits
• International perspective—9 credits
• Dental Hygiene Track —6 credits

Six credits must be taken from among the following Dental Hygiene Program core courses:

 

Individuals who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program in 1995 or earlier or from any other college or university can transfer many of their professional and liberal arts credits toward the bachelor’s degree. The number of credits transferred is determined by an individual review of each applicant’s academic credentials. Interested individuals should contact the College of General Studies dental hygiene academic advisor at 412-624-6600.

Refer to the College of General Studies’ Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree sheet for specific information about applicable courses. Check with an advisor before registering. Requirements are subject to change.

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Health Services

Bachelor of Arts

The health services major is an interdisciplinary course of study designed to prepare students to work in the health care field. Courses focus on the structure of the health care industry, including its institutions, personnel, financing, and regulatory controls, and provide students with communication and management skills.

Students may pursue one of two tracks:

• Managing Health Services Programs and Projects gives students key administrative and business skills, with an emphasis on grant and research project management.
• Community Health Assessment provides an understanding of the physical, social, and behavioral factors influencing health.

A minimum total of 120 credits is required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in health services. Of this total, the major consists of 3 credits of prerequisite courses and 33 credits of core and specialization courses. The remaining credits for the degree are outlined on the Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree sheet which may be obtained in 1400 Wesley Posvar Hall , or at www.cgs.pitt.edu.

 

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Humanities Area

Humanities area is a liberal arts major that students customize to meet their interests and career goals with a focus on the humanities. Of the minimum total of 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in humanities, 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) must come from courses that satisfy the major requirements. To satisfy those requirements, students choose humanities-related courses from three of the following departments.

• Africana studies (courses must be humanities-related)
• Classics
• Communication
• English composition (courses numbered 0300 and above)
• English film
• English literature
• English writing
• Second language (literature courses)
• History of art and architecture
• Music
• Philosophy
• Religious studies (courses must be humanities-related)
• Studio arts
• Theatre arts

Students must adhere to the following requirements as they take courses for the humanities area major:

• At least five courses must be taken from one department listed above and at least three courses from two other departments.
• At least one half of the major courses must be at the 1000 level.
• All courses selected for the humanities area major must be approved by an academic advisor.

School of Education Certification Programs: The College of General Studies and the School of Education have collaborated on a curriculum under the humanities area program that incorporates all of the prerequisite course work needed for admission into the teacher certification program in comprehensive English education. This option may be used by students interested in the professional year or the Master of Arts in teaching programs offered in the School of Education. Completion of the prerequisites for the School of Education does not guarantee acceptance to their programs. See an academic advisor for specific requirements.

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Legal Studies

The legal studies major is an interdisciplinary course of study that combines the theories and methods of several social science disciplines and law. While not designed as a prelaw program, the major seeks to develop an understanding of the nature, content, and operation of American law and legal institutions.

Of the minimum total of 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in legal studies, 30 credits (10 courses) are in courses that satisfy the major requirements. An outline of these major requirements follows.

Core Requirements: 6 credits (two courses)

 

 

Minor requirements: Students interested in a minor, rather than a major, in legal studies should check with their academic advisor. For the minor, students must complete five courses (15 credits) with at least three courses from the University of Pittsburgh. A 2.0 average is required in the minor. Minor courses include LEGLST 0080 Introduction to Legal Studies and 12 credits of legal studies electives.

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Liberal Studies

The College of General Studies and the School of Education have collaborated on the liberal studies curriculum that incorporates all of the prerequisite course work needed for admission into the teacher certification programs in early childhood and elementary education. These options may be used by students interested in the professional year or the Master of Arts in teaching programs offered in the School of Education. Completion of the prerequisites for the School of Education does not guarantee acceptance to their programs. See an academic advisor for specific requirements.  This program is not currently accepting new students.  Students who declared the program prior to 2012 and have not completed the program should see an academic advisor for other options, such as the new degree programs offered by the School of Education.

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Media and Professional Communications

The Media and Professional Communications major is designed to meet the needs and interests of persons engaged in or aspiring to careers that employ competency in communicating in business, government, or through print or electronic media. This new major features a dual emphasis on providing students with a rigorous education in the theories of mass media process, history, and ethics, as well as the opportunity to specialize in one of three professional practice areas: Corporate/Community Relations, Writing for the Professions, or Digital Media. The three tracks are designed to strengthen both the knowledge base and proficiencies of students pursuing careers in communications fields, such as print, television, radio, film, new media, or corporate/organizational communications. This program will also benefit students pursuing careers in a variety of industries in which communication with internal and external publics is critical. A minimum of 120 credits is required for this major.

Prerequisite courses for all three tracks: 12 credits (four courses)

 

Internship: 3 credits (choose one course)

 

CGS

1900

Internship

 

 

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Natural Sciences Area

Natural sciences area is a liberal arts major students customize to meet their interests and career goals with a focus on the sciences. Of the minimum total of 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the natural sciences area, 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) must come in courses that satisfy the major requirements. To satisfy those requirements, students choose natural sciences related courses from three of the following departments.

• Anthropology (natural sciences-related course)
• Astronomy
• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer science (only courses numbered 0401 and above)
• Geology and planetary science
• History and philosophy of science
• Mathematics (only courses numbered 0220 and above)
• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Psychology (natural sciences-related course)
• Statistics (only courses numbered 0200 and above)

Students must adhere to the following requirements as they take courses for the natural sciences area major:

• At least five courses must be taken from one department listed above and at least three courses from the two other departments.
• All courses selected for the natural sciences major must be approved by an academic advisor.

School of Education Certification Programs: The College of General Studies and the School of Education have collaborated on a curriculum under the natural sciences program that incorporates all of the prerequisite course work needed for admission into the teacher certification programs in earth and space science and general science education. These options may be used by students interested in the professional year or the Master of Arts in teaching programs offered in the School of Education. Completion of the prerequisites for the School of Education does not guarantee acceptance to their programs. See an academic advisor for specific requirements.

Pre-Medicine Option: This natural science option incorporates the coursework needed for admission to most medical and dental programs. Completion does not guarantee acceptance into graduate study. Contact CGS for additional details and requirements.

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Public Service

The undergraduate major in public service is offered by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) through CGS. It is designed to prepare students for a broad range of careers that are focused on the resolution of public problems or the delivery of public services. These careers range from those in the local government and community arena to the metropolitan region and state arena to national and international settings. Potential employers include state, local, and federal governments; nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations at the local, regional, national, or international level; private firms engaged in working with government; and private corporations with an active public service culture. The major serves students who are interested in public issues as concerned and interested citizens and prepares students for a wide range of graduate programs related to public policy and management.

The public service major adds professional dimension to various arts and science majors including political science, anthropology, economics, urban studies, and sociology. A minimum total of 120 credits is required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in public service. Of this total, students must take 33 credits (11 courses) in public service, one course in statistics, and 6 credits (two courses) from a related field: political science, economics, psychology, sociology, or another department approved by an academic advisor. The remaining credits required for the degree are outlined on the Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree sheet available in 1400 Wesley W. Posvar Hall.

Core Courses: 15 credits (five courses)

 

Required Supporting Course Work

Students are required to take a course in statistics (STAT 0200 Basic Applied Statistics or an equivalent course) and two courses from a related department such as economics, political science, psychology, sociology, or another department approved by an academic advisor.

 

Minor Requirements

Students interested in a minor, rather than a major, in public service should check with their academic advisor. For CGS students, the minor would be professional elective course work. For Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences students, the minor would be non-A&S elective course work. For the minor, students must complete five courses (15 credits) with at least three courses from the University of Pittsburgh. A 2.0 average is required in the minor.

Minor courses:

 

Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.

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Self-Design Major

The purpose of the self-design major is to enable highly motivated, nontraditional students who, for compelling professional or academic reasons, wish to pursue a program of studies other than the established majors available in the College of General Studies. The self-design major must be multidisciplinary, including courses from more than two departments or schools. It must have the same academic quality as existing CGS majors, and it must be substantially different from existing CGS majors.

A minimum total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree with a major in Self-Design. Of this total, the major consists of at least 36 credits (12 approved courses). Eighteen (18) of the 36 approved credits that constitute the central theme must be at the 1000 level. The remaining credits for the degree are outlined on the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" sheet.

A CGS faculty committee grants approval for all Self-Design major proposals. Students considering this alternative should schedule an appointment with a CGS advisor.

Guidelines for Preparing Proposals

1. Faculty Sponsorship and Advisor Responsibilities

a. The major will be designed in consultation with one or more University of Pittsburgh faculty members.

b. In special cases where the student has research or applied interests for which there are few available courses, the faculty member(s) may agree to serve on a continuing basis in an advisory capacity, directing independent studies or an undergraduate thesis. Faculty sponsorship is terminated when the student changes to another major or completes requirements for graduation.

c. CGS advisors will monitor the progress toward the degree with the student.

2. Student Contract

a. After consulting with a CGS advisor, the student will identify a faculty sponsor to provide advice on the academic plan of study. A student who requests guidance in identifying a sponsor (and those students pursuing option “b” above) will be assisted by the CGS faculty committee.

b. The student must submit a written proposal to the CGS faculty committee outlining the purpose, rationale, and courses in the self-designed major. Such a proposal will contain:

Title Page

1. Title of proposed major and degree sought (BS, BA)
2. Student Contact Information
3. Name, department, and contact information for faculty sponsors.
4. Signature of approval by faculty member(s).

Content of Proposal

1. A clear statement of purpose and rationale for the major must be made. Include the scope of the program of studies and relevance of the courses proposed.
2. List the courses, course numbers, titles, and number of credits.
3. A minimum of 36 credits (12 courses) in the central theme is required, with 18 of the 36 approved credits at the 1000 level.

3. Proposal Approval

The CGS Faculty Committee grants final approval of the major in a letter to the faculty sponsor, the Associate Dean of CGS, and the student. Any changes to the major must have approval from the Associate Dean.

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Social Sciences Area

Social sciences area is a liberal arts major students can customize to meet their interests and career goals with a focus on the social sciences. Of the minimum total of 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in social sciences area, 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) must come in courses that satisfy the major requirements. To satisfy those requirements, students choose social sciences related courses from three of the following departments and programs.

• Africana studies (social sciences-related courses)
• Anthropology (social sciences-related courses)
• Economics
• History
• Jewish studies
• Legal studies
• Political science
• Psychology (social sciences-related courses)
• Religious studies (social sciences-related courses)
• Sociology

Students must adhere to the following requirements as they take courses for the social sciences area major:

• At least five courses must be taken from one department/program listed above and at least three courses from the other two departments/programs.
• At least one half of the major courses must be at the 1000-level.
• All courses selected for the social sciences area major must be approved by an academic advisor.

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Certificate Programs

Thirteen certificate programs are offered through CGS. The certificates are designed to enhance the student's educational background and employment potential. The programs and their total credit requirements appear below:

• Accounting – 24 credits
• Communication – 24 credits
• Community Health Assessment – 18 credits
• Corporate/Community Relations – 18 credits
• Digital Media – 18 credits
• English Writing – 18 credits
• Information System Design – 18 credits
• Leadership - 18 credits
• Managing Health Services Programs and Projects – 18 credits
• National Preparedness and Homeland Security - 18 credits
• Nonprofit Management – 18 credits
• Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality – 18 credits
• Writing for the Professions – 18 credits

Additional information on certificate programs is available in 1400 Wesley W. Posvar Hall or at the CGS website: www.cgs.pitt.edu