SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (A&S)
Formerly the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Admission through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

The following students (except international students) are admitted to Arts and Sciences by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. These students should see the Application for Admission section of this bulletin for general admissions information.

• Freshmen (see Pittsburgh Campus Freshman Admissions for general admissions information).
• Transfer students who have previously enrolled at a college or university other than the University of Pittsburgh. These include former University of Pittsburgh students who have since earned college credits at another institution and now wish to return to A&S.
• Continuing education students: Adults who wish to begin or continue to work toward an undergraduate degree by taking a full- or part-time load of day classes should apply as new or transfer students through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
• Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution other than the University of Pittsburgh and now wish to earn a second undergraduate degree.

Admission through Arts and Sciences

The following students must apply directly to A&S for admission:

Transfers from Other University of Pittsburgh Schools at the Pittsburgh Campus

To transfer to Arts and Sciences from another school at the Pittsburgh campus, a student should request that the other Pittsburgh campus school send his or her record to Arts and Sciences. Arts and Sciences will review the student record and send a letter of acceptance if the student qualifies for transfer into Arts and Sciences. To qualify for transfer, a student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.00. Students enrolled in the College of General Studies (CGS) must earn at least 24 credits through CGS before applying for transfer to Arts and Sciences. Arts and Sciences prefers that students complete their basic skills requirements in intensive composition and algebra before applying for transfer to Arts and Sciences.

Upon acceptance into Arts and Sciences, a student will receive an evaluation of his or her previous course work and acknowledging the courses that have fulfilled Arts and Sciences skills and general education requirements. Arts and Sciences confers a maximum of 18 non-Arts and Sciences credits toward graduation. Arts and Sciences requires students to earn the last 30 credits and at least half of the credits for an Arts and Science major while enrolled in Arts and Sciences.

Transfers from University of Pittsburgh Regional Campuses

To transfer to Arts and Sciences from another school at the Pittsburgh campus, a student should request that the other Pittsburgh campus school send his or her record to Arts and Sciences. Arts and Sciences will review the student record and send a letter of acceptance if the student qualifies for transfer into Arts and Sciences. To qualify for transfer, a student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. Arts and Sciences prefers that students complete their basic skills requirements in intensive composition and algebra before applying for transfer to Arts and Sciences.

Students Seeking a Second University of Pittsburgh Undergraduate Degree

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any University of Pittsburgh school or regional campus and now wish to earn a second undergraduate degree should apply directly to A&S. Applicants should note the following:

• Course work for the second degree will continue on the original University of Pittsburgh undergraduate transcript.
• All appropriate course work from the first degree will apply to the second degree, up to a maximum of 90 credits. This will be indicated on the academic record during the student’s first term of enrollment as a second-degree student. A minimum of 30 new credits must be earned toward the second degree.
• A total of 18 non-arts and sciences credits (e.g., business, nursing, engineering, etc.) may be applied to an A&S degree.
• The cumulative GPA and credit total will be based on all credits from the first degree and all new course work taken that applies to the second degree.

Students Seeking Reinstatement

The following students must apply for reinstatement through Arts and Sciences in 140 Thackeray Hall:

• A&S students who have not enrolled for three consecutive terms (one calendar year),
• A&S students who have been suspended from the college and now wish to continue their studies, and
• students who last attended another school at the University’s Pittsburgh campus but have not enrolled in classes for at least one year, have not attended another institution, and now wish to be admitted to A&S.

Deadlines are August 15 for fall term, December 15 for spring term, and one week before the beginning of classes in the summer term or sessions. There is an application fee of $25. Students who last attended another University of Pittsburgh school on the Pittsburgh campus must meet the admissions requirements for transfer to A&S. Students’ academic standing upon reinstatement will be that attained at the end of their last term in residence.

Students who are reinstated for a particular term but do not enroll for that term must apply for reinstatement again if they wish to attend for a later term. Students who have been away from the University for two or more years may be subject to the requirements of the college and of their major in force at the time of their reinstatement, rather than those in force at the time of their last attendance.

Guest Students

Qualified degree-seeking students at other institutions may be admitted to Arts and Sciences for the fall or spring term to earn credits for transfer to their home school for use toward graduation. Applicants must be in good academic standing at their home institution, with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA, and must certify that the home school will accept the Arts and Sciences courses in transfer. There is a one-time application fee of $25, and admission is only valid for one term. Students desiring enrollment for subsequent terms must resubmit certification from the home school. The deadline for applications is two weeks before the start of classes. For more information, contact the Arts and Sciences Advising Center.

The Office of University Summer Sessions handles summer admission of guest students. See the Summer Sessions section of this bulletin for information.

Postbaccalaureate Students

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree and wish to take additional undergraduate courses on a nondegree-seeking basis may apply directly to A&S. Most postbaccalaureate students take courses in order to facilitate a career change, as prerequisites for a graduate program, or for personal enrichment. Students must submit proof of the undergraduate degree received (either a copy of the diploma or a transcript showing the degree and the date it was awarded). The application deadline is two weeks before the start of classes. There is a one-time application fee of $25, and admission is valid for one calendar year. Students desiring enrollment for subsequent terms must submit a letter stating the reasons for which they are requesting an extension.

Accelerated High School Students

Accelerated high school students are high school juniors and seniors who take a maximum of two courses in A&S while continuing their high school program. They attend regular on-campus day classes with college undergraduates and are not identified in the classroom as high school students.

To participate, students must have the approval of their parents or guardian and their high school counselor or principal. Students may not take courses that are available to them in their high school curriculum. Depending on the course(s) selected, students may be required to take a placement test or two prior to registration.

The application includes sections that must be completed by parents or guardians and school officials and must be submitted along with other application materials. Applications for fall and spring terms must be submitted to the A&S Advising Center. The deadline is two weeks before the first day of classes. There is a one-time application fee of $25, and admission is valid only for one term. Students must resubmit certain specified application materials for subsequent terms. For more detailed information, contact Accelerated High School in 140 Thackeray Hall at 412-624-7428.

College in High School (CHS) Program

The College in High School Program offers qualified high school students throughout Western Pennsylvania the opportunity to earn University of Pittsburgh credits on their own high school campuses. Participating schools now offer approved University of Pittsburgh courses in chemistry, communications, computer science, French, Latin, mathematics, statistics, and English composition. The courses are taught by experienced teachers who have been certified through the appropriate University of Pittsburgh departments. All University regulations governing course registration, withdrawal, resignation, and tuition payment are enforced.

Students’ grades are based on their performance on University examinations and recorded on University transcripts. Although the CHS program cannot govern the transfer credit policies of other institutions, the vast majority of CHS students receive advanced standing, elective credits, or both as a result of their successful participation in the program. For more information, contact the College in High School office in 140 Thackeray Hall at 412-624-6789.

Academic Integrity

As members of the University of Pittsburgh community, A&S students are expected to meet their obligation to exhibit honesty and to respect the ethical standards of the University community and of their chosen field of study in carrying out academic assignments. A&S students are therefore expected to familiarize themselves with the published rules and regulations governing academic integrity. For specific information, see Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Arts and Sciences maintains an Academic Integrity Board, consisting of both faculty and students, for adjudication of grievances from faculty about student behavior and from students about faculty behavior. For more information, contact the A&S office, 140 Thackeray Hall.

Grading Systems

The Student Records Office, located in the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in 140 Thackeray Hall, maintains the records of all Arts and Sciences undergraduates and oversees graduation, transfer credit, internal and external transfers, Dean's List, and answers routine questions about a variety of matters including general education requirements, course withdrawal procedures, and grade options. Contact Student Records at 412-624-6776.

Letter Grade Option

Arts and Sciences adheres to the following University letter grade system without exception:

S/NC Grade Option (formerly S/N Option)

Arts and Sciences offers both a standard letter-grade option and the Satisfactory/No-Credit (S/NC) option for students enrolled in most Arts and Sciences courses. Under this option, a student who does satisfactory work (a grade of C or better) in a course receives the grade of S. If the student's work is not satisfactory (a grade of C- or lower), the grade of NC (for no credit) is given. Courses for which an S is earned are counted toward graduation but are not computed in the GPA. Courses in which an NC is earned are not counted toward graduation or the GPA, since the NC designates that no credit has been earned. In order to take a class for the S/NC grade, a student must select the S/NC option by the deadline by completing a Grade Option/Audit Request form in the Arts and Sciences Dean's Office, 140 Thackeray Hall. Deadlines are printed each term in the Course Descriptions newspaper and the University Schedule of Classes.
 
Note: There are some formal limitations to a student's choice of grading systems; he or she should check with an academic advisor before deciding to take a course S/NC.

Audit (N Grade)

Students may choose to take an Arts and Sciences course on an audit basis and receive an N grade on their transcript rather than a letter grade. Students who wish to audit a course must register for the course as usual then process a Grade Option/Audit Request form in the Arts and Sciences Dean's Office by the deadline. Deadlines are printed in the Course Descriptions newspaper each term.

G Grades

A G grade is earned only when students who have been attending a course and making regular progress are prevented by circumstances beyond their control from completing the course. Students assigned a G grade must complete the course's requirements by the next fall or spring term in residence (or, in the case of students who are not in attendance the following term, within one calendar year). Otherwise, the privilege of completing the course is withdrawn, the credits are lost, and no refund is issued.

I Grades

An I grade indicates that the work of the course for which the grade is awarded has not been completed due to the nature of the course, clinical work, or incomplete research. An I grade is awarded only to students who have been doing the regular work of the course but who need more time than the term allows. That is, the extenuating circumstances ought to arise from the nature of the course work rather than from the student's personal difficulties (in which case a G grade is appropriate). The student should complete the course requirements within one calendar year after the I grade is given.

Academic Honors

Outstanding students in A&S have the opportunity to be recognized for their academic achievement in several ways:

Dean’s List

Early each term, A&S students whose grades in the preceding term indicate outstanding academic achievement are recognized on the Dean’s List. To be placed on the Dean’s List, a student must have earned at least 12 credits (not including courses taken on the Satisfactory/No-Credit option) with a term GPA of at least 3.50 and no grade lower than a C.

4.00 - Dean's Stars

Students who earn a 4.00 are eligible for a $50 Book Center gift certificate, courtesy of the associate dean for undergraduate studies.

Scholarships

Numerous prizes and awards are given annually to Arts and Sciences students for outstanding academic performance. All eligible candidates are automatically considered by committees who administer the various prizes and notify eligible students in writing. Some departments give awards to outstanding students in their discipline. Please check with your department for information about departmental prizes and awards.

Sophomore Honors Reception

Each Fall, the Arts and Sciences Associate Dean's Office hosts a reception to honor those students who have earned 30 credits or more and a 3.50 or higher on their GPA. Students who are eligible receive notification by way of an invitation to the reception.

Graduation Honors

Those members of an A&S graduating class who have attained an outstanding scholastic record and have taken at least 60 letter-graded credits while a resident in A&S are graduated with honors. See Graduation with Honors section for other specific requirements.

Departmental Honors

Many departments offer an honors major. Successful completion of the honors major as well as normal graduation requirements leads to the awarding of the bachelor’s degree with departmental honors. For detailed information, contact individual departments or see the departmental academic program information in this bulletin.

Honors Societies

In addition to the following honors societies, Arts and Sciences departmental clubs and academic organizations offer opportunities for leadership, fellowship, service, and scholarship. For a complete listing of all clubs and academic organizations, please visit the online database of the Student Organization Resource Center at www.sorc.pitt.edu/index.html.

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

The mission of National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is honoring and inspiring academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime. NSCS recognizes outstanding academic achievement and provides opportunities for members to enhance their collegiate experience. Benefits of membership include recognition, networking and career resources, the opportunity to apply for scholarships, leadership development, and social and service activities on campus.

Golden Key

Golden Key is an international academic honor society that recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence among college students from all academic disciplines. It provides campus and community service opportunities enabling personal growth and leadership development as well as interaction with university faculty and administrators to develop and maintain high standards of education. Golden Key rewards its members through different scholarship and award programs, and members access exclusive career opportunities and assistance through Golden Key's partnerships with businesses and graduate programs.

Phi Eta Sigma

The purpose of the Phi Eta Sigma honorary society is to promote a higher standard of learning and to encourage high scholastic attainment among freshmen in the University. Phi Eta Sigma members offer free, on-campus tutoring.

Outstanding Arts and Sciences students are recognized for their academic achievement. Working hard and doing well in your studies will not only earn you high honors at Pitt, but in your future endeavors, as well.

Probation, Suspension, Dismissal

A&S systematically monitors students’ academic progress. Students in A&S are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above for each term of enrollment. Any student who has a cumulative GPA below 2.00 will automatically be placed on academic probation. Students on probation who still have a cumulative GPA below 2.00 after their next term of enrollment will be subject to suspension or dismissal. After being suspended, students are not eligible to re-enroll for one calendar year. Following suspension, students are required to apply for reinstatement at the A&S office. Students returning from academic suspension are reinstated on academic probation. Reinstated students are reviewed after each subsequent term of enrollment. If their cumulative GPA remains below 2.00, they will be subject to dismissal. Dismissed students are not eligible for reinstatement. Note: Probationary and suspended students are not eligible to earn credits at another institution toward an A&S degree.

In addition to maintaining a GPA of 2.00 or above, students are required to fulfill their algebra and English placement (Intensive Workshop in Composition, Workshop in Composition, or Seminar in Composition and Composition Tutorial) requirements within the first year of enrollment and Seminar in Composition within the first two years of enrollment. Students who do not complete these courses on schedule will be subject to suspension or dismissal. See the section on A&S Skills Requirements.

Probation and Eligibility for Financial Aid

The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) monitors financial aid eligibility. Students on probation should contact OAFA in Alumni Hall at 412-624-7488 for more information.

Credit System

The following section details Arts and Sciences’ rules regarding allowable credits and courses for students earning a degree in A&S:

Advanced Placement (AP) Credits

See Allowable Credits (Credit and Course Limitations).

Career Development and Noncredit Courses

Career development courses offered by the College of General Studies (numbered in the 6000s) and noncredit courses (numbered in the 4000s) may not be counted for credit toward a degree in A&S.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Testing

A&S does not accept CLEP general examination credits.

Courses Taken Elsewhere

A&S students in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of at least 2.00) may attend a summer or special session of another accredited institution in order to supplement their program, provided they receive prior approval from the A&S office. Students should bring a bulletin from the school they wish to attend, with the appropriate course descriptions, to the A&S office. Students will not receive credit for courses taken without advance approval. Upper-class students (60 or more credits) may not take courses at two-year schools. Courses taken elsewhere are subject to the 18 non-A&S credit limitation and may not be a repeat of any course taken (passed or failed) before. A maximum of two courses (no more than 8 credits) may be taken in a single period of enrollment elsewhere.

Credit by Examination

Each test for credit by examination must be arranged with the department teaching the course for which credit is desired. The examination must be in a specific course offered by the School of Arts and Sciences. Departments set their own policies as to the specific courses for which students may request credit by examination, the time and type of examination, and the number of courses among those required for the major for which credit may be earned by examination. Normally, the examinations are administered during the first three weeks of the term.

Students wishing to earn credit by examination should first consult with the department in which the course is given and then obtain the requisite form from the A&S office. There is a $10 per credit fee payable to the Student Payment Center once the student obtains the form from the A&S office. This fee is nonrefundable. Credit by examination is open to all students. Questions should be directed to the A&S office.

Departmental Credits

No more than 60 credits may be taken in one department, and normally no more than 40 in a single department are considered desirable in a well-balanced program.

Duplication of Course Content

Except as noted in the Course Descriptions newspaper, a particular course may be taken for credit only once. Students also may not earn graduation credit for courses that substantially duplicate the content of courses taken previously. For example, credit cannot be earned for the following:

• Both a regular version of a course and an honors version of that course.
• Courses that are cross listed with a course the student has already taken.
• Courses taken under a new number if already taken under an old number.
• Certain specific courses that duplicate material and for which additional credit cannot be earned. The list of these courses is available in the A&S office.

English Language Institute Courses

The following courses from the English Language Institute do not count toward an A&S degree: 0004, 0005, and 0006. LING 0007, 0008, and 0009 courses count toward the A&S degree but are not counted toward a linguistics major.

Enrollment in Graduate Courses

A&S students with sufficient preparation are encouraged to take advantage of the rich variety of graduate courses offered by the School of Arts and Sciences. Credits earned in graduate courses may be used toward the A&S degree. Students should consult with the instructor of a course before registering.

Independent Study, Directed Research, Directed Reading, Internships, and Undergraduate Teaching

A&S students may count a total of 24 credits of independent study, directed reading, directed research, undergraduate teaching, and internships among the 120 credits required for a degree. Ordinarily, no more than six credits may be earned in any term in a single directed reading, directed research, or internship. Under certain conditions, students in good standing may register for a block of 15 credits of independent study. These credits are to be earned for work done within one academic term. A student may register for a 15-credit independent study term only once during his or her college career.

Agreement forms for independent study, directed research, directed reading, and internships, as well as specific information about eligibility, procedures, and guidelines, are available from major advisors and from the A&S office. For information about A&S internships, students should call 412-624-5428.

International Baccalaureate

A&S recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher-Level Examinations and may grant advanced standing and/or credit for various fields for scores on the Higher-Level Examinations, which range from five to seven. Advanced standing is determined individually by subject according to departmental policy. Students should send the results of their IB examinations directly to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. No credit will be given for Subsidiary-Level Examinations.

Lower-Level Courses

Credit cannot be earned for courses taken after more advanced course work in the same field has been successfully passed with a C or higher if that advanced course work presumes the competence acquired in the more elementary courses. For example, credit cannot be earned for an algebra course taken after the successful completion of a calculus course.

Non-A&S Courses

A student may take no more than 18 credits of the 120 required for graduation in other schools of the University. This rule does not apply to graduate courses offered by the School of Arts and Sciences. Restrictions on non-A&S courses apply also to courses taken by cross registration. The student who has doubts about the status of any course should check with the A&S office before registering.

Normal Credit Load

Any program in excess of 17 credits per term requires the recommendation of an A&S academic advisor and approval of the A&S office. For more information about credit loads, see Registration.

Physical Education

Students are not required to take any courses in physical education, but they are strongly urged to do so. Up to four credits of courses offered by the School of Education's Department of Health, Physical, and Recreation Education may be counted toward an A&S degree.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Credits earned in military science (MILSC, Army ROTC), or naval science (Navy ROTC through cross registration at Carnegie Mellon University [CMU]) are not accepted toward an A&S degree with the following exceptions: AFROTC 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004 and MILSC 0012, 0022, 0032, and 0042 may count toward graduation in lieu of physical education and recreation courses.

Special Note about Transfer Students/Transfer Credits

Previous course work for transfer students is evaluated by the A&S office with respect to A&S skills and general education requirements. Before initial registration, transfer students receive an Undergraduate Degree Requirement Evaluation indicating which requirements are already satisfied and which ones must be completed in A&S. Transfer students may be required to complete one or more placement tests to determine if some requirements have been met.

Courses from other colleges and universities are evaluated according to the following guidelines:

• Courses must be passed with a grade of C or better and must be earned at an institution accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association. Courses that have reasonable counterparts in the A&S curriculum are eligible for transfer. Non-A&S credit is granted when there is no comparable course in A&S, but there is an equivalent course in another undergraduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Only 18 non-A&S credits will count toward an A&S degree. When requested, students are responsible for supplying descriptions for courses taken elsewhere.
• A maximum of 60 credits can be accepted from accredited community colleges and two-year junior colleges. A maximum of 90 credits can be accepted from accredited four-year institutions. At least 50 percent of the credits required in an A&S major must be earned while enrolled in A&S.
• The number of credits granted for a given course cannot exceed the number awarded for the course on the transcript of the school where the course was taken or the number earned for the corresponding course in A&S. Credits earned on the quarter system will be converted into semester credits. A quarter credit is equal to two-thirds of a semester credit (e.g., five quarter-system credits equal three semester credits, and three quarter-system credits equal two semester credits).
• A&S accepts credits, but not grades, for transfer. Consequently, any courses that are accepted for transfer will be used as credit toward graduation, but will not be calculated into the student’s GPA at the University of Pittsburgh.

Please contact the A&S Office of Student Records for information about transfer credit evaluation. Please note: All transfer credits are subject to re-evaluation when a student transfers from one school to another within the University of Pittsburgh.

Statute of Limitations

All of the credits required for a degree, whether earned in residence or transferred from another institution, must have been earned within 12 years prior to the date on which the degree is awarded. However, when given evidence that the previous courses still provide adequate preparation for courses yet to be taken and still represent a reasonable part of the total academic program, the A&S office may waive the limitation. In such cases, the waiver is for a specific period during which the program must be completed.

University External Studies Program (UESP)

A&S students may take a maximum of two UESP courses toward the A&S degree. For more information about UESP courses, see External Studies in the College of General Studies section.

Adding and Dropping Courses

Generally, students enrolled in A&S are not required to have their academic advisor sign their add/drop forms. However, Student Support Services (SSS) students and student athletes must see an academic advisor before processing an add/drop. Additionally, all freshmen are strongly urged to consult an academic advisor before adding or dropping a course. See Adding and Dropping Courses for more information.

Withdrawal from Courses

Freshmen are required to see an academic advisor in A&S before withdrawing from any course. In addition, any student considering withdrawing from a basic skills course must first see an assistant dean.

Arts and Sciences Advising

Academic advising in Arts and Sciences is divided roughly into two halves: the freshman/sophomore years and the junior/senior years. Most A&S freshmen and sophomores, including new transfer students, are assigned to advisors in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall. Students in the Student Support Services program are assigned to advisors in the Academic Resource Center. (See Academic Resource Center section for contact information.) All freshman/sophomore-level advisors have been specifically trained to work with beginning college students. They are familiar with and ready to discuss all A&S requirements, regulations, procedures, and academic majors and programs, as well as University-wide sources of support and assistance. In addition to answering questions and discussing academic plans, options, opportunities, course selection, and academic-related problems/issues (e.g., whether or not to add, drop, or withdraw from a course), advisors must sign students' registration forms before they can be processed.

A&S students who have not declared a major must see an academic advisor at least twice each term by appointment: once to review their progress, to discuss their academic plans and concerns, and to begin thinking about the next term; and a second time to actually select and register for their next term's courses. The first of these two meetings is scheduled at group sessions held the third week of September and January. Each student is responsible for arranging meetings with his or her advisor each term. A&S students traditionally officially declare their majors near the end of their sophomore year and are then assigned to an advisor in the department of their major. Departmental advisors have the more sophisticated information and in-depth knowledge to advise juniors and seniors in the intricacies of their major and their post-graduation plans.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh

A&S Advising Center

252 Thackeray Hall

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

412-624-6444

Fax: 412-624-3707

www.advising.pitt.edu

Bachelor Degree Program Goals

The goal of Arts and Sciences is to provide liberal arts and preprofessional education for undergraduate students that is grounded in scholarly excellence and that gives students the knowledge, understanding, analytical tools, and communication skills that they need to become reflective citizens within a diverse and rapidly changing world.

The curriculum of Arts and Sciences is based on the belief that these educational goals for students are best achieved through a process that involves three elements:

1. the development of the foundational skills that will facilitate future learning;
2. exposure to the broad range of disciplinary approaches to subject matters, modes of thought, and analysis found across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences;
3. and in-depth study in one or more major fields of disciplinary or interdisciplinary study that:

• develops a facility and appreciation of the knowledge, modes of analysis, and critical thinking skills of the discipline;
• offers students the opportunity to integrate and apply what they learned during the college years; and
• continues the development of many of the foundational skills that are needed for postcollege life, work, and study; these include the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to use modern information technology effectively, and to think in quantitative terms.

Bachelor Degree Requirements

The following sections describe the general requirements for all majors offered by Arts and Sciences:

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from A&S, students must earn at least 120 degree credits with a minimum 2.00 GPA. In addition, students must achieve a 2.00 GPA both in the major and in the minor or related area. Within the 120 credits, students must fulfill the Arts and Science's curriculum requirements which are of three types: skills, general education, and requirements for a major and minor or related area (see Skills Requirements, General Education Requirements, and Requirements for Major sections below). Furthermore, students must earn at least half of the credits for the A&S major and the final 30 credits toward the A&S degree while enrolled as an A&S student.

Graduation Application

Students must file an application for graduation in the A&S office, 140 Thackeray Hall, before the end of the term preceding the one during which they expect to complete all requirements (i.e., a student who expects to graduate at the end of the spring term must apply before the end of the immediately preceding fall term; see the Course Descriptions newspaper each term for application deadline dates). This permits the A&S office to make a complete appraisal of the student's record before the student begins the work of the final term. Any deficiency discovered during the evaluation should be promptly corrected either in conference with the major advisor at registration or during the add/drop period in the final term. The caps, gowns, and hoods for use in commencement exercises may be purchased through the University of Pittsburgh Book Center.

Candidates for graduation are expected to appear in person at commencement exercises to receive their degrees; however, diplomas will be mailed.

Skills Requirements

Skills requirements help ensure that all students attain reasonable levels of competence in writing, algebra, and quantitative and formal reasoning. Certain skills requirements must be completed within the first or second year of enrollment, and others must be completed prior to graduation. Students are placed in or exempted from skills requirements based on certain achievement test scores, University of Pittsburgh Placement Test scores, or course work completed at other colleges and universities. Skills requirements are outlined below:

Composition Requirement

Writing placement scores are 1, 2, and 3. The following placements correspond to the scores:

1. Intensive Workshop in Composition
Students who score 1 are required to complete the six-credit Intensive Workshop in Composition course with a minimum grade of C- during their first year of enrollment in A&S. After completing the Intensive Workshop in Composition with at least a C-, students must then complete the Seminar in Composition by the end of their second year.

2. Composition Tutorial
Students who score 2 are required to complete the three-credit Seminar in Composition course and the one-credit Composition Tutorial during their first year of enrollment in A&S. The course and tutorial must be taken in the same term. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in Seminar in Composition and a Satisfactory grade (S) must be earned in the tutorial. Students who pass the tutorial but not the course will be required to repeat just the course. Upon successful completion of the Seminar in Composition, students may begin to take W courses.

3. Seminar in Composition
Students who score 3 on the English department’s Writing Placement Exam, and those who score 600 or higher on the verbal section of the SAT, are required to complete a three-credit Seminar in Composition course with a minimum grade of C- by the end of the second year in A&S. Students who score 3 should not register for the Composition Tutorial. Upon satisfactory completion of the Seminar in Composition, students may begin to take W courses.

Exempts Seminar in Composition
Students who score 600 or higher on the verbal section of the SAT and 5 on the AP English test are exempt from the Seminar in Composition requirement and may begin taking W courses.

Note for international students: International students whose native language is not English must take English proficiency tests before any decisions may be made regarding transfer credits for English composition taken at other institutions in the United States or abroad. Questions should be directed to the A&S office.

Writing-Designated Courses (W Courses)

After completing the composition requirement, all students must complete two more advanced writing-designated courses prior to graduation. At least one W course must be satisfied through the department of the student's major.

Algebra

All students must demonstrate college-level competency in algebraic skills in one of the following ways:

• Scoring at least 600 on the SAT I mathematical reasoning section.
• Achieving sufficiently high scores on the A&S algebra placement test.
• Completing an approved college-level algebra or algebra-based course or courses with a grade of C- or better during the freshman year.
• Completing an approved computer programming course during the freshman year. This option should be selected only by students who do not plan to take additional math or math-related courses in the future.

Quantitative and Formal Reasoning

Prior to graduation, all A&S students are required to complete at least one approved quantitative and formal reasoning course in statistics, computer science, mathematics, formal logic, information science, or quantitative methods. A minimum grade of C- is required.

Note: Students who receive credits for MATH 0220 (with a grade of C- or better) through the College in High School Program, an AP test, or the A&S calculus placement test automatically satisfy both the algebra and quantitative and formal reasoning requirements.

Placement Tests

Placement tests are used primarily to determine basic skills requirements and to ensure that students are placed in appropriate courses. The tests are administered on campus during orientation, and some are administered at various off-campus locations prior to orientation. Since most of the tests determine the number of skills courses students will need to take, students should review and prepare as much as possible. Sample placement exams in writing, mathematics, and chemistry are available at www.advising.pitt.edu/placement.htm.

Following are brief descriptions of placement tests taken by A&S students:

English Writing Placement Exam

This essay exam has been designed to measure students' ability to read and understand college-level material and to write a thoughtful, coherent response to it. Essays will be read and evaluated by members of the English department.

Foreign Language Placement Exam(s)

Foreign language placement exams are used to decide placement into foreign language courses for those students who have not satisfied the foreign language requirement while in high school or those who plan to continue study of a foreign language in their first term of enrollment in A&S. The language departments encourage students to prepare for the exams by reviewing first- and second-year foreign language texts.

Algebra Placement Exam

Students who have a 600 mathematical reasoning score on the SAT I are exempt from this exam. This exam is designed to determine whether students have acquired the algebraic skills considered by the Department of Mathematics to be sufficient preparation for college-level quantitative courses. Students are strongly urged to review for this exam by reviewing algebra textbooks.

Trigonometry Placement Exam

The Department of Mathematics requires a specific trigonometry score for placement into calculus and other courses requiring trigonometric functions.

Calculus Placement Exam

The calculus placement exam is for students who have studied calculus in high school and wish to be exempt from taking the first level of calculus in college or who wish to place into honors calculus courses. The Department of Mathematics strongly encourages students who wish to take this exam to review for the test.

Chemistry Placement Exam

The chemistry placement exam is designed to identify students who can register for the honors versions of General Chemistry and Foundations of Biology. (Note: This exam is also used by the School of Engineering to qualify for Honors Physics.)

The Department of Chemistry suggests that students who attempt this exam have an SAT I mathematical reasoning score of at least 500 and a minimum grade of a B in high school chemistry. Review of a high school chemistry textbook is suggested as preparation for the chemistry placement exam.

General Education Requirements

All students graduating from A&S must satisfy 14 general education requirements covering the prominent areas of arts and sciences such as foreign language, literature, music, art, philosophy, social science, history, natural science, and foreign culture/international courses. In the process of satisfying these requirements, students select from a broad range of approved courses. Descriptions of the general education requirements are available in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall, and at www.advising.pitt.edu.

Requirements for the Major

Each student graduating from A&S must fulfill particular requirements for an academic major. The most commonly selected major is a "departmental" major, concentrated course work in one of the college’s approximately 30 departments. Some departments offer more than one major. Each department specifies the particular courses needed to fulfill its major(s). The requirements for each departmental major and other major options, such as interdisciplinary studies, are summarized below. Handouts available in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall, and in the departments provide up-to-date and detailed information about each major.

Note: Transfer students receive an evaluation of their previous course work indicating the equivalent University of Pittsburgh courses for which advanced-standing credits have been awarded. Equivalent A&S courses will meet requirements for the major where appropriate. Students who believe that a previous course not equivalent to an A&S course should meet a requirement for a major may petition the department to review that course.

Related Area

Students must also earn at least 12 A&S credits (with a minimum GPA of 2.00) in a related area specified by the department of their major. The major department may choose to approve these 12 credits in a single department, thematic cluster, geographic grouping, or some other combination. Completion of the requirements for a certificate program usually fulfills the A&S requirements for a related area, at the discretion of the major department. No skills requirements courses (e.g., Seminar in Composition, algebra) may be used as part of a related area. Students should check with their departmental advisor for any approvals required to pursue a planned related area of study.

Minors

A&S students may substitute an approved structured minor for the related area. Students must complete the minor with a 2.00 GPA and indicate the minor on the application for graduation. Students who complete an approved minor will have it listed on their transcript, provided that the minor is indicated on the application for graduation. Half of the credits earned for the minor must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh. Following is a list of the minors currently approved:

• Applied Statistics
• Chemistry
• Classics
• Computer Science
• Economics
• English Literature
• French
• German Studies
• History
• Italian
• Japanese
• Linguistics
• Music
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian Culture
• Religious Studies
• Slovak Studies
• Sociology
• Studio Arts
• Theatre Arts

For specific information about these minors, contact the department offering the minor, contact the A&S Advising Center in 252 Thackeray Hall, or see the individual department listings in this bulletin.

Special Undergraduate Majors/Advanced Study Opportunities

In addition to the individual majors detailed under Major and Minor Descriptions by Department, A&S students may choose to pursue a variety of academic programs leading to multiple majors, majors within more than one department, or majors that either prepare students for or offer advanced admission to graduate or professional programs at the University.

Double and Triple Majors

Students who meet the major requirements of two or three departments may declare, and have recorded on their transcript, a double or triple major, but they will earn only one degree. If one major leads to the BA degree and another to the BS degree, students must decide at graduation which degree they wish to receive. A maximum of six credits can overlap from one major to another.

Joint Departmental Majors

Several joint majors, constructed from the offerings of two departments, are available to qualified A&S students. Current joint majors include:

• Politics and philosophy, leading to a BA degree;
• Mathematics and economics, leading to a BA or BS degree;
• Mathematics and philosophy, leading to a BA or BS degree; and
• Africana studies and English literature, leading to a BA degree.

For requirements, see Major and Minor Descriptions by Department.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major

This option is available to qualified students whose academic interests are best pursued outside existing departmental programs. See Nondepartmental A&S Majors for requirements. Detailed information about this option is also available in handouts in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.

Double Degrees

Students in A&S may choose to simultaneously pursue more than one undergraduate degree, either within A&S (i.e., both a BA and a BS) or in another undergraduate school of the University. A&S also offers a joint degree program with the School of Engineering. In general, earning two degrees requires a minimum of 150 credits and completion of the curriculum requirements of both schools. Detailed information about these options is available in handouts in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.

Combined Degree Options

Some students may qualify for the professional school option, in which students who have satisfied the following requirements may receive a bachelor’s degree from A&S upon successful completion of the first year of graduate study:

• Completion of 90 or more credits in A&S,
• Satisfaction of all skills and general education requirements, and
• Acceptance to a graduate professional school at the University of Pittsburgh (such as the School of Dental Medicine).

Students going on to other graduate schools (such as the School of Arts and Sciences) who have earned 96 or more credits in A&S and have been accepted into a graduate program may receive a bachelor's degree upon completion of the specified amount of graduate study. Detailed information about these options is available in handouts in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.

A&S/Business Dual Major Program

Qualified students may apply for admission to the A&S/business program, which permits students to pursue an arts and sciences major and an undergraduate business major simultaneously. Students may apply to the program after their first year at the University of Pittsburgh. Specific information about requirements and applications are available in the A&S Advising Center (252 Thackeray Hall) and the College of Business Administration (2100 Sennott Square). See Nondepartmental A&S Majors for more information.

Preparation for Professional Programs of Study

Students interested in spending their junior and senior years in the University of Pittsburgh's professional Schools of Social Work, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Information Sciences, or Education normally spend two years in A&S taking necessary prerequisite courses and electives in preparation for professional study. Although freshmen are accepted directly into the Schools of Engineering, Nursing, and the College of Business Administration (CBA), it is possible for students who begin in A&S to transfer into those schools after one or two years. Students transferring to the School of Pharmacy generally leave A&S after two years. Detailed information is available in handouts in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.

Preparation for Graduate Professional Studies

Although A&S does not offer specific majors in prelaw, premedical, predental, or education, it is possible for students in A&S to complete all the necessary prerequisites for entry into these graduate professional schools while fulfilling their A&S degree requirements. Details are available in handouts in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.

Accelerated Law Admissions Program (ALAP)

The Accelerated Law Admissions Program (ALAP), open to any student enrolled in Arts and Sciences, grants admission to the University of Pittsburgh's School of Law to those students who meet the ALAP's requirements. Students who enter the program complete their undergraduate major in three years, applying for admission to the School of Law during their junior year, and then go on to law school for another three years.

Students interested in the program are encouraged to declare a major early at the end of the first year in order to allow them to complete their undergraduate A&S majors by the end of their third year. Also, interested students are encouraged to take summer classes during their second year in order to reduce the credits to be completed in their third year. The requirements for the ALAP are as follows:

• Students must complete 102 credits by the end of their junior year.
• Students must take three writing-designated courses (rather than two) beyond the freshman writing requirement.
• The A&S requirement of 12 credits in a related area is waived for students in the ALAP.
• Students must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) by the fall of their junior year. This would include the June, October, or December test.

Acceptance into the program is competitive, and only those students with above-average grades and competitive LSAT scores should apply.

Five-Year Programs

• BS in statistics and an MA or MS in applied statistics: This program is intended to give outstanding students interested in statistics the opportunity to progress quickly toward their educational objectives. Contact the Department of Statistics for details.
• BS in computer science and an MS in computer science: Exceptional students can earn an MS in computer science in five years and also can participate in a variety of experiential educational activities. Contact the Department of Computer Science for details.