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| UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002 | [ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ] |
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the oldest and largest unit within the University of Pittsburgh, with more than 9,000 students and 500 full-time faculty from across the US and around the world. The College offers the advantages of a liberal arts education within the setting of a comprehensive research university. The College of Arts and Sciences is the undergraduate component of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) ; FAS provides CAS with its faculty members.
The instructional programs provide liberal education, specialized training in the academic disciplines, and preparation for entrance into professional schools and graduate programs. The curriculum of the College provides the main elements of a liberal education: acquaintance with great works of art, literature, and philosophy, and the skills to appreciate them; some understanding of basic social institutions and processes; a sense of history and some familiarity with the richness and variety of human cultural achievements; an awareness of the main ideas of contemporary natural science and mathematics; and a capacity for analyzing and making judgements about the important issues of public policy.
With the help of individualized academic advising, CAS students choose from approximately 50 majors and 10 certificate programs and pursue a broad range of academic subjects while interacting with faculty and peers from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. In addition, CAS students are encouraged to take advantage of the many professional and other enriching experiences available outside the classroom at the University. These include research under the guidance of faculty who have earned national and international reputations as top scholars in their fields or participation in academic internships at more than 800 corporate and nonprofit institutions. Students may pursue study abroad in approximately 45 countries or sail around the world on the academic ship the S.S. Universe Explorer. They may serve as undergraduate teaching fellows or develop leadership skills in student organizations.
In support of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences' mission "to educate students for success in a dynamic society," the staff and faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences seek to nurture the development of productive individuals who have a strong commitment to their own success as well as to the University and who make significant contributions to the broader community.
CONTACT INFORMATION
College of Arts and Sciences
140 Thackeray Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-6480
Fax (412) 624-8265
caswww+@pitt.edu
http://www.pitt.edu/~caswww/
ADMISSIONS THROUGH THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID
The following students (except international students) are admitted to the College of 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 CAS.
- 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.
ADMISSIONS THROUGH THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
The following students must apply directly to CAS for admission:
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOLS AT THE PITTSBURGH CAMPUS
Students who wish to transfer to CAS from other schools at the Pittsburgh campus should contact the school in which they were most recently enrolled in order to have their records sent to CAS. CAS will evaluate the records and send the student a letter of admission or rejection. To qualify for transfer, a student must have an overall average of at least 2.00, and students in theCollege of General Studies (CGS) must have at least 24 credits earned in residence in CGS. In addition, it is preferred that students complete the CAS basic skills requirements in Intensive Composition and Algebra before applying for transfer to CAS.
After acceptance, students will receive an evaluation of their previous course work in reference to CAS Skills and General Education Requirements. Students will receive a maximum of 18 non-CAS credits toward graduation from CAS. Also, students must earn the last 30 credits toward the CAS degree and at least half of the credits for the CAS major while enrolled as a CAS student.
TRANSFERS FROM UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH REGIONAL CAMPUSES
Students enrolled at one of the University of Pittsburgh's regional campuses who now wish to attend the College of Arts and Sciences at the Pittsburgh campus should apply for admission by contacting the campus where they were most recently enrolled in order to have their records sent to CAS. CAS will evaluate the records with respect to CAS Skills and General Education Requirements and send a letter of rejection or admission. The minimum requirements for transfer to CAS from a regional campus are 24 credits and an overall average of at least 2.00. It is preferred that students at regional campuses complete CAS basic skills requirements in intensive composition and algebra before transferring to CAS.
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 CAS. 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 a CAS degree.
- The cumulative QPA 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 CAS :
- CAS students who have not enrolled for three consecutive terms (one calendar year)
- CAS students who have been suspended from the College and now wish to continue their studies
- 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 CAS
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 (described above) for transfer to CAS. 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.
Qualified degree-seeking students at other institutions may be admitted to CAS 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 QPA, and must certify that the home school will accept the CAS 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 CAS Advising Center.
Summer admission of guest students is handled by the Office of University Summer Sessions. See the Summer Sessions section of this bulletin for information.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree and wish to take additional undergraduate courses on a nondegree seeking basis may apply directly to CAS. 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 CAS 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 applications materials. Applications for Fall and Spring Terms must be submitted to the CAS 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 for only one term. Students must resubmit certain specified application materials for subsequent terms. For more detailed information, contact the CAS Advising Center in 252 Thackeray Hall.
Applications for Summer Term must be submitted to the Office of University Summer Sessions. See the Summer Sessions section of this bulletin for information.
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, mathematics, statistics, foreign language, 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 regular 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 CAS Office, 140 Thackeray Hall.
As members of the University of Pittsburgh community, CAS 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. CAS students are therefore expected to familiarize themselves with the published rules and regulations governing academic integrity. For specific information, see Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The College of 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 CAS Office, 140 Thackeray Hall.
The following section gives details on the way the University's grading system is used in the College of Arts and Sciences. For detailed information on the University's grading system, see Grading and Records.
CAS offers both the University's standard letter-grade option and the Satisfactory/Audit (S/N) option for students enrolled in most CAS courses. Students must select the S/N option by the deadline in any given term by completing a Grade Option/Audit Request Form in the CAS 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 the student's choice of grading systems, so students should check with an academic advisor before deciding to take a course S/N.
An overview of the University grading system is provided in the front section of this bulletin. The following gives details on how some grades in the University's grading system are administered within CAS :
Students may choose to take a CAS course on an audit basis and receive an N grade on the transcript rather than a letter grade. Students who wish to audit a course must register for the course as usual and must then process a Grade Option/Audit Request Form in the CAS Office by the deadline. Deadlines are printed in the Course Descriptions newspaper each term.
The G grade is given only when students who have been attending a course and making regular progress are prevented by circumstances beyond their control from completing the course after it is too late to withdraw.
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, and the credits are lost.
The I grade indicates that the work of the course for which it is awarded has not been completed due to the nature of the course, clinical work, or incomplete research. It is to be awarded only to students who have been doing the regular work of the course but who need more time than the term allows to complete the course work. 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 the appropriate one - see above). The student should complete the course requirements within one calendar year after the I grade is given.
Outstanding students in CAS have the opportunity to be recognized for their academic achievement in several ways:
Early each term, CAS students whose grades in the preceding term indicate outstanding academic achievement are recognized in 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/Audit option) with a term QPA of at least 3.50, and no grade lower than a C.
Those members of a CAS graduating class who have attained an outstanding scholastic record and have taken at least 60 letter-graded credits while a resident in CAS are graduated with honors. See Graduation with Honors section for other specific requirements.
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.
The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the national honorary society for students in the liberal arts and sciences. Founded in 1776, the Society has chapters only at the leading academic institutions in the United States. The University of Pittsburgh chapter was established in 1953 by charter from the United Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Membership in the society is regarded by many as the most prestigious honor which can be conferred upon students majoring in one of the liberal arts and sciences.
Candidates for membership are usually in their final term of study for a bachelor's degree. They must have received a QPA of at least 3.50 in courses that lead to both a broad and a deep understanding of liberal studies. The requirements for eligibility somewhat parallel those for a bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences but are more specific with respect to what courses may or may not be counted toward achieving candidacy. Membership is awarded by election by the active members of the chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, who also take into account the breadth of the interests of the candidates and their reputations in the community.
A detailed listing of the requirements for eligibility may be found in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall. Questions concerning eligibility should be addressed to Professor Herbert Chesler of the Department of Economics, who serves as Chair of the Society's Membership Committee.
PROBATION, SUSPENSION, DISMISSAL
CAS systematically monitors students' academic progress. Students in CAS are required to maintain a cumulative QPA of 2.00 or above for each term of enrollment. Any student who has a cumulative QPA below 2.00 will automatically be placed on academic probation. Students on probation who still have a cumulative QPA 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 CAS Office. Students returning from academic suspension are reinstated on academic probation. Reinstated students are reviewed after each subsequent term of enrollment. If their cumulative QPA 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 a CAS degree.
In addition to maintaining a QPA of 2.00 or above, students are required to fulfill their algebra and English placement (BRW, BW, or GW-I) requirements within the first year of enrollment, and General Writing (GW) 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 CAS 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 Bruce Hall at (412) 624-7488 for more information.
The following section details the College of Arts and Sciences' rules regarding allowable credits and courses for students earning a degree in CAS :
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 CAS.
COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PLACEMENT TESTING (CLEP)
CAS does not accept CLEP general examination credits.
CAS students in good academic standing (cumulative QPA 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 CAS Office. Students should bring a bulletin from the school they wish to attend, with the appropriate course descriptions, to the CAS 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-CAS credit limitation and may not be a repeat of any course taken (passed or failed) before. A maximum of two courses (no more than eight credits) may be taken in a single period of enrollment elsewhere.
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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). 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 CAS Office. There is a $10 per credit fee payable to the Student Payment Center once the student obtains the form from the CAS Office. This fee is nonrefundable. Credit by examination is open to all students. Questions should be directed to the CAS Office.
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.
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 CAS Office.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE COURSES
The following courses from the English Language Institute do not count toward a CAS degree: 0004, 0005, and 0006. LING 0007 and up count toward the CAS degree but are not counted toward a linguistics major.
ENROLLMENT IN GRADUATE COURSES
CAS students with sufficient preparation are encouraged to take advantage of the rich variety of graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). Credits earned in FAS courses may be used toward the CAS degree. Students should consult with the instructor of a course before registering.
INDEPENDENT STUDY, DIRECTED RESEARCH, DIRECTED READING, INTERNSHIPS
CAS students may count a total of 24 credits of independent study, directed reading, directed research, 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 CAS Office. For information about CAS internships, students should call (412) 624-5428.
CAS 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.
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.
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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). Restrictions on non-CAS courses apply also to courses taken by cross-registration. The student who has doubts about the status of any course should check with the CAS Office before registering.
Any program in excess of 17 credits per term requires the recommendation of a CAS academic advisor and approval of the CAS Office. For more information about credit loads, see Registration.
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 Education, and Recreation may be counted toward a CAS degree.
RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS
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 a CAS degree with the following exceptions: AFROTC 0001, 0002, 0003, 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 CAS Office with respect to CAS 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 CAS. 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 CAS curriculum are eligible for transfer. Non-CAS credit is granted when there is no comparable course in CAS , but there is an equivalent course in another undergraduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Only 18 non-CAS credits will count toward a CAS 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 a CAS major must be earned while enrolled in CAS.
- 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 CAS. 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).
- CAS 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 QPA at the University of Pittsburgh.
Please contact the CAS 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.
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 CAS 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)
CAS students may take a maximum of two UESP courses toward the CAS degree. For more information about UESP courses, see External Studies.
Generally, students enrolled in CAS are not required to have their academic advisor sign their add/drop forms. However, UCEP 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.
Freshmen are required to see an academic advisor in CAS before withdrawing from any course. In addition, any student considering withdrawing from a basic skills course must first see an assistant dean.
Academic advising in CAS is divided roughly into two halves: the freshman/sophomore years and the junior/senior years. Most CAS freshmen and sophomores, including new transfer students, are assigned to advisors in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall. Students admitted to CAS through the University Challenge for Excellence Programs are assigned to advisors in the UCEP office. (See UCEP 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 CAS 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.
CAS 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.CAS students traditionally declare their majors officially 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 postgraduation plans. Students who choose the self-designed major must find two faculty sponsors, one of whom serves as their academic advisor. Students who choose the interdisciplinary studies major may choose to remain with their CAS advisor, or may request assignment to a more specialized Interdisciplinary Studies option advisor when their proposal is approved. See Nondepartmental majors section for information on these two majors.
The CAS Advising Center can be contacted at the following:
CAS Advising Center
252 Thackeray Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-3707
Fax: (412) 624-8265
http://www.pitt.edu/~pugachev/advising/advising.htm
To graduate from CAS , students must earn at least 120 degree credits with a minimum 2.00 QPA. In addition, students must achieve a 2.00 QPA both in the major and in the minor or related area. Within the 120 credits, students must fulfill the College'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).
Students must file an application for graduation in the CAS 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 CAS 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 help ensure that all students attain reasonable levels of competence in writing, algebra, quantitative and formal reasoning, and foreign language. 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:
Writing placement scores are 1, 2, 3, and 5. The following placements correspond to the scores:
- Basic Reading and Writing
Students who score 1 are required to complete the six-credit Basic Reading and Writing (BRW) course with a minimum grade of C- during their first year of enrollment in CAS. After completing BRW with at least a C-, students must then complete General Writing (GW) by the end of their second year.
- Intensive Composition
Students who score 2 are required to complete the three-credit General Writing (GW) course and the one-credit General Writing Intensive tutorial during their first year of enrollment in CAS. The course and tutorial must be taken in the same term. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in GW 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 GW, students may begin to take W-courses.
- General Writing
Students who score 3 are required to complete a General Writing (GW) course with a minimum grade of C- by the end of the second year in CAS. Students who score 3 should not register for the Intensive Composition tutorial. Upon satisfactory completion of GW, students may begin to take W-courses.
- Exempt
Students who score 5 are considered by the English department to have superior writing skills. These students are exempt from General Writing and may begin taking W-courses.
Note for students with AP English scores of 4 or 5: Students with AP English scores of 4 or 5 should take the University's English Writing Placement Exam; provided these students score at least a 3 on this placement test, they will be awarded six advanced standing English credits and will have fulfilled their composition requirement.
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 U.S. or abroad. Questions should be directed to the CAS 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.
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 CAS 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 CAS students are required to complete at least one approved quantitative and formal reasoning course on 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, the AP Test Program, or the CAS calculus placement test automatically satisfy both the Algebra and Quantitative and Formal Reasoning Requirements.
All students are required to demonstrate competency in a foreign language in one of the following ways:
- Completing three years of study of a single foreign language in high school, passed with an average grade of C or better
- Completing the second level of a foreign language in CAS with a minimum grade of C- or better
- Placing into the third level of a foreign language on a CAS foreign language placement test
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 http://www.pitt.edu/~pugachev/advising/placement.htm .
Following are brief descriptions of placement tests taken by CAS 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 CAS. The language departments encourage students to prepare for the exams by reviewing first- and second-year foreign language texts.
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.
The Department of Mathematics requires a specific trigonometry score for placement into calculus and other courses requiring trigonometric functions.
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.
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 CAS must satisfy 14 General Education Requirements covering the prominent areas of arts and sciences such as literature, music, art, philosophy, social science, history, natural science, and international/foreign culture. 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 CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall, and on the CAS Advising Web page at http://www.pitt.edu/~pugachev/advising/advising.htm .
Each student graduating from CAS 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. The requirements for each departmental major and other major options, such as Interdisciplinary Studies, are summarized below. Handouts available in the CAS 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 CAS courses will meet requirements for the major where appropriate. Students who believe that a previous course not equivalent to a CAS course should meet a requirement for a major may petition the department to review that course.
Students must also earn at least 12 CAS credits (with a minimum QPA 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 CAS requirements for a related area, at the discretion of the major department. No Skills Requirements courses (e.g., General Writing, 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.
CAS students may substitute an approved structured minor for the related area. Students must complete the minor with a 2.00 QPA 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:
- Economics
- German Studies
- History
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Studio Arts
For specific information about these minors, contact the department offering the minor, contact the CAS 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, CAS 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.
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 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.
Several joint majors, constructed from the offerings of two departments, are available to qualified CAS 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
For requirements, see Major and Minor Descriptions by Department.
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES AND SELF-DESIGNED MAJORS
These options are available to qualified students whose academic interests are best pursued outside existing departmental programs. See Nondepartmental CAS Majors for requirements. Detailed information about these options is also available in handouts in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
Students in CAS may choose to simultaneously pursue more than one undergraduate degree, either within CAS (i.e., both a BA and a BS) or in another undergraduate school of the University. CAS 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 CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
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 CAS upon successful completion of the first year of graduate study:
- Completion of 90 or more credits in CAS
- Satisfaction of all Skills and General Education Requirements
- 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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences - FAS) who have earned 96 or more credits in CAS 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 CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
CAS/BUSINESS DUAL MAJOR PROGRAM
Qualified students may apply for admission to the CAS /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 the first year at the University of Pittsburgh. Specific information about requirements and applications are available in the CAS Advising Center (252 Thackeray Hall) and the College of Business Administration (1R14 Forbes Quadrangle). See Non-departmental CAS Majors for more information.
PREPARATION FOR PREPROFESSIONAL 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 CAS 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 CAS to transfer into those schools after one or two years. Students transferring to the School of Pharmacy generally leave CAS after two years. Detailed information is available in handouts in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Although CAS does not offer specific majors in Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, or Education, it is possible for students in CAS to complete all the necessary prerequisites for entry into these graduate professional schools while fulfilling their CAS Degree Requirements. Details are available in handouts in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
ACCELERATED LAW ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (ALAP)
The Accelerated Law Admissions Program (ALAP), open to any student enrolled in the College of 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 CAS 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 CAS 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 PROGRAM: 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.
SPECIAL ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES/PROGRAMS
The following special programs are available to CAS students:
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE FOR EXCELLENCE PROGRAMS (UCEP)
UCEP seeks to increase the admission, retention, and graduation of undergraduate students in the arts and sciences who can benefit from program participation. UCEP provides counseling, academic advising, learning skills and University orientation courses, a tutorial program, peer mentoring, and monitoring of student performance. UCEP offers the following programs:
- Student Support Services (SSS)
Student Support Services is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to provide a holistic approach to student development and academic achievement. SSS counselors assist students with financial aid and registration procedures and academic and career planning. The SSS Academic Resource Center offers tutoring by faculty and upper-class students in mathematics and science.
- QUEST Undergraduate Research Program
QUEST seeks to increase participation of African-American and Hispanic students in the science- and mathematics-based disciplines and to influence these students to eventually pursue the PhD in scientific research. The program begins with a seven-week summer bridge program designed to prepare students for the rigorous work ahead through course work in chemistry and mathematics, research seminars, tutoring, and learning skills instruction. Each student receives a paid internship in a University of Pittsburgh research project that is funded through corporate sponsorship. The internships give students the opportunity to experience hands-on scientific investigation under the mentorship of University of Pittsburgh faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced graduate students.
For more information on UCEP programs, contact:
University Challenge for Excellence Programs (UCEP)
270 Thackeray Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-6588
Fax (412) 624-5907
paug2@fas.pitt.edu
http://www.pitt.edu/~ucep/
This one-credit course provides incoming freshmen in CAS an extended orientation to the University of Pittsburgh and to college life. The small class size enables the students, instructor, and undergraduate teaching assistant to discuss many of the issues that will have an impact on a successful college experience. The topics include an introduction to the University, dealing with diversity and prejudice, computer-system and library orientation, study skills, student services on campus, alcohol and drug use, AIDS and STDs, career planning, student health, goal setting, preparing for finals, and other topics the instructor deems valuable. The topics are taught using a variety of activities ranging from scavenger hunts and walking tours to mystery-solving sessions and auctions.
The CAS Internship Office provides information on more than 1400 internship opportunities in a variety of geographical locations. A staff is available to answer questions and help design the internship experience. Contact the office at:
140 Thackeray Hall
(412) 624-5428
http://www.pitt.edu/~caswww/intern.html
CAS students are encouraged to add an international dimension to their undergraduate education through study abroad. Credit may be earned toward the CAS degree through participation in one of several University of Pittsburgh programs or consortia-sponsored programs including Semester at Sea, Year in Japan, the Denmark International Studies Program, and studies at the Universidad de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico or the Universities of Sheffield and Sussex in England, to name a few. Students may study in virtually any part of the world in these programs or others sponsored by most American or foreign institutions.
Before study abroad is undertaken, approval for credit must be obtained. The Study Abroad advisor provides program approval, and the CAS advisor in the department in which credit is sought and the CAS Advising Center must approve the course selections and credits. Students should have at least a 2.75 QPA before seeking permission from the CAS Advising Center to study abroad. In most cases, registration must be completed in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall. Call the Study Abroad Office in room 802 of the William Pitt Union at (412) 383-8600 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~stdyabrd for more information.
The Semester at Sea Program is academically sponsored by CAS and administered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. Each term, approximately 650 students from the University of Pittsburgh and other institutions across the country travel around the world abroad the S.S. Universe Explorer, which is outfitted as a floating university campus. To qualify for admission, students must be enrolled full time with a QPA of 2.75 or higher. The program is available to students from the second term of their freshman year through their senior year. For more information, see http://www.semesteratsea.com/, call (800) 854-0195 or (412) 648-7490, or visit the Semester at Sea Office in room 811 of the William Pitt Union.
Certificates are earned in addition to a major and may be used to satisfy the related area requirement, depending upon the major department chosen. Certificates typically require 18-24 credits. See below for summary information about certificate programs available to students through CAS. Other undergraduate certificate programs are available through the School of Engineering and the University Center for International Studies (UCIS); CAS students are encouraged to consider those certificates, too. Detailed descriptions of these programs are available in handouts in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE CERTIFICATE
Books written for children are among the best-loved and best-remembered of all works of literature. They also provide some of the most important early learning experiences. In recent years books written for children have attracted increasing interest from scholars and students as well as parents, reviewers, educators, and publishers. Studying books written for children provokes many questions, and trying to find answers for those questions generates speculations which intersect with the interest and knowledge of many academic fields as varied as anthropology and politics, literary studies and child development, classics and history, communication studies and psychology. Why are these early books remembered? What precisely is it about them that is recalled? Are fairy tales too violent? Do children need their own books? What is suitable reading for a child, and who is to make the judgement? How do children's books relate to films and TV?
The interdisciplinary Certificate in Children's Literature offers students an opportunity to bring together studies across a broad range of subjects. The program is individually designed to meet the student's particular interests and strengths. It provides a useful background for many areas of professional work and study, including teacher education, child development and child care, creative writing and illustration, child psychology, library science, graduate school, publishing, journalism, and bookselling. For more information on the study of children's literature at the University, see http://www.pitt.edu/~englweb/pittchil.htm.
- Requirements for Children's Literature Certificate
The certificate is a planned interdisciplinary sequence of at least 18 credits. The program director must also be consulted about the design of the student's individual course of study. The three required core courses for the certificate must include:
- ENGLIT 1645 (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature)
- Either ENGLIT 0560 (Children and Culture) or ENGLIT 0562 (Childhood's Books). Both courses can be taken to fulfill the requirement, but only after consultation with the program director.
- One of the following:
ENGLIT 1647 (Literature for Adolescents)
ENGLIT 1648 (Education and Children's Literature)
ENGLIT 1649 (Topics in Children's Literature)
ENGLIT 1752 (TV Analysis)
LIBSCI 2324 (History of Children's Literature)
(Note: ENGLIT 1648 and 1649 are offered infrequently)
In addition to the core courses, students should, in consultation with the program director, design a course of study that constitutes the remaining nine credits. Courses must be selected from an approved list of courses, available from the program director.
CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICINE CERTIFICATE
The Department of History and Philosophy of Science offers an undergraduate certificate program in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine that offers a group of related courses in medical ethics, in the nature of explanation and evidence in the biomedical sciences, and in social problems such as assessments of alternative forms of health care delivery. The program is likely to be of particular interest to premedical and preprofessional health care students, but is intended to appeal to all students interested in social and philosophical problems in the biomedical sciences. Completion of the certificate program fulfills the CAS requirement for a related area, although students should check with their major department. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine, which is printed on the transcript. For more information, see http://www.pitt.edu/~pugachev/advising/cfm.htm.
- Requirements for Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate
The certificate requires 18 credits. It is expected that enrolled students will achieve at least a C grade in each of the required courses, and at least a C+ QPA in the overall certificate requirements. Students should apply to the program as early in their course work as possible. Normally, satisfactory completion of one course in the two-term core sequence, HPS 0612 and 0613, is required for admission. These courses form the introductory sequence for the certificate. They may be taken in either order. The following states the course requirements for the certificate:
- HPS 0612 and HPS 0613. HPS 0612 focuses on questions concerning the aims of medicine, its scientific status, and its relation to the natural sciences. HPS 0613 is an introduction to the ethical, legal, and social problems that are part of the modern practice of medicine. The focus throughout will be on the role of moral values in medical treatment.
- Two additional approved courses in two different departments dealing with social and conceptual issues in the biomedical sciences. A list of such approved courses is distributed by the Department of History and Philosophy of Science prior to registration each term. Courses are approved on a term-by-term basis.
- A two-term college-level course in biology, such as BIOSC 0150 and 0160.
Film is one of the major art forms of the twentieth century and its study has become an important part of a modern humanities education. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Film Studies Program offers a series of interdisciplinary courses concerning the history, aesthetics, theory, and production of cinema. The program provides courses in critical studies and (by special arrangement with Pittsburgh Filmmakers in Oakland) courses in film, photography, and video production.
The Film Studies Certificate is designed for the student who is majoring in another field but wishes to do some concentrated work in film studies. The certificate program is a planned, interdisciplinary sequence of six courses (18 credits) which provides the student with a broad introduction to the field of film studies. Receipt of a certificate in film studies is recorded on the student's transcript. Specific guidelines and distribution requirements for the program are listed below.
- Requirements for Film Studies Certificate
Two courses (six credits) are required:
- World Film History (3 credits) - English 0540 or History of Art & Architecture 0820
- Film Analysis (3 credits) - History of Art & Architecture 0801 or English 0530
Students, in consultation with the film studies advisor, must also choose four elective courses from any of these three categories (check with the advisor each term for an update of course listings):
- Category I: National Cinemas, Filmmakers
- Category II: Themes, Genres, Theory
- Category III: Film, Photography, Video Production*
*Note: With the exception of CAS 1900 (Internship), all courses listed in category III are offered by special arrangement through Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Enrollments in these classes will be limited to those whose tuition is covered by CAS. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis first to film studies majors, then to certificate students, and then to other full-time CASstudents, all of whom must be in good academic standing. To apply for a seat in a Pittsburgh Filmmakers course, students must preregister with the film studies advisors (617-B Cathedral of Learning) two weeks before the first day of CASregistration. Students who fail to attend the first class of the term will automatically lose their seat. Students will not be permitted to take more than one course per term at Pittsburgh Filmmakers.
Students can take a maximum of two courses in Category III. Two of the three categories of film courses must be represented on the student's transcript. For more information, please see http://www.pitt.edu/~filmst/.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) CERTIFICATE
The geology and planetary science department offers a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is a computer-based system that accommodates virtually any type of information about features that are referenced by geographical location. For example a GIS database may include both locational data and attribute data, providing a relational database capability for recording and analyzing descriptive characteristics about geographical features, both natural and man-made. One of the most important benefits of GIS analysis is the ability to spatially interrelate multiple types of information stemming from a range of sources. Such computational manipulation of geographic data is becoming increasingly important in many areas of science, government, and industry. Students who demonstrate experience with computers, particularly with geographic information systems (GIS) and digital image processing, are at a distinct advantage when looking for jobs in numerous fields, including geology, environmental science, city and regional planning, and civil engineering. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for immediate success in GIS-related jobs.
- Requirements for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate
The program is open to any University of Pittsburgh student. This specifically includes postbaccalaureate students - for example, professionals seeking to expand their job-related computer skills. Approximately four terms (two academic years) will be required to complete this certificate program; it is therefore suggested that undergraduates sign up for the program by their junior year. A grade of C or better is required in all courses. Topics covered will include the nature of geographic data, map projections, the basic elements of a GIS database, sources of data, and Arc/Info (an industry-standard GIS package). Required courses include the following:
- GEOL 0896 (World Physical Geography)
- GEOL 1445 (Introduction to GIS)
Two advanced courses that have special relevance to the student's major or employment goals. Appropriate courses will be available from many different departments. Courses not on the following list may be selected contingent on approval by the certificate advisor:
- GEOL 144 (Advanced GIS) - prerequisite GEOL 1445 (GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods)
- GEOL 1460 (Remote Sensing of the Earth)
- CEE 1602 (Geographic Information Systems for Civil and Environmental Engineers)
- BIOSC 1044 (Ecological Management Summer Field Course) - prerequisite one year of Introductory Biology
- Either INFSCI 1022 (Database Management Systems) - prerequisites INFSCI 0015 and 0018 (Data Structures and Programming Techniques and File Processing) or INFSCI 1030 (Information Storage and Retrieval) - prerequisite INFSCI 0015
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the application of the techniques by doing a project under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Sufficient work must be performed to earn four independent study or directed research credits. Faculty from any department may serve as the faculty advisor, but students are encouraged to work with faculty in their primary area of interest. Projects must use GIS as a major tool, and result in a paper and a map (or maps) which describe the results of the research.
The Certificate in German Language consists of 18 credits of German courses beyond German 0002. Students in all schools of the University of Pittsburgh who want to achieve a high level of proficiency in German can obtain this certificate. It is designed to assist students to prepare themselves for international careers, internationally recognized proficiency exams, and internships in German-speaking countries.
- Requirements For German Language Certificate
The certificate offers two tracks: one for the liberal arts and one for professional purposes. Courses should be taken in sequence.
- German for the liberal arts
The following courses should be taken, in sequence, by students in this track:
- GER 0003 (Intermediate German 1)
- GER 0004 (Intermediate German 2)
- Two of the following: GER 1000: Reading; GER 1001: Writing; GER 1002: Phonetics
- One of the following: GER 1101: Media; GER 1102: Structures
- One of the GER 1200-1399 seminars taught in German
- German for professional purposes
The following courses should be taken, in sequence, by students in this track:
- GER 0003 (Intermediate German 1)
- GER 0004 (Intermediate German 2)
- GER 1003 (German for Professional Purposes I)
- GER 1004 (German for Professional Purposes II: Business German)
- GER 1101 (Media)
- GER 1102 (Structures)
- German for the liberal arts
Nine credits may be transferred from study abroad programs in German-speaking countries in accordance with the credit transfer policy of the University of Pittsburgh. These credits have to be pre-approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
For more information, see http://www.pitt.edu/~germanic.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CERTIFICATE
Historic areas are not just buildings, but spaces and communities with pasts and futures. They require a variety of approaches to be understood, including the historical, anthropological, ethnographic, architectural, and art historical. They also require an awareness of a variety of complicated processes to preserve them, such as urban planning and administration, law, business and economics, and popular culture. The Certificate Program in Historic Preservation is intended to provide students with a framework of related courses in various disciplines so that they can expand their knowledge of this area of study and enhance their opportunities for further education and employment in the field.
- Requirements for Historic Preservation Certificate
Students must complete 18 credits, distributed as follows, to be awarded the certificate:
- ANTH 1540 (Special Topics in Archeology: Cultural Resource Management)
- Three core courses, one each from the following three departments (9 credits total):
- Anthropology: ANTH 1540 (Special Topics in Archeology: Historic Preservation) or ANTH 1591 (Historical Archeology)
- History: HIST 1626 (History of the American Landscape) or HIST 1665 (History of the American City)
- History of Art and Architecture: HA&A 1530 (American Architecture - Pre-Civil War), or HA&A (1531 American Architecture - Post-Civil War)
- Two courses chosen from among a list of anthropology, history, and history of art and architecture courses, unless the student is majoring in one of these three areas. Students in these three majors might need to take three courses from among the electives instead of the usual two, because a course that counts towards a major cannot simultaneously count towards this certificate. The list of electives is available from the CAS Advising Center.
Classes listed above as core course options for the certificate may also be chosen for electives. For example, if HIST 1626 (History of the American Landscape) fulfills a core requirement in history, then HIST 1665 (History of the American City) can count as an elective.
The Jewish Studies Program is open to all students interested in the Hebrew language and the history and culture of the Jewish people and their contributions to Western civilization. In the historical courses, emphasis is on the interaction of the Jewish people with their neighbors, as well as the development of distinctive cultural and religious values. A certificate program is offered, and interdisciplinary studies options can be arranged to include courses in this program. Information is also available on opportunities for intensive study in Israel. The program in Jewish studies offers undergraduates the opportunity to supplement work in their own department or major with an interdisciplinary course of study in the area of Jewish studies. Completion of the certificate program fulfills the CAS requirement for a related area (although students should check with their major departments) and will be indicated on the transcript.
- Requirements for the Jewish Studies Certificate
The certificate requires 18 credits. A maximum of nine credits may be transferred from another institution, including study abroad. Credits are to be distributed as follows:
- Proficiency in the Hebrew language at the intermediate level - JS 0025 (Intermediate Hebrew 3 ) or higher
- Jewish studies:
- Two 1000-level courses selected from the following (or comparable courses):
- JS 1100 (Israel in the Biblical Age)
- JS 1222 (Jewish Mysticism)
- JS 1225 (Jewish Culture in Medieval Spain)
- JS 1230 (Ashkenazi Jewry: Medieval Period)
- JS 1240 (Sephardi Jewry: Medieval Period)
- JS 1250 (Modern Jewry)
- JS 1252 (History of the Holocaust)
- JS 1254 (After the Holocaust)
- JS 1256 (Modern Israel)
- JS 1257 (Russian Jewry)
- JS 1260 (Jews in the United States)
- JS 1266 (Israel: State and Society 1948-1988)
- JS 1640 (Jews in the Islamic World)
- JS 1646 (Rabbinic Approach -- Non-Jewish World)
- and JS 1901 (Independent Study)
- JS 1100 (Israel in the Biblical Age)
- Two 1000-level courses selected from the following (or comparable courses):
- Religious studies:
- At least one course focused on an alternative religious tradition offered by the Department of Religious Studies.
Those interested in graduate study are strongly urged to acquire a knowledge of Hebrew and either French or German. Students should consult with the advisor in the Jewish Studies Program in order to register their interest in the certificate program and to plan their course of study, including the choice of an appropriate independent study project.
MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES CERTIFICATE
In spite of change through the centuries and variations of a regional and national character, the millennium preceding the deaths of Shakespeare and Cervantes in 1616 is marked by a coherence sufficient to justify considering it as a cultural entity, worthy of study for its humanistic qualities and for its importance in preparing the modern world. Some of the principal aims of the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program are:
- to identify and explore aspects of medieval and Renaissance cultures that are an important part of our own cultural heritage;
- to promote an understanding of our medieval and Renaissance ancestors through the investigation of the ways they faced the issues of their day, asked questions of their institutions, and were conscious of themselves and the world around them;
- to help students understand historical relativity by showing them how different periods and individuals have understood the Middle Ages and Renaissance in very different ways;
- to provide the basis for an open-minded attitude toward any culture that is different from our own.
In consultation with a program advisor (who may be a member of the Executive Committee, one of the departmental representatives, or another faculty member specializing in the area), the candidate will define an area of interest and organize a program of courses in relation to it. In designing a certificate program, students are urged to keep in mind the aims of the program as described above. For more information, see http://www.pitt.edu/~medren/.
- Requirements for Medieval and Renaissance Studies Certificate
At least 24 credits are required, of which a minimum of 18 must be earned in 1000-level courses. These courses are distributed in two broad categories:
- Literature, music, and the visual arts
- History in its several aspects: intellectual, ideological, social, and economic (e.g., philosophy; religion; the history of science, institutions, and ideas).
A minimum of three 3-credit courses (or the equivalent) must be taken in each of these two areas. At least one general course focusing on the Middle Ages and at least one on the Renaissance are required. These courses may be chosen from courses offered by the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program or from among approved departmental course offerings. Courses should not be chosen at random but should follow a pattern of interrelated studies. Finally, all certificate candidates should acquire a reading knowledge of a modern European language as early as possible. (The study of Latin is also suggested for those who plan to do graduate work in the field.)
PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION CERTIFICATE
In today's competitive international environment, there is a need for qualified professional translators whose skills are used in a broad range of activities that run the gamut from technical translation to literary translation. Professional translators typically work either as freelance contractors working at home via computer, modem, and fax, or as full-time employees of businesses, banks, or governmental agencies (such as the National Security Agency). The Professional Translation Certificate Program aims at training students to a high level of professional competence in the art and science of written translation in government, business, international agencies, translation companies, and publishing. Students with a talent for learning languages and a passion for solving language-related problems should consider a career in this rewarding field.
The program also offers the possibility of internships in businesses, banks, government, or translation companies, when available, providing qualified students with the opportunity to train under the guidance of professionals in the field. Translation courses in French, German, Spanish, and Italian are taught by University faculty and by an adjunct faculty of professional translators and bilingual professionals. The courses provide an opportunity to study the theory of translation, analyze problematic issues in the translation process, and systematically relate theory to practice; learn the precise terminology of various fields (e.g., business, banking, science and technology, medicine, law); develop writing skills (style, rhetoric, grammar, and usage) in the translation of nonliterary texts; and gain experience in the use of computers for both word processing and machine-aided translation.
The program offers translation only from the foreign language into English. Before registering for courses in the program, students must have a third-year college-level competency (B or better in a University of Pittsburgh level 0004 course) or the equivalent in one of the following languages: French, German, Italian, or Spanish. For more information, contact the CAS Advising Center in 252 Thackeray Hall.
- Requirements for Professional Translation Certificate
This 21-credit certificate program requires the following:
- Completion of 15 credits of core courses with a grade of B or better. The following courses are required:
- Professional Translation I (French/Italian 1095, German/Spanish 1195)
- Professional Translation II (French/Italian 1096, German/Spanish 1196)
- Introduction to Linguistics (Linguistics 1950)
- Machine Aids to Translation (Linguistics 0085)
- Advanced Composition (e.g., English Composition 0400)
- Completion of six credits of electives/internships with a grade of B or better. Certificate candidates must choose two elective courses or one elective course and an internship (when available and if candidates qualify). Electives include translation courses (e.g., Legal Translation, Medical Translation) or linguistics courses from the language department in which candidates are pursuing the certificate. See the director for advising. To qualify for an internship, students must have A grades in Translation I and II and approval of the program's assistant director. Only one 3-credit internship will apply toward the certificate.
- A Qualifying Exit Exam.
- Filing of an application for certification prior to registering for the last term in the program.
- Professional Translation I (French/Italian 1095, German/Spanish 1195)
- Completion of 15 credits of core courses with a grade of B or better. The following courses are required:
The interdisciplinary Women's Studies Program offers undergraduate and graduate courses and a certificate program in a variety of traditional disciplines and professional areas, with a special focus on women and gender issues. Faculty and staff are committed to a feminist philosophy and to the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. The curriculum is designed to be consistent with the feminist perspective by
- including a primary focus on Women's experiences and gender roles;
- regarding women and men of all races and ethnic groups as equal, autonomous members of society;
- critically examining assumptions about women and men that are held by each academic discipline;
- testing these assumptions in view of empirical research and individual experience.
In order to implement these goals and to provide students with particularly well-designed, substantive courses, the program takes care in evaluating both its curriculum and its teachers' performances. Students report that courses in Women's studies help to fulfill both personal and practical needs. Many are preparing for jobs in fields such as medicine, business, sociology, social work, English literature, education, counseling, law, or therapy, and believe that a better understanding of themselves and/or of women generally will aid them in their future work. More than 100 instructors have created and taught courses in cooperation with the program. The Women's Studies Program accepts courses sponsored by individual departments within the University (course offerings are subject to change from term to term). Interdisciplinary courses, independent study, and internship opportunities are offered regularly by the Women's Studies Program. A separate Women's Studies Course Book is produced each term, and it is available from the Women's Studies Program Office in room 901 E Cathedral of Learning. For more information, see http://www.pitt.edu/~womnst/ or email the program at womnst+@pitt.edu.
- Requirements for Women's Studies Certificate
Students in CAS may apply for the Women's Studies Certificate. A minimum of 18 credits, completed with an overall QPA of 2.00 and distributed as follows, is required:
- An introductory, interdisciplinary course, such as WOMNST 0031
- Two lower-level courses in two different disciplines cross-listed with WOMNST, such as ENGCMP 0203, ENGLIT 0360, PSY 0184, or SOC 0446
- Two upper-level courses in two different disciplines cross-listed with WOMNST such as ADMJ 8240, ENGLIT 1640, ENGLIT 1704, HIST 1154, HIST 1660, 1661, PHIL 1340, PS 1204, PSY 1110, or SOC 1105
- One advanced Women's studies course, an independent study, or an internship
The courses listed above are not an exhaustive list. Courses offered vary from term to term. Check with the Women's Studies Office about additional courses that meet the requirements. Also check the current Schedule of Classes' Special Program Listing. Electives are available in Women's studies which fulfill CAS requirements in literature, social sciences, history, and writing. A list of these courses is available in the Women's Studies Office.
Internship opportunities are available for students who wish to gain practical knowledge on the job at agencies dealing with issues directly concerning women. These internships must be supervised by a Women's studies core faculty member, and the student must have taken at least 60 credits, be in good academic standing, and must have completed four courses in Women's studies (12 credits) relevant to the internship. Women's studies courses may serve as all or part of this 12-credit requirement.
Because Women's studies is an interdisciplinary field, opportunities for innovative research are especially challenging. Students are encouraged to do research on special topics or other projects in an independent study course (usually three credits per term). The prerequisite is at least two Women's studies courses and at least two courses in the field appropriate to the independent study (these courses may overlap).
Numerous prizes and awards are given annually to CAS students for outstanding academic performance. All eligible candidates are automatically considered by committees set up to administer the various prizes, some of which are listed below. Some departments also give awards for outstanding students in the discipline. Information about these awards is available through the CAS Office or the individual departments (view an updated listing of scholarships, prizes, and honors in CAS):
- Abraham Pais Award, for excellence in technical writing
- ACS Award, for excellence in analytical chemistry
- ALCOA Excellence Award, for academic achievement in computer science
- Alison Bentley Kephart Memorial Fund in the Biological Sciences, for outstanding performance in freshman biological science courses
- Anita J. Curka Music Scholarship, for outstanding performance in voice or piano
- Asher-Issacs Award, for outstanding academic performance by a senior economics major
- Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, for academic excellence
- Carrie T. Holland Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- CASScholarship Fund, for outstanding academic achievement
- Challenge Scholarship, for educationally and/or economically disadvantaged students (historically minority) enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Chancellor's Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, for outstanding academic performance in high school
- Chinese Language Study Abroad Scholarships, for outstanding students in Chinese
- Class of 1937 Scholarship, to provide awards to outstanding students in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Composition Program Writing Award, for outstanding essays
- David Shenker Student Prize, for outstanding essay in economics
- Dorothy D. Burkhart Scholarship, for excellence in undergraduate work in English studies
- English Major Merit Award, funded by the Ketchum Brothers Educational Fund, for outstanding academic performance, especially in written and verbal skills, by a junior English major
- Exxon Excellence Award, for academic achievement in computer science
- Exxon Foundation Award, for academic achievement in computer science
- Foltin Memorial Prize, for outstanding performance in German
- Francis Wright Weber Memorial Award for Journalism, for excellence in news or feature writing
- Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award, for academic achievement in chemistry
- Friends of the Frick History of Art and Architecture Undergraduate Award, for excellence in history of art and architecture
- George Barnes Scholarship, for academic excellence by a student majoring in history
- Halliday-Resnick Award, for undergraduate research in physics
- Haskins Undergraduate Student Award, for academic excellence in the history of art and architecture
- Helen Faison Scholarships, for African-American high school students who have outstanding records of scholarship and service
- Ira A. Messer Award, for the chemistry major who has earned the highest scholastic average
- James B. Lawler Memorial Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- James E. Bradler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, for excellence in neuroscience research
- James Snead Memorial Essay Award, for an outstanding essay by an undergraduate
- Jean Hamilton Walls Undergraduate Research Award, for outstanding performance by African-American and Hispanic students in the QUEST Research Program
- John F. Haskins Student Award, for excellence in history of art and architecture
- Joseph C. Johnson Jr., Class of 1939, Endowed Scholarship, for outstanding academic performance by students who are residents of Washington County
- Joseph Gill Memorial Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- Landmark Scholarship, for leadership and scholarship by a senior female and/or African-American dual business major
- Lord Scholar Award, for outstanding performance in chemistry
- Lore B. Foltin Fund, for an outstanding student in German
- Marietta d' Auberge Scholarship, for an undergraduate majoring in music
- Maurice L. Golladay, for outstanding academic achievement
- Mellon Jazz Scholarship, for outstanding performance in jazz by a music major
- Mildred Miller Posvar Scholarship, for an outstanding senior majoring in music
- M.M. Culver Memorial Fund, for outstanding mathematics major
- Nationality Room Scholarships, for outstanding students studying abroad
- Nippon Sheet Glass Scholarships, for Japanese Studies Year-in-Japan and for the Chinese Summer Language Scholarships
- Ossip Writing Awards, for excellence in undergraduate writing
- Outstanding Freshman Scholar Award, for excellent performance in biological science courses
- Outstanding Scholar Award, for excellent performance in biological science courses
- Outstanding Senior Award, for excellence in studio arts
- Pitt Connection Transfer Scholarships, for excellent academic performance by community college transfer students
- Pittsburgh Female College Memorial, for outstanding academic achievement
- Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center Summer Institute Award, for excellence in computer science
- Richard T. Hartman Fund, for deserving students at Pymatuning Laboratory
- Robert John and Helen Marie Coster Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- Robert Grierson Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- Silverman Award, for interest in chemistry as a profession
- Studio Arts Merit Awards, for excellence in studio arts
- Tung-Liand Hui Hsi Yuan Prize in CAS, for students of Chinese descent graduating summa cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences
- Undergraduate Research Fellowship, to support student involvement in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor
- Undergraduate Teaching Fellowships, for joint student-faculty teaching projects
- University Scholarships, for outstanding academic performance in high school
- Valedictorian Scholarships, for academic excellence in high school, based on class rank
- Valspar Award, for excellence in chemistry
- Westinghouse Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement in mathematics and science
- Wilma Binder Zeder Memorial Scholarship Fund, for outstanding academic performance
- Women's Studies Program Annual Research Prize Competition on Women and Gender, for undergraduate research
All students are required to complete a major or other upper-class option in addition to the Skills and General Education Requirements. Students declare their major by filling out an Undergraduate Academic Program Change Form available in the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall. Students normally declare their major during their fourth term of full-time study.
MAJOR AND MINOR DESCRIPTIONS BY DEPARTMENT
The academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences offer over 50 majors and nine minors in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences as detailed below. For more complete information on these majors and minors, go to the CAS Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall (see http://www.pitt.edu/~pugachev/advising/advising.htm) or go to the individual department.
The following section is listed alphabetically by department with information on specific majors and minors given under the department(s) responsible for administering them.
Africana Studies | Anthropology | Biological Sciences | Chemistry | Classics | Communication | Computer Science | East Asian Languages and Literatures | Economics | English | Film Studies | French and Italian Languages and Literatures | Geology and Planetary Science | Germanic Languages and Literatures | Hispanic Languages and Literatures | History | History and Philosophy of Science | History of Art and Architecture | Linguistics | Mathematics | Music | Neuroscience | Philosophy | Physics and Astronomy | Political Science | Psychology | Religious Studies | Slavic Languages and Literatures | Sociology | Statistics | Studio Arts | Theatre Arts | Urban Studies | Nondepartmental CAS Majors
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