College of Arts and Sciences

At-a-Glance

College web-page: https://artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/

The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) educates future artists, creators, performers, and researchers with broad knowledge and enduring transferable skills. Our academic programs prepare students for the workplaces of today, and empower our graduates to create new places for themselves as the workforce grows and changes. 

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Coaching and Faculty Advising

All students are strongly encouraged to consult with their Academic Coach as well as their Faculty Advisor early and often in their academic career. Goal-setting, support, and guidance related to the Inquiry Core, University, and College Requirements are available through Academic Coaches, while Faculty Advisors provide consultation on the requirements and opportunities within the major. Students should utilize the Starfish feature in CampusNet to determine their Academic Coach or Faculty Advisor, and/or to schedule appointments.

Declaring a Major

To be admitted, most programs in the College of Arts and Sciences require only good academic standing. However, several majors such as the BFA in the School of Film & Media Arts and all programs in the School of Music, have additional criteria (see the program pages for more information). Auditions or portfolio evaluations are not required for the Art, Dance, Design, or Theatre programs of study.

Students are encouraged to declare a major as soon as possible after admission to the university, and ideally before the end of their second year (or before the completion of 60 credit hours). By declaring a major early, students will have more opportunities to work with faculty and to participate in the research or creative activities of their academic department. Students who declare a major are also able to take advantage of the Degree Audit feature in CampusNet, which provides a preliminary evaluation of a student’s progress toward a degree and have an individualized graduation plan prepared by an academic coach.

To declare or change a major (or minor), please contact your academic coach. In CampusNet, students may also use the “Ask a Question” feature to initiate the declaration or change of major process, or the “What If” feature in Degree Audit to see how their completed courses would apply to a new major or minor.

Although they are not considered majors, students can add a “Pre-Law”, “Pre-Medicine”, “Pre-Pharmacy”, “Pre-Dentistry”, “Pre-Optometry”, or “Pre-Veterinary” designation to their academic record, in addition to a declared major, to denote their intent to pursue admission to a professional school. For these and all students with graduate and professional school aspirations, the Office of Career Development and Exploration also provides resources, application assistance, mock interviews, and supports individual student goals. 

Earning a Second Major/Second Degree

A student who wants to earn a second degree or major must meet all requirements of the college, department, and program for the second degree or major. A student majoring in Mathematics or Physics cannot be awarded both the B.A. and B.S. degrees in these fields. Similarly, a student majoring in Music cannot be awarded both the B.A. and B.Mus. degrees, and a student majoring in Film & Media Arts cannot be awarded both the B.A. and B.F.A. degrees.

A student may not earn the same baccalaureate degree twice (e.g. two B.A. degrees with different major fields). In this case, only one baccalaureate degree will be conferred, indicating the completion of a double major. Students who complete the major requirements of one degree leading to a B.A. as well as the major requirements of an additional degree leading to a B.S. will be awarded both degrees.

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, either from Cleveland State University or from another institution, and are interested in pursuing an additional degree are subject to the policies regarding post-baccalaureate students.

Student Assistance with Policies and Procedures

Numerous resources are available to explain the academic regulations and policies of the College of Arts and Sciences, the university, and the major. Students are urged to review all appropriate sections of this catalog, in particular the chapter on University Regulations, as well as the chapters on Academic Procedures and Academic Policies for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Petitions for a waiver of a requirement or for an exception to a regulation (either for the college or university) can be obtained from an academic coach.

Academic coaches and faculty advisors are readily available to ensure that students understand all graduation requirements and how to fulfill them. Whenever in doubt, a student should consult with an academic coach or faculty advisor for assistance.

Requirements for Degree Completion

The College of Arts and Sciences awards degrees to students who meet the following general requirements:

• Successful completion of a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, of which 36 semester credit hours must be earned in 300- and/or 400-level courses. Credit toward the degree must be earned in courses acceptable to the departments and curricula of the College of Arts and Sciences, which includes those courses included in official articulation agreements and other courses taken through accredited institutions. (Note: Some degree programs may require more than the college minimum. Students must comply with the requirements of their major program.)
• Fulfillment of all the the Inquiry Core Curriculum and residency requirements of the university and a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 as set forth in the section on University Regulations. Students must also achieve a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 in a major program in the College of Arts and Sciences. (Note: A minimum grade-point average higher than 2.00, or minimum course grades, may be required by a department. Students must meet the requirements as specified by their major department.)

Foreign Language Requirement

In addition to the requirements for degree completion listed above, the following programs of the College of Arts and Sciences also require completion of the Foreign Language Requirement. Note that the Foreign Language Requirement is an additional requirement beyond the state of Ohio college entrance requirement .​

OPTIONS FOR COMPLETION:

1. Complete three years (or more) of a single world language in high school.
2. Complete two university-level courses in a single world language.
   1. Students may elect intermediate-level language courses in the same language taken in high school.
   2. Students may elect introductory-level language courses in a language different from the one taken in high school.
3. Only for students who graduated from high school prior to 1987 without taking a foreign language, who are exempt from the Foreign Language Entrance Requirement: Complete two foreign culture courses from the list of approved courses.
4. Only for students seeking a B. Mus. degree: Complete two foreign culture courses from the list of approved courses OR two courses in a world language beyond the Foreign Language Entrance Requirement.
5. Only for heritage and native speakers (or anyone with existing fluency): Schedule an appointment with the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures for assessment.

Students should begin their language study at a level that reflects their current level of competency. Placement tests in French and Spanish, as well as advising from the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures faculty, can help determine the appropriate level. Students who repeat language courses taken in high school can count those credits toward graduation, but not toward the Foreign Language Requirement.

Special Opportunities

Accelerated 3+3 Programs with the CSU College of Law

The CSU College of Law 3+3 program accelerates the completion of most of the undergraduate degree requirements into 3 years of full-time study, with students earning a minimum of 91 total credit hours. The fourth year, comprised of 29 credit hours taken in the first year of study at the College of Law, is then transferred back to meet the undergraduate total credit hour requirement of 120. This arrangement saves both time and money for the student.  Admission to the College of Law is competitive and not guaranteed for students in the accelerated pathways.  The most common accelerated pathways are English (Literature Track), History, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Science, and Psychology. More information can be found here: https://www.law.csuohio.edu/admission/3plus3

Accelerated Master’s Programs

High-achieving undergraduates in select College of Arts and Sciences programs have the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree by taking select graduate-level courses while an undergraduate, and counting them toward both their BA/BS and MA/MS. Accelerated programs are available for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Biology (non-thesis option); Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Chemistry; Bachelor of Science/Master of Science OR Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science in Mathematics; Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Physics; and the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Psychology - Psychological Science. Students must meet eligibility criteria set by the academic department. Interested students should contact their faculty advisor and should refer to the additional links provided below.

Evening/Remote Programs and Coursework

Most departments and programs o]er evening and/or remote courses, although these departments do not necessarily o]er all the courses required for the full completion of the major. A student should consult with a faculty advisor to determine the pattern and frequency of o]erings of evening or remote courses.

Credit by Examination

Departments within the College of Arts and Sciences may accept credit by examination for specific courses. The subject material to be covered, the method of examination, the minimal acceptable score/grade for passing, and the number of semester credit hours to be granted will be determined by the academic departments. Contact the faculty advisor for further information. Credit may also be earned through CLEP examinations, administered through the Testing Center.

Experiential Learning

Internships, research, independent studies, creative performances, study abroad and other types of hands-on learning opportunities are available and may be required in some programs. These experiences offer the opportunity for unique learning related to a student’s educational and career interests. Students will be able (or may be required) to register in a corresponding course, thereby earning academic credit.

Most departments of the College of Arts and Sciences offer credit for independent study conducted under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Independent study is arranged with a specific professor who will determine the quantity and quality of work expected and the number of semester credit hours to be granted. In general, an independent study is intended for scholarly work not included in a department’s formal course offerings, and it is offered only when a formal course is not available.

Although neither the university nor the College of Arts and Sciences has a limit on the number of internship/research/independent study courses that may be applied toward graduation, individual academic departments can limit the number that may be applied toward the major and/or minor.

Operation Stem (OPSTEM)

Operation STEM targets primarily first generation, underrepresented STEM majors and provides them with a 2-week Summer Institute to help establish a community of peers. In addition, each semester STEM Peer Teachers (SPTs) provide the Scholars and fellow students 150 minutes of mandatory supplemental learning sessions known as SPT sessions in the Precalculus and Calculus courses. OpSTEM Scholars also receive mentoring and individualized attention needed to help ensure progress and successful completion of their STEM degree. Additional information can be found here: https://artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/operationstem/operationstem

Psychology Partnership Programs at Lakeland Community College (LCC) and Lorain County Community College (LCCC)

The Psychology Partnership programs allow eligible students to complete the B.A. in Psychology degree through a combination of courses offered at the Lorain County Community College and Lakeland Community College campuses, or seats held in remote-based courses (although partnership students can elect to take courses on the Cleveland State downtown campus as well). Students are also able to receive advising from a Cleveland State academic coach during the duration of the program.  Additional information can be found here: https://www.csuohio.edu/transfercenter/community-college-students

Teaching Licensure

Students who are interested in earning a teaching license at the Adolescent/Young Adult level (grades 7-12) can select from the following integrated programs: Language Arts; Mathematics; Mathematics and Physics; Science; and Social Studies. In addition, Multi-Age licensure (Pre-K to 12) is o]ered in Music.

For all licensure programs, students declare a major in their content area in the College of Arts and Sciences and also complete education requirements from the Levin College of Public A]airs and Education. Students will have a faculty advisor in their content field as well as an education advisor.

Writing Center

http://www.csuohio.edu/writing-center/writing-center

The Writing Center provides assistance to all members of the university community, including graduate students. Through consultations, tutoring, and workshops, the Center can respond to any questions about writing, including generating ideas, drafting and revising papers, improving writing styles, and handling technical details of grammar, documentation, and formatting. Our WAC website has many handouts available on all aspects of academic writing. For many writing handouts: http://www.csuohio.edu/writing-center/writing-center-2

Academic Support Hub

The Hub is composed of staff, student workers, and Graduate Assistants from the Math Learning Center, Science Resource Center, and the Academic Support Center.  As a team, we offer academic support to our students through:

• Group Tutoring
• Drop-in Tutoring
• Embedded Tutoring
• Learning Strategies Tutoring
• Software Tutoring
• Embedded Success Coaching
• Supplemental Instruction (SI)
• Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)

Main office location: Berkman Hall 233
Phone: (216) 687-2012
Email: tutoring@csuohio.edu
Website: http://www.csuohio.edu/tutoring/

Description of services:

Group Tutoring

Group tutoring (for up to three students) is available in a wide variety of 100 and 200 level courses.  Tutors have excelled in the courses they support and are eager to develop a personalized success plan for student success.  Students are permitted 2 hours of tutoring per week per course.  Peer tutoring appointments can be scheduled through Starfish or by contacting the Hub.

Drop-in Tutoring

No appointments are necessary! Check-in at the front desk of Berkman Hall 233, and Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Writing for the Sciences (reports, papers, lab) peer tutors will be on hand to help with any quick questions or assist with course content and studying. Students are welcome to sit and study in this area, and if questions arise, the tutors are there to help. Please check the Hub’s website for the drop-in schedule.

Learning Strategies Tutoring

One-on-One individualized academic sessions are targeted to assist with note-taking, time management, test-taking, reading a textbook, memory, and much more.  Sessions are one hour per week.  Meet once or all semester.  Appointments can be scheduled through Starfish or by contacting the Hub.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

SI is an academic assistance program that provides regularly-scheduled, informal group collaborative review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items.  The SI program features a trained SI leader who has previously excelled in the course.   Attendance is voluntary, but highly recommended.

Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)

SLA interweaves weekly learning, study and practice into the required course meeting time. During this time students receive additional instruction to master course content and develop learning strategies for the course. Attendance requirement is determined by instructor.

Software Tutoring

Drop-in software tutoring is available to assist students with basic Microsoft Office programs, presentation software, basic Blackboard inquires, as well as saving, sending, and transferring files. Software tutors are located in BH 233.

Both SI and SLA are offered for selected courses and are noted in CampusNet with an academic service icon 

All Hub services are FREE to currently enrolled CSU students.