Degree and McDaniel Plan Requirements

McDaniel College offers the undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Arts, which is generally earned in four years. The College also offers two graduate degrees: the Master of Liberal Arts and the Master of Science.

Students must meet the following requirements to graduate from McDaniel College with a Bachelor of Arts degree:

1. Completion of at least 128 credit hours. The 128 credit hours are distributed among the requirements for Integrated Study in the Liberal Arts, the Major, at least one January Term course, and electives. In keeping with the spirit of a liberal education, it is strongly recommended that no more than 52 credit hours in any one discipline be counted toward the 128 hours required for graduation.
2. Completion of the requirements of The McDaniel Plan for Integrated Study in the Liberal Arts, including requirements for January Term and Physical Activity and Wellness. Except for requirements in January Term and Physical Activity and Wellness, students may not carry courses that meet Integrated Study requirements under the Credit-Fail option.
3. Completion of at least one of the academic majors, including the Capstone Experience, offered by the College with an overall 2.00 GPA in the major. Students must have a 2.00 or better average in all courses required for the major, including supplementary courses outside the department or program of the major. The major GPA for double and dual majors is calculated separately for each department. To complete a double or dual major, students must have at least a 2.00 GPA in each subject area and supplementary courses.
4. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (“C”) or above in all work taken at the College.
5. Completion of the last 32 hours, not including the semester in education, in residence at the College. Normally, a student who has been in residence two years or more will be permitted to take as many as eight of the last 32 hours off campus. If these are required for a major or a minor, the department or program head must approve as well. Courses taken at the Budapest campus, in affiliated study abroad programs, the U.N. Semester, the Washington Semester, and other approved programs count as courses taken in residence. Students with questions should contact the Registrar’s Office.

Transfer students and others seeking advanced placement should consult with their academic advisor and the Registrar’s Office to determine applicable requirements.

Certain of the requirements in Integrated Study in the Liberal Arts may be satisfied or reduced by scores on Advanced Placement (AP), or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, International Baccalaureate (IB) work, on “Higher” level exams. These results will be determined on an individual basis by the Registrar’s Office and will be made known to the student and their advisor.

The College reserves the right to change any provision or requirement at any time within a student’s period of residence. If a change is made, students have the option of following the requirements in the catalog in effect when a student first matriculated at the College.

The McDaniel Plan provides a liberal education that combines a comprehensive program of general education and a rigorous program in the major, complemented by electives and a range of special opportunities.

Many courses may be counted in fulfillment of more than one requirement. Please consult the listing of courses by department and the designations after each course.

I. Integrated Study in the Liberal Arts

1. First Year Seminar. First Year Seminars are innovative topical and thematic courses on a range of subjects suitable for first-year students that provide an introduction to the liberal arts and an academic transition to college. They seek to excite students intellectually and engage them as scholars. In addition to offering a rigorous academic content, First Year Seminars focus on fundamental skills that are necessary for academic success: critical thinking, effective writing, analytic reading, and oral communication.
   
   Additionally, courses engage students as members of the McDaniel community by providing an introduction to important dimensions of the College: the nature of the liberal arts and sciences, The First Principles, the Honor System, academic expectations, information literacy, study skills and time management, cultural and co-curricular opportunities, and choosing a major.
   
   Seminars are limited to 15 students, and Seminar instructors serve as students’ first academic advisors. All first-year students must enroll in a First Year Seminar in the fall semester. For a list of First Year Seminars offered, see Academic Departments and Programs of Instruction.
    
2. Introduction to College Writing. All first-year students will be given introductory instruction in writing through course work offered by the English Department. As determined by the online placement examination, students will be placed in either ENG 1002: College Composition or ENG 1101: The Argument. Students must complete ENG 1101 with a grade of “C” or higher. If a student does not earn a grade of “C,” he or she must take the course again by the end of the sophomore year and earn a grade of “C” or better.
   
   Incoming students who have earned scores of 700 or higher on the SAT verbal test or SAT II in English will satisfy the first-year writing requirement. Students who have earned a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Language test or a score of 5 on the AP Literature test satisfy the first-year writing requirement and will receive 4–8 additional credits. No additional credit will be awarded for SAT scores.
    
3. Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies. Courses offered in the Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies Program examine an issue, topic or question from an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition to offering an enlarged perspective on the subject, these courses introduce students to the relationships between disciplines: their similarities and differences in content and methods, and the ways in which different disciplines inform and define one another.
   
   All courses in the Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies Program are taught collaboratively by faculty from at least two different disciplines, and enrollment in each section will normally be limited to 20 students.
    
4. Global Citizenship. A McDaniel education is multicultural and international in scope. Students must develop an understanding of the world within and beyond the United States to develop into critical, sensitive, respectful, and compassionate global citizens. To fulfill the Global Citizenship requirement, students must take one course with a multicultural focus, and two courses with an international or cross-cultural focus.
   1. Global Citizenship: Multicultural. Multicultural education will give students an understanding of the cultural pluralism of American society. Multicultural courses focus on the cultures and experiences of diverse groups in the United States that have been historically subordinated or marginalized and defined by such categories as race, gender, sexuality, class, religion, and disability. Students must complete one course with a multicultural focus.
   2. Global Citizenship: International. International education is a critical component of global education. Students must understand, from contemporary and historical perspectives, their place in the global community and be prepared to navigate ever faster and more complex patterns of social and institutional interaction. International courses examine the perspectives and customs of cultures outside the U.S. or the relationship between the U.S. and world cultures. Students must complete two courses with an international focus. One of these courses must be nonwestern—that is, it must examine the cultures of Asia, Africa, the indigenous Americas, or the Pacific Rim, either exclusively or in explicit comparison with other regions. One of the two courses may be fulfilled by successful completion of an approved program of study abroad.
       
5. Second Language. The study of other languages introduces important avenues of communication and promotes linguistic, cultural, historical, and international understanding. Second language skills are an important and often necessary prerequisite for graduate study and provide an advantage for careers in many fields. McDaniel students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language by one of the following:
    
   • placing above the third semester of college-level language instruction through an examination administered by the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures or the ASL/Deaf Studies Program
   • completing a 2000-level language course
   • completing an approved program of second language in a study abroad program

The level of proficiency set here provides students, in the case of modern spoken languages, with listening comprehension, and the ability to read, write, and hold a simple conversation in the language at a basic functional level established by ACTFL, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. In the case of a visual language, the equivalent basic functional level for comprehension and conversation is the standard established by ASLTA, the American Sign Language Teachers Association. A fourth semester of college language study might cross-count as an International Global Citizenship Requirement.

Second language study will not be required of students who are demonstrably proficient in a language other than English. (Click here for clarification)

Students who fulfill their language requirement by completing a 2000-level course in ASL must fulfill their Global Citizenship requirement with three International courses instead of two International courses and one Multicultural course.

Departmental Writing. Students will further develop their abilities in writing through a program of departmental writing. Each department or major program at the College provides a course or courses or a strategy to develop writing skills appropriate for its majors. Students must complete the requirement in Departmental Writing as indicated in their declared major. In some cases, this is incorporated into the course requirements for the major; in other cases, it is in addition to the requirements for the major. For further information, see the listings for the individual departments and programs or consult with the chair.
 

6. Critical Inquiries in the Liberal Arts. Critical Inquiry courses explore vital areas of knowledge in ways that stretch students’ abilities to inquire and imagine. They focus on key practices and methodologies that are central to the academic search for knowledge and are designed to advance the capacity for clear, critical, and creative thinking and communication across the breadth of the liberal arts. The areas of knowledge covered by these categories are important for the development of thoughtful, informed, and imaginative citizens. Students must take a total of seven courses in Critical Inquiries. Although some courses may count toward several different categories, a given course may be used in fulfillment of only one category.
   1. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning courses explore various areas of scientific knowledge and quantitative analysis. Scientific Inquiry courses teach students how scientists ask particular questions and the methods by which they attempt to answer these questions. Quantitative Reasoning courses teach students how to think logically and how to analyze problems. They provide students with the ability to read and use quantitative data, interpret quantitative evidence, and apply basic quantitative skills to problem solving. Students must take three classes in Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning: these three must include one course in Quantitative Reasoning and one Scientific Inquiry course that includes an approved laboratory component.
   2. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding. Courses in Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding explore the richness of human experience. These courses examine the myriad dimensions of human experience and achievement—ethical, historical, political, psychological, religious, and social—and teach students the methods of research and theoretical analysis necessary for the study of individuals, societies, or cultures. Students must take two courses in Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
   3. Textual Analysis and Creative Expression. Human creativity may be defined by and explored from a broad range of disciplinary perspectives—the humanities, sciences, and the fine arts. Creativity usually results in new insights, understanding or aesthetic appreciation. Courses in this category require students to examine creativity from different perspectives. Textual Analysis courses focus on the interpretation of written texts. They provide students with extensive practice in the art of reading and close analysis of sophisticated writing. Creative Expression courses focus on the interpretation of creative texts or products, or on the reflective participation in the creative process itself. Students must take one course in Textual Analysis and one course in Creative Expression.
       
7. January Term. January Term is a three-week term between the fall and spring semesters in which students and faculty explore new areas and expand their intellectual horizons. Students choose from specially designed courses offered on and off campus. Some students take advantage of January Term for independent off-campus study or join one of the popular study tours abroad.
   
   All students must complete one two-credit January Term course. For a fuller description of Jan Term, see below under Electives and Special Opportunities. For a list of Jan Term courses, see Academic Departments and Programs of Instruction.
    
8. Physical Activity and Wellness. Each student at McDaniel College must demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge and competence in four courses or activities that are intended to develop physical fitness and/or promote informed and positive attitudes and behaviors that lead to lifetime wellness. Students may satisfy all or part of this requirement through certification, by departmentally administered competence tests, or by participation in one or more teams in the intercollegiate athletic program. Students will be encouraged to complete at least one course or to participate in at least one activity during each of their years at the college. A credit/fail option is available for all Physical Activity courses that are not taken as a requirement for a specific program.

II. The Major

All students must complete a major. Each major offers a basic program, involving up to 50 credit hours of required course work within the discipline and sometimes from supplementary disciplines.  The McDaniel Plan provides a liberal education that combines proportionate general education and major programs of study, in addition to complementary electives and a range of special opportunities.  In keeping with the spirit of a liberal education, it is strongly recommended that no more than 52 credit hours in any one discipline be counted toward the 128 hours required for graduation. A student must have a 2.00 or better average (on a 4.00 scale) in courses required for the major. In addition to the basic major, many departments offer additional programs that involve particular courses to help students focus on or achieve specific goals.

A double major, which requires the completion of all requirements in two separate majors, is allowed.

Students may not register in the fall of their junior year for spring semester classes until they have submitted a declaration of major and major advisor form to the Registrar’s Office. This requirement does not prevent students from changing majors at a later time.

III. Electives and Special Opportunities

Electives

In addition to completing McDaniel Plan required courses for Integrated Study and the Major, students are encouraged to take electives courses in departments across the College. Electives should be selected with care and imagination in consultation with the academic advisor to provide valuable perspectives, information, and skills.

Dual Majors

Many departments offer students the option of combining work from two or more disciplines to achieve a program with a broader perspective. Usually a dual major requires more semester hours than a basic major in a single department. For dual majors, the student will be required to have a 2.00 GPA for all courses required by each separate discipline.

The option of a student-designed major/minor is available to students whose academic interests and goals cannot be served by existing programs. Such a major/minor, designed by the student to meet particular goals, must be comparable in size and expectation to the conventional major/minor. Particularly, it must be cohesive, integrated, and possess significant breadth and depth.

The initial proposal for a student-designed major/minor should be submitted to the Curriculum Committee by the end of the sophomore year. This proposal must include a reason for the proposal and evidence that a standard major/minor will not satisfy the student’s goals. The complete program should be presented (including specific courses to be included in the program and specific areas from which choices must be made). A student-designed major program of studies must include a Capstone Experience. For examples of Capstone Experiences, see the various major/specialization programs of the various disciplines listed in this catalog.

To submit a proposal, students must obtain an advisor willing to oversee the entire program. This program advisor may or may not be the student’s regular faculty advisor, though in any case the regular advisor can obtain the required forms and help in the early stages of program planning. The program advisor will assist in preparing the final form of the proposal.

The student and program advisor are encouraged to consult with the Curriculum Committee during the planning stages of the major/minor in order to avoid problems later. Proposals should be acceptable if the student and program advisor plan thoroughly.

Approved Student-Designed Majors have included such titles as Art in Deaf Culture; Bio-Cultural Anthropology; Classical Civilizations; Criminal Psychology; Medical and Biological Illustration; Public Relations and the Performing Arts; Sports Journalism; Theatre Arts Management; and Women’s Studies.

Appropriate forms are available at the Registrar’s Office.

Many students have strong secondary interests and elect one or more minor programs in addition to their primary commitment to a major program. This option not only gives students a format for exploring secondary areas, it also gives recognition on a student’s transcript that the student has completed a significant amount of study in an area outside the declared major.

Most departments offer minors, various departments cooperate to sponsor interdisciplinary minors, and some offer vocational or career minors.

The January Term, an important part of the McDaniel College curriculum since 1969, provides students and faculty with a unique educational experience. Breadth and depth, while vital components of a liberal arts education, should not constitute the only objectives of students or faculty in their common pursuit of learning. January Term is designed to provide a third dimension in this pursuit, intensity. January Term is a period of concentrated study beyond the range of more usual course experiences and a cooperative venture in which faculty and students explore new areas and expand their intellectual horizons. It is a time to cultivate special interests in depth, for creative work, experimentation, and interdisciplinary dialogue. It is a time to explore art galleries, museums, and libraries in the area, to engage in special projects, for travel and study abroad, for study and reflection. For some students, it is an opportunity to pursue independently projects or areas of study of special interest; for others, to enroll in a course for which they have no previous background in the field; for still others, to explore an area of interest unrelated to their regular academic programs. Flexibility and experimentation, the special features of the January Term, supplement and enrich the pattern of course work in the two regular semesters.

January Term courses are listed below under Academic Departments and Programs of Instruction and available online at www.mcdaniel.edu/janterm. Registration usually takes place during the third week of September.

Independent studies provide students with the opportunity for individual study under the direction of a faculty member. The study, agreed upon by the sponsoring faculty member and the student, should be an experience not available within the regular college offerings. To enroll for an independent study, students complete a form available in the Registrar’s Office. Individual departments or programs may formulate additional policies for independent studies; they may also have additional guidelines on independent studies for candidates for departmental honors.

McDaniel College conducts an active program of student internships through cooperative programs with government, business, industry, institutions, and individuals. Internships are generally arranged directly through the academic departments or programs of the College, and each internship must be sponsored by a member of the faculty. To enroll for an internship, students complete a form available in the Registrar’s Office. No more than twelve credit hours of internships may be counted toward the 128 credit hours required for graduation. Internships are graded credit-fail only. Many study abroad programs also provide internship opportunities in a range of areas and settings.

McDaniel College welcomes the growing number of students who are choosing either to begin or to continue their college studies at a point later in their lives.

For information, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs and see also under Admissions on Nontraditional Students.

The second bachelor’s degree program at McDaniel College is designed to meet the needs of students who have completed an undergraduate degree in one field and wish to become proficient in another.

Students may elect any major offered at the College and must meet all academic requirements for that major. It is recommended that students consult with the department chair about requirements and course schedules. (A minimum of 32 credit hours beyond the first degree must be taken at the College; if the new major requires more than 32 credit hours, the additional credit hours must be taken before the degree is awarded.) A second degree requires a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the College. The McDaniel Plan Requirements are assumed to be met, and 96 credit hours are automatically transferred from the original degree program. In some programs with prerequisites and/or requirements outside the student’s discipline, it may take more than one academic year to complete the program. In order to qualify for General Honors at graduation, students must complete a minimum of 64 credit hours at McDaniel beyond the first degree. Tuition is reduced to the graduate rate per credit hour.

Applications for the second bachelor’s degree and more specific policies and procedures for the degree are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.