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Program Components

 

Each degree program has specific components that the student must complete before a degree can be posted, in addition to maintaining satisfactory academic progress. These components include:

• A specific major and/or emphasis of study.

• Credit requirements for completion of the total program, for the major and concentration or emphasis, and for any other categories within the program that have been identified by the university or the sponsoring academic division.

• Residency requirements.

 

Definition of Major, Emphasis, and Concentration

• Major (undergraduate programs) – The student’s major field of study within the degree field. The courses needed to complete the major are identified by the academic division responsible for the program, and are listed on the program plan issued to the student. Completion of a major requires at least 45 quarter credits.

• Minor (undergraduate programs) – A minor field of study in a bachelor’s degree program. To earn a minor one must follow a specific course of study identified by an academic division of the University. A minor is not necessarily related to the student’s major field, and is not required to complete a degree program. Completion of a minor requires at least 30 quarter credits.

• Emphasis (undergraduate programs) – A designated group of courses directly related to the student’s major field. The emphasis requires completion 25 quarter credits. The courses identified for the emphasis area are listed on the student’s program plan. Some bachelor’s degree programs require completion of an emphasis and others do not.

• Emphasis (graduate programs) – A designated group of courses directly related to the student’s major field. The emphasis requires completion of at least 12 quarter credits. The courses identified for the emphasis area are listed on the student’s program plan. Some graduate degree programs require completion of an emphasis and others do not.

• Concentration (doctoral programs) – At the doctoral level this term designates the student’s specialized area of study within the doctoral degree field. To earn a concentration, the student must complete 24 credits within the subject area, with the selection of courses identified by the academic division responsible for the program.

(Policy #3500.19)