Components of Degree Programs
A degree defines the academic level at which the student has studied (e.g., bachelor, master), and the general academic field (e.g., arts, science, teaching) in which study was completed. A degree program is the specific curriculum the student must follow to earn the degree. The term degree program normally refers to the courses related to both the degree field and to any major or emphasis pursued within that field. The official document issued to a student entering a degree program is called a program plan. It lists all courses required to complete the student’s program, including any general education requirements and electives, as well as major and/or emphasis courses needed. It also indicates the credits assigned to each course and the credits required in each category of the program.
When a student completes a degree program, the university issues the student a diploma. It identifies the degree earned, the major, and an emphasis. It is only issued after completion of all program requirements has been confirmed by the university. (See policy on transcript– diploma–certificate wording for more information on diplomas.)
Examples of degrees offered by City University of Seattle:
• Associate of Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Master of Business Administration
• Master in Teaching
• Doctor of Education
Examples of degree programs:
• Associate of Science in General Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Education
• Master of Business Administration – General Management Emphasis
• Master of Arts in Counseling
• Doctor of Education in Leadership – Educational Leadership Concentration
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. A degree may have multiple majors available e.g. Bachelor of Arts with majors in education or psychology. 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.
Exceptions to these credit requirements may be made with the approval of the Provost in instances when allowed by programmatic accreditors or other regulators.
(Policy #3500.19)