Undergraduate Degrees and Majors |
Academic DegreesThe requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Weekday Program include the accumulation of at least 128 semester hours, the fulfillment of the Foundation for Leadership Curriculum, and the completion of a major program. If a student meets these conditions by completing 90 or more semester hours in the division of mathematics and natural sciences, she will qualify for the Bachelor of Science degree. A Bachelor of Science degree is also awarded for the business administration major. The Weekend College Program offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in selected majors and the Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Majors and selected minors offered in the Weekend College Program are listed in the Weekend College Program section of this catalog. Major ProgramsTrinity offers an approach to majors that provides interdisciplinary support and enhances each program of study. This approach creates an essential link between the liberal arts, the major, and a selected professional focus. When choosing a major, a student is encouraged to select a self-designed focus area. For example, a major in environmental studies may choose to concentrate on policy implications or applications for the corporate sector. A sociology or psychology major may want to focus on a career in health care, environmental policy, or corporate management, and select the related internship experiences; a history major may choose to focus on public policy, law, education, or a Ph.D. program. This creates a broad range of professional options for each Trinity student and an enriched academic environment for the community. Academic programs at Trinity are separated into two areas: the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies. The College of Arts and Sciences is separated into three divisions:Arts and Humanities Majors: Minors: Social Sciences Majors: Mathematics and Natural Sciences Majors: Minors: The School of Professional Studies serves two undergraduate major programs:Education Majors: Minors: Business Major: Major RequirementsThere are three approaches to the major program: the traditional major in one discipline, the interdisciplinary major, and the individualized major. The specific requirements for receiving a degree in one of the disciplines listed above are listed in the Undergraduate Programs of Study section of this catalog. Students should declare their major during their second academic year. The Individualized MajorIndividualized majors are unique because they are not structured by a program or combination of programs. Instead, they grow out of an individual student's interest in a particular problem; a given profession; or a period, place, or theme to be approached from multiple points of view. Individualized majors must be designed with and supported by a faculty advisor, in accordance with the student's abilities and goals. They must also show coherence and continuity of purpose. Students considering individualized majors must consult with their faculty advisor who can provide detailed information about the application, development, and evaluation of such a proposal. The Committee on Scholastic Standing and Degrees must approve the proposal for implementation of an individualized major. Proposals are usually submitted during the sophomore or early junior year. Applications submitted after the beginning of the second semester of the junior year will not be approved. Minor RequirementsStudents can receive recognition for an area of strength outside of their major field by choosing to complete a minor area of study. The requirements for a minor in a particular area of study are listed in the Undergraduate Programs of Study section of this catalog. Upon completion of the requirements of any minor or concentration, a student must complete the appropriate form, have it signed by the program director, and submit it to the Office of the Registrar. The minor will then be added to the student's record. ElectivesStudents choose electives from programs complementary to their major. In consultation with an advisor, students can choose electives that reflect personal interests or career goals. Professional Studies courses may be taken in a variety of fields, as well as internships, which offer job-related experience and learning. Academic AdvisingAll students have an academic advisor to assist them with academic planning and interpretation of academic policies and procedures. With her advisor, the student learns to explore academic interests, to recognize academic strengths, and to identify resources to address weaknesses. During each registration period, the student and her advisor select courses which are consistent with the overall degree objectives. Frequent advisor contact ensures that students receive timely information and make progress toward the completion of the degree. Advising for Medical School and Other Health ProfessionsA liberal arts education is recognized as excellent preparation for medical school, as well as related professions. Students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions often choose a major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry; however, it isn't always necessary to major in a science. The goal is to plan an academic program that satisfies the requirements of the intended professional school while also enhancing the student's intellectual, social, and personal development. A high proportion of Trinity graduates who have applied to professional schools have been accepted. All students interested in medical school must fulfill the pre-medical requirements as outlined in "Medical School Admissions Requirements," a publication of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Minimally, these requirements include one year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, each with a laboratory. These courses should be completed in the junior year so that the student can take the Medical College Admissions Test during the second semester of the junior year. Mathematics and English may also be required or strongly recommended, and specific medical schools often have additional requirements. Students interested in dental school should consult "Admission Requirements of U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools." Requirements for dental schools are similar to medical schools, and there is a Dental Admission Test. The Pre-Medical/Health Professions Advisory Committee provides special assistance to students interested in careers in the health professions. This committee also writes letters of evaluation as part of a student's application to medical, dental, or veterinary school. Any student interested in a health career should contact a member of the committee or the Director of Career Services, as early as possible (preferably during the first year). The Registrar will provide names of the committee members. Advising for the Legal ProfessionThe Legal Professions Advisory Committee provides a coordinated process to help students explore law-related careers. The process includes assistance from Career Services, faculty members, and panels on the legal profession. One objective of the committee is to guide students toward courses that develop relevant skills such as quantitative and verbal analysis, writing, research, and oral communication. By following this process, any Trinity major can be an appropriate preparation for a career in the legal professions. Individual assistance is available for students making applications to law schools and considering other legal paths. For additional information, contact a member of the Legal Professions Advisory Committee, or the Director of Career Services. |