Mar 19, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate catalog [Archived Catalog]

Arts and Sciences – College Degree Requirements (B.A./B.S.)


In the spirit of the liberal arts, requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences promote greater breadth and depth in undergraduate study of the humanities, social sciences, the natural sciences, and mathematics. The BA is distinguished by its emphasis on foreign language, while the BS focuses on natural sciences and mathematics.

A summary of the degree requirements follows. This summary incorporates regental and institutional requirements as well as requirements specific to the B.A. and B.S. degrees. All students must meet regental and institutional graduation requirements  in addition to College of Arts and Sciences requirements and the requirements for their chosen major and minor (or double major). Students in an approved 3+3 fast-track option with the USD School of Law may substitute the first year of law coursework for the minor or second major. Students should consult their academic advisor for guidance in fulfilling degree requirements.

Bachelor of Arts


Written Communication 7-9 credit hours


Two courses (3 cr. each) must meet the general education requirement in writing (SGR Goal #1 ). Choose one first-year composition course and one advanced composition course. 

Social Sciences for General Education 6 credit hours


Courses must be taken in at least two disciplines to meet the general education requirement in social science (SGR Goal #3 ). Approved courses are:

Humanities and Fine Arts for General Education 12-14 credit hours


To complete general education requirements in the humanities and fine arts, B.A. students take ENGL 210 - Introduction to Literature , two semesters of a single foreign language, and a course meeting the university’s aesthetic experience requirement.

Humanities and Social Sciences Distribution Requirement 6 credit hours


In addition to the BOR general education requirements in these areas as noted above, B.A. students must take two humanities or social science courses (minimum six credit hours) from among the following prefixes: ANTH, CJUS, CLHU, DCOM, ENGL, FREN, GEOG, GER, GREE, HIST, INTS, LAKL, LATI, LDR, LING, MCOM, MFL, MSL, NATV, PHIL, POLS, selected PSYC (per Psychology section of the catalog ), REL, RUSS, SOC, SPAN, SPCM, SUST, and WMST.

The courses must be taken outside the student’s major and minor unless the student is a double major or completes more than two programs (for example, a major and two minors).

Natural Sciences 6-8 credit hours


Two courses with laboratories must be completed to meet the general education requirement in the natural sciences (SGR Goal #6 ). Approved coures are:

Globalization/Global Issues 3 credit hours


Course must meet the institutional graduation requirement in globalization/global issues  and may simultaneously meet additional requirements for the degree, major, and/or minor. Globalization/global issues courses must be taken at USD. Approved courses are:

Bachelor of Science


Writing 7-9 credit hours


Two courses (3 cr. each) must meet the general education requirement in writing (SGR Goal #1 ). Choose one first-year composition course and one advanced composition course.

Social Sciences for General Education 6 credit hours


Courses must be taken in at least two disciplines to meet the general education requirement in social science (SGR Goal #3 ).

Approved courses are:

Humanities and Fine Arts for General Education 9 credit hours


To complete general education requirements in the humanities and fine arts, B.S. students take ENGL 210: Introduction to Literature, an additional general education course in the humanities (excluding English), and a course meeting the university’s aesthetic experience requirement.

Humanities and Social Sciences Distribution Requirement 6 credit hours


 In addition to the BOR general education requirements in these areas as noted above, B.S. students must take two humanities or social science courses (minimum six credit hours) from among the following prefixes: ANTH, CJUS, CLHU, DCOM, ENGL, FREN, GEOG, GER, GREE, HIST, INTS, LAKL, LATI, LDR, LING, MCOM, MFL, MSL, NATV, PHIL, POLS, selected PSYC (per Psychology section of the catalog ), REL, RUSS, SOC, SPAN, SPCM, SUST, and WMST.

Mathematics 5-10 credit hours


Choose either Option A, B, or C as listed below.


  Each option meets the general education requirement in mathematics (SGR Goal #5 ):

Natural Sciences 12-18 credit hours


Four courses are required, with a total of at least 12 credit hours earned. Two courses with laboratories must be completed to meet the general education requirement in the natural sciences (SGR Goal #6 ).

Approved general education courses are:

Globalization/Global Issues 3 credit hours


Course must meet the institutional graduation requirement in globalization/global issues  and may simultaneously meet additional requirements for the degree, major, and/or minor. Globalization/global issues courses must be taken at USD. Approved courses are: