Academic Curriculum and Academic Support

Curricula

All undergraduate degree programs at the University are comprised of a major, general education program requirements, electives, and/or a minor. Some majors are subdivided with a focus in multiple concentrations. The length of a degree program is measured in credit hours and all undergraduate degrees are at least 120 hours.

The curricula in the University’s various degree programs represent the institution’s primary academic programs. These curricula consist of liberal arts and professional courses which meet the general education requirements and the requirements for the majors offered for the baccalaureate degree. The general education component of the curriculum provides an introduction to the various fields of study in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, mathematics, and natural sciences. In these courses, students have an opportunity to explore and broaden their interests, to build a foundation for the courses in their major, and to develop essential skills in written and oral communication, computation, and research. Courses in the major field of study allow students to explore in depth an area of study that interests them and that provides much of the preparation needed for their future careers. Students may elect to complete a minor, as well. Many curricula offer the opportunity to broaden one’s study through the selection of electives. The degree programs, graduation requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies are explained in subsequent sections of this catalog.

All graduate degree programs at Anderson University are intentionally designed to ensure that graduate students engage in courses of study that are progressively more advanced in academic content and intellectual rigor than undergraduate programs in the same or similar academic discipline. Courses of study within the graduate curriculum of the University require intensive study within and knowledge of scholarly literature and findings within each discipline, as well as ongoing student participation in research, pertinent practice and training within the discipline, or both.

Major

A major is an instructional program that leads to a degree. It consists of a prescribed set of courses and requirements that are of increasing sophistication. Generally, these courses are within a specific discipline, but in interdisciplinary majors may include requirements from multiple disciplines.

Minor

A minor is a prescribed course of study in a discipline other than a student’s major. As such, it shares definition with a major but it is less extensive.

The following principles apply to minors at Anderson University and are articulated to provide guidance to College Deans and future Academic Policies and Procedures Committee members. It is intended that all minors are subject to the following guidelines:

1. Prerequisites for courses in a minor must be included in the minor unless they meet a general education requirement.
2. Minors consist of eighteen semester hours of course work. If a minor requires courses weighted more than three hours, it may include up to twenty-two semester hours.
3. A minor may not overlap with a student’s major more than the greater of six semester hours or two courses with the following exception: If a significant number of courses in a particular minor are required for a particular major, greater overlap may be allowed if the minor in question leads to competencies that are clearly and demonstrably beyond those expected of students in the major.
4. Proposed minors are subject to normal curricular review processes.

Concentration

A concentration is a prescribed set of courses that allows a student to acquire a greater in-depth understanding in a sub-discipline of the major. A concentration may include courses outside the major. Students may complete more than one concentration in a major. Anderson University offers the following degree programs through its colleges:

Degree Programs

See Undergraduate Academic Programs and Graduate Academic Programs.

Honors Program

Anderson University invites students with strong academic backgrounds to apply to the Honors Program. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but students are admitted for entrance for each fall semester. Details about the Honors Program and the application are available on the website: www.andersonuniversity.edu/honors.

The Honors Program provides a unique course of study. Along with completing the chosen major and honors courses, students can engage in independent research, participate in extra-curricular activities, and graduate with honors.

All Honors courses are uniquely tailored for Honors students, integrating faith and specific academic disciplines. In the first three semesters Honors students take three Foundations courses, which cover the span of Western intellectual thought from antiquity to the 21st Century. Students study philosophy, history, literature, theology and the arts to show how they intersect with Christian history and the Christian faith. In every course students engage the disciplines and topics from a Christian worldview, while also ensuring the students express and develop their views on relevant questions and perennial problems.

Every Honors student takes Apologetics, a course that focuses on a thorough study of apologetics and philosophical reasoning. Honors students will study the proofs for God’s existence, the problem of evil and suffering, and a number of other philosophical issues related to the intelligibility of Christianity, designed to equip students to articulate their views on contemporary challenges to the Christian Faith in the 21st Century.

Additionally, the Honors program offers several elective courses, including: Christian Ethics, Science & Faith, and Interdisciplinary Topics. Each student finishes the program by completing an Honors Senior Seminar, which brings culminating focus and application to the experience.

Students enrolled in the Honors Program must fulfill the General Education requirements for their degree program, but Honors students can fulfill some of their General Education requirements by successfully completing select Honors courses.

The Honors Program involves extra- curricular activities, such as participation in the National Collegiate Honors Council, field trips, and recreational activities.

Students who complete the Honors Program are eligible for graduation with honors. Participation in the Honors Program will be designated on the student’s diploma and recognized at the annual Honors Convocation. Students enrolled in the Honors Program enjoy an experience designed for high performing individuals. The curriculum and activities are designed to produce critical thinkers, independent learners, and creative problem solvers. The overall program provides for a solid foundation for future stages of educational development in undergraduate and graduate studies.

Summer School

Anderson University offers a comprehensive schedule of online and seated courses during the summer. Classes are scheduled in two daytime sessions. There is also an eight-week evening session during the latter part of May and the month of June that is a part of the Adult Studies Program. Students may register for up to eight semester hours during each summer term and it is possible for a student to earn up to 16 semester hours during the summer sessions. Since students may repeat courses in which they earned grades of less than C, students may elect to repeat courses during the summer. Summer classes are available to students from other colleges and universities as well as to Anderson University students. University credit is available to qualified high school juniors and seniors through the High School ADVANCE and Dual Credit programs.

Concurrent Enrollment Program

Concurrent enrollment permits high school students to enroll in courses for college credit during regular semesters or in the summer. Credit earned in this program may be applied toward a degree at Anderson University, or may be transferred to another school. However, since transfer policies vary from institution to institution, Anderson University cannot guarantee that every school will accept credit earned in these programs. Concurrent students must submit a Concurrent Student Application, approval from their principal or guidance counselor, an official high school transcript and appropriate SAT or ACT scores to take courses at Anderson University. Students wishing to enroll in English courses must make at least a 500 on the writing portion of the SAT or a 20 on the writing portion of the ACT.

Church-Related Vocations Program

The Church-Related Vocations Program (CRVP) is designed to provide both academic and practical educational experiences for students interested in vocational Christian service. 

The Christian Studies curriculum includes practical internships which allow students the opportunity to explore the call to Christian service, to acquire basic helping skills, and to relate identity and professional roles as a minister. Practical skills, history, and polity are taught in the classroom and in applied ministry activities. Students are also encouraged to participate in short-term ministry experiences (e.g., Spring Break or another Short Mission Trip) and/or an extended ministry experience (e.g., Summer or Semester Missions).

Scholarships are offered to all full-time students majoring in Christian Studies who are preparing for careers in ministry. For scholarships to continue, recipients must maintain a 2.50 GPA, be active in a local church body, and fulfill the internship requirement. The financial aid awards are renewable annually after review of each student’s progress.

Center for Global Engagement

The Center for Global Engagement assists new and continuing students with issues ranging from immigration-related concerns to adjustment to American culture and life in the United States.  For more information, visit https://andersonuniversity.edu/academics/center-global-engagement.

Study Abroad

The Center for Global Engagement at Anderson University facilitates student engagement in international programs through short-term and semester-long study abroad programs. In addition, the Director assists faculty and staff in international program development, ensures individuals are aware of pertinent institutional policies, and enhances international awareness on the campus.

Anderson University offers opportunities for both credit and noncredit international study. Credit courses offered through these programs may be special topic courses developed for a particular occasion or courses that are included in the University’s curriculum. Each semester, Anderson University offers faculty-led courses that enable students to enroll in a core course with an international travel component during the spring or winter break. This program is called “AU Abroad.” Students can also take part in short-term mission trips as well as short-term programs designed for specific majors. These opportunities may vary each semester.

Anderson University students can also study abroad during the summer or for a semester. Opportunities are available in China, Australia, Ireland, England, Spain, and Italy, in addition to other various countries. All courses receiving academic credit require prior institutional approval before travel. Students must meet with a Financial Aid counselor to determine financial aid eligibility for semester and summer programs. In addition, courses taken abroad are awarded Pass/Fail credit only.

Anderson University scholarships cannot be used for semester or summer programs, only federal and/or state aid (if eligible). Opportunities are available which allow students to use their institutional aid for study abroad on our approved international exchange programs only. Students interested in studying abroad should meet with a study abroad counselor in the Center for Global Engagement to select a program that is appropriate for their wants and needs. AU students who wish to study abroad or take part in an international program sponsored by AU are required to obtain permission from the Center for Global Engagement, their academic advisor, the Dean of their College/School, and the Registrar.

For more information, visit https://andersonuniversity.edu/academics/study-abroad.

International Students

Anderson University has a vibrant and growing international student community. The Center for Global Engagement assists international students with I-20 issuance, orientation information, visa application, immigration counseling, as well as adjustment to campus and American culture. The Center for Global Engagement advises international students regarding all forms of international student support including: F-1 visa status regulations, program extensions, on campus employment, internships (CPT), travel authorization/ approval, visa renewals, economic work necessity permits, optional practical training (OPT), dependent I-20 issuance, international student health insurance, English language concerns, maintaining legal F-1 status, and other immigration regulations and concerns. International students should meet with Anderson University’s Designated School Official (DSO) upon arrival to campus. All international students are required to meet with the Center for Global Engagement to complete arrival confirmation paperwork for US Homeland Security when they arrive to Anderson University, so they are advised and assisted with their F-1 status. Students can stop into the office for a walk-in appointment to speak with an international student advisor, or they can make an appointment by contacting the Center for Global Engagement at International@AndersonUniversity.edu.

The Center for Global Engagement is an international student’s “home away from home” and is dedicated to helping assist international students with their transition to the US and to the Anderson University campus. The Center also supports international students by sponsoring activities and events geared towards the international community. Students can reach the Center for Global Engagement located in the International House, which can be conveniently accessed by Trojan Transit. The International House is located at 302 Williamston Road, Anderson.

English as a Second Language

All international students in an F1 students visa status at Anderson University must have sufficient English language ability for acceptance. However, from time to time, students might need additional assistance regarding their English language. While we do not have a full English language program at Anderson University, students may enroll in an English as a second language course to help with the development of their English language skills. These courses do not count toward meeting graduation requirements but will count as part of the academic load for determining full time status for immigration purposes. Students who need additional English language support should visit the Center for Global Engagement for placement and assistance. Please note that these courses are approved on a case by case basis for students who require assistance.

Teaching Fellows Program

The AU Teaching Fellows Program provides an enriched academic experience for selected students each year to prepare them to teach effectively in the classroom and to develop the personal and professional skills needed to be future educational leaders in the state of South Carolina. Teaching Fellows are selected and approved by CERRA (South Carolina Center for Educator, Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement).

Pre-Professional Studies

Students interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine and/or allied health fields such as medical, dental, physician assistant, and/or pharmacy school are encouraged to apply to Anderson University. Our institution offers many experiences that can help students build competitive applications for these challenging graduate programs. For example, research experiences are available for undergraduate students at the Anderson University Center for Cancer Research and in the Human Dissection Lab as well as in a variety of biological and biochemical disciplines. All anatomy and physiology courses at Anderson University, as well as many upper level courses, include extensive lab experiences in the Human Dissection Lab as well which is excellent preparation for advanced anatomy work in graduate school. In addition to contact with their regular advisor, pre-professional students should contact the Anderson University Pre-Professional Health Sciences Committee for additional advice and guidance. At Anderson University, most preprofessional students complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or Biochemistry; however, the committee can also advise students pursuing alternative approaches to their professional program of interest. Anderson University has an articulation agreement for the Guaranteed Admission Interview Program as well as the Rocovich Scholars’ Early Admissions Program with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). This program guarantees a medical school interview at VCOM when students meet specified requirements. Further information regarding these programs can be obtained by contacting a member of the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Committee.

Independent Study

The University offers an opportunity for students to take courses in the curriculum outside the classroom setting through independent study. A course will not normally be offered by independent study during an academic term in which that course is included in the class schedule. Students interested in registering for a course to be completed through independent study should consult the appropriate College Dean for the policies and procedures governing independent study.

Directed Study

A faculty member, a student, or a group of students may petition a College Dean to offer through directed study a course that is not in the curriculum. In order to be approved, a course proposed for directed study must conform to the mission and goals of Anderson University and there must be sufficient personnel and other resources to support the offering of the course. Normally, no directed study course on the same topic may be offered more than twice. Courses for which there is a continuing demand must be proposed as regular courses in the curriculum. Directed study courses may be taught as traditional courses, as tutorials, or a combination of these methods.

Air Force and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps

Through an agreement with the Air Force (AFROTC) and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC) at Clemson University, Anderson University students can concurrently enroll in the AFROTC or AROTC program at Clemson University. The courses of study in these two programs are outlined in this catalog, under Aerospace Studies (A S) for the Air Force ROTC and Military Leadership (ML) for the Army ROTC program. Students can complete the programs in one to four years (time required in the program is based on needs of the military, so check with the appropriate ROTC department for details). There are limited scholarships and incentive programs available to provide funding for tuition, fees, and books. In addition, ROTC students may also be eligible for a monthly tax-free stipend to help offset expenses. Students who complete these programs and commissioning requirements may be appointed as second lieutenants in the respective services. Opportunities also exist for graduate or professional study once on active duty, and temporary deferments to active duty may be possible. Interested students should contact the Air Force ROTC office (864-656-3254) or the Army ROTC office (864-656- 3107) at Clemson University.

Academic Support Services

Academic Advising

Mission

The mission of the Anderson University Academic Advising Program is to promote student success by empowering undergraduate students to take responsibility for achieving their academic, career, and personal goals. This is accomplished through a collaborative mentoring relationship between the student and advisor.

Goals

1. Academic
   1. To assist undergraduate students in setting academic goals.
   2. To assist students in developing an educational plan and selection of courses consistent with the student’s goals and objectives as they relate to the respective major program.
   3. To assist students in graduating in a timely manner.
   4. To provide accurate information about institutional, college/school, and department policies, procedures, resources, and programs.
   5. To make referrals to academic support services within the University when appropriate.
2. Career
   1. To assist undergraduate students in learning how to pursue academic goals and other professional requirements tied to a future career.
   2. To make referrals to the Director of Career Services when appropriate.
3. Personal
   1. To make referrals to support resources within the University when appropriate.

David Larson McPhillips Center for Student Success

The David Larson McPhillips Center for Student Success promotes the academic and personal development of Anderson University students.  This is done through one-on-one academic guidance, student success seminars, and peer tutoring.  Accessibility Services for students with disabilities are also housed in the Center.  Students who need guidance about withdrawals during the semester may also find help in the Center.

Accessibility Services.  Anderson University provides academic adjustments and modifications to enable its students with disabilities to access the University community in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This includes students with learning disorders, physical disabilities, emotional/mental disorders, and some acute and chronic health concerns.  Accommodations are determined based on current documentation in an interactive process with the student and on a case-by-case basis.  Adherence to standards that are essential to a course of study are generally considered nondiscriminatory.

Students requesting adjustments from Anderson University must first identify themselves by contacting the Center for Student Success.  However, requesting adjustments does not ensure that the student qualifies to receive adjustments.  In order to receive accommodations, students must provide documentation of their disability.  All documentation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  If the documentation is deemed insufficient, the student may be required to provide additional documentation.  The Center for Student Success determines the student’s eligibility for accommodations and, for eligible students, works with the student to determine appropriate adjustments and accommodations.

Tutoring Lab. The Tutoring Lab at Anderson University is staffed by peer tutors who excel in the subject areas in which they tutor.  Tutoring is provided in most core curriculum courses and many beginning major courses. Appointments may be made through the Canvas Learning Management System.  The services of the Tutoring Lab are available to traditional students at no additional cost.

Anderson University Writing Center

The Writing Center focuses on helping students develop writing skills essential for academic success. The Writing Center, staffed by peer tutors, helps students identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and language usage; develop and focus theses; organize and strengthen arguments; and incorporate and document primary and secondary sources. Tutors may help students understand writing assignments in most Core Curriculum and entry-level courses and offer direction for the completion of first drafts as well as for the revision of essays. The Writing Center is staffed at scheduled times on weekdays during fall and spring semesters. The services of The Writing Center are available to all Anderson University students at no additional cost.

Library Services

The Thrift Library Building, built in 2007 and remodeled in 2017, is a 53,000 square foot multipurpose building containing the Library, McClellion Café (Books and Beans Coffee shop), IT Department, Vandiver Art Gallery, Chapman Meeting Room, and Chapman Multimedia Center. The library contains seating for 400, a Learning Commons, the Bunton Computer Lab, Pracht Classroom, Music Lab, David Larson McPhillips Center for Student Success, Writing Center, Hopkins Special Collections, and ten study rooms. The library is open on average 90.5 hours per week.

The Thrift Library of Anderson University owns or subscribes to over three quarters of a million volumes. The library in house collection contains over 100,000 physical books and media. Its digital collection comprises 200+ databases containing over 40,000 full text periodicals, 125,000 online audio albums, 100,000 online video recordings, and a half million eBooks.

Computer Services

There are three general purpose academic computer centers on campus, as well as five computer labs dedicated to specific academic areas. One of these is located in the Watkins Teaching Center and contains 30 workstations available for both classroom and general use. A second center, available for both classes and general use, is located in Vandiver Hall, consisting of 28 student workstations and a specialized instructor’s workstation for enhanced classroom instruction. The third lab is designated for student use with 35 workstations in The Bunton Computer Laboratory located in the Thrift Library. Two of the dedicated labs are located in the Rainey Fine Arts building providing support to the art and graphic design program. Both of these are equipped with Apple iMacs dedicated to graphic design and multimedia pursuits. The university also supports smaller computer laboratories dedicated to mathematics, chemistry, and a CADD laboratory for the interior design program. A combination of wired and wireless networking interconnects all academic and administrative workstations and storage devices, while wireless networking is available to students residing in residence halls. Web-based Student Information Services allows student access to registration, academic records, and financial information. All students are assigned Anderson University email accounts, and have online access to secure storage of documents and assignments. All labs have printer stations, and there is an additional printer station in the Watkins teaching center. Printing is limited to 500 sheets per academic year, after which additional pages may be purchased from Anderson Central.

E-Mail Policy

All students are expected to establish and maintain an e-mail address on the Anderson University e-mail system. Students are expected to check their e-mail at least once each week during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students are responsible for all material, assignments, and announcements sent by e-mail. Ignorance of course requirements, instructor statements and directions, and University announcements or policy statements sent through University e-mail is not an acceptable excuse for failure to meet the requirements of a course or to adhere to University policy.

Individual instructors may require students to check their email more frequently, especially during Adult Studies or summer terms.

Media Services

The Media Center, located in the Watkins Teaching Center, provides audiovisual equipment for use in the instructional program and is available for use by authorized student groups.