Academic Policies

DEGREES AWARDED
Associate of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Education
Master of Arts
Master in the Art of Teaching

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
In order to earn a degree at Marygrove, you will need to follow all the procedures, meet all the general and specific requirements, and abide by all the academic regulations that appear in this catalog.

You should normally follow the degree requirements in effect at the time of your first registration at Marygrove, as long as you earn your degree within six years. You may, however, apply for graduation using the requirements of any catalog in effect while you attended the College, just as long as it is not more than 6 years old.

For professional certification, you must meet the current requirements set forth
by the governmental and/or accrediting agencies that regulate certification in
your area.

Because your degree is, finally, your degree, it is also your responsibility to learn and follow the requirements, policies, and procedures affecting your program.
You should consult your academic advisor regularly to help verify that all degree requirements are being met in a timely fashion.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate degree requirements are of two kinds: college degree requirements that are binding on all programs and specific degree requirements established by various departments or academic units that award specialized degrees (for example, the Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Business Administration).

Below are the college degree requirements for Marygrove associate and bachelor degrees followed by an overview of specific requirements for particular degrees. Consult the program section of the catalog for the specific information about degree options and requirements in your area of study.

DEVELOPMENTAL/FOUNDATIONAL STUDIES
Marygrove College believes that all students who are capable of benefiting from higher education should be provided with study and training appropriate to their needs, interests, abilities, and aspirations.

In keeping with this philosophy, Marygrove offers a series of courses that we group under the title Developmental/Foundational Studies. These courses are designed to insure adequate preparation in learning strategies, writing, and mathematics for those students with the potential for success in higher education.

Students are evaluated for placement into reading, writing and mathematics using ACT scores, Marygrove Placement Test results, and/or transfer credits. If your placement results indicate the need for course work to strengthen these competencies, you will be required to enroll in one or more of the following courses:

LS 105 Strategies for College Learning
MTH 100 Algebra
ENG 107 Introduction to Writing

If your Competency test results indicate a need for more intense strengthening in mathematics, you will be required to enroll in the Developmental course MTH 099, entitled Pre-Algebra, before registering for MTH 100. Credits earned in this course, though counted for financial aid benefits, do not count in the GPA or toward the total number of hours required for a degree.

If you require additional skill building in basic mathematics, you will be referred to Student Support Services to complete the Basic Math Workshop, which carries no college credit.

TIME LIMIT FOR COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND/OR FOUNDATIONAL COURSES
If you are a new student (i.e., this is your first time in college or you are transferring less than 12 credit hours), you will need to complete all developmental and foundational courses as required by competency testing within the first 44 credits earned at Marygrove. If you have transferred 12 or more semester hours, you are required to complete these requirements within your first 36 hours taken at Marygrove. If the courses are not completed by that time, you will not be permitted to register for courses other than the developmental and foundational courses required in your program.

GENERAL EDUCATION
A complex array of political, economic, social, scientific, and technical forces continually transforms our world. Marygrove’s general education program engages these forces, providing opportunities to examine them from different disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. Our objective is not only to disseminate information about forces that shape our world but also to intensify our critical thinking about them.

For a full description of Marygrove’s general education requirements, see the General Education section of this catalog.

OVERVIEW OF ASSOCIATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Total Credit Hours
Candidates for an associate’s degree must complete a minimum of 64 semester hours of credit in an approved degree program.

Credit Hours in Developmental and Foundational Studies
In order to earn an associate’s degree, you must complete all the developmental and foundational study courses in mathematics, learning strategies, and composition that were indicated by your placement test results.

Only 12 hours of lower division (100-200 level) composition courses, whether
transfer or Marygrove credit, may be included in the 64 credit hours needed for an associate’s degree. If you have more than 12 hours of lower division composition credits, the surplus will count as general college credit beyond the minimum of 64 required for a degree.

Only 3 hours of basic algebra may be included in the 64 credit hours needed for the associate’s degree. If you have more than 3 algebra credits at a level below Marygrove’s MTH 105, they will count as general college credit beyond the minimum of 64 required for a degree.

General Education Requirements
General Education requirements for each Associate degree are listed in the section of the catalog that outlines your degree requirements.

The 15-Credit Hour Requirement
All candidates for an associate’s degree must complete the final 15 semester hours of degree work at Marygrove College.

Grade Point Average
You must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C). In certain
programs, additional GPA requirements must be met.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (A.A.)
For this degree, you must complete the general education requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree, except ENG 312 and the Senior Seminar. See listing in the General Education section of this catalog. Of the additional hours needed to complete the 64 credit hours required for the degree, no more than 12 may be in one discipline.

Associate of Arts in a Specialized Program (A.A.)
You may earn an Associate of Arts degree by concentrating in one of the following areas: accounting, business, or child development. The requirements for these degrees, including General Education, can be found in the appropriate program section of the catalog. Any remaining hours necessary to complete the minimum of 64 credit hours are electives selected by the student with the assistance of an advisor.

Overview of Bachelor (Baccalaureate) Degree Requirements
Marygrove has established general undergraduate degree requirements that apply to all candidates for bachelor (or baccalaureate) degrees. In order to earn a bachelor’s degree at Marygrove, you must meet the following criteria:

Total Credit Hours
Candidates for a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 128 semester hours of credit in an approved degree program.

Credit Hours in Developmental and Foundational Studies
In order to earn a bachelor’s degree, you must complete all the Developmental/Foundational studies courses in mathematics, learning strategies, and composition that were indicated by your placement test results. Credits in Developmental level courses do not count in your total hours toward your degree.

Only 12 hours of lower division (100-200 level) composition courses, whether transfer or Marygrove credit, may be included in the 128 credit hours needed for a bachelor’s degree. If you have more than 12 hours of lower division composition credits, the surplus hours will count as general college credit beyond the minimum of 128 credits required for a degree.
Only 3 hours of basic algebra may be included in the 128 credit hours needed for the bachelor’s degree. If you have more than 3 algebra credits at a level below Marygrove’s MTH 105, they will count as general college credit beyond the minimum of 128 credits required for a degree.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
You will need to complete the General Education Requirements for your degree. See the General Education section of this catalog for specific requirements.

Majors and Minors
You are required to complete a major and a minor, or an interdisciplinary major, or two majors. Requirements for majors and minors are specified by the academic departments.

Credit-Hour Requirements in Your Major Field of Study
A “major” consists of one of the following:

• a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit in a single academic discipline;
• a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit in a specified group of related disciplines (i.e., a group major);
• an individualized major; or
• an interdisciplinary major.

At least 15 semester hours in your major must be completed at Marygrove. At least one of your courses must be designated as “writing intensive.” You will also complete a senior-year experience as part of your major.

The individualized major is a concentration comparable in depth and coherence to the typical major developed to satisfy an individual student’s goals:

• It must define a systemic body of knowledge in relation to stated goals.
• It must demonstrate a logical progression of study from basic concepts to general theories and methods of analysis.
• It must include a component that demonstrates attainment of the conditions above, e.g., final project, integrative summary, or undergraduate thesis.

Procedures for approval of the individualized major can be obtained from your divisional dean.

An interdisciplinary major is one which requires a specified group of courses from more than one academic department and which aims to meet specified educational goals. The total number of credits required for the major must be at least 50 and should not exceed 72 semester hours. The fulfillment of the requirement for an interdisciplinary major satisfies the College requirement for a major and a minor concentration in a student’s degree program.

Credit-Hour Requirements in Your Minor Field of Study
A “minor” consists of 20 semester hours of credit in one discipline or 24 semester hours of credit in a specified group of related disciplines.

You are required to complete a major and a minor, or an interdisciplinary major, or two majors. Requirements for majors and minors are specified by the academic departments.

Related Discipline Requirements and Electives
Some major programs have specified requirements from other disciplines. While these are not counted as part of the major itself, they are an essential part of your total degree program. Frequently these additional requirements will satisfy the general education requirements of the College.

Through the selection of other courses that do not necessarily fulfill a specified degree requirement, you can pursue individual interests. You can enrich your life and expand your career opportunities through the thoughtful selection of electives.

The Senior-Year Experience
The senior-year experience is the capstone course for all Marygrove students. The course allows you to display your competence in your major field of study and gives you an opportunity to show your proficiency in several of the across-the-curriculum emphases.

The public sharing of the results of your final project with faculty, peers, family, and friends is your opportunity to display the extent to which you have been empowered by the Marygrove College experience.

The 30/36 Credit-Hour Requirement
All candidates for a bachelor’s degree must complete the final 30 semester hours of degree work at Marygrove College. A minimum of 36 semester hours of credit must be taken from upper division courses (numbered 300 or above), with a minimum of 24 of the 36 hours in the major and minor.

Grade Point Average
You must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C). In certain programs, additional GPA requirements must be met.

Transfer Credit
A total of 64 semester hours of credit may be transferred from all two-year institutions combined.If you transfer to Marygrove from another college, you must complete at least 30 semester hours of credit at Marygrove. You must also fulfill all major, minor and other requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR BACHELOR DEGREES
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree are those indicated under “Overview of Bachelor Degree Requirements.”
Because of Marygrove’s commitment to liberal education, those students who elect a Bachelor of Arts degree must show evidence of a broad range of knowledge and skill in addition to specialized knowledge and skill in one or more areas.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
The Bachelor of Science degree can be elected by students majoring in the following areas of study: biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensic science, general science, mathematics, and computer information systems. The general education requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree are the same as those for the Bachelor of Arts degree. For the B.S. degree, however, your total degree program must include 48 hours of related science and mathematics. Specifics of the degree requirements are available through the departments involved.

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)
The Bachelor of Applied Science is an interdisciplinary degree program which builds on technical or occupational knowledge a student has acquired prior to enrolling at Marygrove College. The degree requires completion of general education requirements and 60-72 hours in an area of specialization. For details, see the Computer Information Systems section of this catalog.

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
The Bachelor of Business Administration degree is a specialized degree consisting of a minimum of 60 credit hours in a range of business subjects and a concentration in accounting, business administration, financial planning, management or marketing. A maximum of 70 credits in business and accounting courses may be counted toward the 128 credit hours required for the degree. The general education requirements for the B.B.A. degree are outlined in the General Education section of the catalog. You must also complete the related discipline courses in computer information systems and economics required for the B.B.A. degree. For details, see the Business program section of this catalog.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts/Visual Arts (B.F.A.)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts/Visual Arts represents a concentration and accomplishment beyond that required in the major program for the Bachelor of Arts. Intensified in both scope and depth, the program is designed for students with marked ability and commitment. Students are required to make specific application for candidacy. Often requiring more than eight semesters, the program is detailed under the Art section of this catalog.

Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)
The Bachelor of Music degree represents a specialized program emphasizing the knowledge, skills, and disciplines essential for a musician. The degree program has
four major components: general education, general and specialized music requirements, minor requirements, and electives. Within the degree program, students may specialize in applied organ, piano, guitar, flute, or voice; music education; sacred music; piano pedagogy, or music theory. Approximately 80-85 credit hours in music are required
for the Bachelor of Music degree. Specifics of the general and specialized music requirements are listed in the Music
section of this catalog.

Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
The Bachelor of Social Work degree is a specialized program representing a concentration in the social sciences and social welfare, and competency in social work practice. The degree program has four interrelated components: general education requirements, supportive social science cognates for the interdisciplinary major, professional core requirements, and electives. Specific requirements for each of the four components are listed in the Social Work program section of this catalog.
A concentration of approximately 65 credit hours in social work, sociology, and psychology is required. A student majoring in social work develops the components of this interdisciplinary program in consultation with a departmental advisor. Students are required to apply for and be accepted into the social work program.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Accounting
The post-degree Certificate of Completion in Accounting is a 23-credit hour program for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields who are interested in acquiring basic knowledge and skills in the area of accounting. For more information see the Accounting section of this catalog.

African American Studies
The Ethnic/Cultural Studies program offers an 18-hour certification program for students interested in developing a broad-based knowledge of the activities, contributions, and impact of African Americans on the Americas. The program is especially useful for enhancing career flexibility. Knowledge of African American culture benefits those individuals whose careers may involve extensive contact with the African American community. For details, see the Ethnic/Cultural Studies program section of this catalog.

Business
The Department of Business offers a 20- credit hour certification program for post-degree students resulting in a Certificate of Completion. This program is designed for a person with a bachelor’s degree in any field other than business who is interested in obtaining the basic skills generally acquired in a business curriculum. For details, see the Business program section of this catalog.

Child Welfare
The 17-credit hour certificate program in child welfare is intended for those who
are interested in learning the issues involved in children’s welfare or in developing skills for working with children. This program can be particularly useful for the professional practitioner with a bachelor’s degree or for paraprofessionals who have a high school diploma or a GED and are presently working with children in the areas of child development and/or child welfare. For details, see the Child Welfare program section of this catalog.

Computer Graphics
Computer Graphics is an 18-credit hour concentrated experience in computer graphics for the post-degree art major. While the emphasis is placed on graphic design and desktop publishing, you can also elect a more experimental approach to the medium. For details, see the Art program section of this catalog.

Computer Information Systems
The Department of Computer Information Systems offers an 18-credit hour certification program for post-degree students. This program assures an understanding of computer information systems but is not equivalent to a major in computer information systems. For details, see the Computer Information Systems program section of this catalog.

Detroit Studies
The undergraduate certificate in Detroit Studies consists of at least fifteen hours
of interdisciplinary coursework devoted to analysis of metropolitan Detroit. Students who complete this certificate will learn about Detroit’s contributions to American culture; they will interrogate standard definitions and popular versions of the city; and, by analyzing the city from the perspectives of different academic disciplines, they will gain in-depth understanding of issues important to the metropolitan area. For details, see the Institute for Detroit Studies section of this catalog.

Gerontology
The 15-credit hour certificate program in gerontology is intended for those who are interested in learning the issues involved in aging or in developing skills for working with the elderly. This program can be particularly useful for the professional practitioner with
a bachelor’s degree or for persons who have completed at least two years of undergraduate course work. For details,
see the Gerontology program section of
this catalog.

Sacred Music
The certificate program in Sacred Music offers training which will prepare the candidate for effective professional activity in the field of church music. Courses may be elected for non-credit or credit. For details, see the Music program section of this catalog. An audition is required for acceptance into the program.

Teacher Certification
The Department of Education, in cooperation with other academic units, prepares students for teaching at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Entrance into the College does not guarantee admission to the teacher certification program. Students must make a separate application to the teacher certification program. Prior to admission to the certification program, you will be assigned an advisor who will assist you in planning the sequence of certification courses. Students must have a certifiable major and minor and adhere to the certification requirements in order to obtain teacher certification. For details, see the Teacher Certification section of this catalog.

Translator Certification
The certificate program in translation may be completed in Arabic, French or Spanish. The fifteen (15)-credit hour program helps students prepare for the American Translators Association (ATA) certification examination. For details, see the Arabic, French or Spanish sections of this catalog.

Women’s Studies
The Ethnic/Cultural Studies program offers an 18-hour certification program for students interested in learning about the roles, perspectives, and contributions of women in an interdisciplinary context. The program is especially useful for enhancing career flexibility. Knowledge of gender strengthens students’ preparation for work in many diverse fields, especially those where sensitivity to women’s issues is important such as education, business, human services, public administration, health professions, law and government, and environmental and nonprofit organizations. For details, see the Ethnic/Cultural Studies program section of this catalog.

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