Section Topics

General Requirements

Division of Undergraduate Studies

The Liberal Studies Program

Liberal Studies Requirements

Transfer Credit

The Multicultural Requirement

Oral Communication Competency

Computer Skills Competency

Statewide Graduation Requirements

CLAST Waiver Criteria

Progression to Upper Division

The Associate in Arts

Teacher Education

The Baccalaureate Degree

American Sign Language as a Foreign Language

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Degrees Offered

The Florida State University confers at the bachelor’s level the bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of science in nursing, bachelor of music, bachelor of music education, and the bachelor of science degrees, the requirements for which are described in detail below. Students may find requirements for all graduate degrees (master’s, specialist, professional, and doctoral) in the Graduate Bulletin.

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at The Florida State University must meet a number of state—and University—wide degree requirements as they progress through their course of studies. In general, freshman and sophomore students in most majors emphasize work in a broad-based liberal arts curriculum, described below as the Liberal Studies Program, and in consultation with their advisers select a major concentration. By the end of the sophomore year, all students should have completed at least half of the Liberal Studies Program including the composition and mathematics requirements in Areas I and II and passed the Florida College Level Academic Skills Test (Florida CLAST) or approved alternative.

At about the end of the sophomore year, students formally select a major and request acceptance by the college or school in which the major is taught. Students transferring into the University with an associate in arts (AA) degree from a Florida public community college or university, or transferring fifty-two (52) or more semester hours of credit, are admitted directly into the college or school of their choice.

Students at the junior and senior level complete the requirements of their chosen major and often of a minor field. They may also have to fulfill additional requirements specific to their college or school and/or certification requirements to engage in a particular profession for which their undergraduate major is preparatory.

Understanding these degree requirements is crucial to the smooth progression to graduation. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisers regularly throughout their undergraduate years to ensure that they are making appropriate progress toward their degree and to consult their academic deans’ offices, Advising First, StudentsFirst Advising, and the Office of the University Registrar for assistance and clarification of degree requirements.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements: An Overview

The Florida State University will confer the bachelor’s degree when the following conditions have been met. Restrictions may be found under ‘Transfer Credit’ in the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.

General Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion (a minimum adjusted grade point average of 2.0 on all courses used for liberal studies) of The Florida State University’s Liberal Studies Program, thirty-six (36) semester hours, as follows:

Area I. Mathematics (six [6] semester hours)

Area II. English Composition (six [6] semester hours)

Area III. History/Social Science (six [6] to twelve [12] semester hours)

Area IV. Humanities/Fine Arts (five [5] to eleven [11] semester hours)

Area V. Natural Science (seven [7] semester hours)

For details, please see ‘The Liberal Studies Program’ of this chapter.

2. Satisfactory completion of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, the “Gordon Rule,” requiring specific course work in composition and mathematics. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of spoken and written English in all of their Universities;
3. Satisfactory completion of the Florida CLAST or approved alternative;
4. Satisfactory completion of major requirements in a chosen degree program, including additional requirements set by the college or school offering the degree. The student’s degree program will appear on the baccalaureate diploma. If a student satisfies all requirements for two majors, including admission, prerequisite, core, etc., both degree programs may appear on the diploma;
5. A minimum adjusted grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on all course work taken at The Florida State University and an overall 2.0 average on all college-level work attempted;
6. Successful completion of a minimum of one hundred twenty (120) unduplicated semester hours, only two (2) hours of which may be in physical education activity courses;
7. Completion of at least forty (40) semester hours in courses numbered 3000 and above;
8. Completion of the last thirty (30) semester hours in residence at this University. In cases of emergency, a maximum of six (6) hours of the final thirty (30) semester hours may be completed by correspondence or residence at another accredited senior institution with the approval of the academic dean. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit earned may be applied to the final thirty (30) hour requirement provided that the student has earned at least thirty (30) semester hours credit at The Florida State University;
9. Sixty (60) semester hours of the work credited toward a baccalaureate degree must be earned in an accredited senior institution;
10. Students who have entered a university in the State of Florida, Division of Colleges and Universities, with fewer than sixty (60) hours of credit in the fall of 1976 or any time thereafter are required to earn at least nine (9) hours prior to graduation by attendance in one or more summer terms at one of the eleven State of Florida senior institutions. The University President may waive the application of this rule in cases of unusual hardship to the individual. Students wishing waivers submit written requests giving the details of their hardships through their academic deans to the Dean of the Faculties. Students entering The Florida State University beginning with Summer C 2002 will be exempt from the Summer term requirement if they have earned nine (9) semester hours of credit through approved acceleration mechanisms as identified in Florida Statues (AP, IB, CLEP, approved dual enrollment courses); and
11. Successful completion of coursework constituting the student’s program of studies, minor, honors thesis, or certification examination does not guarantee award of the baccalaureate degree. Faculty judgement of the academic performance of the student is inherent in the educational process in determining whether the award of the baccalaureate degree or admission into a higher level degree program is warranted.

Note: for the purpose of establishing residency, the various summer terms are considered one semester.

Following is a full discussion of state- and University-wide degree requirements at the undergraduate level. Requirements specific to a particular college or school may be found in the section of this General Bulletin describing that college or school. Major and minor requirements may be found under the appropriate department in the departmental listings.

Division of Undergraduate Studies

Dean: Karen Laughlin; Associate Deans: Gregory Beaumont, Bruce Janasiewicz; Assistant Dean: Linda Mahler

The Division of Undergraduate Studies is responsible for the supervision and monitoring of all state—and University—wide degree requirements as well as University-wide academic support offices. Overseen by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, the division includes the Office of Undergraduate Studies (the academic home of most freshmen and sophomores), Advising First, the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), the University Honors Program, and the Center for Retention and Academic Support, the Satellite and Off-Site Advising Office, and StudentsFirst Advising. For further information on these academic support offices see: ‘Honors Program’ in the “University Honors Program and Honor Societies” chapter, and ‘Advising First’, the ‘Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement’, and the ‘Center for Retention and Academic Support’ in the “Academic Advising and Support Services” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Freshmen and sophomores have their programs and course work supervised by the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Exceptions to this placement are students accepted into the School of Music or into the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) program in theatre or dance. Students in these performance majors are advised and supervised directly within their own schools or departments. The Office of Undergraduate Studies is the dean’s office that administers the academic and advisement program, regardless of intended major, for all other freshman and sophomore students.

The Liberal Studies Program

As one of its primary goals, a university education should foster in the student a spirit of free inquiry into humane values, while developing the mind as an instrument of analysis and synthesis. Essential to the student’s quest for knowledge and to responsible participation in society is an understanding of one’s self and of the natural and social environment. The Liberal Studies Program is intended, therefore, to provide a perspective on the qualities, accomplishments, and aspirations of human beings, the past and present civilizations they have created, and the natural and technological world they inhabit. The Liberal Studies Program, designed to ensure breadth in the student’s academic experience, while at the same time affording flexibility in satisfying requirements, may be extended throughout the undergraduate years with the exception of Areas I and II. The five areas of liberal studies provide students with essential competencies and introduce the student to broad areas of knowledge.

Students are required to complete (or be exempted from with credit) a minimum of six (6) semester hours of mathematics and six (6) semester hours of English composition, six (6) to twelve (12) semester hours in social science/history, five (5) to eleven (11) semester hours in humanities/fine arts, and seven (7) semester hours in natural science (one course must be accompanied by a scheduled laboratory) for a total of thirty-six (36) semester hours.

Liberal Studies Requirements

The liberal studies requirements must be met by completion of appropriate course work or by combination of course work and credit by examination within the limits set below:

1. Credit by Examination. A maximum of thirty (30) semester hours of credit earned through examination may be applied to the liberal studies requirements;
2. Course Work. An overall 2.0 average or better is required for course work used to satisfy the liberal studies requirements.
3. To satisfy the requirements of The Florida State University for Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, students must also earn a grade of “C–” or better in each of the courses used to fulfill the liberal studies requirements in Area I (mathematics), Area II (English composition), and four more liberal studies courses designated by the Undergraduate Policy Committee as requiring 3,000 words of writing (courses indicated with a “W”);
4. Courses listed as “directed individual study” (DIS), “senior honors thesis,” or “senior seminar” cannot apply to the Liberal Studies Program;
5. No course may be applied to more than one area of the program;
6. No courses taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis may apply to the liberal studies requirement;
7. A student who transfers to The Florida State University from a Florida public community/junior college or senior institution will be deemed to have satisfied the University’s liberal studies requirement if all general education requirements stipulated by the community/junior college or senior institution have been met and the student’s transcript has been so marked; and
8. A course approved for liberal studies credit at the time the course was completed will meet liberal studies requirements, even if the course was not listed as a liberal studies course in the General Bulletin under which the student entered.

Courses for the Liberal Studies Program shall be selected from the following five areas. Students should check departmental curriculum listings to determine prerequisites and course duplications prior to taking courses.

Note: some students will be required to take preparatory course work prior to enrollment in English composition and/or mathematics courses. See ‘Required Preparatory Courses’ in the “Office of the University Registrar” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Area I. Mathematics

Students must complete (or be exempted from with credit) at least six (6) semester hours in mathematics. Eligible students will enroll, as space permits, in three (3) semester hours in the Department of Mathematics during their first regular length term on campus and continue with the course until it has been completed. All six (6) semester hours of the mathematics liberal studies requirement should normally be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Students must complete three (3) semester hours in the Department of Mathematics and three (3) additional semester hours in the Department of Mathematics or the Department of Statistics, or take a course from a list approved by the Faculty Senate and maintained by the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

Area II. English Composition

Students must complete (or be exempted from with credit) at least six (6) semester hours in English composition. All students, with such exceptions as have been or may be established by the Faculty Senate, shall complete the required English writing courses during their first academic year in residence at The Florida State University or must show exemption from six (6) semester hours of freshman writing courses. Each of these courses will require 6,000 words of writing. All courses used to satisfy this requirement (Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes) must be completed with a grade of “C–” or higher.

Students must complete either ENC 1101 (or 1121) and a second course from the following list. Most students take ENC 1102 (or 1122) as the second course.

Additional courses may be approved and added to the above list from time to time.

Area III. History/Social Science

Students must complete six (6) to twelve (12) semester hours, including a minimum of three (3) semester hours of history and three (3) semester hours of social science.

History

Social Science

Area IV. Humanities/Fine Arts

Students must complete five (5) to eleven (11) semester hours. One course must meet the literature requirement. Courses meeting the literature requirement are marked by an asterisk.

or

or

or

#Note: on credit limit for music series MUH 2051–2052 and for dance series DAN 3144 – 3145 – 3146; credit toward liberal studies requirements will be given for only one course in each series.

Area V. Natural Science

Students must complete a minimum of seven (7) semester hours. One of the courses must be accompanied by a corresponding laboratory.

Note: certain restrictions exist regarding the allotment of course credit for the chemistry and geology courses listed above. Students should refer to the course descriptions of each department for specific credit information before registering for these courses.

How Transfer Credit Applies to the Liberal Studies Program

The Office of Undergraduate Studies evaluates transfer credits as they apply to the Liberal Studies Program and loads the results into the SASS system. Students with the AA degree or General Education Statement from a Florida public senior or community college or other colleges with which The Florida State University maintains an official articulation agreement are exempted from the above evaluation.

The Multicultural Requirement

Students who would be truly educated must have an appreciation of the interrelatedness of and the diversity within cultural traditions. The multicultural understanding requirement recognizes and reflects the full range of human groupings and cultural perspectives as well as the complex relationships among them. Its role is to enhance students’ self-understanding and their understanding of the contemporary cultural context, a context characterized by a rich diversity of cultures and experiences in which the Western European intellectual tradition figures as one among many.

Multicultural courses include cross-cultural studies (those courses marked with an “x”) and diversity in Western experience (those courses marked with a “y”). All students who enter the University with fewer than sixty (60) semester hours must complete at least one “x” and one “y” course. Students transferring to the University with sixty (60) credits or more must complete one multicultural course from either designation. These courses may be taken as part of the liberal studies requirement or as electives or as part of a student’s major.

The multicultural requirement must be completed with the grade of “C–” or higher prior to the receipt of the baccalaureate degree.

(X) Cross-Cultural Courses

*Students must take MUH 2512 and MUH 2513 or one of them and MUN 2800r or 4803r

(Y) Diversity in Western Culture Courses

Oral Communication Competency

Competency in oral communication is indicated by demonstrating the ability to transmit clearly ideas and information orally in a way that is appropriate to the topic, purpose, and audience. It also involves demonstrating the ability to discuss ideas clearly with others, to hear and respond to questions, and to assess critical response appropriately.

A student will satisfy the requirement for competency in oral communication in either of two ways:

1. Petition to have prior demonstration of oral communication competency accepted in place of an approved Florida State University course. Students may petition the Office of Undergraduate Studies to have prior demonstrations of oral communication competency accepted in place of a course at The Florida State University. Acceptable substitutes may include but not be limited to:
1. A grade of “B” or above in a high school oral communication or speech class;
2. Verified successful participation in a forensic or debate program in high school, community college, or college; or
3. Passing with a “C–” or higher a course in public speaking or argumentation in another college or university (including community college).

The need for specific oral communication skills (such as formal lecture/presentation, interviewing skills, or group dynamics) will vary from discipline to discipline, and while a minimum level of oral competency is required, means of assessing such competency must remain flexible. Thus, several courses will be identified as including basic tests of oral competency and students passing these courses with a grade of “C–” or higher will automatically be assumed to have completed the requirement:

2. Earn a grade of “C–” or better in a course which has been approved by the Undergraduate Policy Committee for oral communication competence credit:
1. Earn a grade of “C–” or better in a course (1–3 semester hours) in the major or minor that has been certified by the Undergraduate Policy Committee as meeting the standards for oral communication competency; or
2. Earn a grade of “C–” or better in one of the following courses: SPC 1016, Fundamentals of Speech, or SPC 2600, Public Speaking.

1. Generate an original oral message which clearly presents ideas and/or information;
2. Make effective use of both vocal and physical delivery in the presentation;
3. Use standard American English;
4. Adapt the presentation to the particular audience; and
5. Be receptive to questions and/or criticism.

Courses in the oral performance of literature will not satisfy this requirement.

Currently Certified Courses

and

*Note: both courses must be taken to satisfy the requirement.

and

#Note: both courses must be taken to satisfy the requirement.

and

^Note: both courses must be taken to satisfy the requirement.

Computer Skills Competency

All undergraduates at The Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer competency prior to graduation. The computer competency requirement may be satisfied in one of two ways:

1. Take and pass a course (or course combination) which has been approved for computer competency credit:
1. Take and pass one of the following: CGS 2060, Computer Literacy, or CGS 2100, Microcomputer Applications for Business and Economics.
2. Take and pass one of the courses in other departments which have been certified as providing computer competency (these may possibly be combinations of two or more courses which collectively satisfy the competency requirement).
2. Demonstrate existing computer competency through a “skills certification” procedure that is provided by departments offering a course that has been approved for certified computer competency.

The need for specific computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, and while a minimum level of competency is required, means of assessing such competency must remain flexible. Thus several courses will be flagged as basic tests of computer competency, and students passing these courses with a grade of “C–” or higher will automatically be assumed to have completed the requirement. Students are encouraged to complete this requirement early in their academic career, preferably during the freshman year.

Regardless of the vehicle used to satisfy the computer competency requirement, students must demonstrate:

1. Basic familiarity with computer hardware, operating systems, and file concepts;
2. Working knowledge of a word processor or text editor and at least one other software application (e.g., spreadsheet, database, etc.); and
3. Working knowledge of the World Wide Web (WWW) and electronic mail.

Currently Approved Courses

Statewide Graduation Requirements

Two Florida statutes apply to the rules for academic progress to be followed by students in the state universities of Florida: the requirements of minimum communication and computation skills as stated in Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes; and the Florida CLAST. The requirements of these rules follow.

College-Level Communication Skills

Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes

Procedures. Students will satisfy the requirements of this rule by completing, with a grade of “C–” or better in each course, the liberal studies requirements in Area I (mathematics), Area II (English composition) and four more liberal studies courses designated by the Undergraduate Policy Committee as requiring 3,000 words of writing (courses indicated with a “W”). These requirements must be completed prior to receipt of an associate in arts certificate from The Florida State University or admission to upper division. For more information, see ‘Progression to Upper Division’ in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Exemptions, Waivers, Advanced Placement. A student shall be allowed to at least partially satisfy the mathematics requirement of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, through exemption in one of the following ways:

1. By scoring appropriately on an examination administered on campus by the Department of Mathematics;
2. By obtaining a score of at least 680 on the mathematics test of the SAT or the equivalent score (30) on the mathematics test of the Enhanced ACT; or
3. By satisfying College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) requirements in mathematics for postadmission exemptions of course work.

Any student who has satisfied CLEP requirements in mathematics and whose high school transcript shows successful completion of higher mathematics course work, including college algebra, trigonometry, and calculus shall be certified as having satisfied the computation requirement of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, though the student may still be required to complete the mathematics requirement for liberal studies.

An Advanced Placement calculus score of 3 or higher will satisfy the second mathematics course for Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes.

A student may also be allowed to satisfy the English component of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, through one of the following methods:

1. Students who score 650 or higher on the verbal portion of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-1) or 29 or higher on the English portion of the Enhanced American College Testing Program test (ACT)—25 on the old test— will be granted three (3) semester hours of credit equivalent to ENC 1101;
2. For Advanced Placement (AP) scores of 3 on either English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition a student will be awarded three (3) semester hours of credit for ENC 1101. A score of 4 or 5 on a single exam earns the student six (6) semester hours of credit for liberal studies and Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes.

Transfer Credits or Correspondence Credits. Students transferring to The Florida State University who have been certified by The Florida State University as having completed the requirements of the Liberal Studies Program by virtue of having received the AA degree from their previous institution will be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes.

Students transferring from other institutions which come under the provision of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, but who have not received the AA degree will be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, if the previous institution indicates, by notation on the transcript or by some other form of written certification, that the student has satisfied the rule before leaving that institution.

Transferring students who do not fall into either of the above categories will be required to satisfy The Florida State University Plan for Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes.

Courses taken by correspondence will be treated in the same manner as courses accepted for transfer.

Florida College Level Academic Skills Test

The Florida CLAST is required by Florida statutes and rules of the State Board of Education for the admission of students to upper-division status in the state universities of Florida. Students may take the Florida CLAST in the first term of enrollment or any term thereafter, but students who have completed or are completing their sophomore year in college and who are seeking admission to upper-division programs in state universities in Florida must present CLAST scores. Transfer students admitted directly to baccalaureate degree programs who have not completed the Florida CLAST must register for and take the Florida CLAST prior to or during the first term of enrollment.

Beginning January 1st, 1996, the following alternatives have been approved to meet statewide requirements of the Florida CLAST. Students who plan to major in a teacher education program must take and achieve a passing score on all sections of the CLAST. This requirement cannot be waived or met by alternative means.

1. Any student who achieves a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above, on a 4.0 scale, in postsecondary-level in English and mathematics coursework identified by The Postsecondary Education Planning Commission, shall be exempt from the requirement for passing the CLAST subtest in question.
2. SAT I (re-centered) Scores: any student who achieves a math score of 500 or above has satisfied the Computation section; any student who achieves a verbal score of 500 or above has satisfied the reading, English language skills, and essay section requirements of CLAST.
3. Enhanced ACT Scores: students who achieve a score of 21 or above in mathematics have satisfied the computation section requirement of CLAST; students who achieve a score of 22 or above in reading have satisfied the reading section requirement of CLAST; students who achieve a score of 21 or above in English have satisfied the English language skills and the essay section requirement of CLAST.

Individual student scores will become a part of the permanent record of the student. Passing scores for students taking the Florida CLAST during the period of August 1986 through July 1989 are as follows: Reading—270; English Language Skills—270; Computation—275; Essay—4. Passing scores for students taking the Florida CLAST during the period August 1989 through September 1991 are: Reading—295; English Language Skills—295; Computation—285; Essay—4. Passing scores for students taking the Florida CLAST during the period October 1991 through September 1992 are: Reading—295; English Language Skills—295; Computation—290; Essay—5. Passing scores for students taking the Florida CLAST after September 30, 1992, are: Reading, English Language Skills, Computation—295; Essay—6.

Note: because of a change in the grading scale, students not passing the Essay subtest prior to October 1, 1991 must earn a minimum score of 5 to complete the Essay subtest requirement.

All subtests of the Florida CLAST must be passed by the term a student earns ninety-six (96) semester hours of credit. Students exceeding ninety-six (96) semester hours without passing the Florida CLAST will not be able to continue in major course work until appropriate scores have been achieved.

Students must register for and take the Florida CLAST prior to completing their sophomore year. The following skills will be measured:

Reading Skills

Recognizing main ideas

Identifying supporting details

Determining meanings of words

Recognizing author’s purpose

Distinguishing between fact and opinion

Detecting bias

Recognizing author’s tone

Recognizing relationships within and between sentences

Recognizing valid arguments

Drawing inferences and conclusions

Writing Skills

Determining the purpose for writing

Limiting the subject to the requirements of time, purpose, and audience

Formulating a thesis statement

Providing adequate and relevant supporting details

Arranging ideas in a logical organizational pattern with effective transition between parts

Using words that convey the meaning required by context

Avoiding slang, jargon, clich s, pretentious expressions, and wordiness

Placing modifiers correctly

Coordinating and subordinating sentence elements

Using parallel expressions for parallel ideas

Avoiding fragments, comma splices, and fused sentences

Using a variety of sentence patterns

Avoiding unnecessary use of passive construction

Avoiding awkward constructions

Using standard verb forms

Maintaining agreement between subject and verb, pronoun and antecedent

Using proper case forms

Using standard spelling, punctuation, and capitalization

Maintaining a consistent point of view

Computational Skills: Algorithms

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing real numbers, including rational numbers in decimal and fractional forms

Rounding measurements

Calculating distances, areas, and volumes

Applying the order-of-operations agreement

Using scientific notation

Solving linear equations and inequalities

Using given formulas to compute results without geometric measurement

Identifying information contained in graphs

Determining the mean, median, and mode

Selecting the sample space associated with an experiment

Deducing facts of set inclusion or set noninclusion from a diagram

Concepts

Recognizing the meaning of exponents

Recognizing the role of the base number in numeration systems

Identifying equivalent forms of decimals, percents, and fractions

Determining the order relation between magnitudes

Recognizing horizontal, vertical, parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting lines

Identifying relationships between angle measures

Classifying simple plane figures by recognizing their properties

Recognizing similar triangles and their properties

Identifying types of measurement (linear, square, cubic) for geometric objects

Recognizing and using abstract properties of operations

Determining whether a number is among the solutions of a given equation or equality

Recognizing statements of proportionality and variation

Identifying regions of the coordinate plane which correspond to specific conditions

Recognizing the properties of the normal curve

Recognizing samples that are representative of a given population

Identifying the probability of a specified outcome

Identifying simple and compound statements and their negations

Determining equivalence and nonequivalence of statements

Drawing logical conclusions from data

Recognizing invalid arguments with true conclusions

Distinguishing between fallacious and nonfallacious arguments

Recognizing proof by contradiction

Identifying characteristics of tasks that computers perform well

Identifying human functions necessary to use computers

Identifying possible abuses of computer use

Computational Skills: Generalizations

Inferring relations between numbers in general by examining number pairs

Selecting applicable properties for performing arithmetic calculations

Inferring formulas for measuring geometric figures

Selecting applicable formulas for computing measures of geometric figures

Inferring relations among variables

Selecting applicable properties for solving equations and inequalities

Inferring relations and making accurate predictions from studying particular cases in probability and statistics

Inferring valid reasoning patterns and expressing them with variables

Selecting applicable rules for transforming statements without affecting their meaning

Computational Skills: Problem Solving

Solving real-world problems involving perimeters, areas, and volumes of geometric figures; the Pythagorean property; the normal curve; and probabilities

Solving real-world problems inviting the use of variables

Solving real-world problems that do not require the use of variables

Solving problems that involve the structure and logic of arithmetic and algebra

Drawing logical conclusions when facts warrant them

Most courses regularly taken by freshmen and sophomores involve the reading skills covered on the Florida CLAST. Writing skills are specifically addressed in the Liberal Studies Program by the courses in written communication listed under Area II, English Composition. Special instruction is available in the Reading/Writing Center of the Department of English. Many of the computational skills in arithmetic, geometry, and measurement should be mastered before the student enters the University, but assistance in reviewing these skills can be obtained through the Mathematics Help Center of the Department of Mathematics or through a community college course. All computational skills beyond that level are included in the following set of courses: CGS 3062; MAC 1105, 1140; MGF 1106, 1107; and STA 1013. For specific details about which skills are covered in particular courses, students should consult the Department of Mathematics. Special instruction in these skills is also available in the Mathematics Help Center.

CLAST Waiver Criteria

Section 1008.29 and (6), Florida Statutes, and State Board of Education rule 6A-10.0311(7) provide for a waiver of the passing score of a Florida CLAST subtest for students other than those with specific learning disabilities. A student is eligible to apply for a waiver of the passing score on the Florida CLAST if the student can demonstrate proficiency in the discipline of the appropriate subtest. A student who has failed a subtest of the Florida CLAST four (4) or more times but who also demonstrates proficiency in the discipline corresponding to the subtest may petition for a waiver with the student’s academic dean. If the academic dean believes the student has demonstrated proficiency in the area of the failed subtest, the academic dean may request that the Committee on CLAST Waivers consider the student’s appeal. The Florida State University President grants the waiver upon recommendation by the committee.

The Florida State University has adopted the following working definition of proficiency: proficiency in language ability generally means the ability to use the language acceptably and correctly in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Minimum Criteria for Eligibility for CLAST Waivers in the Communications Area for All Students

1. Completion of undergraduate English communication liberal studies courses at The Florida State University with a “C” or better regardless of first language. This requirement applies to all transfer students and those students native to The Florida State University;
2. At the time of the consideration by the Committee on CLAST Waivers, students must have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25.

Minimum Criteria for Eligibility for CLAST Waivers in the Communications Area for Non-native English Speaking Students

1. All international students transferring to The Florida State University from any institution of higher education will submit a TOEFL score of 550;
2. All Florida public community college students transferring to The Florida State University without the associate of arts degree whose first language is not English must present a TOEFL score of 550.

Minimum Criteria for Eligibility for CLAST Waivers in the Computation Area for All Students

1. Completion of two of the following undergraduate mathematics liberal studies courses: MAC 1105, 1140; MGF 1106, 1107; or STA 1013 or the equivalent courses with a “C” or better. The University will continue to accept completion of MAC 1102 and MAC 1141 or MAC 1102 and MGF 1207 with at least a “C” as one factor in determining eligibility for a waiver of the passing score on the Computation subtest. Students should not be advised to take CGS 2060 as a second mathematics liberal studies course if they are having difficulty passing the Computation section of CLAST. This requirement applies to all transfer students and those students native to The Florida State University;
2. At the time of consideration by the Committee on CLAST Waivers, students must have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25.

Progression to Upper Division

For progression to upper-division status at The Florida State University a student must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Completion of at least sixty (60) semester hours of college credit;
2. Presentation of appropriate scores on the Florida CLAST or approved alternative;
3. Achievement of a minimum adjusted GPA of 2.0 on all work attempted at The Florida State University. Note: some degree programs require a higher GPA for admission to upper-division status;
4. Students who began college work prior to October 15, 1982, must complete a minimum of one-half of the required semester hours from the required liberal studies curriculum, including English composition and undergraduate mathematics;
5. Students who began their college-level work on or after October 15, 1982, must complete a minimum of one-half of the required semester hours from the Liberal Studies curriculum, including courses fulfilling Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes (“Gordon Rule”). A minimum grade of “C–” is required in each of the courses used to fulfill Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes;
6. Acceptance by a college or school for admission to a degree program.

Transfer from a lower-division major advisement program to an upper-division degree program is completed by the student’s baccalaureate dean after the student has declared a choice and has been declared eligible for transfer under the above requirements. Transfer from undergraduate studies directly into a baccalaureate degree program is accomplished between the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the appropriate baccalaureate dean under the same conditions.

All transfer students admitted to the University who do not meet the above requirements for admission to an upper-division degree program (except those students majoring in music, dance, or the BFA in theatre) and who have fewer than fifty-two (52) semester hours of transferable credit will be assigned to the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Students with fifty-two (52) or more semester hours of transferable credit will be assigned to the lower-division major advisement program under the appropriate baccalaureate dean unless they request assignment to the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Students requesting assignment to undergraduate studies must do so through the undergraduate admissions office at least one month prior to registration. All students, including transfer students, must have met the requirements for transfer from the Division of Undergraduate Studies by the time they have attempted a total of seventy-five (75) semester hours of college work.

Transfer Among Colleges and Schools for Upper-Division Students

For an upper-division student to change colleges or schools within the University, the student must meet the following requirements:

1. Obtain a signed approval form from the dean of the college or school to which the student wishes to transfer;
2. Obtain an approval signature on that form from the dean of the college or school from which the student wishes to transfer; and
3. Personally submit the original copy of the approved change form to the Office of the University Registrar.

The Associate in Arts

The associate in arts (AA) certificate may be granted through the Division of Undergraduate Studies to students who have completed sixty (60) semester hours with an adjusted GPA of 2.0 or better at The Florida State University and an overall 2.0 GPA on all college work attempted. A minimum of twenty (20) of the last thirty (30) semester hours of work must be earned in residence. Successful completion of the Liberal Studies Program with a 2.0 GPA or better and passing Florida CLAST scores or approved alternative are required for the AA certificate. Students beginning their college program January 1983 or later must also meet the requirements of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes.

Students cannot apply for both an associate in arts certificate and a bachelor’s degree to be awarded in the same semester. Also, the associate in arts certificate cannot be awarded once a bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

The awarding of the AA certificate does not alter the calculation of the cumulative GPA at The Florida State University. Certification for the AA certificate in no way affects the requirements of individual colleges/schools for the completion of the major/minor for a baccalaureate degree.

Students interested in receiving the AA certificate and who are completing or have completed all the requirements listed above must officially apply at the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

Teacher Education

Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes, Public Accountability and State Approval for Teacher Preparation Programs, and State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066, Approval of Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs, state that students planning to matriculate in a teacher education program at The Florida State University must: 1) Complete a sound liberal arts curriculum described below; 2) Take and pass the CLAST; and 3) Acquire a passing score on the professional knowledge and subject area test on the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) prior to completion of program requirements. Students must also complete: 1) specified degree prerequisites referred to in the appropriate program chapters of this General Bulletin; 2) specific admission criteria described in the “Admissions” and “College of Education” chapters of this General Bulletin; and 3) the “General Requirements” described earlier in this chapter of the General Bulletin.

Note: students should consult with an advisor to determine how to simultaneously satisfy The Florida State University liberal studies requirements and the teacher preparation general education core curriculum requirements.

Teacher education liberal arts curriculum must include the following:

Mathematics:

Nine (9) semester hours in mathematics to include college algebra or above and geometry;

English:

Nine (9) semester hours in English to include writing, literature, and speech;

History/Social Sciences:

Twelve (12) semester hours in social sciences to include American history and general psychology;

Humanities/Fine Arts:

Six (6) semester hours in humanities to include philosophy and fine arts;

Natural Sciences:

Nine (9) semester hours in science to include earth science, life science, and physical science, with a minimum of one associated laboratory.

The Baccalaureate Degree

The Florida State University’s general requirements for all baccalaureate degrees (bachelor’s degrees) are listed at the beginning of this chapter under “General Requirements.”

Graduation Checks

All undergraduate students must request a graduation check from the Office of the University Registrar, Graduation Section, A3900 University Center. This check will be an overview of university requirements needed for graduation. This request should be made at the time the student has earned ninety (90) semester hours of credit or two terms prior to the planned graduation date. Florida CLAST scores must appear on the transcript.

Request for a graduation check of major requirements must be made to the student’s academic dean one term prior to graduation. If a graduation check has not been requested by the time the student reaches one-hundred ten (110) semester hours, a stop will be placed on the student’s future registration.

Application for Graduation

Application for a degree must be made to the Office of the University Registrar by the date stated in the academic calendar in this General Bulletin during the term in which the student expects to graduate. If the student is unable to graduate at the end of the term for which application was made and the diploma was ordered, the student must again make application for degree no later than the deadline for the next term in which the student expects to graduate. The student must also bear the expense of the second diploma request.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree

The bachelor of arts (BA) degree requires all the general criteria listed at the beginning of this section, and

1. Completion of a classical or modern foreign language through the 2000 level (2200 or equivalent course); and
2. Nine (9) semester hours in the fields of humanities and history, in addition to the liberal studies and the foreign language requirement. Courses may be selected from the following schools, colleges and departments: School of Visual Arts and Dance; School of Music; School of Theatre; College of Communication (not including work in communication disorders), and the departments of Classical Languages, Literature, and Civilization; English; History; Modern Languages and Linguistics; Philosophy; or Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Second Baccalaureates and Second Majors

Students should note that there is a difference between a second major and a second baccalaureate degree.

Students may receive a second baccalaureate degree provided that 1) the requirements for each major/minor as well as individual college or school requirements for both the first and the second degrees are satisfied; and 2) thirty (30) semester hours in residence are completed, in addition to the hours required for the first degree. The additional thirty (30) semester hours must be completed in residence after the completion of the first degree. Hours earned by the student during the completion of the first baccalaureate degree, over and above those extra credit hours actually required for the first degree, may not be included in the thirty (30) semester hours. There are no liberal studies or Florida CLAST requirements for the second degree.

To obtain a second major, one must meet all requirements of the college or school of the primary major but only the major requirements of the secondary major. For information about the second major see ‘Second Majors and Academic Regulations’ in the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Degrees of Distinction

Three degrees of distinction are granted to graduating students, based on all college-level work attempted (excluding physical education activity courses) and including the term’s work in which baccalaureate degree requirements are completed:

Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.500;

Magna Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.700; and

Summa Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.900.

Degrees with distinction are granted to transfer students who meet all three of the following requirements:

1. The student must complete at this University at least forty (40) semester hours of graded work, including the final term’s work;
2. The student must have the required average on all work taken at this University; and
3. The student must have the required overall average on all work attempted, including any transfer credit excluding any physical education activity courses or vocational courses, regardless of how many years have elapsed since the credit was earned. Transfer credit cannot raise a student’s Florida State University grade point average.

Graduation “With Honors”

Students who complete and successfully defend an upper-division honors thesis or equivalent honors projects (as defined by individual departments offering honors in the major) will graduate with the designation “With Honors.” Students may graduate with one of the three degrees of distinction described above and “With Honors.” The “University Honors Program and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin fully describes the Honors in the Major Program.

American Sign Language as a Foreign Language

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree may substitute American Sign Language through SPA 2614C for the foreign language requirement, except where a particular foreign language(s) has been specified by a college, school, or program for a specific degree.