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Lycoming College Academic Program
Lycoming College awards two different degrees: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). For students wishing to do so, earning both baccalaureate degrees is possible. Candidates for both degrees must satisfy all requirements for each degree and earn a minimum of 160 credits. Alternatively, students who have completed fewer than 160 credits and all other requirements for two baccalaureate degrees from Lycoming College will receive only one baccalaureate degree of their choice with all completed majors posted to the transcript. The student must choose the baccalaureate degree to be conferred.
First-year students entering the College during the 2023-2024 academic year are subject to the requirements that appear on the following pages. Continuing students are subject to the Catalog in effect at the time of their entry unless they elect to complete the current curriculum. Students who transfer to the College with advanced standing will be subject to the requirements imposed upon other students at the College who have attained the same academic level unless they elect to complete the current curriculum.
Students already possessing a baccalaureate degree who are returning for a second degree will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Registrar and major department. Post-baccalaureate students will be subject to the current catalog, must complete all major requirements and related prerequisites, and may be required to complete the General Education requirements. This does not apply to non-degree students in certificate-only programs.
Students must complete the final 32 credits of the degree program at Lycoming College or at a Lycoming College affiliate institution as part of a study-abroad experience. At least 16 credits in the major program must be taken at Lycoming. If a student interrupts his or her education but returns to the College after no more than one academic year has passed, he/she will retain the same requirements in effect at the initial date of entrance. A student who withdraws from the College for more than one year will, upon return, be required to complete the requirements currently imposed upon other students of the same academic level unless he/she elects to complete the current curriculum.
Lycoming College certifies five official graduation dates per calendar year. Diplomas are awarded when all materials confirming the completion of the graduation requirements have been received and approved by the Registrar’s Office at least five days prior to the date of graduation. Degrees are awarded at the following times: January 1 for those who complete requirements between September 1 and the end of the Fall semester; May Commencement date for those who complete requirements between January 1 and the end of the Spring semester; May term for those who complete requirements during May term; Summer I for those who complete requirements during Summer I; Summer II for those who complete requirements during Summer II.
Lycoming’s Commencement ceremony occurs in May. Students will be permitted to participate in the ceremony when (a) they have finished all degree requirements as of the preceding January 1, have finished all requirements as of the May date, or have a plan approved by the Registrar for finishing during May term or the Summer sessions; and (b) they are in good academic standing at the conclusion of their last semester prior to the ceremony.
The College will graduate any student who has completed the General Education Requirements, fulfilled the requirements for at least one major, earned a minimum of 128 credits, and met all other requirements for graduation.
Exceptions to or waivers of any requirements and/or policies listed in this Catalog must be made by the Committee on Academic Standards.
The Baccalaureate Degree
Lycoming College is committed to the principle that a liberal arts and sciences education is the ideal foundation for an informed and productive life. The liberal arts—including the fine arts, the humanities, mathematics, the natural and social sciences—have created the social, political, economic, and intellectual systems that help define contemporary existence. Therefore, it is essential that students grasp the modes of inquiry and knowledge associated with these disciplines.
Consequently, the baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) is conferred upon the student who has completed an educational program incorporating the three facets of the liberal arts known as General Education, the major, and electives. Students will complete approximately one-third of their work in each of these areas. The objective of the General Education Program is to ensure that the student achieves breadth in learning through the study of the major dimensions of human inquiry: math and languages, arts and humanities, social and natural sciences.
The objective of the major is to provide depth of learning through completion of a program of focused study in a given discipline or subject area. Elective study affords students the opportunity to develop secondary interests, work in areas complementary to their primary discipline, or explore new fields of study. The combined effect of General Education courses, concentrated study in the major, and electives is to impart knowledge, inspire inquiry, and encourage creative thought. The program enables students to think critically, judge rationally, communicate effectively, and develop an awareness of the diversity of cultures and an enthusiasm for learning that will last throughout their lives.
Research and Information Competencies
The need to support and instruct students on how to evaluate, access, and understand the information-based environment that surrounds them is critical. A distinguished liberal arts education relies on a breadth of competencies as well as the ability to access knowledge. At Lycoming College, students are encouraged to formulate and refine questions; to acquire basic knowledge of where to begin the discovery process; to know how, when, and what kind of information defines effective research; to synthesize, format, cite, and reconcile diverse information; to evaluate the quality and sustainability of information; and to differentiate between types of sources and the relevance of each.
The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree
Requirements for Graduation
Lycoming College offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. Most majors offer a B.A. or a B.S. degree, but students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology may elect either the B.A. or the B.S. degree. When there is a selection, the B.S. degree is most appropriate for students planning further education in a graduate or professional school.
Every baccalaureate degree candidate is expected to meet the following requirements in order to qualify for graduation:
- Complete the General Education requirements.
- Complete a major consisting of at least 32 credits with a Capstone Experience appropriate to the discipline. Students must complete every major requirement successfully and have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in the major.
- Pass a minimum of 128 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Students may complete additional credits beyond the required 128, provided that the minimum 2.00 cumulative average is maintained.
- Complete in residence the final 32 credits offered for the degree at Lycoming, or at a Lycoming College affiliate institution as part of a study-abroad experience.
- Satisfy all financial obligations incurred at the College.
- Complete the Intent to Graduate Form in WebAdvisor during the final semester before graduation.
General Education Requirements
General Education requirements are designed to promote the breadth of study central to a liberal arts education, raise awareness of issues critical to a diverse America and an interconnected world, and develop skills essential for success in any discipline or profession. It includes two courses that must be taken during the first year (a First-Year Seminar and English Composition), Distribution Requirements (courses in the Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, Modern or Ancient Languages, the Natural Sciences, and the Social Sciences), classes focusing on Writing and Diversity (both Global and Domestic), and an Enhanced Academic Experience.
Courses for which a grade of “P” are recorded may not be used toward the fulfillment of a General Education Requirement. (For an explanation, refer to the Grading System.)
- Complete two First-Year Requirements
A. Complete a First-Year Seminar (FYS). A first-year seminar successfully completed at Lycoming College—regardless of the academic content area—can be used to reduce one of the required Distribution courses in Fine Arts, Humanities, non-laboratory Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences; however, it may not be used within the Distribution Requirements for English composition, mathematics, or modern or ancient languages. First-Year Seminars do not count toward the major.
A dropped FYS course does not appear on the transcript and does not satisfy the FYS graduation requirement.
Earning a final grade of W or F in a FYS course satisfies the FYS graduation requirement. However, no credits are earned toward other graduation requirements, and the course cannot be used to reduce a Distribution requirement. FYS courses cannot be repeated.
Students may elect to complete an additional writing-focused course to replace a grade of F earned in an FYS course. The substituted writing-focused course may not be used to fulfill any other General Education requirement, and this option must be pre-approved by submitting an appeal to the Academic Standards Committee.
Transfer students who have earned 15 or more credits can be exempt from the First-Year Seminar requirement. Transfer students who have earned 32 or more credits may not enroll in an FYS course.
B. Pass an English Composition class.
First-Year Seminar and English Composition classes help students develop the skills necessary to continue to be successful throughout their college careers. These classes promote written, oral, and information literacy (research) components, contributing to critical thinking in the classroom. First-Year Seminars do not count toward the major.
Transfer students who have earned 15 or more credits will be exempt from the First-Year Seminar requirement.
- Complete the Distribution Program
The Distribution Program prepares students for the world by acquainting them with the fundamental questions and topics that educated persons ask about human life and the world in which we live. These courses help students gain exposure to a range of disciplines, subjects, and perspectives within the liberal arts and sciences.
The Lycoming College Distribution Program introduces students to the conceptual foundations and traditions of the liberal arts through courses in various academic fields:
Fine Arts courses may emphasize the nature of the artistic imagination through expression, performance, or analysis. Through work in this area, students may discover and develop their own talents, gain an appreciation for the work of others, or acquire an understanding of the history and methods of critical analysis as applied to works of the artistic imagination.
Humanities courses emphasize the techniques of literary criticism; argumentation; or conceptual, textual, or historical analysis in an effort to understand and evaluate the role of human beings in the world.
Mathematics courses ensure that students learn logical thinking, analytical skills, or effective decision-making through practical or abstract applications.
Modern or Ancient Language courses allow students to achieve communication skills and understanding of a second language and culture of the world.
Natural Sciences courses introduce students to the use of the scientific method to describe, explain, or predict physical phenomena, sometimes making use of experimental and observational techniques gained through laboratory experience.
Social Sciences courses introduce students to the use of the scientific method to describe, explain, or predict the behavior of human beings, individually or in groups, using empirical methodologies or other established forms of analysis.
Courses may be used to satisfy only one Distribution Requirement. No more than two courses used to satisfy the Distribution Requirements may be selected from the same prefix (e.g., ARHI, BIO, FVA, ENGL, HUMA, PHIL). Courses used to fulfill the Modern or Ancient Language Requirement do not count toward the two course per prefix limit. This means that care must be taken to comply with this rule in English, Modern Language Studies literature courses, and Theatre.
In the following list of Distribution Requirements, a “course” refers to a 4-credit course taken at Lycoming, any appropriate combination of fractional unit courses taken at Lycoming which accumulate to four credits, any appropriate course which is taken by cross-registration, any appropriate course which is part of an approved off-campus program (such as those listed in the catalog sections titled COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS, SPECIAL ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES, and STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS), or any approved course transferred from another institution.
Special Distribution Requirements that apply to students in the Lycoming Scholars Program are listed under Honors Program.
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Fine Arts - Students are required to pass two courses (or the equivalent) from Art, Art History, Creative Writing, Film and Video Arts, Film, Literature (in English, Modern Languages, and/or THEA 210), Music, Theatre, and/or a First-Year Seminar. If a student completes no more than one major and that major requires more than one Fine Arts course, no more than one course from a single prefix may count toward Fine Arts Distribution. Students taking ARHI 310, MUS 340, or MUS 341 are exempt from the requirement to take courses from two prefixes.
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Humanities - Students are required to pass four courses from American Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies; History; Literature (in English [excluding Creative Writing courses], Modern Languages, and/or THEA 210); Medieval Studies; Philosophy; Religion; and/or a First-Year Seminar. Students must successfully complete a course in at least 3 of these prefixes.
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Mathematics - Students are required to demonstrate competence in basic algebra by scoring at level 2, 3, or 4 on a placement test (See section on Placement Tests) or successfully completing MATH 100 (or its equivalent). They must also pass one course selected from MATH 106, 109, 112, 115, 123, 128, 129, 130, 140, 214, or 216. The requirement of competence in basic algebra must be met before the end of the fourth semester or within one year of entry, whichever is later. Students who have not met this competency requirement before the final semester of the applicable time period must register for MATH 100 that semester.
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Modern or Ancient Languages - Students are required to pass a course at the 102 level or higher in French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Spanish, or another language approved for transfer. (See section on Placement Tests.) International students whose native language is not English and who took at least one year of high school in their native language may either 1) fulfill the language requirement in Modern or Ancient Languages, 2) take a fourth writing focused (“W”) course, or 3) take one course in English above English 107. If a student chooses the last option, the course may not also be used to fulfill a Humanities or Fine Arts Distribution Requirement. International students who meet the criteria and wish to use option 2 or 3 to satisfy the language requirement should contact the Registrar’s Office.
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Natural Sciences - Students are required to pass two courses chosen from Astronomy/Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and/or a First-Year Seminar. One course must incorporate a laboratory component. If a student completes no more than one major and that major requires more than one Natural Science course, only one course from any prefix may count toward Natural Sciences Distribution.
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Social Sciences - Students are required to pass two courses from Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminal Justice and Criminology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and/or a First-Year Seminar. ECED 344 and EDUC/SPLED 338 may also be used to fulfill a Social Science Distribution requirement. If a student completes no more than one major and that major requires more than one Social Science course, only one course from any prefix may count toward Social Science Distribution.
- Complete the Writing Program
I. Purpose
The Lycoming College Writing Program has been developed in response to the conviction that writing skills promote intellectual growth and are a hallmark of the educated person. The program has therefore been designed to support two major, interrelated objectives, specifically:
1) student learning in general and subject mastery in particular, and
2) students’ abilities to communicate clearly.
In this program, students are given opportunities to write in a variety of contexts and in a substantial number of courses in which they receive faculty guidance and reinforcement. All writing focused courses include (1) formal writing instruction in class, (2) student writing, (3) instructor feedback, and (4) student revision.
II. Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete the following writing requirements:
1) ENGL 106 (Composition) or ENGL 107 (Honors Composition) (See First-Year Requirements)
2) Three courses designated as writing focused, or “W,” courses from the following list, when scheduled as W courses (check semester schedule):
| ACCT 225, 440 |
| ANTH 210, 230, 232, 233, 310, 311 |
| ARCH 210, 233, 311, 427, 447 |
| ARHI 222, 223, 320, 331, 334, 336, 339, 347, 447 |
| ASTR 230, 340 |
| BIO 200, 222, 224, 321, 333, 347, 435, 447 |
| BIOCH 449 |
| BUS 311, 314, 332, 333, 342, 347, 349, 400, 420, 438, 441 |
| CCOM 324, 332, 400 |
| CHEM 232, 330, 331, 449 |
| CJCR 211, 240, 247, 300, 343 |
| CPTR 247 |
| ECED 344 |
| ECON 225, 236, 241, 332, 335, 337, 340, 343, 440, 449 |
| EDUC 338, 339 |
| ENGL 218, 225, 229, 312, 315, 331, 334, 335, 336, 421 |
| ENTR 320, 400 |
| FILM 220, 221, 300, 315, 320, 326 |
| FRN 225, 311, 412, 418, 426 |
| FVA 322 |
| GERM 225, 321, 411, 418, 426 |
| GSWS 300 |
| HIST 210, 226, 232, 324, 338, 401, 402, 404, 405, 449 |
| IMS 349 |
| INST 449 |
| MATH 234, 434 |
| MUS 336 |
| PHIL 201, 202, 203, 216, 217, 219, 318, 330, 333, 334, 336, 340, 440 |
| PHYS 338, 340, 341, 345, 445 |
| PSCI 220, 231, 242, 331, 334, 342, 400 |
| PSY 312, 336, 412, 424, 432, 433 |
| REL 220, 221, 231, 232, 233, 320, 331, 333, 337, 433, 447 |
| SOC 210, 220, 222, 228, 430 |
| SPAN 315, 321, 418, 426 |
| SPLED 338 |
| THEA 210, 332, 333 |
The following policies apply:
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All “W” courses are numbered 200 or above.
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One of the student’s “W” courses must be in his/her major (or one of the majors) or, with departmental approval, from a related department. All three cannot carry the same prefix (e.g. PHIL, ENGL, ACCT, etc.).
- Complete the Cultural Diversity Program, with two courses, one in Global Diversity and one in Domestic Diversity
The Lycoming College Cultural Diversity requirement confirms the College’s commitment to celebrating the human differences implicit in a liberal arts education. It helps to prepare students for a global environment and a diverse America. In order to qualify as a course which satisfies the requirement in cultural diversity, the course must deal substantially, primarily, or exclusively with cultural diversity, in such a way as to provide students with cultural perspectives (either historical or contemporary) other than the predominant Anglo-American one in the U.S.
Global Diversity courses will help students understand the world beyond the U.S. borders. These courses will be designated with a “G.” Domestic Diversity courses will help students understand one or more non-dominant groups within the U.S., dealing with issues such as race, gender, social class, religion, political ideology, sexual orientation, or any combination thereof. These courses will be designated with a “D.”
A course selected to fulfill the Global or Domestic Cultural Diversity requirement may also be used to satisfy a Distribution Requirement. International May term courses (marked with a G on course schedules), a semester of college-approved Study Abroad, or international summer programs may be used to fulfill the Global Diversity requirement.
- Complete an Enhanced Academic Experience
Enhanced Academic Experiences are designed to promote intellectual, professional, and personal development for students to prepare for life after Lycoming. While each student is required to complete at least one EAE, students are encouraged to pursue and complete multiple EAEs to better prepare, launch, and sustain graduates into careers of significance and lives of meaning. Individual categories of EAEs are able to overlap with the requirements of any majors or minors and within the Distribution system.
The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences can assist students and academic advisors with questions about the EAE requirement, including reviewing options for programs that require applications processes.
The Enhanced Academic Experience may be satisfied by successful completion of:
- a second major
- a minor
- Lycoming Scholars Program
- Management Scholars Program of the Institute for Management Studies
- at least 20 credits in ECED, EDUC, SPLED, and/or PSY toward a specific teacher certification program
- 150 Credit Accounting track
- a Departmental Honors Project
- an internship, including those completed within a practicum, earning a minimum of four credits
- a non-credit internship—typically of at least 350 hours—through the Clean Water Institute summer internship program, the WISE program, or any other college-established non-credit internship program.
- the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences curriculum via successful completion of CEAE 200, 201, and 220
- the ROTC program, as evidenced by successful completion of the two 300-level MLSC course sequence
- an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program
- a cooperative program (e.g., Engineering Program with Binghamton University, Clinical Laboratory Science with affiliated hospitals, etc.)
- an experiential course of study/program involving travel of more than seven continuous days, inside or outside of the US. These experiential travel courses must be taken either for credit or as an audit and are broadly inclusive of study abroad semesters, summer programs, archaeological field schools, faculty-led travel courses, and institutional partnership programs.
Upon completion of any of the above items, verification of the Enhanced Academic Experience will be automatically applied to the student’s General Education program.
The Enhanced Academic Experience may also be satisfied through the following three items; however, in order to receive verification of completion, students must submit required paperwork through the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences.
- a competitive regional or national research program or residency
- faculty-sponsored collaborative research in which the expectation of the research outcome could be sole authorship by the student, co-authorship between the faculty member and student, or acknowledgement by the faculty member of the student’s significant contributions to the research. The focus of this EAE is on process, not product. Faculty-sponsored collaborative research can take several forms—including but not limited to—Haberberger Fellowships, Chemistry Research Fellowships, Summer Research Grant Scholarships, and research projects under the independent study mechanism. Both the faculty sponsor and the department chair must approve EAE eligibility before submitting the documentation to the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences for final verification.
- a presentation, performance, exhibition, screening, or publication in a regional, national, or international juried or refereed competition, conference, or journal, including a refereed poster session at an undergraduate regional or national academic conference
Students may also satisfy the Enhanced Academic Experience requirement through a pre-approved non-credit internship. These internships require the following:
- A pre-approved non-credit summer internship should include at least 200 hours of work, a clear set of internship responsibilities and expected outcomes, journal assignments with a member of the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences’ career advising team, and an evaluation by the internship site supervisor. These non-credit internships must have pre-approval through the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences before the commencement of the internship.
The Major
Students are required to complete a series of courses in one departmental or interdisciplinary (established or individual) major. Specific course requirements for each major offered by the College are listed in the curriculum section of this catalog. Every major at the College includes a capstone experience appropriate to the discipline that addresses learning outcomes for the major. Students must earn a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade point average in the major. Students must declare a major by the beginning of their junior year. Departmental and established interdisciplinary majors are declared in the Office of the Registrar, whereas individual interdisciplinary majors must be approved by the Curriculum Development Committee. Students may complete more than one major, each of which will be recorded on the transcript. Students may be removed from major status if they are not making satisfactory progress in their major. This action is taken by the Provost and Dean of the College upon the recommendation of the department, coordinating committee (for established interdisciplinary majors), or Curriculum Development Committee (for individual interdisciplinary majors). The decision of the Provost and Dean of the College may be appealed to the Academic Standards Committee by the student involved or by the recommending department or committee. Students pursuing majors in two different degrees are subject to the policy for dual degrees listed under the Academic Program.
Departmental Majors — The following Departmental majors are available:
Bachelor of Arts Degree:
- Accounting
- Anthropology
- Applied Computer Science
- Art History
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Corporate Communication
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Economics
- English (Literature)
- Film and Video Arts
- French & Francophone Studies
- German
- History
- Mathematical Finance
- Mathematics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Studio Art
- Theatre
Bachelor of Science Degree:
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
- Physics
- Psychology
Established Interdisciplinary Majors
The following established Bachelor of Arts degree interdisciplinary majors include course work in two or more departments:
- Actuarial Science
- American Studies
- Archaeology
- Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
- International Studies
- Medieval Studies
The following established Bachelor of Science degree interdisciplinary major includes course work in two or more departments:
Individual Interdisciplinary Majors — Students may design majors that are unique to their needs and objectives and that combine course work in more than one department. These majors are developed in consultation with students’ faculty advisors and with a panel of faculty members from each of the sponsoring departments. The applications are considered by the Curriculum Development Committee. The major normally consists of at least 10 courses, at least six of which are at the 300 or 400 level. No more than two courses used to satisfy Distribution Requirements may be included in the major. Examples of individual interdisciplinary majors are: Biopsychology, North American Archaeology, Religion and Marketing, Women and the Legal System. Applications are available in the Office of the Registrar.
The Minor
The College awards two kinds of minors, departmental and interdisciplinary, in recognition of concentrated course work in an area other than the student’s major. All minors are subject to the following limitations:
- Courses taken P/F may not be counted toward a minor. Students must declare their intention to minor by completing a form available in the Office of the Registrar.
When students complete a minor, the title will be indicated on their official transcript. Minor requirements must be completed at the time of graduation.
Departmental Minors — Requirements for a departmental minor vary from department to department. Students interested in pursuing a departmental minor should consult that department for its requirements.
Departmental minors are available in the following areas:
- ACCOUNTING
- ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
- Anthropology
- Human Services
- Sociology
- ART
- 3D Animation
- Art History
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
- ASTRONOMY
- BIOLOGY
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
- Business Administration
- Corporate Communication
- CHEMISTRY
- COMMUNICATION
- Corporate Communication
- Film and Video Arts
- Film Studies
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE
- ECONOMICS
- Economics
- Quantitative Economics
- ENGLISH
- FILM AND VIDEO ARTS
- Film and Video Arts
- Film Studies
- Screenwriting
- HISTORY
- American History
- European History
- Global History
- History
- MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
- Computational Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- MODERN LANGUAGE STUDIES
- French & Francophone Studies
- German
- Spanish
- MUSIC
- PHILOSOPHY
- Ethics and Political Philosophy
- History of Philosophy
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Law
- Philosophy and Science
- PHYSICS
- POLITICAL SCIENCE
- American Politics
- Legal Studies
- Political Science
- World Politics
- PSYCHOLOGY
- RELIGION
- Biblical Languages
- Biblical Studies
- Religion
- THEATRE
Interdisciplinary Minors — Interdisciplinary minors include course work in two or more departments. Students interested in interdisciplinary minors should consult the faculty coordinator of that minor. Interdisciplinary minors are available in the following areas:
- 2D Animation
- American Studies
- Archaeology
- Classical Studies
- Domestic Public Policy
- Energy Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
- International Public Policy
- Latin American Studies
- Medieval Studies
- Multiculturalism
- Neuroscience
- Social and Economic Justice
Pre-Professional Programs
Preparation for Educational Professions — Lycoming College believes that the liberal arts provide the best preparation for future teachers. Thus, all education students complete a liberal arts major in addition to the Lycoming College Teacher Education Certificate requirements. Students can be certified in early childhood, secondary (biology, chemistry, citizenship, English, general science, mathematics, physics, social studies), PK-12 (art, modern languages, music), and dual certification special education.
All teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Pennsylvania certificates are recognized in most other states either through reciprocal agreements or by transcript evaluation. For more detailed information, see the Education Department listing.
Preparation for Health Professions — Students who are interested in a career in health and medicine (such as allopathic or osteopathic medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, or veterinary medicine) will find a wide array of educational and professional experiences at Lycoming College. The pathways to health professions are supported through a number of majors, including but not limited to biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Students interested in one of the health professions or in an allied health career should make their intentions known to their academic advisor and by emailing ceae@lycoming.edu and asking for health professions career advising. In addition to close academic advising with your selected major, health professional students are also supported by the members of the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) and the CEAE’s health professions career advisor. Resources for health professions students is maintained by HPAC via their SharePoint site: https://lycomingcollege.sharepoint.com/sites/center-for-health-professions.
Preparation for Legal Professions —Lycoming offers a strong preparation for students interested in law as a profession. Students interested in a career in the legal field should make their intentions known by contacting the pre-law advisor, Dr. John Whelan. Admission to law school is not predicated upon a particular major or area of study; rather, a student is encouraged to design a course of study (traditional or interdisciplinary major) which is of personal interest and significance. While no specific major is recommended, there are certain skills of particular relevance to the pre-law student: clear writing, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension. These skills should be developed during the undergraduate years. Pre-law students are encouraged to enroll in a practicum, particularly CEAE 300, or internship program and can learn more about these opportunities through the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences.
Preparation for Theological Professions —
Students preparing to investigate religious vocations or attend a theological seminary should examine the suggestions set down by the Association of Theological Schools. It is recommended that students pursue a broad program in the liberal arts with a major in one of the humanities (English, history, language, literature, philosophy, or religion) or one of the social sciences (American studies, anthropology, criminal justice, criminology, economics, international studies, political science, psychology, or sociology). Students preparing for a career in religious education should major in religion and elect five or six courses in psychology, education, and sociology. This program of study will qualify students to work as educational assistants or directors of religious education after graduate study in a theological seminary.
Students should register with Theological Pursuits and Callings (TPAC), Dr. Steven Johnson, Chair, during their first semester. TPAC acts as a “center” for students, faculty, and clergy to discuss the needs of students who want to prepare themselves for the ministry, religious education, advanced training in religion, or related vocations. It may also help coordinate internships for students who desire practical experience in the parish ministry or related areas.
Cooperative Programs
Lycoming has developed cooperative programs to provide students with opportunities to extend their knowledge, abilities, and talents in selected areas through access to the specialized academic programs and facilities of other colleges, universities, academies, and hospitals. Although thorough advising and curricular planning are provided for each of the cooperative programs, admission to Lycoming and registration in the program of choice do not guarantee admission to the cooperating institution. The prerogative of admitting students to the cooperative aspect of the program rests with the cooperating institution. Students who are interested in a cooperative program should contact the coordinator during the first week of the first semester of their enrollment at Lycoming. This is necessary to plan their course programs in a manner that will ensure completion of required courses according to the schedule stipulated for the program. All cooperative programs require special coordination of course scheduling at Lycoming.
Student electing a cooperative program normally study for three years at Lycoming during which time they complete 96 credits including most or all of their General Education and major requirements. Remaining requirements are completed at the co-operative institution, and each degree is awarded when its requirements are completed.
3+3 Baccalaureate and Juris Doctorate Degree Program - Lycoming College and Widener University Commonwealth Law School together offer Lycoming College students a 3+3 law degree program that provides students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate degree in a total of six years.
Students interested in pursuing a law degree at Widener Law Commonwealth must:
- notify the Academic Services Deans in writing (send to academicservices@lycoming.edu) with their intent to participate in the program by the end of their first semester;
- maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average;
- major in either philosophy or gender, sexuality, and women’s studies OR have a significant number of advanced placement credits prior to matriculation in order to be able to complete majors with increased numbers of required courses; and
- complete all General Education and major requirements as well as a total of 98 credits by the end of the junior year, except for those requirements that may be fulfilled by a course at Widener; and
- enter Widener with a total of 98 credits completed.
Students complete the final 30 credits toward the 128-credit Lycoming degree requirement during their first year at Widener (with the majority of those credits transcripted as elective credits).
With respect to Widener University Commonwealth Law School entrance requirements, students must also:
- earn a law school admission test score and Lycoming GPA at or above the median of Widener’s prior year entering class;
- take the law school admission test no later than February of their junior year; and
- apply to Widener Law Commonwealth by March 31 of their junior year.
4+4 Baccalaureate and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program – Qualified Lycoming College students can receive preferred admission to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) for its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program. The PCOM-Lycoming 4+4 program includes PCOM holding up to three spots annually for Lycoming College graduates who meet entrance requirements and are approved by the admissions committee at the private, not-for-profit medical school in Philadelphia. The PCOM-Lycoming College 4+4 program requires student candidates earn a 3.50 cumulative and science cumulative grade point average through the end of their junior year at Lycoming College and score a 504 composite and at least a 126 on each section of the Medical College Admissions Test. Students interested in pursuing this program should contact the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences by no later than the end of the first year of study at Lycoming.
Engineering Physics – This program is intended for students who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering. The program consists of two options.
Option 1: The 3/2 Pre-Engineering Program
Option 1 is a 3/2 program partnership between Lycoming College and the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. The student will spend three years at Lycoming College taking the necessary Distribution, physics, mathematics, and other engineering-oriented courses. Following his/her third year, the student will then transfer to the Watson School of Engineering and complete engineering courses in either Electrical Engineering or in Industrial and Systems Engineering. At the completion of the 3/2 program, the student will have earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an Engineering Physics Concentration and either a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Note that for Option 1, strict adherence to the planned curriculum is essential in order for a student to be able to complete the program in five years. Students interested in this program must talk with Dr. Christopher Kulp and the Office of Academic Services Deans before or during their first week of classes at the College.
Option 2: The Engineering Physics Major
Option 2 is a four-year degree at Lycoming College where the student majors in Engineering Physics. Engineering Physics consists of courses in physics, mathematics, and computer science. The Engineering Physics major provides an emphasis on skills useful to students seeking a career in applied physics or engineering. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Kulp
Clinical Laboratory Science -
Students desiring a career in clinical laboratory science (medical technology) may enter an accredited one year program after graduation, or they may complete the cooperative program. Students electing the cooperative program normally study for three years at Lycoming, during which time they complete 96 credits, including the First Year Requirements, the Distribution Program, the Writing Program, the Cultural Diversity program, a modified major, and requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The current requirements of the NAACLS are: four courses in chemistry (one of which must be either organic or biochemistry), four courses in biology (including courses in microbiology and immunology), and one course in mathematics.
Students in the cooperative program usually major in biology, following a modified major of six unit courses that includes the introductory sequence (BIO 110 and BIO 111), Genetics (BIO 222), Microbiology (BIO 321), Human Physiology (BIO 323), and Immunology (BIO 347). The cooperative program requires successful completion of a one-year internship at a hospital accredited by the American Medical Association. Lycoming is affiliated with the following accredited hospitals: UPMC Susquehanna, Robert Packer, Lancaster, and Abington. Students in the cooperative program receive credit at Lycoming for each of eight courses in biology and chemistry successfully completed during the clinical internship. Successful completion of the Certification Examination is not considered a graduation requirement at Lycoming College. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Newman.
ROTC
U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps Program (ROTC) -
The program provides an opportunity for Lycoming students to enroll in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Lycoming notes enrollment in and successful completion of the program on student transcripts. Military Science is a four-year program divided into a basic course given for first-year and sophomore students and an advanced course given during the junior and senior years. The Army ROTC Basic Course comprises four courses and requires no commitment to the military. The Army ROTC Advanced Course comprises four courses and requires a military commitment. The content and methods of the Advanced Course comprise the minimum curriculum that an individual must complete in order to be commissioned.
The U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program is offered to Lycoming College students in cooperation with Lock Haven University. For more information, visit https://www.lycoming.edu/academics/rotc.aspx or http://www.lockhaven.edu/rotc/.
The Honors Program
The Lycoming Scholars Program
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The Lycoming College Scholars Program is a special program designed to meet the needs and aspirations of highly motivated students of superior intellectual ability. Lycoming Scholars satisfy the College’s General Education requirements with more challenging Distribution courses than students not in the Lycoming Scholars Program are required to complete. (Substitutions to the General Education requirements for Lycoming Scholars can be made only by successful application to the Committee on Academic Standards with a supporting signature by the Lycoming Scholars Council Director in place of the department chair.) Lycoming Scholars also participate in special interdisciplinary seminars and in an independent study culminating in a senior presentation. Lycoming Scholars may audit a fifth course each semester at no additional cost. In addition, Lycoming Scholars may be exempted from the usual limitations on independent studies by the Individual Studies Committee.
Students are admitted to the program by invitation of the Lycomign Scholars Council, the group which oversees the program. The Council consists of a director and four other faculty members selected by the Provost and Dean of the College and four students elected by current scholars. The guidelines governing selection of new scholars are flexible; academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and creativity are all taken into account. Students who wish to participate in the Lycoming Scholars Program but are not invited may petition the Lycoming Scholars Council for consideration. Petitioning students should provide the Lycoming Scholars Council with letters of recommendation from Lycoming faculty and a transcript to be sent to the director of the Lycoming Scholars Program.
To remain in the program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. Students who drop below this average will be placed on Lycoming Scholars Program probation for one semester. After one semester, they will be asked to leave the program if their GPA has not returned to 3.25 or higher.
To graduate as a Lycoming Scholar, a student must successfully complete all graduation requirements, as well as five semesters of Lycoming Scholars Seminars, and the two-semester, non-credit Senior Lycoming Scholars Seminar in which they present the results of their required independent study project. They must achieve at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA. In addition, the following General Education requirements must be met. Any accepted transfer course taken pre-matriculation that would satisfy a standard Distribution Requirement will also satisfy Distribution in the Lycoming Scholars program.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS for LYCOMING SCHOLARS
General Education requirements are designed to promote the breadth of study central to a liberal arts education, raise awareness of issues critical to a diverse America and an interconnected world, and develop skills essential for success in any discipline or profession. It includes two courses that must be taken during the first year (a First-Year Seminar and English Composition), Distribution Requirements (courses in the Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, Modern or Ancient Languages, the Natural Sciences, and the Social Sciences), classes focusing on Writing and Diversity (both Global and Domestic), and an Enhanced Academic Experience.
Courses for which a grade of “P” is recorded may not be used toward the fulfillment of a General Education Requirement. (For an explanation, refer to the Grading System.)
Complete two First-Year Requirements
- Complete a First-Year Seminar (FYS). A first-year seminar successfully completed at Lycoming College—regardless of the academic content area—can be used to reduce one of the required Distribution courses in Fine Arts, Humanities, non-laboratory Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences; however, it may not be used within the Distribution Requirements for English composition, mathematics, or modern or ancient languages. First-Year Seminars do not count toward the major.
A dropped FYS course does not appear on the transcript and does not satisfy the FYS graduation requirement.
Students may elect to complete an additional writing-focused course to replace a grade of F earned in an FYS course. The substituted writing-focused course may not be used to fulfill any other General Education requirement, and this option must be pre-approved by submitting an appeal to the Academic Standards Committee.
Transfer students who have earned 15 or more credits can be exempt from the First-Year Seminar requirement. Transfer students who have earned 32 or more credits may not enroll in an FYS course.
- Pass an English Composition class.
First-Year Seminar and English Composition classes help students develop the skills necessary to continue to be successful throughout their college career. These classes promote written, oral, and information literacy (research) components, contributing to critical thinking in the classroom.
Lycoming Scholars Council strongly recommends that those students whom the English department invites enroll in ENGL 107 if scheduling permits.
- Complete the Distribution Program
Courses may be used to satisfy only one Distribution Requirement. No more than two courses used to satisfy the Distribution Requirements may be selected from the same prefix (e.g., ARHI, BIO, FVA, ENGL, HUMA, PHIL). Courses used to fulfill the Modern or Ancient Language Requirement do not count toward the two course per prefix limit. This means that care must be taken to comply with this rule in English and Modern Language Studies literature courses.
In the following list of Distribution Requirements, a “course” refers to a four-credit course taken at Lycoming, any appropriate combination of fractional unit courses taken at Lycoming which accumulate to four credits, any appropriate course which is taken by cross-registration, any appropriate course which is part of an approved off-campus program (such as those listed in the catalog sections titled COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS, SPECIAL ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES, and STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS), or any approved course transferred from another institution.
- Fine Arts — Lycoming Scholars are required to pass two courses (or the equivalent) from the following: Art: ART 111, 116, 220, or higher; any Art History course; any Creative Writing course; any Film and Video Arts course numbered 200 or higher; any Film course numbered 200 or higher; Literature: any English literature course numbered 200 or higher or the literature courses of the Department of Modern Language Studies (French & Francophone Studies, German, or Spanish); Music: MUS 117, 128, 160, or higher; Theatre: 145 or any Theatre course numbered 200 or higher, except 235 and 236; a First-Year seminar. If a student completes no more than one major and that major requires more than one Fine Arts course, no more than one course from a single prefix may count toward Fine Arts Distribution. Students taking ARHI 310, MUS 340, or MUS 341 are exempt from the requirement to take courses from two prefixes.
- Humanities — Lycoming Scholars are required to pass four courses from the following: American Studies: any course numbered 200 or higher; History: any course numbered 200 or higher; Literature: any English literature course numbered 200 or higher or ENGL 219 or any literature course from the Department of Modern Language Studies (French & Francophone Studies, German, or Spanish); Medieval Studies: any course numbered 200 or higher; Philosophy: any course numbered 200 or higher; Religion: any course numbered 200 or higher; Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies: any course numbered 200 or higher; a First-Year Seminar. Students must successfully complete a course in at least 3 of these prefixes.
Earning a final grade of W or F in a FYS course satisfies the FYS graduation requirement. However, no credits are earned toward other graduation requirements, and the course cannot be used to reduce a Distribution Requirement. FYS courses cannot be repeated.
- Mathematics — Students are required to demonstrate competence in basic algebra by scoring at level 2, 3, or 4 on a placement test (See section on Placement Tests) or successfully completing MATH 100 (or its equivalent). Lycoming Scholars are also required to pass MATH 112, 115, 123, 128, 129, 130, 140, 214, or 216. The requirement of competence in basic algebra must be met before the end of the fourth semester or within one year of entry, whichever is later. Students who have not met this competency requirement before the final semester of the applicable time period must register for MATH 100 in that semester.
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Modern or Ancient Language Studies — Lycoming Scholars are required to pass a course at the 111 level or higher in French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Spanish, or another language approved for transfer. (See section on Placement Tests.) International students whose native language is not English and who took at least one year of high school in their native language may either 1) fulfill the language requirement in Modern or Ancient Languages, 2) take a fourth writing focused (“W”) course, or 3) take one course in English numbered 200 or above. If a student chooses the last option, the course may not also be used to fulfill a Humanities or Fine Arts Distribution Requirement. International students who meet the criteria and wish to use option 2 or 3 to satisfy the language requirement should contact the Registrar’s Office.
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Natural Sciences — Lycoming Scholars are required to pass two courses from the following: Astronomy/Physics: any course numbered 111 or higher; Biology: any course numbered 110 or higher; Chemistry: any course numbered 122 or higher; a First-Year Seminar. One course must incorporate a laboratory component. If a student completes no more than one major and that major requires more than one Natural Science course, only one course from any prefix may count toward Natural Sciences Distribution.
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Social Sciences — Lycoming Scholars are required to pass two courses from the following: Anthropology and Sociology: any course numbered 200 or higher, except ANTH 448 or SOC 448; Archaeology: any course numbered 200 or higher; Criminal Justice and Criminology: any course numbered 200 or higher, except 448/449; Economics: any course numbered 110 or higher; Political Science: any course numbered 200 or higher; Psychology: PSY 110 or any other PSY course numbered 200 or higher; a First-Year Seminar. ECED 344 and EDUC/SPLED 338 may also be used to fulfill a Social Science Distribution Requirement. If a student completes no more than one major and that major requires more than one Social Science course, only one course from any prefix may count toward Social Science Distribution.
Complete the Writing Program
- Purpose
The Lycoming College Writing Program has been developed in response to the conviction that writing skills promote intellectual growth and are a hallmark of the educated person. The program has therefore been designed to support two major, interrelated objectives, specifically:
1) student learning in general and subject mastery in particular, and
2) students’ abilities to communicate clearly.
In this program, students are given opportunities to write in a variety of contexts and in a substantial number of courses in which they receive faculty guidance and reinforcement. All writing focused courses include (1) formal writing instruction in class, (2) student writing, (3) instructor feedback, and (4) student revision.
Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete the following writing requirements:
1) ENGL 106 (Composition) or ENGL 107 (Honors Composition)
2) Three courses designated as writing focused, or “W,” courses from the following list, when scheduled as W courses (check semester schedule):
| ACCT 225, 440 |
| ANTH 210, 230, 232, 233, 310, 311 |
| ARCH 210, 233, 311, 427, 447 |
| ARHI 222, 223, 320, 331, 334, 336, 339, 347, 447 |
| ASTR 230, 340 |
| BIO 200, 222, 224, 321, 333, 347, 435, 447 |
| BIOCH 449 |
| BUS 311, 314, 332, 333, 342, 347, 349, 400, 420, 438, 441 |
| CCOM 324, 332, 400 |
| CHEM 232, 330, 331, 449 |
| CJCR 211, 240, 247, 300, 343 |
| CPTR 247 |
| ECED 344 |
| ECON 225, 236, 241, 332, 335, 337, 340, 343, 440, 449 |
| EDUC 338, 339 |
| ENGL 218, 225, 229, 312, 315, 331, 334, 335, 336, 421 |
| ENTR 320, 400 |
| FILM 220, 221, 300, 315, 320, 326 |
| FRN 225, 311, 412, 418, 426 |
| FVA 322 |
| GERM 225, 321, 411, 418, 426 |
| GSWS 300 |
| HIST 210, 226, 232, 324, 338, 401, 402, 404, 405, 449 |
| IMS 349 |
| INST 449 |
| MATH 234, 434 |
| MUS 336 |
| PHIL 201, 202, 203, 216, 217, 219, 318, 330, 333, 334, 336, 340, 440 |
| PHYS 338, 340, 341, 345, 445 |
| PSCI 220, 231, 242, 331, 334, 342, 400 |
| PSY 312, 336, 412, 424, 432, 433 |
| REL 220, 221, 231, 232, 233, 320, 331, 333, 337, 433, 447 |
| SOC 210, 220, 222, 228, 430 |
| SPAN 315, 321, 418, 426 |
| SPLED 338 |
| THEA 210, 332, 333 |
The following policies apply:
- Successful completion of ENGL 106 or 107 is a prerequisite for enrollment in writing focused courses.
- All "W" courses are numbered 200 or above.
- One of the student’s “W” courses must be in his/her major (or one of the majors) or, with departmental approval, from a related department. All three cannot carry the same prefix (e.g. PHIL, ENGL, ACCT, etc.).
- Complete the Cultural Diversity Program, with two courses, one in Global Diversity and one in Domestic Diversity
The Lycoming College Cultural Diversity requirement confirms the College’s commitment to celebrating the human differences implicit in a liberal arts education. It helps to prepare students for a more global world and a more diverse America. In order to qualify as a course which satisfies the requirement in cultural diversity, the course must deal substantially, primarily, or exclusively with cultural diversity, in such a way as to provide students with cultural perspectives (either historical or contemporary) other than the predominant Anglo-American one in the US.
Global Diversity courses will help students understand the world beyond the US borders. These courses will be designated with a “G.”
Domestic Diversity courses will help students understand one or more non-dominant groups within the US, dealing with issues such as race, gender, social class, religion, political ideology, sexual orientation, or any combination thereof. These courses will be designated with a “D.”
A course selected to fulfill the Global or Domestic Cultural Diversity requirement may also be used to satisfy a Distribution Requirement. International May term courses (marked with a G on course schedules), a semester of college-approved Study Abroad, or international summer programs may be used to fulfill the Global Diversity requirement.
- Complete an Enhanced Academic Experience
Enhanced Academic Experiences are designed to promote intellectual, professional, and personal development for students to prepare for life after Lycoming. While each student is required to complete at least one EAE, students are encouraged to pursue and complete multiple EAEs to better prepare, launch, and sustain graduates into careers of significance and lives of meaning. Individual categories of EAEs are able to overlap with the requirements of any majors or minors and within the Distribution system.
Successful completion of the Lycoming College Scholars Program fulfills the Enhanced Academic Experience.
- Lycoming Scholars Seminars — Team-taught interdisciplinary seminars are held every semester under the direction of the Lycoming Scholars Council. They meet for one hour each week (Tuesdays at noon) and carry one hour of credit. Lycoming Scholars are required to successfully complete five seminars, and they are permitted to register for as many as eight. Topics for each academic year will be selected by the Lycoming Scholars Council and announced before spring registration of the previous year.
Students must be accepted into the Scholars Program before they enroll in a Lycoming Scholars Seminar. Scholars are strongly urged to register for a least one seminar during their first year.
- Senior Project — In their junior or senior year, Lycoming Scholars must successfully complete an independent study or departmental honors project which has been approved in advance by the Independent Studies Committee and Lycoming Scholars Council. This project must be presented orally as part of the Senior Lycoming Scholars Seminar and be accepted by Lycoming Scholars Council.
- Note to Transfer Students — In the case of transfer students and those who seek to enter the program at the sophomore level or higher and in other cases deemed by Lycoming Scholars Council to involve special or extraordinary circumstances, Lycoming Scholars Council shall make adjustments to the Lycoming Scholars Distribution Requirements provided that in all cases such exceptions and adjustments would still satisfy the regular College Distribution Requirements.
Management Scholars Program of the Institute for Management Studies
The IMS sponsors a Management Scholars Program for academically talented students in the three IMS departments (Accounting, Business Administration, Economics). To join the Management Scholars Program, a student must satisfy the following criteria:
a) Have a declared major or minor in Accounting, Business Administration, Corporate Communication, and/or Economics. However, the IMS Director may invite or permit other students to join the Management Scholars Program who do not meet this criteria, such as first-year students who have not yet declared a major or minor.
b) Have an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher or exhibit strong academic potential if the student is a first-year student.
To graduate as a Management Scholar, a student must meet the following criteria:
a) Successfully complete two credits of Management Scholar Seminars.
b) Successfully complete a major or minor in one of the three IMS departments.
c) Graduate with a GPA of 3.25 or higher in both overall college work and within an IMS major and/or minor.
d) Successfully complete an appropriate internship, practicum, or independent study, or complete a special project approved by the IMS Director.
At least one Management Scholar Seminar is taught per academic year on an interdisciplinary
topic of relevance to students in all three IMS departments. The seminars are offered as one-credit courses and do not result in overload charges for full-time students.
Students who are currently Lycoming College Scholars may also become Management Scholars and participate in both programs.
Departmental Honors
Honors projects are undertaken only in a student’s major and are available only to exceptionally well-qualified students who have a solid background in the area of the project, are capable of considerable self-direction, have an overall GPA of at least 3.00, and a GPA in the major in which the honors project is undertaken of at least 3.50. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or above in the major in which the honors project is undertaken may appeal to the Committee on Academic Standards for special permission to undertake an Honors project.
Students with both overall and major GPA of 3.50 or higher who are pursuing research-oriented departmental honors projects are strongly encouraged to also apply for the tuition-scholarship earning Haberberger Fellowship Program. The GPA requirement for the Haberberger Fellowship Program may not be appealed. More information about the Haberberger Fellowship Program is available through the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences, and applications for It are due on March 1st of the junior year.
The prerequisites for registration in an honors program are as follows:
- A faculty member from the department(s) in which the honors project is to be undertaken must agree to be the director and must secure departmental approval for the project.
- The director, in consultation with the student, must form an individual Honors Committee consisting of two faculty members from the department in which the project is to be undertaken, one of whom shall be the director of the project, and one faculty member from each of two other departments related to the subject matter of the study.
- The student must meet with the individual Honors Committee to review the proposed course of study. This meeting generally should take place prior to the student embarking on a substantial portion of the research, critical study, or creative project so that the individual Honors Committee members can provide feedback on the developmental phase of the honors project. The Honors Committee must then certify by their signatures on the application that the project in question is academically legitimate and worthy of pursuit as an honors project, and that the student in question is qualified to pursue the project.
- The project must be approved by the Committee on Individual Studies.
Students successfully complete honors projects by satisfying the following conditions in accordance with guidelines established by the Committee on Individual Studies:
- The student must produce a substantial research paper, critical study, or creative project. If the end product is a creative project, a critical paper analyzing the techniques and principles employed and the nature of the achievement represented in the project shall also be submitted.
- The student must successfully explain and defend the work in a final oral examination given by the Honors Committee.
- The Honors Committee must certify that the student has successfully defended the project, and that the student’s achievement is clearly superior to that which would ordinarily be required to earn a grade of “A” in a regular independent studies course.
Except in unusual circumstances, honors projects are expected to involve independent study in two 4-credit courses. There are two ways for a student to complete an honors project. A student may continue a project from an independent study (see Independent Studies) or their major’s capstone course and count that course as one of the two semesters of the honors project. A student not continuing an honors project from an independent study or their major’s capstone course must complete an application for registration in honors for each semester of course credit. In this circumstance, an incomplete grade is recorded for the first semester of the honors project until the completion of the second semester of honors work.
Successful completion of the honors project will allow the designation of honors in that department to be placed upon the permanent record. A final copy of the honors project shall be submitted to the library for binding, processing, and inclusion in the library collection. In the event that the study is not completed successfully or is not deemed worthy of honors, the student shall be reregistered in independent studies and given a final grade for the course.
Academic Resources and Supports
Office of Academic Services Deans
The Office of Academic Services Deans oversees new student orientation programming, first-year supports, coordination of accessibility services, academic student success programming, and academic advising.
New Student Orientation — All new students participate in new student orientation programming designed to connect students to the multi-faceted experience of campus life and prepare for academic, social, and personal success. Orientation programming begins the week following Accepted Students Day and includes the completion of the orientation task list, Warrior Day, remote academic advising, New Student Convocation, 1st Weekend, and Warrior Welcome Week.
First-Year Supports — The Office of Academic Services Deans coordinates the FYS Passport Program in partnership with the first-year seminar program. The Office also directs the Lycoming Summer Academy program, a scholarship-earning summer bridge program, and ASP 151 Campus Connections in support of a strong transition to college life and academic expectations.
Early Assessment Progress Reports — During the sixth week of the semester, classroom instructors prepare Early Assessment Progress Reports. In week seven, academic advisors, students, the Academic Services Deans, and varsity athletic coaches receive these progress reports and can counsel students having difficulty regarding adjustment strategies. Early Assessment grades are not recorded on the student’s permanent record.
Accessibility Resources — The College recognizes the importance of supporting and meeting the needs of students with documented disabilities. Students with documented disabilities work directly with the Office of Academic Services Deans for coordination of academic and housing accommodations. The Accessibility Resources team determines appropriate accommodations based on documentation provided to the College. Students seeking support should contact accessibility@lycoming.edu for confidential consultation.
Academic Success Program – First-year students placed on academic probation following the first semester are enrolled in ASP 153 College Anew. This ½ credit, seven-week course is designed to identify the student’s strengths and build upon them for greater academic success. Students placed on academic probation following the second semester work with the Office of Academic Services Deans on self-evaluation and develop an individually-tailored set of strategies for academic improvement.
Academic Advising — A hallmark of Lycoming is the direct, personal contact between a student and the College faculty who care about that student’s personal, academic, and professional aspirations. The student can draw upon the faculty member’s experience to identify campus resources that address social adjustment, workload, and study skills.
Students first meet their initial academic advisor during the June remote advising period. Initial advisors assist with course selection by providing accurate information about requirements, programs, and career options.
By the end of the sophomore year, the student must choose a major and select a major advisor from the major department or program. The new major advisor, while serving as a resource, can best advise that student about course selection, graduate school, and career opportunities.
Advisors at Lycoming endeavor to contribute to student development in yet another way. They insist that students assume full responsibility for their decisions and academic progress. By doing so, they help to prepare them for the harder choices and responsibilities of the professional world. Also, Lycoming provides special advising programs for careers in education, medicine, law, and religion. Interested students should register with the appropriate advisory committee immediately after deciding to enter one of these professions (see Pre-Professional Programs).
Office of Tutoring Services
The Office of Tutoring Services coordinates the wide array of academic tutoring services available at Lycoming College. The Tutoring Services public website and SharePoint site provide information about operating hours, tutor availability, and other details.
Writing Center — Trained peer tutors help writers improve papers while developing confidence and independence as writers. Writing tutors discuss development, organization, grammar, documentation, and any other writing concern. Students can schedule appointments or visit during walk-in hours.
Math Center — Trained peer tutors help students with quantitative problems in any course. Tutors are available to work one-on-one or in small groups. No appointment needed.
Subject Tutoring — Tutoring Services offers one-on-one tutoring support in most courses. Trained peer subject tutors assist students with homework assignments and test preparation. Tutors are available by appointment.
Study Groups — Conducted for selected classes, study groups offer students an opportunity to draw on the experiences of successful upper-class students to navigate the academic challenges of courses. Study group facilitators attend class, organize review materials, and lead study sessions outside of class.
Study Skills Support — Peer Mentors are available by appointment to help students develop study skills, time management, and other habits of success.
International Student Support – Tutoring Services collaborates with the International Student Advisor to arrange course-specific, embedded tutoring by request, one-on-one support in English language learning, and other academic support as needed. International Students can also utilize the Math Center, Writing Center, subject tutoring, study groups, and study skills peer mentors.
Special Academic Opportunities
May Term — This four-week voluntary session is designed to provide students with courses listed in the catalog and experimental and special courses that are not normally available during the fall and spring semesters and summer sessions. Some courses are offered on campus; others are remote, synchronous classes; and some involve travel. Students may take a maximum of 4 credits during May term. Travel courses require an application process coordinated through the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences. Travel courses are announced at least one year in advance of the course offerings with registration and travel fee payments for these May courses are required during the prior fall semester.
Summer Sessions I and II — These two successive five-week academic terms offer the opportunity for students to complete internships, independent studies, and semester courses. Students may take a maximum of 8 credits per session.
Independent Studies — Independent studies are available to qualified students who wish to engage in and receive academic credit for an academically legitimate course of study for which they could not otherwise receive credit. It may be pursued at an introductory, intermediate, or advanced level and in any department, whether or not the student is a major in that department. An independent studies project may either duplicate a catalog course or be completely different from any catalog course. In order for a student to be registered in an independent study course, the following conditions must be satisfied:
1) An appropriate member of the faculty must agree to supervise the project and must certify by signing the application form that the project involves an amount of legitimate academic work that is appropriate for the amount of academic credit requested and that the student in question is qualified to pursue the project.
2) The studies project must be approved by the chair of the department in which the studies project is to be undertaken. In the case of catalog courses, all department members must approve offering the catalog course as an independent studies course.
3) After the project is approved by the instructor and the chair of the appropriate department, the studies project must be approved by the appropriate entity. The Registrar’s Office approves all independent studies of catalog courses. The Committee on Individual Studies approves all other independent studies.
Participation in independent studies projects which do not duplicate catalog courses is subject to the following:
- Students undertaking independent studies projects must have a GPA of at least 2.50.
- Students may not engage in more than one independent studies project during any given semester.
- Students may not engage in more than two independent studies projects during their academic careers at Lycoming College.
- The Individual Studies Committee may exempt members of the Lycoming College Scholars Program from these two limitations.
As with other academic policies, any other exceptions to these two rules must be approved by the Committee on Academic Standards.
Credit-Bearing Internship/Practicum Program — An internship is a course jointly sponsored by the College and a public or private agency or subdivision of the College in which a student is able to earn college credit by participating in some active capacity as an assistant, aide, or apprentice. Students are encouraged to complete an internship through practica courses available within the curriculum of a variety of academic departments and within the Center for Enhanced Academic Experience’s (CEAE) curriculum.
Practica are offered in Accounting, Art, Biology, Business, CEAE, Criminal Justice-Criminology, Economics, Education, IMS, Psychology, Sociology anf Theatre. These courses require 10 to 12 hours of work per week in a business, agency, or organization in addition to classroom time. A maximum of 16 credits can be earned through practica, internships, and/or student teaching.
For a 4-credit internship, at least ten hours per week must be spent in agency duties. Academic requirements include a daily log or journal, a research paper of approximately ten pages or its equivalent, and a reading list of approximately five books or the equivalent. The student and academic supervisor meet weekly during the term of the internship.
The objectives of the internship/practica program are:
1) to further the development of a central core of values, strategies, skills, and information through experiences outside the classroom or other campus situations, and
2) to facilitate the integration of theory and practice by encouraging students to relate their on-campus academic experiences more directly to society in general and to possible career and other post-baccalaureate objectives in particular.
Students should consult their major advisor and/or career advisor for application requirements for an individual department’s practicum course. Students are also encouraged to seek practicum support through the CEAE which offers an annual CEAE 300 Liberal Art Practicum for students majoring within departments that are unable to support a practicum course. Guidelines for program development, assignment of tasks and academic requirements, such as exams, papers, reports, grades, etc., are established in consultation with a faculty director at Lycoming and an agency supervisor at the place of internship
Students with diverse majors have participated in a wide variety of internships at places such as business and accounting firms, law offices, hospitals, social service agencies, banks, and Congressional offices.
Non-Credit Summer Internships—While credit-bearing internships and practica typically are offered during the fall or spring academic semester, students can also pursue non-credit internships during the summer months and obtain practical experience while also meeting the enhanced academic experience graduation requirement. Students interested in completing a non-credit summer internship should seek assistance and pre-approval through the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences. Students approved for these programs enroll in either CEAE 301 or 302. Non-credit summer internships require weekly journal submissions and an exit interview with the supervising career advisor.
Teacher Intern Program — The purpose of the Teacher Intern Program is to provide individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree with the opportunity to become certified teachers through on-the-job training. Interns can earn a Lycoming College Teacher Education Certificate and be certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in elementary, secondary (biology, chemistry, citizenship, English, general science, mathematics, physics, social studies), PK-12 (art, modern languages, music), and special education.
Interested individuals should file a formal application with the Education Department for admission to the Intern Program. Upon completion of the application process, interns receive a letter of Intern Candidacy from the Pennsylvania Department of Education which the candidate then uses to apply for a teaching position. Necessary professional coursework can be completed prior to the teaching experience when individuals obtain a teaching position. See Education Department listing for more information.
Washington Semester — Lycoming College has an affiliation with American University in Washington, D.C. which allows qualified students to participate in their Washington Semester Program Washington and the Summer Internship Program. Similar to study abroad programs, students enroll in courses at American University across an array of disciplines as well as complete an internship in the Washington, D.C. region. Students interested in this study away program should contact the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences and apply for this program using the same process utilized for study abroad applications.
International Experiences
Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of international experiences sponsored by Lycoming College, its partners, and approved programs. Opportunities range from short-term travel courses to independent study abroad programs available during the summer, semester, or full academic year. All programs are managed by the Office of Global Education in the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) in consultation with the College’s Study Abroad Committee. More information on available programs can be found on-line at: https://www.lycoming.edu/study-abroad/study-away-from-lycoming.aspx.
Full Semester or Summer Programs
Students interested in studying abroad through a college-approved summer, semester, or full year program must achieve a cumulative and major grade point average of 2.50 or higher and be in good standing in terms of student conduct. Participation in all summer, semester, and full year study abroad programs requires an approved study abroad application submitted through the Global Education Office of the CEAE. Students should begin the application process for summer, semester, or full year study abroad programs approximately a year in advance of intended program participation.
Students should note study abroad requirements specific to their intended major and/or minor as identified in the Catalog.
Students who do not meet the academic standards established for independent study abroad may appeal through the CEAE’s Global Education Office. Appeals are reviewed by the Study Abroad Committee, which issues a positive or negative recommendation to the Committee on Academic Standards. Following a review of the student’s appeal and the Study Abroad Committee’s recommendation, a final ruling is issued by the Committee on Academic Standards.
Exchange Programs:
Lycoming College holds tuition exchange agreements with the following universities. Space is limited in each program. Students should consult with the Global Education Office to review the language and courses of study available at each institution.
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
- Otto-Friedrich-Universität, Bamberg, Germany
- SIAS International University, Zhengzhou, China
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla, Mexico
- Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), Grenoble, France
- Westminster University and Westminster Business School, London, England
Note that Westminster Business School is available only to those students pursuing majors or minors in programs from within Lycoming’s Institute for Management Studies.
Immersive Language Programs:
The following programs are designed for full language immersion, and all courses are conducted in the language of study.
- Center for Linguistics, Université de Franche-Comté in Besançon, France
- Centre Universitaire d'études Françaises (CUEF), Université Grenoble Alpes in France
- Estudio Sampere in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain
- Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Field Education (IFE) in Brussels, Belgium; Paris and Strasbourg, France; and Andalucía and Asturias, Spain
Affiliate Program:
A full listing of affiliate programs is available through the CEAE’s Global Education Office. https://www.lycoming.edu/study-abroad/study-asway-from-lycoming.aspx.
Faculty-Led Travel Courses and Lycoming College-Affiliated Archaeological Field Schools
Lycoming College also offers a variety of faculty-led travel courses. Students interested in participating in faculty-led travel courses, including Lycoming-sponsored archaeological field schools, must complete a common travel course application available in the CEAE. Travel courses require that students be in both good academic and student conduct standing.
Travel course options change yearly and are announced and managed through the CEAE’s Global Education Office.
NOTE: Lycoming College cannot assume responsibility for the health, safety, or welfare of students engaged in or en route to or from any off-campus studies or activities which are not under its exclusive jurisdiction.