General Education
All students seeking a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University are required to complete a series of General Education courses. The faculty of the University believe that General Education is an essential element in the University experience and have structured the components of the General Education program to realize both a traditional and a contemporary mission.
The traditional mission is to provide students with a broad experience in the liberal arts. The contemporary mission of General Education is to provide students with a common ground of understanding and competence for meeting the challenges of today’s world as educated men and women.
The courses within the General Education program are supported by the Student Learning Goals and Outcomes, developed and approved by the faculty in 2018. The information regarding the knowledge, skills and dispositions deemed essential for a Salisbury University graduate can be found in Appendices .
General Education at Salisbury University consists of a minimum of 12 courses organized into five groups of related subject matter.
Group I
Group I coursework is intended to develop students’ competence in written expression.
Group II
Group II offers courses in the area of history, offering a perspective on times and cultures other than our own while fostering a sense of the interconnectedness of our world.
Group III
Group III offers courses in the areas of humanities and social science, affording perspectives and insights into beauty and truth embodied in the traditional disciplines of the humanities as well as the interaction of humans with each other in a social world.
Group IV
Group IV involves experiences in the scientific method and the structures on which it is based, and which lead to an appreciation of the interdependence of humans and the natural world.
Group V
Group V is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the body, its movement and the values of fitness.
General Education Requirements
All programs leading to the bachelor’s degree include a minimum of 12 courses in approved General Education courses. Some majors designate certain required courses within the General Education courses. Students may learn of these specific requirements from their major departments. The General Education requirements are as follows:
Group I-Composition and Literature: two courses
- Complete the following course with a grade of C or better:
- Select one course in literature from either the English or Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies departments 4 Hour(s) Credit
Group II-History: two courses
- Complete one of the following courses:
- Complete one of the following courses:
Group III-Humanities and Social Sciences: three courses
- Select one course from the following areas:
Art, Communication, Dance or Theatre, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, HONR 211 (if in the Honors Program)
- Select one course from the following areas:
Anthropology, Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution, Economics or Finance, Environmental Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, HONR 112 (if in the Honors Program)
- Select one course from either Group IIIA or Group IIIB (course may not be from the same area selected for IIIA or IIIB).
Group IV- Natural Science, Math, Computer Science: four courses
- Select two courses with laboratories from at least two of the following four areas:
Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physical Geography, Physics
- Select one course (need not include a lab) from Group IVA or Computer Science or Environmental Studies or Mathematics or HONR 212 (if in the Honors Program)
- Select one math course.
Group V-Health Fitness: one course
Undergraduate Degree Programs
The University offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Minimum requirements for graduation include satisfactory completion of 120 semester hours, 45 of which must be in prescribed General Education courses. Some majors require more than 120 semester hours, usually to meet accreditation standards.
The following is a list of majors offered by Salisbury University and arranged by the college/school in which the majors are housed. Many of the majors include concentrations and several departments also have minor programs of study.
For program information, follow the link for a specific major or minor on the Majors, Minors and Graduate Programs by School/College page.
Fulton School of Liberal Arts
Art (B.A. or B.F.A.)
Communication (B.A.)
Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)/K-12 ESOL Certification (B.A.)
Environmental Studies (B.A.)
French (B.A.)
History (B.A.)
Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A. or B.S.)
International Studies (B.A.)
Music (B.A.)
Philosophy (B.A.)
Political Science (B.A.)
Psychology (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A.)
Spanish (B.A.)
Theatre (B.A.)
Henson School of Science and Technology
Biology (B.S.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Data Science (B.S.)
Earth Science (B.S.)
Geography (B.S.)
Integrated Science (B.S.)
Mathematics (B.S.)
Physics (B.S.)
Urban and Regional Planning (B.S.)
Perdue School of Business
Accounting (B.S.)
Business Economics (B.S.)
Economics (B.A.)
Finance (B.S.)
Information Systems (B.S.)
International Business (B.S.)
Management (B.S.)
Marketing (B.S.)
Seidel School of Education
Early Childhood Education (B.S.)
Elementary Education (B.S.)
Outdoor Education Leadership (B.A.)
Physical Education (B.S.)
College of Health and Human Services
Community Health (B.S.)
Exercise Science (B.S.)
Medical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
Nursing (B.S.N.)
Respiratory Therapy (B.S.)
Social Work (B.A.S.W.)
Collaborative Undergraduate Degree Programs
Sociology (UMES) - Social Work (SU)
Biology (SU) - Environmental Science (UMES)
MSDE Teacher Education Programs
MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) approved teacher education programs are offered in the following areas:
| Biology |
History/Social Studies |
| Chemistry |
Mathematics |
| Early Childhood Education |
Music K-12 |
| Earth Science |
Physical Education K-12 |
| Elementary Education |
Physics |
| English |
Spanish |
| French |
|
Specific statements on degrees and requirements are listed under each school’s section.
Salisbury University provides undergraduates with an opportunity to develop special competencies in a variety of areas outside their major fields of study. The University minor requires the completion of at least 18 credits with grades of C or better. At least 15 credits applied toward the minor must be coursework which is not used to satisfy General Education requirements, and at least nine credits must be earned at the University.
For minor program requirements, follow the link for a specific minor on the Majors, Minors and Graduate Programs Alphabetically page.
Graduate Degree Programs
The University offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Education, the Master of Science, the Master of Arts, the Master of Arts in Teaching (cooperatively with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore), the Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Athletic Training, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Social Work, Doctor of Education and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The following is a list of graduate degree programs offered by Salisbury University and arranged by the college/school in which the programs are housed.
For program information, follow the link for a specific graduate program on the Majors, Minors and Graduate Programs by School/College page.
Fulton School of Liberal Arts
Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution (M.A.)
English (M.A.)
History (M.A.)
Henson School of Science and Technology
Applied Biology (M.S.)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management (M.S.)
Mathematics Education (M.S.M.E.)
Perdue School of Business
Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Seidel School of Education
Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)
Education (M.Ed.)
Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)
Doctor of Education - Contemporary Curriculum Theory and Instruction: Literacy (Ed.D.)
Reading Specialist (M.Ed.)
Teaching (M.A.T.) [Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, French, History, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Spanish]
College of Health and Human Services
Applied Health Physiology (M.S.)
Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.)
Nursing (M.S.N.)
Social Work (M.S.W.)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) [Post-M.S. and Post-B.S. Options]
Collaborative Graduate Degree Programs
Master of Arts in Teaching (SU/UMES)
Certificate Programs
Upper-Division Certificate in Fraud and Forensic Accounting
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Care Management
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Higher Education
Post-Master Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership
Post-Master Certificate in Literacy Educator
Post-Master Certificate of Successful Completion in Educational Leadership
Post-Doctorate of Nursing Practice Certificate of Completion: Family Nurse Practitioner
For program information, follow the link for a specific certificate program on the Majors, Minors and Graduate Programs by School/College page.
Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
The following is for undergraduates. For specific graduate-level graduation requirements are available on each graduate program page.
Student Responsibility For Satisfying Graduation Requirements
The faculty and administration have established the following policies and procedures for the guidance and evaluation of student performance and to help ensure the quality of education provided by the University.
To graduate from Salisbury University students must be matriculated and complete approved degree programs. To be matriculated, students must be accepted for admission as degree candidates and enroll in courses.
Matriculated students are responsible for planning their programs to meet University and departmental graduation requirements. As students plan their programs they need to recognize that the catalog is an information guide and not a contract nor an offer to make a contract. The University has the authority to change degree requirements, prerequisites, course schedules, grading systems, fees and related matters. Wherever possible, however, the University implements changes in ways that do not create hardships for students who are already enrolled.
Catalog Selection
A matriculated student can usually meet University and departmental graduation requirements stated in any University catalog that meets the following conditions:
- The catalog was issued within the seven years preceding the student’s graduation.
- The catalog was in effect during a semester when the student was either matriculated at Salisbury University or at a Maryland community college.
- The catalog meets all requirements of relevant external agencies.
- The catalog does not require the University to adhere to policies or provide services, curriculum or facilities no longer in effect or necessary.
Matriculated students must satisfy all graduation requirements in the catalog they select.
Application for Diploma/Graduation
Students must apply for graduation by submitting an Application for Diploma form through their GullNet self-service account at least one semester prior to their intended date of completion (deadlines are posted on the University’s website). The academic records of degree candidates who apply for graduation on time are audited for graduation requirements, and the candidates are notified of any deficiencies, giving them an opportunity to satisfy any remaining, unfulfilled requirements during their last semester of enrollment. The Registrar’s Office follows the recommendation of the Advising Services Coordinators and reserves the right to move students’ intended date of completion or to cancel their Application for Diploma if it appears that they will not or do not meet their degree requirements. Degree candidates have the responsibility of keeping the Advising Services Coordinator of their school/college apprised of any changes in their graduation plans.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible to graduate, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be matriculated in the University.
- Successfully complete at least 120 credit hours of coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students must take 30 of the last 37 credit hours at Salisbury University (special cooperative programs are exempt). Students completing their course requirements through an approved study abroad program are exempt from this policy.
- Complete at least 30 credit hours at the University by direct classroom instruction and/or laboratory experience and not through credit by examination.
- Complete at least 30 credit hours at the 300/400 level with grades of C or better. Transfer students must complete at least 15 hours of their 30 upper-level credits at Salisbury University (note: other than field-based courses in the Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies, courses taken on a PS/F basis do not satisfy this requirement).
- Satisfy the General Education requirements.
- Satisfy the requirements in at least one major program of study including the major’s required grade point average.
- Earn grade of C or better in ENGL 103 or HONR 111 .
- All coursework must be completed with a final grade (excluding I, IP or NR grades).
- Submit an Application for Graduation to the Registrar’s Office by the appropriate date.
- Make arrangements for the repayment of any outstanding debt.
- Return all materials borrowed from the library or academic departments.
Graduation With Honors
The student’s eligibility for graduation with honors is determined by the honors standards in place at the time the student graduates.
Recognition of graduation with honors at the commencement ceremonies is based on the student’s cumulative grade point average at the end of the previous grading period. Students recognized at the ceremony may or may not ultimately earn graduation with honors. The official recognition of graduation with honors is based on the student’s final grades and appears on the student’s official transcript and diploma.
In order to be eligible for graduation honors, students must complete a minimum of 56 graded hours of coursework at Salisbury University, in which at least 30 hours of 300/400-level courses are completed with grades of A, B or C. In addition, students must have minimum Salisbury University grade point averages as follows: cum laude: 3.5; magna cum laude: 3.7; summa cum laude: 3.9. Students completing a second bachelor’s degree will be eligible to graduate with honors only if they meet all graduation with honors criteria using credits earned after their prior graduation.
Minor Programs
Unless required for the completion of a specific major program, minor programs are an optional component of the graduation requirements. Students may complete and graduate with more than one minor. Minor programs must be completed at the time of graduation and appear as a part of the student’s degree when satisfactory completion is certified by the Registrar’s Office.
Double Majors
Students may simultaneously satisfy the requirements for more than one major program. All major programs appear as a part of the student’s degree when satisfactory completion is certified by the Registrar’s Office. Students completing more than one major receive one baccalaureate degree from Salisbury University unless all requirements for the second degree program taken simultaneously have been satisfied.
Second Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Taken Sequentially
Individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree from Salisbury University or another regionally accredited institution may earn a second undergraduate degree in a different major at the University. Second degree students must complete a minimum of 30 new semester hours of coursework with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and satisfy all requirements for the major. In addition, 15 of the 30 new hours must be in coursework from the major department that could be used to satisfy program requirements.
Second bachelor’s degree candidates will be eligible to graduate with honors only if they satisfy all graduation with honors requirements using credit earned after the completion of their prior degree.
Taken Simultaneously
Individuals who wish to receive two baccalaureate degrees from Salisbury University simultaneously, must complete a minimum of 150 semester hours of coursework, and must fulfill the regularly prescribed requirements for both degree programs. Students should formally declare all major programs as early in their academic career as possible and are encouraged to seek advisement from each department to ensure completion of all requirements in each degree. The student’s desire to receive two degrees must be noted on the Application for Diploma form when applying for graduation.
SU/UMES Dual Degree Program
In addition to the credit exchange program with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Salisbury University and UMES allow students to complete baccalaureate programs at both institutions simultaneously. The student must satisfy baccalaureate degree requirements at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for a program of study which is not available at Salisbury University and must also satisfy all requirements in a major offered at SU. In addition, the following particular requirements apply to this program:
- The 90 (or more) credit hours of work at Salisbury University must be completed with an SU grade point average of 2.0 or better; at least 30 of these credits must be taken on the SU campus (cooperative program credits, examination credits, etc., may not be so counted), and of these, at least 15 hours must be completed at SU at the 300 or 400 level with grades of C or better.
- The Salisbury University catalog which contains the program requirements the student is satisfying at SU may not predate by more than seven years the time of the student’s graduation; and the student must have been in attendance at SU as a matriculated student during a semester in which the catalog was in effect.
- The student must satisfy all graduation requirements as stated in an approved SU catalog, except those requiring matriculation at the University at the time of graduation and completion of the last 30 hours of work at the University.
- In order to graduate from Salisbury University with honors, the requirements stated in the catalog which the student has chosen will be in effect. Only SU credits are used in computing the SU grade point average.
- The student’s grade point averages at SU and at UMES must be 2.0 or better.
Students who participate in the cooperative dual-degree program must register this fact with the departments of their SU majors. The granting of the baccalaureate degree from Salisbury University and the granting of the baccalaureate degree from the UMES will occur when requirements in both degree programs have been satisfied.
University Writing Across the Curriculum Expectations
Students satisfying graduation requirements must earn grades of C or better in ENGL 103 (ENGL 101 and 102 prior to fall 2008).
The faculty believes that the ability to express ideas in a logical, organized and convincing manner is an integral part of a liberal arts education. Students are expected to maintain and continually demonstrate this ability in written assignments. Consequently, they can expect some formal written work as part of the evaluation in essentially all of their classes.
Technology Fluency Policy
It is the policy of Salisbury University that all students graduating from this institution can demonstrate an appropriate level of fluency with information technology with regard to discipline-specific requirements within academic departments. The discipline-specific requirements will be defined from four broad technology knowledge context areas: basic operations and concepts; accessing information through technology; communicating effectively using technology; and organizing and analyzing information with technology.
Common Final Exam Policy
(Adopted by Faculty Senate in 2007)
A student who has more than two final examinations scheduled for the same day need not take more than two of these examinations on that day. A student may work with the professors to reschedule excess exams within these guidelines: 1) can not reschedule the first exam, 2) can not reschedule any common exam (e.g., ENGL 103 , PSYC 101 ) and 3) when possible, reschedule the middle exam when it is not a common exam. A student must abide by the following procedure when requesting to reschedule examinations:
- must reschedule exam no later than one full week before the final examinations begin,
- must provide each of the professors involved with a written copy of his/her complete examination schedule, including course numbers, section numbers and name of professors.
The professors of courses whose examinations are not scheduled in the first time slot and are not common exams will reschedule their examinations within the final examination period on a day in which the student has fewer than two scheduled examinations. The professor will notify the student when and where the examination will be given. In the event the professor contacts the other professors involved and makes alternate arrangements for the student to take no more than two examinations in a day, the professor will inform the student of those arrangements prior to the last day of classes.
A student who has more than one examination scheduled for the same time should contact the appropriate professors and make alternate arrangements.
International Education
Salisbury University is committed to encouraging students to participate in learning opportunities on and off campus that increase their global awareness and prepare them for an increasingly interdependent world. The Salisbury University Center for International Education was created to help expand international opportunities for all SU students, faculty and staff. For more information see the Center for International Education’s website.
Curriculum
The University offers more than 150 undergraduate courses that are either entirely international in focus or that contain international core components. Students in all disciplines can avail themselves of these courses as part of their undergraduate studies. Regardless of their discipline, all students are encouraged to study a second language as part of their undergraduate experience. Students for whom English is a second language will find a variety of services to help them to improve their English skills.
Co-curricular Activities
There are many opportunities over the academic year outside the classroom for students to be exposed to cultures from around the world. International co-curricular activities include performing artists, art exhibitions, lecture series and film festivals, among other activities. Numerous student groups and clubs participate in volunteer and outreach opportunities to regional immigrant communities. Student groups celebrate diverse world religions, cultural traditions and world languages.
Study Abroad
Salisbury University strongly encourages students to pursue international learning experiences by studying, interning, volunteering and working abroad. A full description of learning opportunities abroad can be found at the Center for International Education website.
Faculty-Led Short-Term Study Abroad
Students can earn SU credits on short-term, faculty-led international programs during the winter and summer session. Programs are available in many majors. Past destinations include France, Germany, China, Honduras, Iceland, Estonia, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, England, New Zealand, India, Africa, Argentina and Scotland. Programs run from one to five weeks. New programs are being added every year.
“Salisbury Abroad” Semester Programs
The “Salisbury Abroad” programs allow Salisbury University students the opportunity to spend a semester at a university in China, Ecuador, Estonia, England, India, Spain and Scotland. The cost of the program is equivalent to one semester of study at SU. Non- SU students are also welcome to participate in the program. Courses in the program generate an SU transcript and SU credits.
Affiliated Semester Programs
Salisbury University manages six affiliation agreements with international study abroad providers. Through these affiliation agreements, Salisbury University students can study a full semester in any major at hundreds of sites around the world. The affiliation agreements stipulate that students’ credits will transfer back to SU and students’ financial aid packages can be applied to the semester studying abroad. Recently, SU students have studied on every continent except Antarctica.
Internships, Volunteer, Teach, Work Abroad
The SU Center for International Education also helps students find opportunities to complete internships, volunteer, teach English or work abroad. For more information contact the SU Center for International Education.
Exchange Visitor (J-1) Program
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is managed by the U.S. Department of State. Since 1961, it has promoted mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Sponsor institutions and exchange visitors are required to comply with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations as set forth by the U.S. Department of State. Salisbury University has been designated as a J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsoring institution since 2010 in the categories of Student, Short-Term Scholar and Professor. Scholars and professors may become members of the academic staff as SU Global Scholars who teach/lecture, observe, conduct research or consult for anywhere from a few weeks up to five years. More information and guidelines on how to invite an Exchange Visitor is available on the SU website.
International Students and Scholars
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services was created to address the needs of an expanding population of international students and scholars on campus. The services are coordinated by the international student and scholar advisor and are located in the Center for International Education. The international student and scholar advisor provides guidance through the admissions process and grants formal admission to the University.
After admission/acceptance, the international students who wish to enter the U.S. in F-1 and J-1 immigration status must provide proof of the ability to finance their education. In addition, those students must secure a valid passport, F-1 or J-1 visa and enter the U.S. in appropriate immigration status.
The international student and scholar advisor is the United States Department of Homeland Security designated school official to provide assistance in completing the various documents required to gain and maintain official approved status with DHS and DOS. Additionally, the advisor assists international students with cultural adjustment as well as personal and academic concerns through individual counseling and/or referral. Orientation to campus and the greater Salisbury area, health and insurance information, academic and personal counseling, as well as providing cultural programs to integrate international and American students are all a part of introducing international students and scholars to their new way of life.
English Language Institute
The English Language Institute (ELI) at Salisbury University offers a high-quality, comprehensive, intensive program in the English language for non-native speakers. This program provides English language instruction on all levels, preparation for international students seeking entrance to an American university and academic support for students who wish to fully enroll in degree-seeking programs at SU. It also facilitates participants’ successful cultural adjustment to the classroom, as well as to the general environment of an American college. SU has a strong institutional commitment to inclusiveness, excellence and diversity that is manifested in the ELI.
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