Arts & Sciences College of Arts & Sciences

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Description


Mark E. Button, Ph.D., Dean, Professor of Political Science
Patrick Dussault, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Faculty, Bessey Professor of Chemistry
June Griffin, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Professor of Practice of English
William Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, Professor of History, Angle Chair in the Humanities
Alecia Kimbrough, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Business and Finance and Staff
Christina Fielder, M.A., Senior Director of Student Academic and Career Development


For additional information or questions, contact:

Christina Fielder
Sr. Director of Student Academic and Career Development
107 Oldfather Hall
PO Box 880330
Lincoln, NE 68588-0330
402-472-4190

Mission

In the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), our curiosity drives discovery and creative activity. Our research and teaching engage multiple disciplines, foster many different ways of perceiving our surroundings, and pursue multiple paths for exploring the world. We push ourselves and our students to think deeply and broadly—to integrate ideas from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences—in ways that lead to innovation and prepare us for the challenges that tomorrow will bring. Together we cherish the diversity of people, cultures, and ideas in Nebraska and throughout our interdependent world.

College Admission

The entrance requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences, including any of the majors or minors offered through the college, are the same as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln general admission requirements. In addition to these requirements, the College of Arts and Sciences strongly recommends a third and fourth year of one world language in high school. Four years of high school coursework in the same language will fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences’ graduation requirement. It will also allow students to continue language study at a more advanced level at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and provide more opportunities to study abroad.

Transfer Students

To be considered for admission as a transfer student, Nebraska resident or nonresident, students must have an accumulated average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum C average in the last semester of attendance at another college. Transfer students who graduated from high school January 1997 and after must also meet the University of Nebraska–Lincoln general admission requirements. Those transfer students who graduated before January 1997 must have completed in high school 3 years of English, 2 years of the same world language, 2 years of algebra, and 1 year of geometry.

Ordinarily, hours earned at a similarly accredited college or university are applicable to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln degree. The College, however, will evaluate all hours submitted on an application for transfer and reserves the right to accept or reject any of them, based on its exclusion and restriction policies. Sixty (60) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept on transfer from a two-year college or international institution. Transfer credit in the major or minor must be approved by the departmental advisor on a Request for Substitution Form to meet specific course requirements, group requirements, or course level requirements in the major or minor. A minimum of 30 hours, including at least 18 hours in the major, must be completed at the University regardless of the number of hours transferred.

Readmitted Students

University of Nebraska–Lincoln students who choose not to take courses for more than two consecutive terms must reapply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Students readmitted to the College of Arts and Sciences will follow the requirements stated in the catalog for the academic year of readmission and re-enrollment as a degree-seeking student in the College. Newly readmitted students must meet with their academic advisor in order to enroll in courses. In consultation with advisors, a student may choose to follow a catalog for any academic year in which they are admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year. Beginning in 1990-1991, the catalog which a student follows for degree requirements may not be more than 10 years old at the time of graduation.

Advising

Academic and Career Advising Center

Not sure where to go or who to ask? The Advising Center team in 107 Oldfather Hall can help. The Academic and Career Advising Center is the undergraduate hub for CAS students in all majors. Centrally located and easily accessed, students encounter friendly, knowledgeable people who are eager to help or connect students to partners and resources. Students also visit the Advising Center in 107 Oldfather Hall to:

  • Choose or change their major, minor, or degree program.
  • Check in on policies, procedures, and deadlines.
  • Get a college approval signature from the Dean’s representatives.

CAS Career Coaches are available by appointment (in-person or Zoom) and located in the CAS Academic and Career Advising Center, 107 Oldfather Hall. They help students explore majors and minors, gain experience, and develop a plan for life after graduation.

Assigned Academic Advisors

Academic advisors are critical resources dedicated to students' academic, personal, and professional success. Every CAS student is assigned an academic advisor based on their primary major. Since most CAS students have more than just a single major, it is important to get to know the advisor for any minors or additional majors. Academic advisors work closely with the faculty to provide the best overall support and the discipline specific expertise. They are available for appointments (in-person or Zoom) and through weekly virtual drop-ins. Assigned advisors are listed in MyRED and their offices may be located in or near the department of the major for which they advise.

Students who have declared a pre-health or pre-law area of interest will also work with advisors in the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (Explore Center) in 127 Love South, who are specially trained to guide students preparing to enter a professional school.

For complete and current information on advisors for majors, minors, or pre-professional areas, visit https://cas.unl.edu/major-advisors, or connect with the Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center, 107 Oldfather Hall, 402-472-4190, casadvising@unl.edu.

Career Coaching

The College believes that Academics + Experience = Opportunities and encourages students to complement their academic preparation with real-world experience, including internships, research, education abroad, service, and leadership. Arts and sciences students have access to a powerful network of faculty, staff, and advisors dedicated to providing information and support for their goals of meaningful employment or advanced education. Arts and sciences graduates have unlimited career possibilities and carry with them important career competencies—communication, critical thinking, creativity, context, and collaboration. They have the skills and adaptability that employers universally value. Graduates are prepared to effectively contribute professionally and personally with a solid foundation to excel in an increasingly global, technological, and interdisciplinary world.

Students should contact the career coaches in the Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center in 107 Oldfather Hall, or their assigned advisor, for more information. The CAS career coaches help students explore career options, identify ways to build experience and prepare to apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school, including help with resumes, applications, and interviewing.

Academic Programs & Policies

Course Exclusions & Restrictions

For transfer students, course exclusions and restrictions will be enforced upon evaluation of transfer credits by the College.
 

Exclusions
No credit toward the degree will be granted for the following:
Basic or Vocational Skills Courses Including:
Driver training education
Aviation or pilot training
Industrial arts (including courses concerned primarily with manual skills, tools, machines, or industrial processes and design) 1
Computer literacy – any introductory training course related to software or basic business functions including word processing, project management, spreadsheets, databases, email, graphics, or web design. 2
Non-College Level 3
Faith/Religion
No credit is given for courses advocating the belief, thought, or practice of a particular faith or religion.
C- or D Grades from International Transcripts
No credit is given for international coursework (including education abroad) with a grade of C- or D.
1

 For example at UNL: ALEC 101, ALEC 103, ALEC 104, ALEC 109, ALEC 122, ALEC 201, ALEC 203, ALEC 204, ALEC 205, ALEC 242, ALEC 340

2

This does not include college level coursework in programming languages, coding, analytics, or data visualization.

3

For example at UNL: MATH 100A

RESTRICTIONS
Courses in the following areas may be counted toward the degree within the following limits:
15 hours of C- and D grades transferred from outside UNL, UNO, UNK, or UNMC 1
60 hours from a community college or international institution
16 hours of applied music lessons and/or music ensemble 2
4 hours activity PE or athletic practice 3
6 hours athletic coaching or sport theory 4
6 hours total from any combination of the following areas:
First Aid and Emergency Health Care 5
Orientation, Career Planning, Study Skills 6
15 hours total from any combination of the following areas:
ROTC credit for Military Science, Naval Science, or Aerospace Studies 7
Military credit for coursework presented through the Joint Services Transcript (JST)
1

The C- and D grades cannot apply to majors or minors. C- and D grades transferred from UNO, UNK, or UNMC can be applied to the degree, but not toward majors or minors. International credit with grades equivalent to C- or D will not be validated by departments in the College of Arts and Sciences or applied to its degrees.

2

For example at UNL: Courses from designators MUAP, MUCP, MUEN, MUOP, MUSR, MUCO, and MUDC.

3

For example at UNL: Courses from designators ATHP, COMB, FITN (except for FITN 160 and FITN 170), INDV, MARK, ODED (except for ODED 109B and ODED 110B), and RACS.

4

For example at UNL: Courses with designator ATHC (an exception can be made for students with a declared minor in Coaching.)

5

For example at UNL: ATHC 235, FITN 160, FITN 170, ODED 109B, and ODED 110B.

6

For example at UNL: AECN 100, ASCI 181, BIOC 101, BIOS 100,  BSAD 111, BSAD 222, BSAD 333, BSAD 444, CASC 140, CASC 150, CASC 160, CASC 200, CASC 300, CHEM 101, CSCE 10, CYAF 150, EDPS 150, ENVR 101, FDST 367, GIST 111, GIST 311, JOMC 100, MBIO 101,  NRES 101, NUTR 150, PLAS 127, PHYS 201, POLS 101, PSYC 100, RAIK 10, RAIK 40, STAT 100, TEAC 210

7

This restriction does not apply to ACE certified courses, upper-level courses required in a declared major or minor, or courses cross-listed between Military Science, Naval Science, or Aerospace Studies and CAS departments. These classes include: AERO 331, AERO 332, AERO 441, AERO 442, MLSC 401, MLSC 402, NAVS 401 & NAVS 412.

Duplicate Credit Exclusions

UNL offers some courses that overlap in content (called Antirequisites) and students may not earn credit for both courses. For more information and a listing of Antirequisites, visit https://catalog.unl.edu/undergraduate/academic-policies-other-units/procedures/.

Retroactive Credit in Mathematics or Modern Language

A limited amount of retroactive credit in language or math may be available to students who had the opportunity to take classes and be successful at a higher level than their peers, and who are continuing on in their study in these areas.

Department of Mathematics Requirements and Policy

A student who takes MATH 107 or MATH 107H at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as their first math course at the post-secondary level and earns a C, P, or better upon first attempt is eligible for credit for MATH 106. Similarly, a student who takes MATH 208 or MATH 208H at UNL as their first math course at the post-secondary level and earns a C, P, or better upon first attempt is eligible for credit for MATH 106 and MATH 107. The Mathematics advisor can approve giving credit for MATH 208 provided there is documented evidence that the student has actually had the material presented at a college level and the student earns a C, P, or better in an advanced course that depends on the material. Retroactive credit for a course is only available if the student doesn't already have an equivalent AP exam score or previous college credit for the course; retroactive credit is available for at most two courses.   

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Requirements and Policy

A student who takes their first college modern language course at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln at the 202 level or higher and earns a grade of C, P, or better upon first attempt is eligible for retroactive credit for up to two prior courses at the 200 level. Retroactive credit for a course is only available if the student doesn't already have an equivalent AP exam score or previous college credit for the course. Retroactive credit is typically available only in languages taught and studied through the student's high school. 

Process for Requesting Retroactive Credit

To apply for retroactive credit in math or modern language, students should submit a request through the College of Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center in 107 Oldfather Hall, or through the academic advisor for either Mathematics or Modern Languages. The request can be submitted in advance of earning a qualifying grade in the first course or after a grade has been earned. Upon completion and grade report from the first math or modern language course, eligibility will be verified. The Advising Center will inform the student of the final decision on the request via e-mail and the retroactive credit will be awarded and recorded as “Other Credit” on the unofficial transcript. There is no cost for the credit hours which are applicable to your University of Nebraska–Lincoln degree requirements, but they are not graded. If the student transfers to another institution, retroactive credit may or may not be accepted according to the policy of the transfer institution.

Credit by Examination

Through study or experience that parallels a University of Nebraska–Lincoln course, a regularly enrolled University student may feel prepared to pass an examination on the course content of a specific course for credit in that course. Examination for credit through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln departments may be taken only by currently enrolled students. A student is not permitted to receive credit by examination in a course that is a prerequisite for a course already taken, unless the course and its prerequisites cover essentially different subject matter.

Permission to pursue credit by examination must be granted by both the academic department and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students should follow these steps: 

  1. Obtain an Application for Credit by Examination at Husker Hub or the Office of the University Registrar. Current enrollment in the University will be verified.
  2. Consult with the chair of the course department. Secure approval signatures from both the chair and the instructor of the course who will conduct the examination.
  3. Consult with the Sr. Director of Student Academic and Career Development, 107 Oldfather Hall, for college approval.
  4. Present the application to the instructor who will give the examination and report the results on the Application for Credit by Examination and send the form to the Admissions Office, Alexander Building, 402-472-0130.

The University also gives credit for completion of examinations through programs like College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP) Program, International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, and more.  See http://creditevaluation.unl.edu for current policies and equivalencies.

Dual Degrees

Dual Matriculation in Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences students may have multiple majors attached to one degree, either bachelor of arts or bachelor of science, and therefore dual matriculation within the College should not be necessary. Most majors within the College can be earned through either degree using the same requirements. However, there are some majors that are only offered through a B.S. (BIOC, MBIO, METR) and some that have different requirements in the major based on whether a student is pursuing a B.A. or B.S. (CHEM, GEOL, PHYS). Students seeking multiple majors from a combination of these programs must do so under B.S. requirements only.

Dual Matriculation in Arts and Sciences and another UNL College

A student pursuing a bachelors degree from another college at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln may earn the bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree from the College of Arts and Sciences by completing all degree requirements for the arts and sciences degree, in addition to all degree requirements for the degree in another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college. This typically requires a student to earn a total of more than 120 hours. Students should plan to graduate with both degrees at the same time unless given permission to split graduation dates.

UNL Graduates Pursuing a Second UNL Degree

A graduate who holds a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Arts and Sciences may earn the bachelor of science degree by completing at least an additional 30 credit hours of coursework. A graduate who holds a bachelor of science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences may earn the bachelor of arts degree by completing at least an additional 30 credit hours of coursework. A graduate who holds a bachelors degree from another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college may earn the bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree from the College of Arts and Sciences by completing at least an additional 30 credit hours of coursework. All degree requirements must be completed for the new arts and sciences degree.

Transfer Students with a Non-UNL Degree

A transfer student who has received a bachelors degree from another institution must complete at least 30 credit hours at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in addition to transfer credit. Specifically, at least 18 hours of their major coursework must be completed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. For the upper-level degree requirement, at least 15 of the 30 hours of 300- or 400-level credit must be completed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The student must complete all degree requirements for the arts and sciences degree.

Inter-college Majors

With the College of Education and Human Sciences: A student in the College of Education and Human Sciences pursuing a bachelor of science in teaching learning and teacher education with a secondary education endorsement, may be permitted to complete a major in the College of Arts and Sciences by mutual permission with the College of Education and Human Sciences. The additional major in the College of Arts and Sciences should be directly related to their endorsement area. The student must complete all degree requirements in the College of Education and Human Sciences and the requirements of the arts and sciences major. Because students will not be earning a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, they may not be eligible for arts and sciences scholarships and aid.

Honors Program

The College of Arts and Sciences encourages qualified students to participate in the University Honors Program. In addition, several departments of the College of Arts and Sciences offer special honors sections of regular freshman courses to meet the needs of students with superior preparation in those subjects.

Student Recognition

Dean’s List

The College recognizes students for academic achievement during the fall and spring semesters by placement on the College Dean’s List. To qualify for the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List, students must complete 12 credit hours of graded coursework (courses must be started and completed in one semester) by the census date of the grade reports and attain a minimum semester grade point average of 3.700. The following do not qualify as part of the 12 credit hours: Pass/No Pass credit hours, transfer hours, removals of incompletes, and grade changes submitted after the census grade reports.

Dean's Commendation List

The College recognizes part-time students for academic achievement during the fall and spring semesters by placement on the College Dean’s Commendation List. To qualify, students must complete 6-11 hours of coursework (courses must be started and completed in one semester) by the census date of the grade reports and attain a minimum semester grade point average of 3.700. The following do not qualify as part of the 12 credit hours: Pass/No Pass credit hour, transfer hours, removals of incompletes, and grade changes submitted after the census grade reports.   

Degrees with Distinction

In recognition of outstanding academic excellence, the College recommends the bachelors degree With Distinction, With High Distinction, and With Highest Distinction. The recommendations are made by the Committee on Student Academic Distinction, Awards, and Appeals. To be recommended for distinction, candidates must fulfill the specific criteria for Highest Distinction, High Distinction, or Distinction, in addition to all of the general criteria and procedures applicable to all distinction classifications.

Information regarding specific criteria and forms can be found on the College website at http://cas.unl.edu/distinction.

College Scholarships

The College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, in conjunction with the College Committee on Academic Distinction and Awards for Students and the program advisor (when appropriate), chooses recipients for College scholarships. This group also recommends students for certain scholarships awarded by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. To be considered for any college scholarships, the Scholarship Application for Current Undergraduate Students must be completed. The application is only available online in MyRED from October to February 1st each academic year.

Many of the College scholarships require demonstrated financial need. To provide information regarding financial need, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), found at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa, must be completed. A complete list of the scholarships awarded by the College and further information about the college scholarship process can be found on the college website at http://cas.unl.edu/scholarships-information.

Departmental Scholarships

There are numerous awards and scholarships earmarked for specific majors, all of which are administered individually by the departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. To find out which scholarships you might be eligible for and the procedures for applying, please contact the appropriate department for information.

University Scholarships

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid administers numerous funds. Consideration for these scholarships is based on the submission of the Scholarship Application for Current Undergraduate Students. This is an online application that can be found in MyRED from early November until February 1 each year.

Other Scholarships and Fellowships

There are many national and international fellowship competitions. Visit the Office of Fellowships website (http://unl.edu/fellowships) for more information.

Global Experience/Education Abroad

International Opportunities

The College encourages students to study abroad as part of their University experience. The University participates in exchange and several formal education abroad programs worldwide. Departments and faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are actively involved as sponsors, teachers, and leaders in several education abroad programs. The Global Experience Office (GEO), located in Louise Pound Hall, can arrange for individuals to earn University credit for study at international universities or study centers. GEO helps students find opportunities to study, intern, research, and do service learning abroad. Visit http://globalexperiences.unl.edu.

Senior Check/Degree Audit

Graduation Requirements

Students are expected to develop a clear understanding of degree requirements and to plan their course of study with their assigned academic advisor. Students should access their Degree Audit via MyRED at least once each term to review degree requirements and progress toward graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their Degree Audit accurately reflects their current College and program of study. Students who believe their Degree Audit has errors or omissions should address these concerns with their assigned academic advisor. It is important to resolve these matters as soon as possible to avoid a delay in graduation.

Each student with MyRED access must submit an online Application for Graduation via MyRED. See below for specific application deadlines. Students submitting an electronic Application for Graduation via MyRED will be billed a $25.00 per degree fee on their student account. The Application for Graduation and the required $25.00 fee are good only for the term marked on the application. Neither the application nor the fee are transferable to another term. If a student submits an Application for Graduation and pays the $25.00 fee for a specified term but does not complete their degree requirements in that term, they will need to reapply to graduate in a future term and incur another $25.00 fee.

Commencement ceremony information including information about ordering cap and gown can be found at https://commencement.unl.edu. Each student who has applied for graduation must submit an online Commencement Attendance Form via MyRED, which will be available approximately one month before graduation.

Only those students who have applied for graduation, had the application accepted, and fulfilled all degree requirements as of the last day of the academic term may participate in the commencement ceremony for that term. Because the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has a commencement for each term, ceremony participation is allowed only in the term during which the student has properly and timely applied for graduation and fulfilled degree requirements.

Graduation Application Deadlines:

  • The second Friday in January for May graduation
  • The second Friday in June for August graduation
  • The second Friday in September for December graduation

Classification of Students

Freshman Standing. A student has freshman standing through the first 26 semester hours of credit.

Sophomore Standing. A student has sophomore standing after completing between 27-52 semester hours of credit.

Junior Standing. A student has junior standing after completing between 53-88 semester hours of credit.

Senior Standing. A student has senior standing after completing at least 89 semester hours of credit.

Substitutions and Waivers

Special requests concerning degree programs, including inquiries about exceptions to degree requirements, waivers, and substitutions, must be approved at the College level, in addition to the specific department offering the program (major, minor, or certificate). Consult with your assigned academic advisor first to identify the appropriate contacts for approval.

Catalog to Use

Students must fulfill the requirements stated in the catalog for the academic year in which they are first admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In consultation with advisors, a student may choose to follow a subsequent catalog for any academic year in which they are admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year. Beginning in 1990-1991, the catalog which a student follows for degree requirements may not be more than 10 years old at the time of graduation.

Transfer Students: Students who have transferred from a community college may be eligible to fulfill the requirements as stated in the catalog for an academic year in which they were enrolled at the community college prior to attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This decision should be made in consultation with academic advisors, provided the student a) was enrolled in a community college during the catalog year they are utilizing, b) maintained continuous enrollment at the previous institution for 1 academic year or more, and c) continued enrollment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln within 1 calendar year from their last term at the previous institution. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year and within the time frame allowable for that catalog year.

ACE Requirements

Consistent with the mission and values of the University, ACE is based on a shared set of four institutional objectives and ten student learning outcomes. The ACE program was approved by faculty in all eight undergraduate colleges and endorsed by the Faculty Senate, the student government, and the Academic Planning Committee in January 2008 for implementation in the fall of 2009. ACE aligns with current national initiatives in general education.

ACE Institutional Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

To meet the ACE program requirements, a student will complete a minimum of 3 credit hours for each of the ten ACE Student Learning Outcomes (a total of 30 ACE credit hours). See the ACE website for the most current list of certified courses.
 

Objective
Develop intellectual and practical skills, including proficiency in written, oral, and visual communication; inquiry techniques; critical and creative thinking; quantitative applications; information assessment; teamwork; and problem-solving.
ACE 1: Write texts, in various forms, with an identified purpose, that respond to specific audience needs, integrate research or existing knowledge, and use applicable documentation and appropriate conventions of format and structure.
ACE 2: Demonstrate competence in communication skills.
ACE 3: Use mathematical, computational, statistical, logical, or other formal reasoning to solve problems, draw inferences, justify conclusions, and determine reasonableness.
Objective
Build knowledge of diverse peoples and cultures and of the natural and physical world through the study of mathematics, sciences and technologies, histories, humanities, arts, social sciences, and human diversity.
ACE 4: Use scientific methods and knowledge to pose questions, frame hypotheses, interpret data, and evaluate whether conclusions about the natural and physical world are reasonable.
ACE 5: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation, and the standards of evidence appropriate to the humanities to address problems and issues.
ACE 6: Use knowledge, theories, and research perspectives such as statistical methods or observational accounts appropriate to the social sciences to understand and evaluate social systems or human behaviors.
ACE 7: Use knowledge, theories, or methods appropriate to the arts to understand their context and significance.
Objective
Exercise individual and social responsibilities through the study of ethical principles and reasoning, application of civic knowledge, interaction with diverse cultures, and engagement with global issues.
ACE 8: Use knowledge, theories, and analysis to explain ethical principles and their importance in society.
ACE 9: Exhibit global awareness or knowledge of human diversity through analysis of an issue.
Objective
Integrate these abilities and capabilities, adapting them to new settings, questions, and responsibilities.
ACE 10: Generate a creative or scholarly product that requires broad knowledge, appropriate technical proficiency, information collection, synthesis, interpretation, presentation, and reflection.

College Degree Requirements

College Distribution Requirements – BA and BS

The College of Arts and Sciences distribution requirements are common to both the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees and are designed to ensure a range of courses. By engaging in study in several different areas within the College, students develop the ability to learn in a variety of ways and apply their knowledge from a variety of perspectives. All requirements are in addition to University ACE requirements, and no course can be used to fulfill both an ACE outcome and a College Distribution Requirement.

  • A student may not use a single course to satisfy more than one College Distribution Requirement, with the exception of CDR Diversity. Courses used to meet CDR Diversity may also meet CDR Writing, CDR Humanities, or CDR Social Science.
  • Internship (395 or 495), independent study or readings (396 or 496), research (398 or 498), and thesis (399, 399H, 499, or 499H) will not satisfy distribution requirements.
  • Other courses with a 9 in the middle number (ex. PSYC 292) will not satisfy distribution requirements unless approved by an advisor.
  • Cross-listed courses from interdisciplinary programs will be applied in the same area as courses from the lead department.
College Distribution Requirements
CDR: Written Communication3
Select from courses approved for ACE outcome 1.
CDR: Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences 13-4
Select a course from ASTR, BIOS, CHEM, GEOL, LIFE, METR, MATH, PHYS, or ANTH 242, GEOG 155, GEOG 281, POLS 250, or PSYC 273.
CDR: Laboratory 20-1
Laboratory courses may be embedded in a 4-5 credit course used in CDR Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Science (example GEOG 155), or stand alone (example LIFE 120L).
CDR: Humanities 33
Select a course from ARAB, CHIN, CLAS, CZEC, ENGL, FILM, FREN, GERM, GREK, HIST, JAPN, LATN, PHIL, RELG, RUSS, or SPAN.
CDR: Social Science 43
Select a course from ANTH, COMM, GEOG, NSST, POLS, PSYC, or SOCI.
CDR: Human Diversity in U.S. Communities0-3
Select from the following approved courses also listed in your degree audit: ANTH 130, ANTH 412, ANTH 473, ARAB 313, COMM 311, COMM 364, COMM 465, ENGL 212, ENGL 245N, ENGL 312, ENGL 345D, ENGL 345N, ENGL 346, ENGL 376, ENGL 380, ENGL 445, ETHN 100, ETHN 201, ETHN 202, ETHN 205, FILM 344, GEOG 271, GEOG 403, GLST 350, HIST 115, HIST 246, HIST 251, HIST 323, HIST 340, HIST 351, HIST 356, HIST 357, HIST 402, PHIL 105, PHIL 106, PHIL 218, PHIL 323, PHIL 325, POLS 333, POLS 338, POLS 347, PSYC 310, PSYC 330, PSYC 421, PSYC 425, RELG 134, RELG 226, RELG 227, RELG 313, SOCI 101, SOCI 180, SOCI 200, SOCI 217, SPAN 206, SPAN 486, WMNS 101, WMNS 201, WMNS 202, WMNS 210, WMNS 356
CDR: Language 50-16
Fulfilled by the completion of the 4th level of a single language (either in H.S. or in college). Language study at UNL is available in: ARAB, CHIN, CZEC, FREN, GERM, GREK, JAPN, LATN, RUSS, SLPA, or SPAN.
Credit Hours Subtotal: 12-33
1

Excluded courses: BIOC 101, BIOS 100, CHEM 101, MBIO 101, PHYS 201, MATH 100A, MATH 101, MATH 102, MATH 103, and MATH subject area credit at the 100 level or below.

2

ANTH 242L, ASTR 224, BIOS 101L, BIOS 110L, BIOS 111, BIOS 116, BIOS 213L, BIOS 214, CHEM 105L, CHEM 106L, CHEM 109L, CHEM 110L, CHEM 113L, GEOG 155, GEOL 101, GEOL 103, LIFE 120L, LIFE 121L, METR 100, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 153, PHYS 221, or PHYS 222.

3

ARAB, CHIN, CZEC, FREN, GERM, GREK, JAPN, LATN, RUSS, and SPAN courses must be numbered 300 or above. ENGL courses must be ENGL 170, ENGL 180, or ENGL 200 level and above. Excluded courses: CLAS 116, ENGL 254, ENGL 300, ENGL 354, SPAN 300A, SPAN 303, and SPAN 304.

4

Excluded courses: ANTH 242/ANTH 242L, GEOG 155, GIST 111, GIST 311, POLS 101, POLS 250, PSYC 100, PSYC 273.

5

ARAB 202, CHIN 202, CZEC 202, FREN 202 or FREN 210, GERM 202, GREK 301 and GREK 302, JAPN 201 and JAPN 202, LATN 301 and LATN 302, RUSS 202, SLPA 202, or SPAN 202 or SPAN 210.

Language Requirement - BA and BS

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the College of Arts and Sciences place great value on academic exposure and proficiency in a second language. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln entrance requirement is two years of the same world language, and the College’s language distribution requirement (CDR: Language) is proficiency through 4 levels (either years in High School, or semesters in College) of the same world language. This requirement will rarely be waived and only with relevant documentation. The following are the options and procedures for documentation:

  • High School Transcripts - students must show an official high school transcript with four or more years of the same world language in high school, or show evidence of graduation from a non-English-speaking international high school. Students whose native language is not English must show English as a Second Language study on an official high school transcript. Four years of ESL at the high school level (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades) will be the basis for a waiver of the CDR: Language.
  • Transfer Credit from another College or University (or AP, IB, or CLEP testing credit) - students must have directly equivalent credit for a 4th level language course taught at UNL. If the credit is in a language not taught at UNL, students may talk with their academic advisor about a substitution.
  • Proficiency Examination - If no transcript documentation is available, students who are fluent or native speakers in a language taught at UNL may request that the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or the Department of Classics and Religious Studies oversee a test at the 202 level for any language taught in those departments (Arabic, Chinese, Czech, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Russian, or Spanish.) Report of the results will be made to the Academic and Career Advising Center for consideration of a waiver of CDR: Language. Note: Students who are fluent or native speakers of a language not taught at UNL may visit with their academic advisor regarding possible alternative proficiency testing options.
  • Third Language Option - If a student demonstrates knowledge of two world languages at the 102 level, through high school (2 years) or college (2 semesters) coursework, the College of Arts and Sciences may consider allowing the CDR: Language to be met through completion of 101 and 102 in another, 3rd world language at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Experiential Learning Requirement - BA and BS

All undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.

Scientific Base – BS Only

The bachelor of science degree requires students to complete 60 hours in mathematical, physical, and natural sciences from disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences or required in its majors: ACTS, ASTR, BIOC, BIOS, CHEM, CSCE, GEOL, LIFE, MBIO, METR, MATH, PHYS, STAT or ANTH 242, ANTH 242L, ANTH 341, ANTH 385, ANTH 386, ANTH 389, ANTH 416, ANTH 422, ANTH 430, ANTH 442, ANTH 443, ANTH 444, ANTH 448, ANTH 473, ANTH 484, ANTH 487D, ENVR 201, GEOG 155,  GEOG 217, GEOG 281, GEOG 308, GEOG 317, GEOG 408, GEOG 417, GEOG 418, GEOG 419, GEOG 421, GEOG 422, GEOG 425, GEOG 427, GEOG 432, GEOG 444, GEOG 461, GEOG 467, PHIL 211, POLS 250, PSYC 273, PSYC 368, PSYC 370, PSYC 450, PSYC 451, PSYC 456, PSYC 458,PSYC 460, PSYC 461, PSYC 463, PSYC 464, or PSYC 465.

Excluded courses include: BIOC 101, BIOS 100, CHEM 101, MATH 100A, MATH 101, MATH 102, MATH 103, MBIO 101, PHYS 201 as well as any course numbered 395, 495, 399, 399H, 499, or 499H. MATH subject area credit at the 100 level or below is also excluded.

Up to 12 hours of scientific and technical courses offered by other colleges may be accepted toward this requirement with approval of the College of Arts and Sciences. See your assigned academic advisor to start the approval process.

Minimum Hours Required for Graduation

A minimum of 120 semester hours of credit is required for graduation from the College of Arts and Sciences. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required.

Grade Rules

Restrictions on C- and D Grades

The College will accept no more than 15 semester hours of C- and D grades from other domestic institutions, except for UNO and UNK. All courses taken at UNO and UNK impact the UNL transcript. No transfer of C- and D grades can be applied toward requirements in a major or a minor. No the University of Nebraska–Lincoln C- and D grades can be applied toward requirements in a major or a minor. International coursework (including education abroad) with a final grade equivalent to a C- or lower will not be validated by the College of Arts and Sciences departments to be degree applicable.

Pass/No Pass Privilege

University policy for the Pass/No Pass (P/N) privilege:
  • Neither the P nor the N grade factor into your GPA.
  • 'P' is interpreted to mean a grade of C or above. A grade of C- or lower results in a ''N'.
  • A change to or from a Pass/No Pass may be made until mid-term (1/2 of the course - see the academic calendar for specific dates per term).
  • The Pass/No Pass or grade registration cannot conflict with the policy of the professor, department, college, or University policy governing the grading options.
  • Changing to or from the Pass/No Pass grading option requires using MyRED, or processing a Schedule Adjustment Form. 
  • For undergraduates, the University maximum of 24 'Pass' credit hours and/or college and department limits will apply. These limits do not include courses offered on a 'Pass/No Pass' basis only. Consult your advisor or the Undergraduate Catalog for restrictions on the number of 'Pass' hours you can apply toward your degree.
  •  The 'Pass/No Pass' grading option cannot be used for the removal of 'C-', 'D+', 'D', 'D-', or 'F' grade factors.
    NOTE: See Course Repeats
College of Arts and Sciences policy on the Pass/No Pass (P/N) privilege:
  • Pass hours can count toward fulfillment of University ACE requirements and college distribution requirements up to the 24-hour maximum.
  • Most arts and sciences majors and minors do not permit any courses graded Pass/No Pass to apply, or limit them to no more than 6 hours. Students should refer to the major section of the catalog for clarification.
  • Departments may specify that certain courses of theirs can be taken on a P/N-only or on a graded-only basis.

Grading Appeals

A student who feels that he/she has been unfairly graded must ordinarily take the following sequential steps in a timely manner, usually by initiating the appeal in the semester following the awarding of the grade:

  1. Talk with the instructor concerned. Most problems are resolved at this point.
  2. Talk to the instructor’s department chairperson.
  3. Take the case to the Grading Appeal Committee of the department concerned. The Committee should be contacted through the department chairperson.
  4. Take the case to the College Grading Appeals Committee by contacting the Dean’s Office, 1223 Oldfather Hall.

Course Level Requirements

Courses Numbered at the 300 or 400 Level

Thirty (30) of the 120 hours of credit must be in courses numbered at the 300 or 400 level. Of those 30 hours, 15 hours (1/2) must be completed in residence at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Graduate Courses

Seniors in the University who have obtained in advance the approval of the dean for Graduate Studies may receive up to 12 hours credit for graduate courses taken in addition to the courses necessary to complete their undergraduate work, provided that such credits are earned within the calendar year prior to receipt of the baccalaureate. For procedures, inquire at the Office of Graduate Studies. Coursework taken prior to receipt of the baccalaureate may not always be accepted for transfer to other institutions as graduate work.

Residency Requirement

The term "Residency" refers to courses taken at UNL. Students must complete at least 30 of the 120 total hours for their degree at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Students must complete at least 18 hours of their major coursework, and 15 of the 30 hours required at the 300 or 400 level, at UNL.

Cross-listed Course Policy

The College of Arts and Sciences recognizes cross-listed courses as equivalent for the purposes of degree requirements. Therefore, a course registered for under one cross-listed department can be used in all the same ways that the course can be used in other cross-list departments, and will be matched in the degree audit.

Degrees & Majors

The College of Arts and Sciences offers only two degrees—bachelor of arts and bachelor of science.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

Students who wish to graduate with a bachelor of arts degree must complete the University ACE requirements, the College of Arts and Sciences distribution requirements, the requirements for a major, the requirements for a minor or minors if required by the major, and the College of Arts and Sciences graduation requirements (upper-level credit, residency, etc.).

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

In addition to the College and University requirements articulated above for the bachelor of arts, the bachelor of science degree contains an essential scientific base of at least 60 hours within the natural and mathematical sciences (see scientific-base information under College General Education Requirements). The specific major requirements within a bachelor of science are the same as those for the bachelor of arts, with the following exceptions:

  • Chemistry, geology, and physics majors contain alternative requirements, depending on whether the student is seeking a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree.
  • Biochemistry, meteorology-climatology, and microbiology majors are only available within the bachelor of science degree.

Areas of Study for the Major

Students are advised to choose a major before the end of the sophomore year to avoid extending the period of time necessary to complete the degree. The focus with a major is well complemented by the range provided through the University’s ACE curriculum and the CAS College Distribution Requirements. Minors or an additional major may be possible within the 120 credit hours for graduation, through careful planning. When considering adding a minor or additional major, students should consult their assigned academic advisor as well as the academic advisor for the new program.

If a student receives a grade lower than C in a course in his or her chosen major, it will not count toward the major. Further, students should plan to retake a course with a grade of less than C before continuing on in the major with any course requiring that course as a prerequisite.

Transfer students must complete at least 18 hours of the coursework in their chosen major at UNL, regardless of the number of hours transferred. A summary of the major areas of study for degrees offered by the College of Arts and Sciences includes:

Actuarial Science

Anthropology

Biochemistry (BS only)

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Classics & Religious Studies

Communication Studies

Data Science

Economics

English

Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Ethnic Studies

Film Studies

French

Geography

Geology

German

Global Studies

History

Individualized Program of Studies

Mathematics

Meteorology-Climatology (BS only)

Microbiology (BS only)

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Psychology

Sociology

Spanish

Women’s & Gender Studies

Minors & Areas of Specializations Offered

A minor is an additional credential that recognizes a cohesive and significant set of coursework outside a student’s major area of study. The requirement to complete a minor is variable within the College and depends upon the rules of the student’s major. Some majors require an accompanying minor (a 2nd major or degree will be recognized for this requirement), and others require none. Minors are encouraged for College of Arts and Sciences students as a way to add range to their academic knowledge. College of Arts and Sciences students are permitted to declare minors from other colleges, subject to the rules of the college offering the minor. Students seeking degrees in other colleges are permitted to declare minors in the College of Arts and Sciences subject to the rules of their degree-seeking college. Some departments offer two minor plans.

Plan A Minor

Plan A minors are most typical and usually consist of at least 18 hours, with at least 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level.

Plan B Minor

Plan B minors may only be followed when students have at least two other elements of their degree program, a primary major and either a minor or second major. They typically have fewer hours required than a Plan A minor. Only Chemistry, English, and Economics offer a Plan B version of their minor.

Minors in Other Colleges

College of Arts and Sciences students are permitted to declare minors from other colleges, subject to the rules of the college offering the minor. Students seeking degrees in other colleges are permitted to declare minors in the College of Arts and Sciences subject to the rules of their degree-seeking college.

Students who have questions related to the minor after it is declared should consult an advisor in the college through which it is offered. The minor will be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Minors Offered by Arts and Sciences

Actuarial Science

African American Studies

African Studies

Anthropology

Arabic Studies

Archaeology

Asian Studies

Biochemistry

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Classics

Communication Studies

Czech Studies

Digital Humanities

Economics

English

Environmental Studies

Ethnic Studies

Film Studies

French

Geography

Geology

German

Global Studies

Greek (see Classics & Religious Studies)

History

Human Rights & Humanitarian Affairs

Humanities in Medicine

Indigenous Studies (see Ethnic Studies)

Individualized Program of Studies

Informatics

Japanese Studies

Jewish Studies

Latin (see Classics & Religious Studies)

Latinx and Latin American Studies (see Ethnic Studies)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Sexuality Studies

Mathematics

Medieval & Renaissance Studies

Meteorology-Climatology

National Security Studies

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy Analysis & Evaluation (Certificate)

Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (see Ethnic Studies)

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Women’s & Gender Studies