Arts & Sciences College of Arts & Sciences

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 passion 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’ language 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. Transfer students who have completed less than 12 credit hours of college study must also submit either their ACT or SAT scores.

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 half of the hours in the major field, 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 in the College of Arts and Sciences. 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 partner 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 Deans 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)
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. 1
Non-College Level 2
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

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

2

 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

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
4 hours activity PE or athletic practice
6 hours athletic coaching or sport theory 2
12 hours total from any combination of the following areas:
First Aid and Emergency Health Care 3
Orientation, Career Planning, Study Skills 4
Military Science, Naval Science, or Aerospace Studies 5
9 hours of ESL coursework as follows:
No more than 3 hours from ENGL 186, ENGL 187, or ENGL 188
No more than 6 hours from ENGL 140, ENGL 141, ENGL 142, ENGL 143, ENGL 144, ENGL 145, or ENGL 146
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

This does not include coursework required for a declared major or minor.

3

For example at UNL: FITN 160, FITN 170

4

For example at UNL: AECN 100, ANTH/GEOG/GLST 111, ASCI 181, BIOC 101, BIOS 100BSAD 111, BSAD 222, BSAD 333, BSAD 444, CASC 200, CASC 300, CASC 140, CASC 150, CASC 160, CHEM 101, CSCE 10, CYAF 150, EDPS 150, FDST 367, MBIO 101NRES 101, NUTR 150, PLAS 127, POLS 101, RAIK 10, RAIK 40PSYC 100, TEAC 210

5

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.

Duplicate Credit Exclusions

Credit towards the degree may be earned in only one from each group of courses listed below. There may be additional exclusions referenced in course listings within the catalog.

General Chemistry I
Fundamental Chemistry I
Chemistry in Context II
General Chemistry II
Fundamental Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry I
Economic Essentials and Issues
Principles of Macroeconomics
and Principles of Microeconomics
Statistics
Applied Statistics and Data Processing in the Public Sector
Statistical Methods
Introduction to Statistics
Second-Year French I
and Second-Year French II
Accelerated Second-Year French
Introduction to Geology
Dynamic Earth
Honors: Physical Geology
Earth Through Time
Second-Year German I
and Second-Year German II
Accelerated Second-Year German
College Algebra
and Trigonometry
College Algebra and Trigonometry
Applied Calculus
Calculus I
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Methods in Engineering
Elementary General Physics I
Elements of Physics
Elements of Physics
Physical Principles in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Introduction to Social Research Methods
Research Methods
Sociology of Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile Delinquency
Deviance and Social Control
Sociology of Deviant Behavior
Beginning Spanish I
and Beginning Spanish II
Accelerated Beginning Spanish
Second-Year Spanish I
and Second-Year Spanish II
Accelerated Second-Year Spanish
Intensive Conversation
and Intensive Writing
Intensive Spanish for the Professions
Advanced Reading and Conversation
and Advanced Writing and Conversation
Advanced Writing and Reading for Comprehension. Special Course for Heritage Speakers of Spanish

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 postsecondary 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 may obtain and submit a request form through the College of Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center in 107 Oldfather Hall. The form 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 half of their major coursework must be completed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, including 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level. 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 Fine and Performing Arts: A student in the College of Arts and Sciences pursuing a bachelor of arts degree with a major in arts and sciences may also complete a bachelor of arts major in the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Reciprocally, a student in the College of Fine and Performing Arts pursuing a bachelor of arts degree with a fine and performing arts major may also complete another major in the College of Arts and Sciences. The student must complete all degree requirements in the home college and the requirements of the major in the visiting college. Because students using the College of Fine and Performing Arts as their home college 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.

With the College of Journalism and Mass Communications: A student in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications pursuing a bachelor of journalism degree may also complete another major in the College of Arts and Sciences. The student must complete all degree requirements in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications 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.

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 complete a major in the College of Arts and Sciences by permission of 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.

CAS Inquire

This selective program offers high-performing students opportunities to talk with college-thought leaders, connect with other inquisitive students, and engage important ideas through an interactive and multidisciplinary series of public lectures and private seminars exploring emerging topics of broad societal interest.

CAS Inquire students will play a leadership role in planning, organizing, and facilitating the program in future years and will enjoy additional benefits. To apply, first-year students may submit an application or be nominated by a faculty member for consideration.

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, 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 are available in 107 and 1223 Oldfather Hall and can also 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 November 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

Edythe Wiebers International Studies Program Scholarship. Application forms can be found on the Education Abroad website at http://educationabroad.unl.edu.

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

International Study/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 Education Abroad Office (110 Love Library South) can arrange for individuals to earn University credit for study at foreign universities. The Education Abroad Office helps students find opportunities to study, intern, research, and do service learning abroad. Visit http://educationabroad.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.
 

  • 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 in the College of Arts and Sciences. 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.
  • Independent study or reading courses and internships cannot be used to satisfy distribution requirements.
  • Courses from interdisciplinary programs will be applied in the same area as courses from the home/cross-listed department.
College Distribution Requirements
CDR: Written Communication3
Select from courses approved for ACE outcome 1.
CDR: Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences with Lab4
Select from biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, geology, meteorology, mathematics, and physics. Must include one lab in the natural or physical sciences. Lab courses may be selected from biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics.
Some courses from geography and anthropology may also be used to satisfy the lab requirement above. 1
CDR: Humanities3
Select from classics, classical languages, English, film studies, history, modern languages and literatures, philosophy, and religious studies. 2
CDR: Social Science3
Select from anthropology, communication studies, geography, political science, national security studies, psychology, or sociology. 3
CDR: Human Diversity in U.S. Communities0-3
Select from a set of approved courses as listed in the degree audit.
CDR: Language0-16
Fulfilled by the completion of the 6-credit-hour second-year sequence in a single language in one of the following departments: Classics and religious studies or modern languages and literatures. Instruction is currently available in Arabic, Chinese, Czech, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.
A student who has completed the fourth-year level of one world language in high school is exempt from the languages requirement, but encouraged to continue on in their language study.
Credit Hours Subtotal: 13-32
1

See Degree Audit or a College of Arts and Sciences advisor for approved geography and anthropology courses that apply as natural science.

2

Language courses numbered 220 and below do not fulfill the CDR Humanities​.

3

See Degree Audit or College of Arts and Sciences advisor for list of natural/physical science courses in anthropology, geography, and psychology that do not apply as social science.

Language Requirement

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 of two years of the same world language or the College’s language distribution requirement (CDR: Language) will rarely be waived and only with relevant documentation. The following are the options and procedures for documentation.

High School Transcripts

For the University entrance requirement, students must show an official high school transcript with two or more years of the same world language.

For the College of Arts and Sciences College Distribution Requirement Language, 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.

Proficiency Examination at UNL

For the University entrance requirement, students must earn credit in high school or college meeting the entrance requirement. Proficiency will not be a replacement for this academic work.

For the College of Arts and Sciences College Distribution Requirement - Language, for students who have no admission entrance deficiency in language, the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or the Department of Classics and Religious Studies can 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.

Distance Education/Transfer Credit

Students without transcript documentation who claim proficiency in a language not taught at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, have the option of seeking out transfer credit through a distance education program in that language.

For the University entrance requirement, if the student completes the equivalent of 102 (second semester) from an approved program, the student will meet the University of Nebraska–Lincoln entrance requirement.

For the College of Arts and Sciences College Distribution Requirement - Language, if the student completes the equivalent of 202 (fourth semester) from an approved program, the student will meet the College of Arts and Sciences CDR: Language.

In either case, the student must submit the request on the College Request for Substitution form and have the coursework pre-approved by a College advisor. The student then completes the course and has the distance education program send the transcript to the Admissions Office.

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

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. Approved courses for scientific-based credit come from the following College of Arts and Sciences disciplines: actuarial science, anthropology (selected courses), astronomy, biochemistry (excluding BIOC 101), biological sciences (excluding BIOS 100), chemistry (excluding CHEM 101), geography (selected courses), geology, life sciences, mathematics (excluding courses below MATH 104), meteorology, microbiology (excluding MBIO 101), and physics (excluding PHYS 201.)

See your Degree Audit or your assigned academic advisor for a complete list, including individual classes that fall outside of the disciplines listed above. 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 regulations for the Pass/No Pass (P/N) privilege state:

  • The Pass/No Pass option is designed for your use by seeking to expand your intellectual horizons by taking courses in areas where you may have had minimal preparation.
  • Neither the P nor the N grade contribute to your GPA.
  • P is interpreted to mean C or above.
  • A change to or from a Pass/No Pass may be made until mid-term (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 governing the grading option.
  • Changing to or from Pass/No Pass requires using the MyRED system to change the grading option or filing a Drop/Add form with Husker Hub in the Canfield Administration Building. After mid-term of the course, a student registered for Pass/No Pass cannot change to a grade registration unless the Pass/No Pass registration is in conflict with the policy of the professor, department, college, or University governing Pass/No Pass.
  • The Pass/No Pass grading option cannot be used for the removal of C- or D or F grades.

Pass/No Pass privileges in the College of Arts and Sciences are extended to students according to the following additional regulations:

  • Pass/No Pass hours can count toward fulfillment of University ACE requirements and college distribution requirements up to the 24-hour maximum.
  • Most arts and sciences departments and programs do not allow courses graded Pass/No Pass to apply to the major or minor. Students should refer to the department’s or program’s section of the catalog for clarification. By college rule, departments can allow up to 6 hours of Pass/No Pass in the major or minor.
  • Departments may specify that certain courses of theirs can be taken only on a P/N basis.
  • The college will permit no more than a total of 24 semester hours of P/N grades to be applied toward degree requirements. This total includes all Pass grades earned at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and other U.S. schools. NOTE: This 24-hour limit is more restrictive than the University regulation.

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

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 1/2 of their major coursework, including 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level in their major and 15 of the 30 hours required at the 300 or 400 level, in residence. Credit earned during education abroad may be used toward the residency requirement only if students register through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

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 Universitys 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.

Students must complete at least 1/2 of the coursework in their chosen major field in residence, including 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level, 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, 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, Physics, 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

Aerospace Studies

African American Studies

African Studies

Anthropology

Arabic Studies

Archaeology

Asian Studies

Biochemistry

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Classics

Communication Studies

Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

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)

Latin American Studies (see Ethnic Studies)

Latinx 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