 |
 |
|
Undeclared Students
Degree and General Studies Requirements
Academic Foundation Courses
NJCU academic terms
Checklist for choosing courses
Ways to improve your GPA
Core Substitutions for General Studies Program
Q&A for Undeclared Students
Majors at NJCU
Minors at NJCU
Discover your Major
Declaring your Major, Co-Minor, Minor
Myths about your Major
Degree & General Studies Requirements
To be eligible for graduation from New Jersey City University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a student must fulfill the following requirements:
- A minimum of 128 credits of baccalaureate study.
- A minimum cumulative average of 2.0 (C average).
- A minimum of 32 credits at New Jersey City University.
- Completion of at least 36 credits in an approved major.
- Achievement of at least a cumulative average of 2.0 in the major (some
majors higher).
General Studies Requirements:
- 18 credits in All-University
requirements.
- 48 credits in the
General Studies Area Requirements
Academic Foundation Courses
ENGL 090 College Writing, 3 non-degree credits.
ENGL 105 College Writing, 2 elective credits.
The purpose of these courses is to develop student's ability to write an essay in standard English which is thoughtful, organized, and free of mechanical errors.
MATH 095 Arithmetic, 3 non-degree credits.
This course is designed to provide the student with work in basic mathematical skills and concepts which will prepare the student for entry into college mathematics courses.
LTED 090 College Reading, 4 non-degree credits.
This is a two semester course; however, students have the opportunity of testing out of the second semester and moving on to a college level reading course, Reading and Study Skills.
INTD 125 Orientation to College, 1 elective credit.
All incoming students with two or more skill deficiencies are required to take this course. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a highly supportive environment in which to explore their personal and career goal, and to obtain specific information about various aspects of the University: academic advisement, registration, student and counseling services, and financial aid.
New Jersey City University Academic Terms
Catalog:
A book that is published by the University every two
years which includes a description of the academic programs, policies and
procedures, names of faculty and staff, and all other important information
about the University. The rules that are stated in the catalog for your entering
year are those that govern your academic requirements. This is your contract
with the University. It is also available online.
Class Standing:
Your class standing is determined by the number of semester hours you have earned:- Freshman: 0-32 credits
earned
- Sophomore: 33-64 credits
earned
- Junior: 65-96 credits
earned
- Senior: 97 or more
credits earned
Academic Planning Sheet:
A comprehensive listing of All University Requirements,
general education categories (General Studies Requirements), as well as major courses that students
must take to satisfy degree requirements.
Extra-Curricular:
Activities, clubs, and organizations that you may join outside the classroom which enhance your growth and development.
Electives:
A course which you may select from an academic area of interest to you.
This course is referred to as "free" since it is not required for the major
or the General Education Requirements.
General Education Requirements:
A core of required courses which cover a wide-range of academic disciplines. These courses have been selected by the University to serve as a foundation for the well-educated citizen of the twenty-first century.
Grades:
A letter designating your academic performance in a course. The NJCU grading system is as follows:
A = 4.0 Excellent
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0 Good
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
|
C = 2.0 Fair
C- = 1.7
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0 Poor
D- = 0.7
F = 0.0 Failure
|
P = Pass
IN = Incomplete
WD = Withdrew
AU = Audit
NC = No Credit
|
Major:
A designated group of courses with a minimum of 36 credits
from an academic department at the University.
Minor:
A designated group of courses ranging form 18-24 credits
offered by an academic department. Minors permit students to pursue coursework
in a second area of interest beyond their major. Minors are not required for
graduation.
Placement Test:
All freshman are required to take the New Jersey City
University Placement Test before taking courses at NJCU. Testing covers reading,
writing, and mathematics. The scores from this test will determine if you need
to take any "foundation" courses in these areas. These courses are
credit-bearing but will not count toward graduation.
Semester Hours:
All courses at NJCU are given a certain number of credits. The amount of credit you receive for a course depends on how often the course meets and for how many hours.
Specialization:
A designated group of courses required with a particular major. (i.e. Major. Business Administration- Specialization, Marketing)
Syllabus:
An outline which describes the course and indicates when you must complete assignments and readings. A professor may include his/her grading system and attendance policy.
Transcript:
An official record prepared by the Register's
Office each semester with the courses you have taken and the grades you have earned.
Checklist for Choosing Courses
- You should
update the Academic Planning Sheet every semester. This will give you
a better idea of which areas you still need to complete.
- You should complete English
Composition 1 & 2 no later than the end of your freshman
year. These courses will help you with other NJCU courses which
require writing and research. Remember: Knowing how to write
well will enable you to succeed not just at NJCU but throughout
your career as well.
- Refer to
the NJCU Undergraduate Bulletin for course descriptions and prerequisites.
- Courses at
the 300 and 400 level are usually for juniors and seniors. Students
enrolled in these courses are expected to have some knowledge in
that subject area.
- Certain majors
require specific math courses. Consult with your advisor before
you enroll for a math course.
- If you receive
a grade of D or
F in a course, consider repeating it to increase your GPA.
- It is important to consider how much
time (in or out of class) you must dedicate to each course
in order to do well.
- Acceptance
into many majors may require specific coursework and GPAs.
- When planning
your schedule, select courses which satisfy the Academic Planning
Sheet areas. Keep your own record of the courses that you have completed
and bring this record with you to your next advisement appointment.(**Certain
majors require
specific General Studies courses. Check with your advisor about these
courses prior to enrolling).
Ways to Improve Your GPA
- Repeat courses with
D's and F's before attempting new ones in order to improve your
grade.
- Take a lighter course load, balancing difficult and easier courses.
- If a problem arises with a course, speak to your professor before
the situation gets out of control.
- Pay attention to important dates on the University Calendar. Know
when the add/drop period ends and dates for final withdrawal
from courses.
- Meet with your academic advisor every semester. Make an appointment
to discuss your concerns and to formulate an action plan
for academic success.
- Get help with specific subjects from the Tutoring Program, or the
other academic support programs such as English as
a Second Language, Literacy Education, The Office of Academic Services
for Evening Students, The Open Writing Lab, or Project Mentor.
Core Substitutions for General Studies Program
This program of approved substitutions applies only to the four core
courses; students are responsible for fulfilling all other requirements
of the general studies program active at the time they first enrolled
at the university. These missing requirements should be satisfied during
Spring 2003, if possible, and no later than Fall 2003. Advisors/Students
should complete the standard Request for Waiver of General Studies
Requirements form and submit it to the Office of the Dean of Arts and
Sciences upon registration for the approved replacement courses.
STUDENTS MISSING
Artistic Experience (GSFP101)
Science Experience (GSS104)
Introduction to Humanities (GSH104)
Introduction to Social Sciences (GSSS103)
|
SHOULD TAKE
An Area 3 or C, or GSC 101 (*)
An Area 1 or A, or GSS105
An Area 4 or D, GSC 101(*)
An Area 2 or B, or Area 5b or E
|
Note: Students missing both Artistic Experience and Introduction to Humanities can substitute GSC 101 for Artistic Experience and GSC 102 for Introduction to Humanities.
This procedure offers an appropriate mechanism for these students to complete their degree requirements without creating an undue burden of added-on credit requirements. For example, if a student has not completed Artistic Experience but already has earned nine (9) credits in Area 3, the three "extra" credits in that area can be applied via the waiver process to fulfill the core requirement.
Questions & Answers About Being Undeclared at New Jersey City University
1. What are the advantages of being undeclared?
A:The most important advantage
is that you can begin to sample the different courses and majors offered
at New Jersey City University. Also, because you are undeclared you will
want to meet regularly with your academic advisor who is an expert in the
general studies requirements, academic policies and procedures and the various
NJCU majors, concentrations and minors. These meetings will help you explore
your interests and abilities in order to choose a major.
2. Will it take me longer to graduate because I am beginning as an undeclared student?
A: No, but we encourage you to start
doing planning now. Set up regular appointments with your academic advisor
to discuss your area of interest, some possible majors and courses which
will satisfy your general studies requirements.
3. Do students change majors
often?
A: Yes. Based on national surveys, over 70% of all students
change from one major to another while they are in college, many of them more
than once. Remember, it is better to take time to consider your options rather
than decide too quickly and select a major which is not right for you.
4. How long can I remain undeclared?
A: You are eligible to declare your major once you have earned 30 or more credits. By
that time you will have a better idea of which academic program you would like
to study.
5. Who will help me choose a
major?
A: You play a primary role in deciding which major is right
for you. You need to take some time and consider your interests and skills along
with learning about the array of New Jersey City University's academic programs.
Actually, there are over 80 majors and concentrations and over 40 minors. But
you don't have to do this exploration alone. Your academic advisor is trained
to help you as are the career counselors in Academic
Career Planning and Placement.
Discover Your Major
At New Jersey City University, taking certain General Studies courses will allow you to sample different majors.
Listed below are introductory level courses that give a broad overview of
a major while fulfilling General Studies Requirements at the same time:
Area A-Natural
Sciences
Biology
100 General Biology
103 Human Sexual Biology
104 The Human Body
106 Practical Nutrition
130 Principles of Biology I
Chemistry
105 General Chemistry I
111 Chemistry and Crime Detection
112 The Examination of Criminal Evidence
117 Principles of Chemistry I
118 Principles of Chemistry II
Geoscience
111 Principles Earth Science
112 Intro to Geology
113 Intro to Astronomy
115 Intro to Oceanography
Geography
111 Physical Geography
Physics
101 Basic Concepts of Physics
130 College Physics I
131 College Physics II
Area B-Social
Sciences
Group 1
Economics
101 Intro to Economics
102 Contemporary Economic Issues
110 History of Economic Thought
207 Principles of Economics: Macro
208 Principles of Economics: Micro
Political Science
100 Contemporary Political Issues
102 U.S. Politics
109 Comparative Politics
110 Intro to World Politics
116 Government and Business in the US
205 History of Political Thought
Group 2
Geography (Cultural)
112 Cultural Geography
113 Human Impact on the Environment
Psychology
100 Psychology of Self Development
110 Intro to Psychology
150 Developmental: Birth to Adolescence
152 Developmental: Birth to Adolescence
160 Social Psychology
Sociology
111 Principles of Sociology
113 Social Problems
114 Sociology of the Family
141 Cultural Anthropology
342 Social Stratification
Area C- Arts & Media
Art
102 Principles of Painting
104 Ceramics
105 Drawing and Composition
130 World Art I
131 World Art I
Media
100 Intro to Media
102 Development of Film I
103 Development of Film II
119 Film and Human Values
Music
101 Survey of Music
102 Modern Music
103 Musical Life in the
U. S.
104 Music of the World's People
106 Jazz History
Area D-Humanities
English
187 Shakespeare for Everyone
188 Journeys, Voyages, & Quests in Literature
190 Literature and Film
192 American Experiences in Literature
199 Creative Writing
History
150 American History to 1865
152 American History Since 1865
154 History of Women
158 Early Modern Europe
160 Europe in the 20th Century
Philosophy/Religion
101 Philosophy: Persons and Problems
102 Critical Thinking
103 Ethics: Contemporary Moral Issues
110 Mythology
130 Comparative Religions
Area E-Multicultural
Disciplines and Languages
African/ African American Studies
101 African Diaspora
106 Black Identity and Cultures
108 African American History
118 Intro to the Black Experience
164 Intro to African Civilizations
Interdisciplinary Studies
149 Human and Intercultural Relationships
Ethnic Studies
144 Immigration in American History
Latin American/Caribbean Studies
105 Intro to Latin American Studies
120 Latin America Issues in Cultural Perspective
125 Socio-Cultural Change in Latin America
201 People & Cultures of the Caribbean
209 Sex and Gender in Latin America
Modern Languages
103/104 Elementary Spanish I &II
105/106 Elementary French I & II
107/108 Elementary Italian I & II
123/134 Elementary Russian I & II
Women & Gender Studies
100 Women's Lives
103 Women & Men: Roles & Relationships
108 Women & Power
190 Intro to Gay and Lesbian Studies
202 Women &Work
Area F-Quantitative
and Computer Literacy
Computer Science
115 Microcomputers & Programming
214 Business Application Microcomputer I
215 Business Application Microcomputer II
Economics
220 Understanding Economic & Business Data
Geography
250 Contemporary Applications of GIS I
Interdisciplinary
180 Computer As A Tool for Science and Math
Mathematics
140 Statistics I
165 Pre Calculus
190 Calculus
205 Problem Solving
1165 Pre Calculus for Business
Declaring Your Major
When should students declare their major?
Students are eligible to
declare their majors after completing 30 credits, the All University
Requirements, and a course in the selected major while maintaining
a 2.0 GPA. Please check with the specific major department or your
advisor for requirements.
Transfer and Readmits
Transfer students are eligible
to declare their majors immediately and are encouraged to do so. Readmit
students who were previously admitted into a major are eligible to re-enter
their majors immediately.
Students who intend to Major or obtain Certification in Education
Consideration for full admission into a teacher education program will require the following:
- Cumulative GPA of
2.75
- Grades of C or better
in All Undergraduate Requirements (AUR)
- Passing score on
the College of Education Writing Assessment
- B- or better in two
introductory level education courses
- Personal interview
with the department chair or admissions committee
- Passing score(s)
on required teacher licensure examinations. Consult
department chairs and your assigned advisor from the College of Education, for
more information on the test(s) required for your declared major
- Completed Application
for Admission to Teacher Education
Students who intend to Major in Art, Biology, or Chemistry
Students who intend to major in art, biology,
or chemistry are eligible to declare their majors upon entering the University
Students who Intend to Major in Music
Students who intend to major in music are eligible upon passing a departmental audition
Download
the Declaration of Major Form. Upon completion,
return to the University Advisement Center.
What Can I Do With This Major Degree?
Myths About Majors
You may have misconceptions about what it
means to choose a major. You may think certain majors must
lead to particular careers. Here are some common myths debunked
to help you keep this decision in perspective.
- Picking a major amounts to picking a career.
- The major you choose now will determine your lifelong career.
- Every occupation or career requires a specific major.
- Choosing one major means giving up all the others.
MYTH: Picking a major amounts to picking a career.
Although these two choices can go hand-in-hand,
choosing one does not automatically mean you have chosen
the other. For example, some people assume that students
who major in liberal arts disciplines, such as English, History
or Sociology, are excluded form working with computers or
in business. In fact, New Jersey City University alumni surveys
suggest just the opposite!
MYTH: The major you choose now will determine your
lifelong career.
Studies have shown that within ten years after
graduation, most people are working in careers that are not
directly related to their undergraduate majors. The job market
is in constant change: some jobs that exist today will be performed
very differently five years form now or may become obsolete.
Also, new types of jobs emerge every year. While you are in
college, focus on developing transferable skills (writing,
speaking, using the computer, working as
part of a team) that employers look for in all graduates.
MYTH: Every occupation or career requires a specific
major.
Yes, some majors such as accounting, computer
science or chemistry, for example are career specific. However,
most fields don't require a specific major and people with
specific majors don't have to use them in ways most commonly
expected. Your awareness of the relationship between college
majors and career fields can play a vital role in your choice
of major. Check out the major and career exploration Web Site
for helpful information.
Career
Placement and Development
MYTH: Choosing one major means giving up all others.
There are a variety of ways you can combine
your interests in more than one major. It's possible to double
major or even minor in another discipline. Its not
uncommon for New Jersey City University Students to combine
biology and chemistry, computer science and mathematics, English
and journalism, history and African-American or Women's studies,
and French and Italian. Explore the combinations you are considering
by speaking to faculty and your academic advisor.
|
|
|
 |
NJCU’s Criminal Justice program is one of the
most popular in the region. And our nursing program is also highly respected
by students and employers.
Take
a look at other programs |
 |
The president of NJCU, along with two professors, was
chosen to serve on three Governor’s education committees.
|
|
previous page