Stephen F. Austin State University

The College of Liberal & Applied Arts

Overview

The largest and most diverse of SFA's colleges, the College of Liberal and Applied Arts is a center of academic excellence. Comprised of nine departments, schools, and divisions, the College provides opportunities to acquire both a knowledge base necessary for informed citizenship and the specific skills required for professional success. Students in the College learn to analyze complex problems, to make critical judgments, and to formulate innovative solutions.

The College of Liberal and Applied Arts houses the departments of English, Government, History, Military Science, Modern Languages, Psychology, and Sociology, as well as the School of Social Work and the Division of Communication and Contemporary Culture. Interdisciplinary degree programs in Applied Arts and Sciences and Liberal Studies, as well as a number of interdisciplinary minors, enhance the curriculum and offer students a variety of educational options. Almost all of SFA's undergraduate students take a significant number of courses in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts.

The College offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice, communication, (communication studies, journalism, and radio/television) English, French, geography, history, liberal studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology and Spanish; Bachelor of Science degrees are available in communication, (communication studies, journalism, and radio/television), geography, political science, psychology and sociology. Students in the college also can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative writing or a Bachelor of Social Work degree. The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree is available to students meeting specific admission requirements. Teacher certification programs are offered in English, French, history, journalism, social studies, speech communication and Spanish.

Mission

The College of Liberal and Applied Arts is a community of educators and students working together to promote learning in support of service to society. Students learn to communicate effectively, analyze complex social and cultural issues, make judgments, and formulate strategies to address the issues of tomorrow.

Advising & Student Services

The Office of the Dean and individual academic departments oversee the curricular programs of students who pursue any of the courses of study offered within the College. Most students work with faculty advisors in the academic departments to develop specific degree plans, while those working toward degrees in Applied Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies, or other interdisciplinary programs are assigned an advisor by the Dean.

Students who have declared a major in the College and have earned fewer than 45 semester credit hours should contact the Liberal and Applied Arts Academic and Career Advising Office in Ferguson 290. Students who have not yet declared a major are advised in the Academic Advising Center, located on the second floor of the Ralph W. Steen Library, Room 203.

Many departments in the College have specific advising schedules. Students should contact the department that houses their particular degree program for advising information.

The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the baccalaureate and master's programs in social work.

Scholarships & Fellowships

Student Organizations

Academic Probation, Suspension, and Reinstatement

The College enforces the university policies regarding academic probation, suspension and reinstatement as described earlier in this Bulletin.

Undecided Students

Students who are undecided about a major are required to seek advising on a course of study prior to each registration period. The advising program for undecided majors allows the student to explore different curricular areas before declaring a major. Through the program, students can select a combination of general education and elective courses that will apply toward a degree when the student eventually declares a major. Additionally, faculty advisers are available to counsel with students about the choice of majors and other academic matters throughout the semester. The advising office for undecided majors is the Academic Advising Center. (See Student Services section of this Bulletin.)

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Communication
  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Six to eight hours from: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; FRE 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; SPA131, 132; ENG 273; SPH 172, 272; LAT 131, 132; GRK 131, 132
    2. Mathematics (3-5 hours)
      1. Three to five hours from: MTH 110, 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105, ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
  2. Collateral Requirements:
    1. Two additional courses (6-8 hours) selected from: ART, ENG, HIS, MLG, MUS, PSC, PSY, SOC, THR
    2. Forty-two or more semester hours of advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), at least 36 at SFA.
    3. A minimum of 42 semester hours of residence (on SFA campus) work.
    4. A departmental first major of at least 34 semester hours, but not more than 36 hours with at least 18 hours advanced and at least 12 hours advanced at SFA.
    5. An academic minor of at least 18 semester hours, but not more than 23 semester hours, with at least 9 hours advanced and at least 6 hours advanced at SFA.
      or a second major of at least 24 semester hours with at least 12 advanced hours at SFA.
    6. Enough additional semester hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
    7. A grade of at least C in each Freshman English course; if required by the Texas Success Initiative, a C in MTH 099, ENG 099, and RDG 098, a C average at SFA, a C average in first major courses taken at SFA, a C average in minor or second major courses taken at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan. Students should consult the departmental section of the Bulletin and departmental advisers for further clarification of degree requirements.
    8. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated as writing enhanced at SFA.
Criminal Justice
  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Six to eight hour from: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; FRE 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; SPA 131, 132; ENG 273; SPH 172, 272; LAT 131, 132; GRK 131, 132
    2. Mathematics (3-5 hours)
      1. Three to five hours from: MTH 110, 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105, ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
  2. A departmental first major of at least 33 semester hours, but not more than 36 semester hours, with at least 27 hours advanced and at least 12 hours advanced at SFA. For a course to be used in the major, the reported grade must be a C or better.
  3. An academic minor of at least 18 semester hours, but not more than 23 semester hours with at least 9 hours advanced and at least 6 hours advanced at SFA; OR a second major of at least 24 semester hours with at least 18 advanced hours at SFA.
  4. Forty-two or more semester hours of advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), at least 36 at SFA.
  5. A minimum of 42 semester hours of residence (on SFA campus) work.
  6. Enough additional semester hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
  7. A grade of at least C in each freshman English course; if required by the Texas Success Initiative, and unless exempted from the Texas Success Initiative, a C in MTH 099, ENG 099 and RDG 098.
  8. At least a 2.0 GPA overall at SFA, with a C or better in all first major courses taken at SFA and transferred from other accredited institutions. A 2.0 GPA overall average in minor or second major courses taken at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  9. Transfer courses: If the approximate equivalent of a required upper division course is taken at another accredited institution at the Freshman-Sophomore level and transferred to SFA, the transferred course will be accepted for elective credit only and an appropriate Junior-Senior level course in the same field will be substituted for the required course. For a course taken at another accredited institution to be transferred to SFA and to be used in the Criminal Justice major the reported grade must be a C or greater.
  10. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated as writing enhanced at SFA.
English, Geography, History, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, & Sociology
  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Six hours from: Proficiency in a modern foreign language through Stephen F. Austin State University's 132 courses, or two semesters of any single language. Students may satisfy this requirement with two semesters of American Sign Language (SPH 172, 272)
    2. Mathematics (3 hours)
      1. Three hours from: MTH 110, 133, 138, 139, 140, 143,144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: AST 105; BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 131,132, 241, 242; ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
  2. College Requirements
    1. Proficiency in a Modern Foreign Language through SFA's 232 courses, or 2 additional semesters of the same language as that elected in (1.A.2.) above. Students may satisfy this requirement with 2 semesters of American Sign Language (SPH 477, 479), but only a few openings are available in Sign Language courses. (6 hours)
    2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300
    3. COM 111; ENG 273, 344; FRE 304; SPA 435, 445; HIS 151, 152 or PHI 153, 163, 223 (3 hours) (Students seeking Teacher Certification should take COM 111 in this category).
    4. Note: students pursuing the ba in psychology must complete only college requirements a and b.
  3. Major
    1. A departmental first major of at least 30 semester hours, but not more than 36 hours, with at least 18 hours advanced and at least 12 hours advanced at SFA.
  4. Minor or Second Major
    1. An academic minor of at least 18 semester hours, but not more than 23 semester hours, with at least 9 advanced hours and at least 6 advanced at SFA.
    2. A second major of at least 24 semester hours with at least 12 advanced hours at SFA.
  5. Forty-two or more semester hours of advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), at least 36 at SFA.
  6. A minimum of 42 semester hours of work in residence at Stephen F. Austin State University.
  7. Enough additional semester hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
  8. A grade of at least C in each Freshman English course; a C average at SFA; a C average in first major courses taken at SFA; a C average in minor or second major courses taken at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  9. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated as writing enhanced at SFA.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

Creative Writing
  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Six hours or two semesters of a single foreign language
    2. Mathematics (3-5 hours)
      1. Three hours from: MTH 110, 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours) (Lab Required)
      Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105, ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200-235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social and Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
  2. College Requirements:
    1. Three hours from: ENG 200-235, 300
    2. Three hours from: COM 111; FRE 304; SPA 435, 445; HIS 151, 152; PHI 153, 163, 223
    3. Three hours from: CSC 101, 102, 121; ENG 273
  3. Major in creative writing:
    1. A departmental first major of at least 33 semester hours, a 21 hour minor in literature.
  4. Minor:
    1. A mandatory minor in Literature of at least 21 semester hours, with at least 15 advanced hours.
  5. Forty-two or more semester hours of advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), at least 36 at SFA.
  6. A minimum of 42 semester hours in residence at SFA.
  7. Enough additional semester hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
  8. A grade of at least C or better is required in each freshman English course; a C average or better at SFA; a C average in all specified work completed in the academic major or minor.
  9. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated as writing enhanced at SFA.

Bachelor of Science Degree

Communication
  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Six to eight hours from: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; FRE 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; SPA 131, 132; ENG 273; SPH 172, 272; LAT 131, 132; GRK 131, 132
    2. Mathematics (3 hours)
      1. Three hours from: MTH 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 131, 133, 238; CHE 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105, ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
  2. Collateral Requirements: Two additional courses (6-8 hours) selected from College of Sciences and Mathematics and/or College of Business
    1. Forty-two or more semester hours of advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), at least 36 at SFA.
    2. A minimum of 42 semester hours in residence at SFA.
    3. A departmental first major of at least 30 semester hours, but not more than 36 hours, with at least 18 hours advanced and at least 12 hours advanced at SFA.
    4. An academic minor of at least 18 semester hours, but not more than 23 semester hours, with at least 9 hours advanced and at least 6 hours advanced at SFA.
    5. A second major of at least 24 semester hours with at least 12 advanced hours at SFA.
    6. Enough additional semester hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
    7. A grade of at least C in each Freshman English course; if required by the Texas Success Initiative, a C in MTH 099, ENG 099 and RDG 098, a C average at SFA, a C average in first major courses taken at SFA, a C average in minor or second major courses taken at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan. Students should consult the departmental section of the Bulletin and departmental advisers for further clarification of degree requirements.
    8. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated as writing enhanced at SFA.
Geography, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, & Sociology
  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-47 hours)
    1. Communication (12-13 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Three hours from: ENG 273
      3. Three to four hours from: COM 111; or Foreign Language or American Sign Language
    2. Mathematics (3 hours)
      1. Three hours from: MTH 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: AST 105; BIO 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 110, 131, 132, 241, 242; ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 341, 140
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141,142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231, ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
  2. College Requirements
    1. Six to eight additional semester hours from one of the following sequences:
      1. Anthropology/Archaeology/Geography - ANT 248, 251; GEO 130
      2. Biology-BIO 131, 133, 225, 238
      3. Chemistry- CHE 133, 134, 231
      4. Geology- ENV 110; GOL 131, 132
      5. Physics- AST 105; PHY 110, 131, 132
    2. 3-4 additional semester hours from MTH courses number 133 or above, or from CSC 121 or above, Foreign language, PHI 163; or ENG 200-235, 300
      1. Note: students pursuing the bs in psychology are required to meet the following college requirements in lieu of those above:
    3. Nine to twelve additional hours chosen from the following sequences:
      1. MTH courses number 133 or above
      2. CSC courses number 121 or above
      3. BIO 131, 133, 225, 238
      4. CHE 133, 134, 231
      5. ENV 110; GOL 131, 132
      6. AST 105; PHY 110, 131, 132
  3. Major
    1. A departmental first major of at least 30 semester hours, but not for more than 36 hours, with at least 18 hours advanced and at least 12 hours advanced at SFA.
  4. Minor or Second Major
    1. An academic minor of at least 18 semester hours, but not more than 23 semester hours, with at least 9 advanced hours, and at least 6 advanced at SFA.
    2. A second major of at least 24 semester hours with at least 12 advanced hours at SFA.
  5. Forty-two or more semester hours of advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), at least 36 at SFA.
  6. A minimum of 42 semester hours of work in residence at SFA.
  7. Enough additional semester hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
  8. A grade of at least C in each Freshman English course; a C average at SFA; a C average in first major courses taken at SFA; a C average in minor or second major courses taken at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  9. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated writing enhanced at SFA.

Bachelor of Social Work Degree

  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. Six hours from: ENG 131, 132, 133, 235
      2. Six to eight hours from: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; ENG 273; SPH 172, 272, FRE 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; SPA 131, 132; LAT 131, 132; GRK 131, 132
    2. Mathematics (3 hours)
      1. Three hours from: MTH 110, 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (6-8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 238; CHE 111, 112, 133, 134; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105, ENV 110
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (6 hours)
      1. Three hours from: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139 (See Social Work Program section of the Bulletin for additional requirements.)
  2. The professional social work course sequence of 50 semester hours, with at least 9 hours of Practice Methods courses and 15 hours of Field Practicum at SFA.
  3. A minimum of 42 semester hours of residence (on the SFA campus) work, at least 36 hours of which must be advanced (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive).
  4. At least 12 hours of electives to total 120 semester hours of acceptable credit.
  5. A grade of at least C in each Freshman English course; if required by the Texas Success Initiative, and unless exempt from the Texas Success Initiative, a C in MTH 099, ENG 099 and RDG 098, a C average in all course work at SFA, a grade of a C or better in each research methods courses (SOC 378, SWK 455 and SOC 379), a 2.25 grade point average in professional social work courses, and a grade of C or better in BIO 121, 123 or 238. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  6. Students must complete 9 semester hours of courses designated writing enhanced at SFA.