Credits

A candidate for a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Science degree must complete at least 120 credits. Certain curricula may require additional credits. Also see Restrictions on Credit below. Degree components comprising these credits are: 1) General Education Requirements; 2) Department Requirements; and 3) Major Requirements.

General Education Requirements

University-wide General Education Requirements are designed to enhance students’ basic skills and the diversity of their intellectual background. These requirements assure minimal competence in those skills needed to succeed in college and professional life and provide a selective introduction to the increasingly broad range of academic disciplines represented at the University. They serve to emphasize the fundamental means and essential knowledge required for continuing self-education and intellectual growth. 

Entering undergraduate students in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts are required to satisfy the University General Education requirements.

Department Requirements

Some of the courses listed in the University General Education program are also courses required by for specific majors within this College. With careful course selection, students may satisfy both General Education Requirements and Department Requirements in some majors (and concentrations, where applicable). For more information, please consult an academic advisor in the major Department.

Major Requirements

A major is a program of intensive study in a Department within the College. The specific course requirements for all such majors are listed in this bulletin under each of the Departmental sections. Some degree programs offer students a choice of concentrations within the major. Students who plan to elect a major should consult with a departmental academic advisor prior to initial course registration. Courses in the major (and concentration, as applicable) must be completed with the grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher OR a C- (1.67) or higher depending on the department. In all cases, a student must have achieved a GPA in the major of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher in order to complete the major. In addition, the student is required to maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of 'C' (2.0) or higher for all University coursework.

Students who have not decided on a particular major area of study may initially select an exploratory option thereby indicating only the intention to take a degree in one of the Departments of the College. These options are Exploratory Communication Arts, Exploratory Fine Arts, Exploratory Music, and Exploratory Performing Arts. In partnership with academic advisors, students are encouraged to choose a specific degree program in one of the Departments within thirty credit hours. The exploratory option is not available for transfer students.

Course requirements vary with each curriculum. Exceptions are permitted to the College rules governing the minimum and maximum credits in the major subject and the maximum credits allowed in restricted courses if provision for such exceptions are stated or implied in the curriculum requirements outlined in this bulletin. Descriptions of courses and the various curricula may be found in this Bulletin, under each of the Departmental sections of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts.

Capstone Course: All undergraduate students must successfully complete a capstone course within their major. This course will be taken during the senior year (last thirty credits in course work) and provides a systematic focus on and assessment of the knowledge and skills obtained in the major.

Credits: The major must include at least twenty credits in one subject, exclusive of the introductory courses and inclusive of some advanced work. No more than forty-six credits in the major subject (including introductory courses) may be counted toward a degree, except in specific curricula in which additional courses are specified in the curriculum outline.

For majors that require intensive study in a particular subject, more than forty-six credits are allowed.

Within the above limits and the University's Bulletin-in-Effect Graduation Policy, each major program has specific requirements, and these requirements may be modified from time to time; therefore, it is the student's responsibility to stay informed of current requirements from the major Department.

The major completed is part of the degree designation on the diploma.

Double Major (one degree, 2 majors, minimum of 120 credit hours)

If a student wishes to declare a double major, the approval of the chairperson or designated representatives of each of the departments of the intended majors must be obtained. In order for a student to graduate with a double major, the major requirements in both majors (and areas of concentration, as applicable) must be fulfilled and at least 120 credit hours must be earned. All courses in the major must meet the minimum grade requirement designated by the department and an overall GPA in the major of  C (2.0) or higher. In addition, the student is required to maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of 'C' (2.0) or higher for all University coursework.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. If the majors are in two different colleges, the student must complete the General Education curriculum of the college that has the most comprehensive requirements;
2. only the name of the first of the two majors will appear on the diploma; and
3. the names of both majors will appear on the transcript. Students who wish to pursue dual concentrations within a single department must secure the permission of the chairperson or designated representative of the department. However, only one concentration will appear on the transcript.

Concurrent Degrees (2 degrees)

A student who has completed all the University, School/College, and Department requirements for two different degree programs may apply for both degrees simultaneously. A separate diploma will be issued for each degree and both degrees will be listed on the transcript. Students must inform the academic advisors in each degree program of their intention to pursue concurrent degrees. All courses in the major must meet the minimum grade requirement designated by the department and an overall GPA in the major of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher. In addition, the student is required to maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of 'C' (2.0) or higher for all University coursework.

Second Degree

A student who has received a Fine, Performing and Communication Arts degree from Wayne State University or any other accredited institution may obtain a second bachelor's degree in another academic area by registering in the College/School sponsoring the degree program. A graduate of Wayne State University who has earned a degree from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts may be ranked as an undergraduate by declaring a new major (in a departmentally approved area of concentration, as applicable) and indicating a desire to earn a second undergraduate degree. Other Wayne State University graduates must transfer to the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. A student from another institution must be admitted to the College by the University Admissions Office. Courses in the major (and concentration, as applicable) must be completed with the grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher OR a C- (1.67) or higher depending on the department. In all cases, a student must have achieved a GPA in the major of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher in order to complete the major. In addition, the student is required to maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of 'C' (2.0) or higher for all University coursework.

It is assumed that the second degree major will be different than that of the first degree and the student is not earning redundant credit; generally, no second degree will be granted in the academic area in which the first degree was earned. The University also requires that the student complete at least thirty credits in coursework at Wayne State University beyond the first degree, in order to be granted a second bachelor's degree from Wayne State University. 

Fine, Performing and Communication Arts: Minor Options

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts offers the option of minor concentrations in various subjects both to students in this college and other schools and colleges of the University.  Students are strongly encouraged to consult with departmental academic advisors for course selections. Courses in the minor must be completed with the grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher OR a C- (1.67) or higher depending on the department. In all cases, a student must have achieved a GPA in the minor courses of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher in order to complete the minor. Minors are optional for College majors and students may choose not to fulfill the typical 18-21 credits of course work that make up a minor.

The notation of the minor will appear on the transcript but not on the diploma. Early declaration of the minor is encouraged so that coursework can be incorporated into the student's ongoing Plan of Work, see above under Academic Procedures (Majors and Minors).

Academic Procedures (Majors and Minors)

For procedures on declaring a major, adding a second major or second degree, or adding a minor, students should consult the sponsoring departmental academic advisor. Students should consult with their academic advisor as soon as possible to establish a comprehensive Plan of Work in order to pursue their academic goals as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Senior Rule

In addition to the University policy, the College requires that all competency requirements must be met before Senior Rule registrations can be considered. No student who has competency requirements to fulfill in the final semester of his or her undergraduate program will be eligible to apply for Senior Rule.

‘AGRADE’ (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment Program)

Accelerated Graduate Enrollment: Some departments of the College permit academically strong majors to apply for admission into the College's ‘AGRADE’ program. ‘AGRADE' procedures enable qualified seniors in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts to enroll simultaneously in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College and apply up to a maximum of sixteen credits towards both a bachelor's and master's degree in the major field. Some programs permit less than the maximum number of credits to be applied so check with the major department.

Qualified students may apply for the AGRADE program no earlier than the semester in which ninety credits are completed. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 3.5 and not less than a 3.6 grade point average in the major courses already completed.

For more details about the ‘AGRADE’ program, contact the Graduate Director of the major department.

Teacher Preparation & Certification

CFPCA music and dance students interested in teaching may choose to complete coursework and clinical experiences leading to K-12 certification as part of a combined program with the College of Education (COE). Students follow the curriculum for their respective major (B.S. or B.F.A. in dance) or concentration (B. M. in music education).

Typically, CFPCA teacher candidates in music or dance begin their academic studies in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. During the sophomore year, students consult with their academic advisor in their major Department concerning the Level 2 application to the College of Education. This is a separate application leading to dual enrollment in both the CFPCA and the COE. See Level 2 application details below. 

Once approved by the College of Education as a candidate for teacher certification, program requests will be signed by both a College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts major academic advisor and by the appropriate advisor in the College of Education. Required coursework for the COE including fieldwork is completed during the junior and senior years. Students will not be allowed to register for the professional courses taught through the College of Education until they have been officially admitted to the COE.

Admission to the College of Education

Students submit the Level 2 application when all Level 2 admission requirements have been fulfilled. These requirements vary by program and students are encouraged to meet with a departmental academic advisor to review requirements specific to their program. The admission requirements include but are not limited to the following:

1. Successful completion of the Michigan Basic Skills Requirement: SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing with a score of 480 and Math with a score of 530, or Michigan Department of Education approved alternative pass measure (see a departmental academic advisor for more information).
2. A Negative TB Test within the past three years.
3. A criminal history background check completed through an approved College of Education vendor. There is a fee paid by the student for the check.

Level 2 applications are processed three times per year and must be submitted by the deadlines listed on the COE admissions website. Click here to view additional information including deadlines, and complete the Level 2 Application: http://coe.wayne.edu/admissions/undergrad-requirements.php.

Note: Near the end of the program and at the time of recommending the teacher candidate to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Adult and Child CPR and First Aid Certification is required from an approved MDE provider.

Study Abroad

Various opportunities for study abroad are available through the University. Students should contact their major Department and the Study Abroad Office for further information regarding these programs.

Honors Courses

All departments in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts offer Departmental Honors. Students enrolled in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts who are interested in pursuing University or Departmental Honors curricula should refer to Undergraduate Honors Curricula, or contact the departmental honors advisor.

Restrictions on Credit

The College imposes the following restrictions on credit:

Maximum Credits in One Subject: A student may not count as credit toward a degree more than forty-six credits in courses in any one subject except in specific curricula in which additional courses are specified in the curriculum outline.

Over-Age Credits: A student attempting to complete a major after a protracted interruption in education, or on a part-time basis over an extended period of time, may find that some of the early course work is out of date. In such cases, a Department may require refresher work or demonstration of preparation for advanced courses in the Department.

Restrictions on Transfer Credit — Two-year Schools: No more than sixty-four semester credits may be transferred from two-year colleges unless the student is following an articulation agreement that allows the transfer of additional two-year college credit.

Life Fitness Activity: No more than eight credits may be earned.

Advanced Courses: At least fifteen credits in courses numbered 3000 or above must be earned.

Repeated Subjects: It is understood that degree credit will not be granted for coursework for which credit has already been granted. Since similar courses may have different names at different times and at different colleges, students are advised to make sure they do not offer repeated coursework as credit toward a degree.

Grade Point Average

All students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 'C' (2.0) for all University coursework. In addition, courses in the major (and concentration, as applicable) must be completed with the grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher OR a C- (1.67) or higher depending on the department. In all cases, a student must have achieved a GPA in the major of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher in order to complete the major.

Residence Requirement

To qualify for a baccalaureate degree in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts a minimum of thirty credits must be earned in the College.