Undergraduate - Clarion University

Navigating the Catalog
Organization
Clarion University is composed of three colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business Administration,
Education and Human Services), one school (Nursing), one division (Graduate Studies), and the
Venango Campus. Each of these units consists of smaller subunits called departments or programs.
The academic year is divided into two terms: (Fall, Spring) and three summer sessions.
Where to find it
This catalog is composed of two main sections. The first contains information about the academic
calendar, admissions, registration, tuition and fees, financial aid, student services, and student
activities.
The second section describes the university’s academic programs. This curriculum section begins
with a description of the General Education program, which every student receiving an undergraduate
degree from Clarion completes. Next, each of the six major units of Clarion University (the three
colleges, the Nursing School, the Graduate Studies Division, and the Venango Campus) is described.
Each unit’s description is composed of a brief overview of the division followed by more in-depth
descriptions of the departments and programs making up that division. Within each unit, departments
and programs are presented in alphabetical order. For example, in the College of Arts and Sciences,
the first program listed is Anthropology. The Anthropology description, like the entries for all
programs, describes the field, lists the required courses for majoring in that field, provides ways to
get more information about Clarion’s program, and provides brief descriptions of all the courses
offered by that academic program.
Still can’t find it
In addition to the Table of Contents, an Index is included at the back of the catalog. If you are
having trouble finding information about an academic program, consult the Index.
Definitions
The academic terms defined below are used throughout this catalog.
Academic credit. A measure of the total time commitment an average student is expected to devote
to learning per week of study. Generally, one unit of credit represents a total of three hours per
week of in-class and out-of-class work (Carnegie Unit of Credit). At Clarion University, a threecredit
lecture class is generally required to meet for 2,250 minutes, excluding the final examination
period.
Course. A subject, or an instructional subdivision of a subject, offered through a single term. Each
course offered by the university is assigned a course level. Courses numbered 000-099 cannot be
applied toward graduation; courses numbered 100-299 are lower division, and courses numbered
300-499 are upper division.
Curriculum. An organized program of study arranged to provide integrated cultural or professional
education.
Discipline. A branch of learning or field of study, e.g., mathematics, history, psychology.
Electives. Courses that students may choose to take, as contrasted with required courses.
Interdisciplinary or Multidisciplinary. A course of study from two or more academic disciplines.
Major. A primary undergraduate or graduate field of specialized study.
Minor. A secondary undergraduate field of specialized study.