course catalog/ 2022-2023 Catalog

2022-2023 Course Catalog

Bachelor Degree Overview

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Chatham's undergraduate programs prepare students to excel in their professions and be engaged, environmentally responsible, globally conscious, life-long learners, and citizen leaders for democracy.

The curriculum is designed to develop students with:

  • A strong grounding in the sciences and liberal arts;
  • The ability to communicate effectively;
  • Social consciousness;
  • Awareness and understanding of the environment;
  • Interest in public service;
  • Understanding of and appreciation for international dynamics and cultural differences.





During the undergraduate program of study, students' personal, professional, and leadership skills are developed to their fullest potential through internships, study abroad, service-learning and leadership training opportunities, and personal development seminars. The curriculum, delivered through coursework and a wide variety of academic experiences, as well as the co-curriculum delivered through programming through student life, athletics, and on-campus work experiences, contribute to an integrated and holistic learning experience.

Chatham Undergraduate College offers strong preparation for law school, medical school, and science-based graduate programs as well as the other graduate degree programs. Integrated degree programs allow students to enter the Chatham Undergraduate College and continue through to completion of a graduate degree through the Schools of the University. Chatham University welcomes international students from many areas of the world who enrich the experience for all. The University also welcomes transfer students from other institutions who decide to make Chatham their academic home.

Based on its unique heritage and the strengths and commitment of the Faculty and Staff, a Chatham education is supported by the institutional mission. These attributes are woven throughout the curriculum and are championed by our centers and institutes.

  • International and Global Understanding
  • Sustainability and the Environment
  • Engagement and Responsibility

BACHELOR'S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Bachelor's degree at Chatham may be earned by fulfilling the following requirements:

  • The satisfactory completion a minimum of 120 credit hours.
  • The completion of a minimum of 30 of their last 36 credits in residence at Chatham University.
  • The satisfactory completion of 40 general education credits and all general education requirements;
  • The satisfactory completion of an approved major; 50% of which must be completed at Chatham;
  • The satisfactory completion of the Integrative Capstone seminar and six credits of designated writing-intensive courses in the major;
  • A grade of C- or higher earned in all courses counting towards a major or minor;
  • The satisfactory completion of the Chatham Plan Professional Edge, including an internship, as designated by your major;
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all coursework;
  • A student must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 or above within their major program of study. Some programs may impose a higher minimum GPA per licensure and accreditation requirements.


Integrative Capstone: This course, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student's major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theatre production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.

Chatham Plan Professional Edge: Students explore professional careers related to their major or the preparations needed for graduate school. These seven credits include Professional Development Skills, Job Skills, Professional Development, and an internship as designated by the major. Transfer students who are exempted from SDE 101 (1 credit) must still complete the final six credits of the Chatham Plan Professional Edge. Three-credit graded internships, with a grade of C or better, may be considered for transfer credit. Internships graded on a pass-fail basis may be accepted after additional review. Under almost all circumstances, students will complete the 3-credits of Chatham Plan coursework at Chatham.

Proration of PRO Requirements:

  • If a student transfers in 12 credits, SDE 101 is waived.
  • If a student transfers in 30-59 credits, SDE101 and 1 PRO credit is waived (student will need to complete a three-credit internship and 2 PRO credits in at least one course).
  • If a student transfers in 60 or more credits, SDE101 and 2 PRO credits waived (student will need to complete a three-credit internship and 1 PRO credit in at least one course).


Communicating Across the Curriculum: Each student must complete 6 credits of writing-intensive coursework in their major. These courses feature a discussion of writing concurrent with its regular practice through coursework. Oral communication and informational literacy skills are embedded in each major. Ethics is also taught in communicating across the curriculum courses (information literacy) and in major courses.

Second Degree
Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education may complete a second bachelor's degree at Chatham by fulfilling the following requirements:

  • The satisfactory completion of an approved major in a field different from that of their first degree;
    • For RN-BSN students, the approved major is the completion of 26 credits (maximum 94 transfer credits will be accepted)
  • The satisfactory completion of the integrative capstone;
  • A grade of C- or higher earned in all major courses;
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all course work;
  • A student must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 or above within their major program of study. Some programs may impose a higher minimum GPA per licensure and accreditation requirements. Second degree students are exempt from general education and core requirements.