Undergraduate Catalog 2010-2011
UDM Academic PoliciesCourse DescriptionsList of All ProgramsFaculty

Introduction

The mission of the College of Liberal Arts & Education is to cultivate intellectual versatility and a moral foundation so that students act with understanding, integrity, and compassion in their personal and professional lives.

The College is primarily an undergraduate teaching college based on scholarship and a commitment to engaging students in their development in the liberal disciplines.

The College's mission is realized primarily through its curriculum, which is also the heart of the University's Core Curriculum. This curriculum focuses on critical thinking, communication skills and understanding values. These studies include the humanities as well as the social and behavioral sciences that define and distinguish learning and teaching at a university level.


Degree

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) are conferred upon candidates who have successfully completed any of the particular programs designed for this degree. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is conferred upon candidates who have successfully completed the requirements specified by the Theatre Department.


Advising

During the student's freshman and sophomore years, an advisor helps prepare the student for the selection of a major. Students deciding on a departmental major are assigned an advisor by the department.

Those students desiring an interdepartmental major prepare their program under the guidance of an advisor. When this program is approved by the advisor, a copy must be submitted to the associate dean of the College for approval.

Transfer students will receive an evaluation of transfer credits from the College upon admission. After initial advising in the College office, new transfer students will be assigned an advisor in the department of the selected major program. Transfer students are expected to earn at least 15 hours in the major program at the University of Detroit Mercy unless otherwise specified by the department.


University Core Curriculum

All students who enter University of Detroit Mercy are required to complete the University Core Curriculum. The core curriculum consists of courses designed to meet objectives which ensure that students, in addition to pre-professional preparation, receive a liberal education of skills and content consistent with the Mercy and Jesuit traditions.


Academic Exploration Program

The Academic Exploration Program is designed to assist students who have not yet decided on a specific academic major and are exploring multiple program options. It provides the time and opportunity for students to explore their interests and test their aptitudes. It supports this exploration through academic advisors who are trained to assist students in making thoughtful academic decisions.

A large percentage of college students are undecided at some level. This conclusion is supported by national research and experience at University of Detroit Mercy. Between 55 and 65 percent of all college students change their majors at least once before the end of the sophomore year.

There are different levels and types of exploration. While some students enter college with no idea of the area in which they want to major, others are exploratory because they have interests and aptitudes in two or more academic areas. Still others have academic and career interests which have not been tested through their earlier academic experiences. These students need time to explore a variety of disciplines and trained advisors to help them make this exploration productive.

To support student explorations, the program offers two courses: AEP 100 — Academic Exploration and AEP 200 — Academic Alternatives. AEP 100 is designed for first semester freshmen. AEP 200 serves new transfer students and nonfreshmen who are undecided or in the process of changing majors. Through these courses students examine the academic programs available at UDM and they receive training in goal setting, decision-making, and academic planning. AEP advisors then assist students in scheduling courses term-by-term in order to keep selected program options open.

Participation in the Academic Exploration Program and its courses is voluntary. Students who are interested in the program should contact a UDM admissions counselor.

College of Business Administration

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website

College of Engineering & Science

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website

College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website

College of Liberal Arts & Education

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website

School of Architecture

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website

School of Dentistry

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website

School of Law

Home | Contacts | Policies | Programs | Website



For more information about UDM, or to apply online, go to www.udmercy.edu/apply.


Print Friendly Print-friendly