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School of Arts & Sciences

Department of Biology

Purpose Statement

The Biology Department of University of the Cumberlands provides courses that support the general education requirements of the undergraduate students, as well as major and minor programs in the field of biology. The major programs in biology are designed to foster in our students both the knowledge and the skills that will make them successful in various fields of service in the biological sciences.

Program Goals

1. To ensure that majors in our program are knowledgeable and well versed in modern concepts.
2. To enable majors in our program to effectively use information resources, do intellectual research, and communicate authentic knowledge.
3. To produce majors in our program who will demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.

Early Admission Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Undergraduate students interested in applying for early admission to the University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program must complete coursework in total at University of the Cumberlands as Pre-PA Biology majors. Additionally, students must complete all requirements of the General Education curriculum for undergraduates as outlined in University of the Cumberlands Undergraduate catalog. Admission is made during the third year of undergraduate study.

Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in the required courses with the anticipated completion of all of these requirements prior to matriculation. Completion of the Pre-PA curriculum does not ensure acceptance into the MSPAS program Students who complete the Pre-Professional PA curriculum but do not continue on to the Professional phase of the PA program will need a total of 35 hours of biology courses (those listed below, plus BIOL 495 or BIOL 498, and either 6 additional hours of biology electives), 7 hours of allied science courses, and elective classes to complete the 120 hours needed to attain a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology.

Alternatively, students can complete a Biology of Science degree in Independent Directions with a focus on applied health sciences. A third alternative is to complete a Bachelor of General Studies degree. Information on these alternatives may be found elsewhere in this catalog.

Students who successfully complete the pre-physician assistant curriculum and are accepted into the MSPAS program are awarded a Bachelor of Health Science degree by the University after the successful completion of the first year of didactic coursework in the MSPAS program. Students are then awarded the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree after the successful completion of the second year of coursework.

Programs

Major

Biology Secondary Education, B.A.  

Biology Secondary Education, B.S.  

Biology, B.A.  

Biology, B.S.  

Health Science, B.S.  

Minor

Biology Minor  

Department of Chemistry

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Chemistry Department is to provide a challenging curriculum in a nurturing environment. Students are taught chemistry theory and laboratory skills that enhance their critical thinking and communicative skills necessary for a successful career in chemistry and related fields.

Program Goals

1. To assist students’ learning of chemical principles in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry required of a professional chemist or a person pursuing chemistry related fields of study or for students seeking secondary teaching certification.
2. To assist students’ development of laboratory skills for proficiency in chemical synthesis, instrumental methods, computer applications, quantitative measurement, and statistical data analysis.
3. To cultivate students’ critical thinking, problem solving ability and communicating of scientific information both orally and written.
4. To provide students opportunity to develop professional and leadership skills.

Programs

Major

Chemistry Secondary Education, B.A.  

Chemistry Secondary Education, B.S.  

Chemistry, B.A.  

Chemistry, B.S.  

Minor

Chemistry Minor  

Department of English

Purpose Statement

Through the English major and minor, the Department of English is committed to enhancing the reading and writing skills of students. In this endeavor, the Department offers courses that familiarize students with a broad range of authors, works, and literary concepts. These courses also provide diverse opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking and writing. As students explore the connections of literature with history, philosophy, fine arts, religion and other academic disciplines, the Department seeks to nurture their appreciation of literature and language, to broaden their cultural consciousness, to deepen their personal self-awareness, and to clarify their professional aspirations. Through all of these endeavors, the Department of English is committed to preparing students for graduate and professional programs, and for careers in such fields as teaching, writing, publishing, business, and law.

Program Goals

1. To acquaint students with a broad range of writers, works, and concepts of literary history.
2. To strengthen the critical thinking ability of students by nurturing their skills as readers.
3. To strengthen the critical thinking ability of students by nurturing their skills as writers.
4. To enhance the cultural awareness of students and to deepen their appreciation of literature by exploring its connections with history, philosophy, the fine arts, religion, and other areas of social experience and discourse.
5. To develop the abilities of students to do scholarly research and writing.
6. To prepare students for careers in such fields as teaching, writing, publishing, business, and law.

Freshman Composition Policies

International Student Placement

International student English course placement is based on English proficiency entrance test scores and/or prior English course credit(s).

Receiving Credit for ENGL 131/132

In addition to taking ENGL 131 and ENGL 132 as part of their normal coursework, students may receive credit for these classes by:

• Earning a score of 3 or better on the appropriate AP examination.
• Taking and passing the ENGL 131/ENGL 132 Knowledge Examination through the Prior Learning Program.

Transfer Credit for ENGL131/132

To receive transfer credit for either ENGL 131 or ENGL 132, students must present a transcript with a grade of “C” or better in an appropriate course from another accredited institution. Students who are awarded transfer credit for ENGL 132 but do not have appropriate credits to transfer for ENGL 131 may either enroll at Cumberlands in ENGL 131 or earn credit for ENGL 131 through one of the two examinations described above.

Enrollment in ENGL131/132

Because a mastery of written communication is essential to success in college and in professional life beyond college, enrollment in ENGL 131 and ENGL 132 will be closely monitored by both the Student Success Coordinators and Faculty Advisors until they are successfully completed.

Programs

Major

English Creative Writing, B.A.  

English Creative Writing, B.S.  

English Literary Studies, B.A.  

English Literary Studies, B.S.  

English Secondary Education, B.A.  

English Secondary Education, B.S.  

Minor

English in Literary Studies Minor  

English: Creative Writing Minor  

Department of General and Professional Studies

Purpose Statement

The General Studies Department of University of the Cumberlands provides students broad general education offerings and allows students flexibility in their coursework throughout multiple disciplines.

Program Goals

1. To be able to communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
2. To understand basic mathematical skills and apply them to personal and professional situations.
3. Analyze relevant political and cultural issues in a global context focused on professional growth.
4. To cultivate an understanding of the application of program courses to connect your plan of study to your career field.
5. Explore critical thinking skills and apply them to real-world and professional scenarios.

Degree Completion Requirements

Students complete a core set of general studies courses (12 hours), two specialized areas (15 hours each; 30 hours total), and a set of strategic electives (remaining hours) to complete their degree. Students may also opt to complete one emphasis area (15 hours) and one minor or certificate (varying credits depending on the program) in the place of the second emphasis area to complete their degree. If a student chooses an option and minor of the same discipline, the courses must not overlap in requirements for the emphasis area. Courses included within the major or minor of General Studies must be unique in meeting the General Studies degree requirements and are not being utilized to meet other major or minor degree requirements.

Programs

Major

General Studies, A.A.S.  

General Studies, A.S.  

General Studies, B.A.  

General Studies, B.A.S.  

General Studies, B.S.  

Minor

General Studies Minor  

Media and Ministry Minor  

Professional Studies Minor  

Certificate

Athletic Management Certificate  

Business Systems Management Certificate  

Digital Marketing Certificate  

Entrepreneurship Certificate  

Esports Coaching Certificate  

Esports Management Certificate  

Financial Analytics Certificate  

Health Psychology Certificate  

Integrated Marketing Communication Certificate  

Small Business Management Certificate  

Sport Psychology Certificate  

Sports Marketing Certificate  

Non-Degree

Certified Dietary Manager  

Medicaid Nurse Aide  

Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Science

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Health, Exercise and Sport Science (HESS) Department is to develop competent professionals who are able to integrate content knowledge and practical application skills appropriate to the setting. These professionals will learn effective analytical, evaluative, management, and communication skills to successfully navigate diverse situations.

Program Goals

1. To provide a thorough academic foundation for Health, Exercise and Sport Science (HESS) students to apply to graduate schools and meet requirements for professional positions in the content area.
2. To facilitate students in effective communication competence related to HESS content.

Programs

Major

Coaching, A.A.S.  

Coaching, A.S.  

Coaching, B.A.  

Coaching, B.A.S.  

Coaching, B.S.  

Exercise & Sport Science, A.A.S.  

Exercise & Sport Science, B.A.  

Exercise & Sport Science, B.S.  

Fitness & Sport Management, A.A.S.  

Fitness & Sport Management, B.A.  

Fitness & Sport Management, B.S.  

Health & Physical Education (P-12), B.A.  

Health & Physical Education (P-12), B.S.  

Health & Physical Education, B.S.  

Public Health B.A.  

Public Health B.A.S.  

Public Health B.S.  

Public Health, A.A.S.  

Public Health, A.S.  

Minor 

Coaching Minor  

Exercise & Sport Science Minor  

Fitness & Sport Management Minor  

Public Health Minor  

Department of History and Political Science

Purpose Statement- History Program

The purpose of the History and Political Science Department is to pursue the intellectual, spiritual, and social objectives of the University. Toward that end, the Department strives to maintain a competent and conscientious Christian faculty who are dedicated to excellence in their profession. The students are the Department’s first priority and therefore, the Department strives to provide them with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields of endeavor.

Program Goals

1. To provide students with a general knowledge of American and world civilizations.
2. To provide students with an appreciation of principal cultural issues pertinent to past and present societies.
3. To allow students to demonstrate critical and insightful thinking concerning principal historical issues.
4. To instill in students the knowledge necessary for assuming positions in history related fields and/or pursuing post graduate study.
5. To provide students, by their graduation, a basic understanding of traditional and current schools of thought within the study of history.
6. To provide students with the written and oral capacities to communicate effectively.
7. To instill in students by graduation an understanding and appreciation of the principal values of western society.

Purpose Statement-Political Science Program

The purpose of the Department of History and Political Science is to pursue the intellectual, spiritual, and social objectives of the University. Toward that end the Department strives to maintain a competent and conscientious Christian faculty who are dedicated to excellence in their profession. The students are the Department’s first priority and therefore, the Department strives to provide them with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields of endeavor.

Program Goals

1. To provide students with an understanding of political institutions and processes, both national and international.
2. To instill in students an awareness of the inevitability of power and politics in human affairs.
3. To enable students to think critically about the proper role of government, both in its range and limits.
4. To stimulate an awareness in students of the relationship between a strong vibrant democracy and their roles as active, informed citizens.
5. To provide students with the fundamental skills necessary for successful professional lives beyond college.

Programs

Major

History and Political Science, B.A.  

History and Political Science, B.S.  

History, B.A.  

History, B.S.  

Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.  

Paralegal Studies, A.S.  

Political Science, B.A.  

Political Science, B.S.  

Social Studies Secondary Education, B.A.  

Social Studies Secondary Education, B.S.  

Minor

History Minor  

Legal Studies Minor  

Political Science Minor  

Department of Mathematics & Physics 

Purpose Statement- Mathematics Program

The purpose of the Mathematics program is to develop a broad understanding of mathematics and an appreciation of its beauty and usefulness in God’s world.

Program Goals

1. To assist students’ learning of the breadth and depth of mathematics.
2. To cultivate students’ understanding and appreciation for the relationship of mathematics to other fields.
3. To assist students to communicate mathematics effectively.
4. To provide content knowledge in mathematics for those students seeking secondary certification.
5. To prepare middle school education students to teach mathematics.
6. To prepare students to pursue graduate work in mathematics or related fields or to enter the job market.

Purpose Statement- Physics Program

The Physics Program strives to prepare students for successful careers in physics, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. Integral to achieving this goal, students are provided opportunities to cultivate critical thinking skills, learn to apply physical principles, develop skills in experimental physics, and extend their mathematics prowess. As students develop these cognitive skills, the program also encourages students to recognize their professional and ethical responsibilities to society. The program has three majors designed to prepare students: (1) to continue their physics education in graduate school or pursue a physics-related career; (2) to seek certification to teach at the secondary level (grades 8-12); and (3) to pursue the dual-degree engineering option. The program also provides a pre-engineering curriculum for students to complete the core requirements for transferring to an engineering school.

Program Goals

1. To encourage students to recognize their professional and ethical responsibilities to society.
2. To cultivate the student’s critical thinking in problem solving and scientific reasoning.
3. To facilitate the learning process students are introduced to new and increasingly more abstract physical principles.
4. To assist students as they develop their skills in experimental physics.
5. To refine and extend the student’s capabilities at using mathematics to solve physical problems.
6. To provide content knowledge in physics for those students seeking teacher certification.
7. To prepare students for careers in physics, engineering, mathematics, and related fields.

Programs

Major

Applied Physics, B.A.  

Applied Physics, B.S.  

Mathematics Secondary Education, B.A.  

Mathematics Secondary Education, B.S.  

Mathematics, B.A.  

Mathematics, B.S.  

Physics Secondary Education, B.A.  

Physics Secondary Education, B.S.  

Physics Teaching, B.S.  

Physics, B.A.  

Physics, B.S.  

Minor

Math Minor  

Physics Minor  

Department of Missions and Ministry

Purpose Statement

The Missions and Ministry Department endeavors to equip the next generation of Christian servant leaders in varied cultural and geographic setting through innovative instruction, meaningful scholarship, and practical experience. To do so, we will provide an educational experience that is Bible-based, Christ-centered, Gospel-driven, and actionoriented.

Program Goals

1. To provide students with knowledge and understanding of biblical, theological, and historical studies of the Christian faith.
2. To assist students in developing their ability to apply and analyze the Christian worldview within everyday life and ministry.
3. To prepare students for lifelong learning and service through the evaluation and creation of practical strategies and experiences in Christian missions and ministry.

Programs

Major

Missions and Ministry, A.A.S.  

Missions and Ministry, A.S.  

Missions and Ministry, B.A.  

Missions and Ministry, B.A.S.  

Missions and Ministry, B.S.  

Minor

Missions and Ministry Minor  

Certificate

Worship Ministry Certificate  

Department of Music and Fine Arts

Purpose Statement - Music 

The purpose of the University of the Cumberlands Music and Fine Arts Program is to help music students attain a high level of performance proficiency, a firm theoretical and historical foundation, a solid preparation for a music career, and a Christian basis for attaining the goals established by the university.

Additionally, the Music and Fine Arts Department strives to provide all students, regardless of discipline, an opportunity to experience music in various contexts in an effort to enhance their aesthetic appreciation of this unique form of human expression.

Program Goals - Music

1. To provide students an overall knowledge of music theory, music history, and music literature in preparation for professional employment and/or graduate study.
2. To provide music education students with pedagogical instructional methods so that they can become highly qualified, knowledgeable, and caring teachers who provide for diverse learners.
3. To provide students the necessary skills for artistic performances in voice, keyboard, string, and/or band instruments.

Entrance Requirements

The Music Department requests that all entering music majors schedule an audition for assessing performance skills and keyboard proficiency.

Piano Requirements

All students pursuing a major in music must demonstrate functional keyboard skills. Music majors must successfully complete both MUPR 117 - Class Piano I and MUPR 118 - Class Piano II with the exception of students who are pursuing a piano emphasis. They will take MUPR 221 - Piano Pedagogy instead.

Recital Requirements

All students pursuing a major in music must present a senior recital on his/her primary instrument during his/her senior year.

Purpose Statement - Fine Arts

The purpose of University of the Cumberlands Art Department is to provide broad course offerings to serve students who wish to pursue a Fine Arts career and those who want to obtain teaching certificates. We aim to assist students in the development of one’s unique creative abilities through rigorous academic investigation in both studio art and art history classes.

Program Goals - Fine Arts

1. To facilitate development of the individual creative ability inherent in each student.
2. To encourage academic investigation of man through our cultural heritage in the visual arts.
3. To develop psychomotor skills in a variety of media to create works of visual art.
4. To help students make intelligent and qualitative judgments about works of visual art.
5. To enrich the aesthetic environment of the college and community through art exhibitions, lectures, and studio activities.
6. To provide courses required for certification by the Kentucky Department of Education in the field of art for major and non-major students who plan to teach.

Programs

Major

Art Education (P-12), B.A.  

Art Education (P-12), B.S.  

Art, B.A.  

Art, B.S.  

Music Education (P-12), B.M.  

Music, B.A.  

Music, B.S.  

Minor

Art Minor  

Music Minor  

Theatre Arts Minor  

Certificate

Worship Ministry Certificate  

Other Programs

Music Therapy Pathway  

Department of World Languages and Cultures

Students pursuing any major will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree if they complete at least the Intermediate level - SPAN 232/FREN 232-of either French or Spanish (typically 4 courses). Students may also choose to pursue a major or minor in World Languages and Cultures or a minor in Spanish.

Purpose Statement

Through the Major and Minor in World Languages and Cultures and Minor in Spanish, the Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to providing students with the tools needed for global, cross-cultural understanding, including the ability to understand and use the French and Spanish languages. To this end, the Department of World Languages and Cultures offers courses and other experiences in language, culture, literature, translation, and more. Together, these experiences will prepare students for graduate and professional programs and for careers in which knowledge of another language and culture is vital.

Program Goals

1. Students will learn to communicate in languages other than English, namely Spanish and French. This includes the four skills of language learning: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
2. Students will expand their cross-cultural competence through the study of the products, practices, and perspectives of cultures other than their own.
3. Students will prepare for career opportunities in fields such as law enforcement, medicine, human services, education, business, and foreign services.

Advanced Placement

Receiving Advanced Placement or Other Course Credit in French and /or Spanish Students may receive course credit for FREN 131, FREN 132, FREN 231 and FREN 232 for SPAN 131, SPAN 132, SPAN 231, and SPAN 232 either by taking and passing the French or Spanish Knowledge Examination through the Prior Learning Program or by taking and passing the appropriate CLEP or IB examination. In addition, Advanced Placement and course credit may be earned as follows:

Study Abroad

World Languages and Cultures students are encouraged to improve their language skills and intercultural competence through study abroad. Appropriate transfer credit will be awarded for language courses and cultural study done overseas under the auspices of an accredited and approved academic institution.

Programs

Major

World Languages and Cultures, B.A.  

Minor

Spanish Minor  

World Languages and Cultures Minor  

School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminal Justice

Purpose Statement

The purpose of a major in criminal justice is to prepare graduates for a career within the field of corrections and criminal justice. The program will enable students to communicate and practice effectively with clients and colleagues so that they may pursue lives of responsible service and leadership.

Program Goals

1. To provide students with a core knowledge base in criminal justice in order to prepare them for their chosen careers within the justice field and/or graduate studies.
2. To enhance understanding of the roles of society and law enforcement in response to deviant behavior.
3. To appreciate the diversity of humanity and understand how cultural factors impact consumers of the criminal justice system.
4. To strengthen critical thinking skills by fostering an understanding of deviance and clarifying personal values related to working with deviant populations.
5. To cultivate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of research and writing applicable to the criminal justice field.

Programs

Major

Criminal Justice, A.A.S.  

Criminal Justice, A.S.  

Criminal Justice, B.A.  

Criminal Justice, B.A.S.  

Criminal Justice, B.S.  

Minor

Criminal Justice Minor  

Department of Human Services & Social Work

Purpose Statement

The Human Services Program provides students the opportunity to develop the foundation of knowledge and skills required to work within the helping profession. The Department’s curriculum emphasizes course work that enhances self-awareness and increases understanding of personal values, while fostering appreciation of diversity and the needs of humanity. Education is provided in the areas of professional helping skills, behavioral theory, and current social issues. Students are equipped to conduct ethical practice, establish appropriate boundaries, and apply their skills within professional environments that offer services to people.

Program Goals

1. To facilitate an appreciation of self-awareness and the diversity of humanity, especially as this relates to the variety of human services careers.
2. To provide students with a core knowledge base in human behavior theory, research methods, and social welfare policy in preparation for a career and/or graduate study.
3. To promote understanding of the human services perspective related to individuals, groups, and communities.
4. To integrate healthy professional boundaries and best ethical practices within a human services capacity.
5. To demonstrate professional helping skills within the classroom and apply the skills within a professional environment.

Programs

Major

Human Services, A.A.S.  

Human Services, A.S.  

Human Services, B.A.  

Human Services, B.A.S.  

Human Services, B.S.  

Social Work, B.S.W.  

Minor

Human Services Minor  

Social Work Minor  

Certificate

Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certificate  

Other Programs

Human Services Emphasis Requirements  

Department of Psychology

Purpose Statement

The Psychology Program offers a wide range of courses reflecting the diversity of the discipline as well as the interests of the students and faculty. Courses are designed to provide an educational background appropriate to a liberal arts program, prepare students for careers in areas that value an undergraduate degree in psychology, and provide a strong foundation for graduate study.

Program Goals

1. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2. Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretations of findings.
3. Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4. Students will understand and apply psychology principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Directed Studies

Majors may include a maximum of 6 hours in directed studies courses up to 3 hours of PSYC 490 and 3 hours of PSYC 491, or 6 hours of PSYC 491. Minors may enroll in PSYC 490 only and are limited to 3 hours of PSYC 490 credit. The PSYC 491 course is reserved for students who display self-direction and academic excellence.

Exit Exam

As part of the requirement for the psychology major, all students are required to complete an exit exam during their final semester. This exam will include questions related to the psychology course curriculum.

Programs

Major

Psychology A.A.S.  

Psychology A.S.  

Psychology, B.A.  

Psychology, B.A.S.  

Psychology, B.S.  

Minor

Psychology Minor  

Sport and Wellness Psychology Minor  

Other Programs

Music, B.S., B.A. Emphasis Requirements  

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