4.2 Program Curriculum

The institution’s curriculum is directly related and appropriate to the purpose and goals of the institution and the diplomas, certificates, or degrees awarded.

Responsible Unit: Division of Academic Affairs/Faculty Senate

Compliance Judgment

Compliance

Narrative:

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s curriculum is grounded in its institutional mission [1] as a public, doctoral/research intensive, land-grant university committed to fulfilling its fundamental purposes through exemplary undergraduate and graduate instruction, scholarly and creative research, and effective public service. The curriculum is also designed to prepare students for leadership roles within the state, the nation, and the world. As a land grant institution, A&T is committed to offering a curriculum that is reflective of and responsive to the needs of the people of North Carolina, and thus emphasizes its historic strengths in agriculture, science, and engineering. As a doctoral/research-intensive institution, the university is committed to maintaining excellence in graduate research and education where graduate students work as partners with faculty in the creation, expansion, conservation, and transmission of knowledge. This is consistent with SACS Principle 2.7.2, Program Content.

The university's curriculum reflects the research and land grant purposes and is reviewed by numerous institutional committees. To ensure that A&T’s programs are comprehensive, appropriate, and current, the following bodies continually review the curriculum: University Curriculum Committee, the College Curriculum Committee, the Department Curriculum Committee, and the School of Graduate Studies. All new programs proposals are submitted to the Faculty Senate for approval and finally submitted to the University of North Carolina General Administration (UNC-GA) for approval and a part of the university’s offering. Ultimately, the faculty controls the curriculum, SACS Principle 3.4.1, Academic program approval.

The university offers bachelor's degrees in 117 fields of study, master's degrees in fifty-eight fields and doctoral degrees in eight fields (page 50 of the Graduate Catalog). Each course in the university bears a distinguishing number which identifies it within the department and indicates, broadly, its level. The number system is as follows:

100-399, lower- level courses primarily for freshmen and sophomores

400-599, upper- level courses primarily for juniors and seniors

600-699, courses for undergraduate and graduate students

700-799, courses for graduate students and appropriate professional students’ special programs

800-899, courses for doctoral students

At the baccalaureate level, students are required to complete general education requirements [2, as well as courses in their major field(s) of study as outlined in the Undergraduate Bulletin [3]. Thus, students develop breadth as well as depth in their academic experience, preparing themselves for leadership roles in society. At the graduate level, individual departments, along with the School of Graduate Studies develop relevant course and ancillary requirements. These are described for each department’s major in the Undergraduate Bulletin 2008-2010 and the online Graduate Catalog.

Consistent with its role as a major land-grant institution seeking to serve the diverse needs of a growing state, A&T maintains eight degree-granting school/colleges, including an interdisciplinary graduate program in the School of Graduate Studies. The current list of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and majors was provided by the Registrar’s office [3].

Besides these academic units, the School of Graduate Studies assists the colleges in administering its graduate programs. The School of Graduate Studies coordinates and administers advanced course offerings in departments within the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business & Economics, the School of Education, the College of Engineering, and the School of Technology. The School of Graduate Studies offers advanced study for qualified individuals who wish to improve their competency for careers in professions related to agriculture, humanities, education, science, and technology. Such study of information, techniques, and skills is provided through curricula leading to the Master of Science, the Master of Arts, the Master of Education, Master of Social Work, Master of Science in Industrial Technology or the Doctor of Philosophy degree and through institutes and workshops designed for those who are not candidates for a higher degree. While the University Studies program [4] is a key part of the general education core, it offers first-year students a course of general study, career counseling, and guidance in selecting a major field of study. Supplementary programs in music, physical education, and Army ROTC, and Air Force ROTC, complement a curriculum that emphasizes applied science and technology, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Supporting Documents

[1] Undergraduate Bulletin, 2008-2010, Mission Statement

[2] Undergraduate Bulletin, General Education Requirements, pp. 60-61

[3] Factbook, CIP Codes

[4] Undergraduate Bulletin, University Studies, pp. 559-567

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