Special Academic Programs

Honors Program at Adrian College

Honors Program at Adrian College

The Honors Program at Adrian College seeks to provide academically talented and motivated students with distinctive opportunities to explore personal and professional excellence reflective of the mission of Adrian College. The Honors Curriculum is based on the key concepts of the Adrian College Mission Statement: truth, human dignity, excellence, and justice. Members of the Honors Program enjoy cross-disciplinary seminars, conference presentation opportunities and enhanced academic options in their majors. Students who join the program can expect academic rigor and a supportive faculty, as well as access to convocation series speakers, early registration each semester, transcript and diploma notations, among other benefits.

The Honors program does not duplicate or compete with honors designations (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) awarded at graduation or with departmental honors programs. Graduation from the Honors Program will be noted on the student’s transcript.

The Honors Program supports and extends the Ribbons of Excellence by providing Honors program students with:

Seminars that challenge students to think across disciplines.
Experiences that encourage students to care for humanity and the world.
Academic projects that develop critical and creative thinking.
The foundation for being lifelong learners.

Objectives of the Adrian College Honors Program include:
Demonstrate an ability to think critically about issues and topics from multiple perspectives.
Demonstrate the ability to develop creative ways of engaging the world.
Demonstrate an attitude consistent with someone who cares for humanity and the world.
Show an appreciation for and love of learning.

Sample of Honors Program Activities include:

HONR 101: Ethics on Two Wheels

Students read about the politics and ethics of non-motorized transportation and worked together to craft Adrian College’s new bike-share program.

HONR101: No Good Options: Difficult Choices in Health Care: A course exploring the uncertainties of medical practice.

Incoming students’ college applications will be reviewed and those students who qualify (3.6/4.0 high school GPA and a 25 on the ACT) will be sent an application to apply to the Honors Program. The deadline for applications is July 1.

Students already enrolled at Adrian College may apply for acceptance in the Honors Program during their freshman or sophomore years after completing two honors sections from the GCON courses. They must have achieved a 3.5 cumulative average at Adrian College by the time they apply. The application deadline is July 1. Incoming students who were not accepted into the Honors Program the summer prior to attending Adrian College can apply once they have completed one semester and meet the GPA requirement.

Additional information about the courses and requirements is included in the departmental section of the catalog. Retention in the Honors Program requires students to maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Reserve Officer Training Corps - ROTC

The Department of Military Science and Leadership is home to the University of Toledo Army Reserved Office Training Corps (ROTC). Any enrolled college student can participate in the first two years of Army ROTC leadership courses without committing to join the Army. This is a unique opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the program before deciding if this is a career path for you. Adrian College students are eligible to enroll through the University of Toledo to complete the curriculum in Military Science and Leadership while enrolled as an Adrian College student.

The Military Science and Leadership curriculum will provide cadets with basic military skills and the fundamentals of leadership, as well as the groundwork toward becoming an Army leader. At the conclusion of the Military Science and Leadership program cadets will be prepared to commission as an Army Officer with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. Students will also learn about Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities. Additionally, students will be familiar with how to plan, prepare, execute, and continuously assess missions and the conduct of training at the company or field grade officer level.

All Cadets participate in weekly Leadership labs as part of the 3-credit hour class. Leadership Lab provides the opportunity for “hands-on” training and skill development. Leadership labs are usually held on Thursday between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

For more information and a complete list of requirements of the ROTC program, please visit the University of Toledo’s College catalog.

Individually Designed Major - IDM

Individually Designed Major

The Individually Designed Major must be designated during the first semester of the sophomore year for the associate’s degree candidate and not later than the second semester of the junior year for the baccalaureate degree candidate. In some instances, an earlier decision may be necessary in order to meet all requirements within the normal length of the degree program. All Individually Designed Majors must be reviewed and approved by the Academic Status and Review Committee.

A student interested in the IDM program must consult with appropriate department chair before or near the junior year to design a specific proposal. IDM proposals must be received by the Registrar’s Office prior to registration for the second semester of the junior year to be reviewed by the Academic Status Review Committee. Proposal forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. The approved IDM, including course requirements, must be filed with the Registrar, who must be notified of any changes in the program requirements.

- Hours required: 33 minimum to 46 maximum

- Independent Study: The 33-hour minimum requirements must include three (3) hours, but no more than six (6) hours, of Independent Study (451)

- Department requirement: Eighteen (18) hours of the total required must be selected from one department

- Capstone or Culminating Experience: Completion of a capstone or culminating experience in one department is required for graduation

Internship: Internship (199 or 399) credit is not allowed.

Off-Campus and Cooperative Programs

To qualify for approved off-campus programs, a student must have earned a minimum of 34 semester hours in residence at Adrian College and may not have an outstanding balance on his or her Adrian College account. These programs vary in cost and travel expenses. The student must pay tuition often before Adrian’s normal charges are due. The student pays the greater tuition at Adrian College or the host institution’s tuition. The student should also check with the College’s Student Business Services prior to registering for any program, as scholarships and grants do not necessarily cover programs off campus, including study abroad.

Study Abroad Affiliations and Exchange Programs

Adrian College offers an exciting variety of study abroad opportunities for a semester, a year, or during May or summer terms. To initiate the study abroad process, students must first contact the Director of the Institute for Study Abroad Office, located in Valade Hall. Students who study abroad through one of Adrian College’s affiliate or exchange programs remain enrolled at Adrian College and may use non-institutional financial aid to pay for their programs. Credits hours earned on an Adrian College affiliated program are applied to the student’s transcript and count towards graduation. Grades received on these programs are recorded on the student’s permanent transcript and will be factored into the cumulative grade point average. Students may participate in these programs for one or two semesters during the regular school year and during May and summer terms.

For a complete list of affiliated programs, please visit the Institute for Study Abroad’s webpage:

http://adrian.edu/academics/institutes/study-abroad/

Adrian College Study Abroad Policies

Adrian College has affiliations in the form of signed agreements with study abroad programs which allow two things to happen: (1) credit earned at host institutions transfers back to Adrian College as graded AC credit; (2) students are able to use federal, state and private forms of financial aid to help pay for their study abroad experience. Note: Institutional financial aid requires residency at Adrian College (i.e., students are registered full-time and attending classes at the College) and is therefore ineligible for application to a study abroad program. Exceptions to this rule are any scholarships endowed for the specific purpose of studying abroad (i.e., McGinnis-Burris Renaissance Travel Award).

Students must study abroad through one of Adrian College’s affiliate institutions in order to guarantee that all of their credits transfer back and to use their non-institutional financial aid to help pay for their program.

If a student chooses to study abroad through a non-affiliated program or institution, they will not be a matriculated Adrian College student, and Adrian College assumes no responsibility for that student or the non–affiliated program or institution.

Credits and Registration

During the regular school year, if a student studies abroad, they must register for study abroad hours through the Registrar’s Office to hold his or her place as a matriculated student at the College.

Although May and Summer terms are not considered part of the regular school year, a student studying abroad during these terms must also register for study abroad hours through the Registrar’s Office before beginning the program.

All credits earned through one of Adrian College’s affiliated programs or institutions transfer back to the College as graded Adrian College credit.

Charges and Payments

During the regular school year, the student will be charged the fees of the host institution or program. Exceptions to this policy are programs with which Adrian College has an exchange agreement (i.e. Yonsei University).

Financial Aid

During the regular school year, students studying abroad through one of Adrian College’s affiliates may use their non-institutional financial aid (i.e. Federal, state, private) to pay for their program. Institutional aid from Adrian College carries a residency requirement and may only be used while a student is attending undergraduate classes full-time at Adrian College.

During the May and Summer terms, the only financial aid available to students for studying abroad is in the form of student loans.

Limits on Study Abroad Experiences

Normally a student may participate in one study abroad experience during any regular school year while at Adrian College. This is defined as one study abroad experience in one country with one program for either a semester or a year. A student who wishes to study abroad more than once during any regular school year while at Adrian College may petition the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs for permission to go abroad again. There is no limit on the number of times a student may study abroad during May or Summer terms.

Pre-Professional and Related Programs

Pre-Professional and Related Programs

The liberal arts education offered at Adrian College serves as a foundation for many careers. Students looking forward to professional or related careers are encouraged to complete a baccalaureate degree before beginning advanced study. Often, however, students may be admitted to a professional school by the end of their junior year or may be required to complete their senior year at an accredited hospital or other facility. To qualify, students must:

1. Complete 120 hours of academic credit or its equivalent, 90 hours of which must be earned at, or accepted by, Adrian College;

2. Satisfy the College Essential Liberal Arts Courses requirements prior to leaving Adrian College;

3. Complete courses specified for a departmental major, unless a different arrangement is approved in writing;

4. Apply to the registrar for the deferred baccalaureate privilege, presenting evidence of admission to a professional school or related training.

Generally, students enrolling in pre-professional and related programs must exhibit grades or other indications promising successful advanced study. In doubtful cases, the registrar may require endorsement of particular applications or programs by the Academic Status Review Committee. Each pre-professional program has a designated academic liaison, as identified on the Adrian College website.

Pre-Architecture Program

Adrian College offers a Pre-Architecture program for students who plan on attending graduate school for Architecture and pursuing a career as an architect. Students will graduate from Adrian College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. They will also complete the following additional course work: ART100 and ART101, HIST123 and HIST124; MATH135; PHIL105; PHYS101 and PHYS103. Articulation agreements are available to attend Washington University or Lawrence Technological University.

Pre-Art Therapy Program

To practice art therapy professionally, a student must receive a Master of Art Therapy (MAT). Students who contemplate pursuing this specialized graduate training are advised to complete the following course of study, developed in accordance with The American Art Therapy Association:

A major in Art or Psychology with special attention to development of a sophisticated art portfolio, which shows competence in a wide variety of media.
Art majors must also complete: PSYC100, PSYC205, PSYC303, PSYC304, and PSYC311.
Psychology majors must also complete: three (3) from ART100, ART101, ART102 and ART103. Plus, either ART201 or ART202; either ART205 or ART206; either ART305 or ART306; ART301, ART303, and 6 credits of additional studio courses.
ART325 and ART326.
Completion of an internship of at least 3 hours with a registered art therapist and/or ART327: Art Therapy Practicum.

Pre-Engineering Program

Adrian College has three options for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering. Interested students should meet with Dr. Yasser Alginahi as soon as possible to discuss which option best fits with their interests and goals.

Option 1

Adrian College has partnered with the University of North Dakota (UND) to establish engineering dual-degree programs in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and petroleum engineering. Through this partnership, students will take on-campus courses at Adrian to earn a B.A. in Physics while simultaneously taking engineering courses online to earn a B.S. in biomedical, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering from UND. Similarly, a B.A. in chemistry is paired with the B.S. in chemical engineering and a B.A. in geology is paired with the B.S. in petroleum engineering. For more information, please see the Engineering Dual-Degree Programs page. Dual_Degree_Programs

Option 2

Complete a Bachelor of Science degree at Adrian College. This is the most common path students choose. In most cases, a major in physics is the most appropriate choice. The physics major is often paired with a minor or second major in math or another science. This option is excellent preparation for entry-level engineering positions as well as for admission to graduate programs in engineering. For example, recent graduates have gone on to complete master’s degrees in Space Engineering and Environmental Engineering.

Option 3

Complete two years of study at Adrian College and then transfer to an engineering school. This option allows the student to complete most of the prerequisites for beginning engineering coursework. Students must meet the same admission criteria as any other student applying to the engineering school. Most engineering programs will require a minimum GPA of 3.0 at Adrian College. Completion of the engineering degree will typically take an additional 2.5 to 3 years. This assumes freshman placement into MATH 115 or higher. See below.

Important Note: It is assumed that students entering the program will be enrolled in MATH 115 (Pre-Calculus) or higher for the fall semester of their freshman year. Students not meeting this requirement will need to complete one or more math courses over the summer to graduate on time. Students must have passed MATH 135 (Calc. I) with a C or higher prior to enrolling in PHYS 205.

Pre-Law Program

Adrian College offers a pre-law program for students who plan to attend law school and pursue a career as a lawyer. It is generally agreed that future lawyers need to be very broadly educated and that there is no one pattern of undergraduate preparation which is ideal for everyone who is interested in law. Each student should select a major or majors that will encourage the development of orderly work habits and sharpen the ability to think critically and state ideas clearly. Students are encouraged to meet early in their undergraduate careers with the director of the Institute for Law and Public Policy so they can craft course plans that best meet their needs and learn more about other resources available to pre-law students. The individual attention provided by our program assures that students will be acquainted with some extremely important basic concepts that will be helpful in law school while allowing them maximum flexibility to select the rest of their studies on the basis of their personal interests and aptitudes.

Under the 3+3 Admissions Program, students at Adrian College may matriculate to the University of Toledo College of Law after three years of undergraduate study. To accomplish this, students should declare to the Adrian College Law Institute advisor their intention to pursue the 3+3 Admissions Program as early as possible. The credits earned during the first year of law school count towards the credits needed for the Bachelor’s degree, so that the student is awarded a Bachelor’s degree by Adrian College following the successful completion of the first year of law school. Thus, by completing three years of undergraduate study and three years of law school, students earn a Bachelor’s degree and J.D. in six years rather than the traditional seven years.

Recommended courses for all pre-law students include:

COMM302, PHIL105, PHIL201, PHIL331, PSCI101, , SCJ366, SCJ393, SCJ396, SCJ397, SCJ400, SCJ402.

Recommended courses for students interested in business law include:

ACCT203, ACCT204, BUS305

Pre-Seminary Program - Pre-Ministry

Adrian College offers a pre-seminary program for students who intend to pursue a vocation in ministry. We understand ministry to have many expressions from pastoral leadership to social advocacy, teaching, youth ministry, music ministry, counseling, journalism, mission work, and other forms of service. The program is designed to prepare individuals to enter accredited seminaries or graduate programs and has an excellent record of placing students in the programs of their choice.

Preparation for ministry was a part of Adrian College from its beginning in 1859. The “Theological Association of Adrian College” began in 1869 as a forum for those exploring a call to ministry. The College even developed its own school of theology during the late 19th century but eventually placed this emphasis within its wider undergraduate offerings. After World War I the theological association adopted the name “Major Cole Association,” in honor of a popular Christian speaker who served as a mentor for Adrian College students. Recently the Adrian College pre-seminary program has been redeveloped around a vibrant student organization. This student group serves three purposes:

(1) to meet regularly for mutual support and discussion regarding issues of call,

(2) to provide a place for engaging visiting seminary representatives and others with wisdom regarding different church vocations, and

(3) to attend retreats and events that help students wrestle with God’s call to ministry.

The Adrian College pre-seminary program and its accompanying student organization have received national attention as a model of vocational discernment and support.

The pre-seminary program has a special relationship with the philosophy/religion department of the College, and many of our pre-seminary students are philosophy or religion majors or minors. The pre-seminary welcomes people of all denominations.

Pre-Health Science Program

Adrian College has a long history of preparing its graduates to enter the health professions. In recent years our health studies students have been admitted to over 25 graduate and professional programs in 29 states. Students headed for professional school in any health profession are supported by Adrian College’s Institute for Health Studies. Advising services include assistance in career selection, support in course planning, and advice in securing patient care, research and extracurricular experiences that are found in successful candidates. At the end of the junior year, or in the senior year we assist students in preparing for entry exams and applying to the program of their choice.

Pre-Med or other pre-professional coursework in health care is not a major. Students will choose a major in an Adrian College academic department which is closely aligned with the requirements of their selected profession. For example, a pre pharmacy student might be a Biochemistry major, a pre-med or pre-dent student might be a biology major, and a pre physical therapy or occupational student will likely be an Exercise Science major. However, students should feel free to choose any major while completing pre-professional coursework. Each student will have a faculty advisor for completion of the major, alongside health professions advising from the Institute for Health Studies. Informational materials, workshops and speakers are available to students for their independent research about their target career and desired professional training.

Healthcare professionals generally complete graduate education at the master’s or doctoral level. Preparation for training in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry or as a physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or other health professional requires detailed undergraduate planning. From the second semester of the freshman year, students should work closely with a faculty advisor in their major department and a health professions advisor to plan their four-year academic schedule. In schedule planning, attention must be paid to the sequencing of courses, and the semesters they are commonly offered. All required pre-requisites for professional school are offered on campus, or by arrangement with other Universities. To prepare a competitive application portfolio, undergraduate health professions students must:

Complete all academic prerequisites required by their graduate professional program and critical to strong performance on entry examinations.
Complete the graduation requirements of an academic major relevant to their intended field.
Become familiar with their intended profession by seeking internships and experiential learning opportunities.
Pursue leadership and volunteer opportunities that develop their skills outside the classroom.

Students planning to attend professional school immediately on graduation from Adrian College should complete the majority of prerequisite courses by the end of the junior year. Entry exams are taken and the application process begins the summer following the junior year. At the student’s option, this may be deferred to the senior year. Certain summer enrichment experiences are most commonly obtained following the freshman or sophomore years. Adrian students declare their major no later than the sophomore year. Nationally, and at Adrian College, the most common majors for students applying to medical and dental school are Biology and Chemistry, representing about 60% of applicants. Coursework required for Biology or Chemistry major’s overlaps many of the science pre-requisites for professional schools, which is a contributing factor to this pattern. However, professional schools will accept any major, so long as prerequisite science/ other courses have been completed.

At Adrian College, Exercise Science and Psychology are the majors next most commonly seen among pre-health students. Whatever their major, health science students should expect to take a number of courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Many professional programs will require math at the pre-calculus or calculus level, and an increasing number look for coursework in statistics. Students will not be enrolled in College Chemistry without evidence of strong math skills, demonstrated by ALEKS math assessment taken by incoming freshmen.

Other courses commonly required are English, Psychology, Bioethics, Sociology, and Anatomy & Physiology. Students are reminded that material tested on the entry exams should be studied no later than the junior year.

Apart from the professional degree programs, many other career options exist in healthcare. Biostatistics, public health, health policy/health care management, bioethics and various forms of patient advocacy are among the other fields open to students with interests in the field. Adrian College now offers majors and minors in Public Health and Health Care Management; and an MBA in Health Care Management. Bioethics study is available through our Philosophy Department, and the Biology and Psychology Departments have collaborated on a neuroscience track. Of course, our Masters in Athletic Training is offered in the Exercise Science Department, and many of Exercise Science students go on to graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy or exercise physiology.

There is wide variety in the course prerequisites each professional school requires. Students are encouraged to investigate their field of interest as well as the specific schools they might attend – as early as possible. Comprehensive counseling on all health career pathways is available through the digital, email, online and personal counseling resources of the Adrian College Institute for Health Studies.

University of North Dakota - Engineering

University of North Dakota

Adrian College has partnered with the University of North Dakota (UND) to establish dual-degree engineering programs. Through this partnership, students will take on-campus courses at Adrian to earn a B.A. in Physics while simultaneously taking engineering courses online to earn a B.S. in Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering from UND. Similarly, a B.A. in Chemistry is paired with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a B.A. in Geology is paired with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering. Students who complete the dual-degree program will earn two distinct bachelor's degrees in 5 years.

Engineering typically involves several hands-on lab courses, and these programs are no different. Students may use kits purchased from UND to complete required engineering lab courses remotely. In addition, some lab courses will be taken on campus at UND over the summer. The summer lab sessions are typically less than two weeks in duration. Students will receive academic and career advising support from both Adrian College and UND in their respective majors. These programs allow students to have the traditional Adrian College experience while also earning an engineering degree from UND, a premier engineering school.

Courses & Curriculum:

Each dual-degree program is designed to be completed in 5 years. This timeline assumes that students are placed into Pre-Calculus (MATH 115) or beyond for their first semester.

For more information on the Engineering programs at UND, please click on the degrees below

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Civil Engineering

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

B.S. in Petroleum Engineering

Credit Hour Policy

In accordance with federal regulations and mandates from the Higher Learning Commission in July 2013, Adrian College defines one credit hour as:

“A credit hour is the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that approximates not less than:

one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
at least an equivalent amount of work as required in (1) of this definition for other activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, and studio work, and other academic work leading toward the award of credit hours.” (Source: Federal Compliance Requirements for Institutions, June 2012, Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association)

A. As the majority of courses at Adrian College fall within a 15-week, scheduled class block the following is adopted as our assumptions for course work:

a. 1 credit hour course offered in a 15-week schedule consists of 1 hour/week of classroom instruction and 2 hours/week out of class work (3 hours/week x 15 weeks= 45 hours of student effort).

b. 2 credit hours courses offered in a 15-week schedule consists of 2 hours/week of classroom instruction and 4 hours/week of out of class work (6 hours/week x 15 weeks= 90 hours of student effort).

c. credit hour courses offered in a 15-week schedule consists of 3 hours/week of classroom instruction and 6 hours/week of out of class work (9 hours/week x 15 weeks = 135 hours of student effort).

d. credit hour courses offered in a 15-week schedule consists of 4 hours/week of classroom instruction and 8 hours/week of out of class work (12 hours/week x 15 weeks = 180 hours of student effort).

B. As the majority of activities at Adrian College fall within a 15-week schedule class block, the following is adopted as our assumptions for these activities:

a. Natural science labs are 2-3 hours of instruction, attached to a course.

b. Internships are assumed as 1 credit hour= 40 hours of work at the approved site.

c. Practicums are defined by the external accrediting bodies and information is found in the department’s web pages.

d. Studios are defined as 3 hours of instruction, twice a week.

e. Undergraduate research follows the above assumptions for credit hours and student effort.

f. Allied health program clinical education experiences assume that one semester credit hour of clinical learning= a maximum requirement of 100 hours of clinical time.

C. For courses or activities that fall outside of the 15 week course schedule, faculty are required to add the above equivalencies to their syllabus as a statement entitled: Credit hour policy compliance. The following courses and activities covered under this provision include:

a. Courses offered over a condensed timeframe in any semester;

8-week Courses – Fall and Spring

1 Credit Course: 1.875 hours of classroom instruction per week, 3.75 hours out of class work (45 hours of student effort)

2 Credit Course: 5.625 hours of classroom instruction per week, 11.25 hours out of class work (135 hours of student effort)

b. Independent and individualized studies in any semester;

c. May and summer terms courses:

May Term- 4 weeks

1 Credit Course: Must have 45 hours of student effort. Ex. 5 contact hours per week, 4.25 hours assumed student effort

3 Credit Course: Must have 135 hours of student effort. Ex. 15 contact hours per week, 18.75 hours assumed student effort

4 Credit Course: Must have 180 hours of student effort. Ex. 20 contact hours per week, 25 hours assumed student effort

Summer Term- 6 weeks

1 Credit Course: Must have 45 hours of student effort. Ex. 5 contact hours per week, 2.5 hours assumed student effort.

3 Credit Course: Must have 135 hours of student effort. Ex. 15 contact hours per week, 7.5 hours assumed student effort

4 Credit Course: Must have 180 hours of student effort. Ex. 20 contact hours per week, 10 hours assumed student effort

Monitoring of credits for compliance will occur through the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs office each semester.