Policies and Procedures
Please note, not all policies are explained in the catalog, for more detailed explanation for all Academic Policies, go to: http://www.simpson.edu/academics/policies/index.html
The Simpson College educational program includes all of the activities in which a student becomes involved while in college. Learning occurs in the classroom, in the living units, on the athletic courts/fields, in the studios, on the job and during recreation. Any time the student interacts with others, learning can occur.
This section of the catalog details the academic program of the College. It has four features: organization of the curriculum, graduation requriements, Simpson Core Curriculum (General Education), and courses of study by departments/programs.
Organization of Curriculum Academic Divisions
The academic program of the College is administered through six divisions as follows:
Division of Business Administration & Multimedia Communication
Departments of Multimedia Communication and Business Administration & Economics
Division of Education and Sport & Health Sciences
Departments of Teacher Education, Sport Science & Health Education and Dunn Library
Division of Humanities
Departments of English, World Language & Culture Studies, History, Philosophy and Religion
Division of Natural Science
Departments of Biology & Environmental Science, Chemistry & Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics
Division of Social Science
Departments of Political Science, Psychological Sciences and Sociology & Criminal Justice
Division of Visual and Performing Arts
Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre
Numbering System
Course numbers should generally correspond to the level of the content in the course. A 100 level course is generally thought to be an introductory course. A 200 level course may be more focused and require some prerequsite experience. A 300 level course will typically be for students with extensive knowledge of the subject. All courses are expected to be academically rigorous.
Courses are offered with varying frequency: every semester, every year, or in alternate years. In the spring previous to each academic year, a schedule of courses offered for that year is published on the web. The student should consult this schedule in order to learn the nature and time of the course offerings.
Classification of Students
Students are classified on the basis of the minimum number of credit hours they have successfully completed:
29.00 hours or fewer for freshman standing
29.01 hours required for sophomore standing
61.01 hours required for junior standing
95.01 hours required for senior standing
Courses of Study
Simpson College offers majors in those established academic disciplines and in certain interdisciplinary fields in which full-time, fully qualified faculty are employed. In addition to its majors, Simpson offers minors and specialized programs in certain areas where full-time faculty are not available, but where significant preparation for a career or professional study can be provided through the coordination of disciplines and practical experiences.
Majors normally require 40 semester hours of credit. Interdisciplinary majors may require more (Students are required to take at least 16 credits at Simpson College in the major to earn that major at Simpson). Minors require 20 to 24 credits (Students must take at least 8 credits at Simpson College in the minor to earn that minor at Simpson.) Programs typically consist of 18 to 30 credits. All Simpson students are required to complete an academic major.
Minors and specialized programs are available to all students to supplement their majors, but participation in a minor or specialized program is not required for graduation. In rare instances a student, in consultation with a faculty member, may design a special, individualized major in a field of study where a concentration is not offered through an existing major, specialized minor, or program. Guidelines for a special major may be secured from the Dean for Academic Affairs. The student should declare a major on a Declaration of Major form submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the time he/she completed 50 semester hours, including transfer credit.
Special Departmental Courses
Career-related experiences are offered. See descriptions of Career Observation-119, 219, and Internship-319.
Pre-Professional Programs
Simpson College provides, with special permission, opportunities for students to pursue a professional degree beyond the BA at Simpson by establishing a pre-professional program in specific areas listed below.
Pre-Engineering
The Division of Natural Science offers a Dual Degree Pre-Engineering Program for students who wish to combine their interest in engineering with a strong liberal arts education to take advantage of the flexibility such a background offers. This program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College and a Bachelor of Science degree from an approved engineering school. Simpson currently has working relationships with several highly rated engineering schools.
Pre-Law
Preparation for law school can be nurtured in a number of diverse disciplines including political science, history, English, philosophy, communications, management and economics.
Pre-Med, Pre-Dental
Pre-medical and pre-dental students can best prepare for medical school by completing either a biology major or a biochemistry major. Most students take the MCAT (medicine) or DCAT (dentistry) in April of their junior year.
Pre-Pharmacy
Students interested in pursuing a doctorate of pharmacy degree can meet the admission requirements for any program by completing a biology major, a biochemistry major or a chemistry major with a biology minor.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Each physical therapy graduate program varies in their specific requirements but all require a Bachelor’s degree. It is highly recommended students interested in this area major in Biology or Health and Exercise Science which will prepare them for entry into a physical therapy school. Students interested in physical therapy should contact specific physical therapy schools for general information and admission requriements.
Pre- Ministry
A major in Religion along with our Modified Engaged Citizenship curriculum is an excellent preparation for seminary or any of a variety of ministerial careers. Students interested in ministry are encouraged to use the many resources available to help them explore their career options, including the Religion Department faculty, the Center for Vocational and Integrative Learning, and the Relgious Life Community.
Pre-Veterinarian, Pre-Optometry
Students desiring to attend a veterinarian medicine program or optometry program can best prepare for their graduate education by completing the biology major. In addition, students should complete a Career Observation in these professional areas during a May Term.
Graduation Requirements
Simpson College offers two baccalaureate degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music. Students who transfer to Simpson from other accredited four-year institutions must complete at least 32.0 credits at Simpson for a Bachelor of Arts Degree and 36 credits at Simpson for a Bachelor of Music Degree.
Students who transfer to Simpson from accredited two-year institutions must complete at least 64 credtis at Simpson for a Bachelor of Arts and 68 credits at Simpson for a Bachelor of Music Degree.
For the Bachelor of Arts Degree the candidate must fulfill the following general requirements: at least 128 semester credits of course work with cumulative grade point, major and minor (if applicable) averages of C (2.00) or better.
- The completion of a major field of concentration. No grade below C- (1.70) or P will count toward fulfilling the requirement for the major or minor.
- The successful completion of the Simpson Core Curriculum.
- The completion of one May Term course for every two years of full-time study at Simpson College.
- The completion of at least 64 semester credits of work beyond that transferred in from two year colleges and at least 32 semester credits of work beyond that transferred in from four year colleges.
For the Bachelor of Music Degree the candidate must fulfill the following general requirements:
- At least 132 semester credits of course work with cumulative grade point average, major average, and minor average (if applicable) of C (2.00) or better.
- The completion of a major field of concentration. No grade below C- (1.70) or P will count towards fulfilling the requirements for the major or minor.
- The successful completion of the Simpson Core Curriculum.
- The completion of one May Term course for every two years of full-time study at Simpson College.
Student Rights
The College has adopted a statement of student rights and responsibilities and has provided for due process in the matter of disciplinary action, grievances, and grade appeal, as outlined in the Student Handbook, at https://simpson.edu/sites/default/files/2023-10/2023-2024%20Student%20Handbook%2023.pdf.
Grievance: Students have a right to experience education without discrimination. The guide includes definitions, informal and formal process, and time limit.
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