Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Exploratory students who wish to declare a major or minor should make an appointment with an advisor in Academic Advising to complete a major and/or minor approval form. Acceptance into the major program of study is at the discretion of the academic department. Students who are completing courses to meet high school course deficiencies and/or to satisfy entry competencies (i.e., required academic development courses) may apply for a major or minor only after successful completion of those requirements.

If students choose to change their major, they will communicate that desire with their current academic advisor.

If a student wishes to add a second major or a minor, that request will be submitted by the student's academic advisor. Students may request a minor when applying for a major, or later, by submitting a request to the major department.

Double Majors

Students may receive a single degree with a major in more than one discipline. A double major may provide richer preparation for graduate study or for a vocation. Those with a double major will have a first major, usually the one for which they first applied, and a second major. Students must satisfy all requirements for both majors, although some requirements need be accomplished only once. For example, general education requirements need to be satisfied only once. If both majors require a foreign language, only one foreign language is needed. Some majors require a minor concentration; students with a second major would satisfy the minor requirement. A double major is not the same as completing two degree programs. Requirements for a second baccalaureate degree appear in the graduation section of this catalog.

Students who plan to take one or more classes from another institution and apply that credit to an SIUE degree should obtain prior approval for the course from the appropriate academic advisor to ensure the course is acceptable for program credit. This is especially important for students declared into a major.

Reverse Transfer of Credit for Associate's Degree

Students who transfer to SIUE who have earned at least 15 hours of transferable academic credit at an Illinois community college and completed a cumulative total of at least 60 credit hours of transferable credit at SIUE and previously attended postsecondary institutions may request a reverse transfer of credit from SIUE to the community college previously attended for potential awarding of an associate's degree from the community college.  Information will be sent from the Office of the Registrar, Transfer Center to those who are potentially eligible to participate.  Interested students will be given the opportunity to opt-in by completing an authorization form releasing a transcript to the selected, previously attended, community college.  SIUE will then send a copy of the student’s transcript to the specified community college for review. The community college will contact the student regarding the potential awarding of an associate's degree.  Any questions related to reverse transfer of credit should be directed to the Transfer Center, [email protected] or 618.650.2133.

Credit Earned by Examination, Extension and Correspondence

While the University does not maintain a correspondence school or extension courses, such courses taken from institutions accredited by appropriate regional accreditation associations are regularly accepted, if the grade earned is D or above. A maximum of 48 semester hours may be completed through correspondence and extension courses; of this total, not more than 15 semester hours may be taken through correspondence.

State Seal of Biliteracy Credit

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville accepts the State Seal of Biliteracy as equivalent to 101-102 in language courses offered at the University, namely eight (8) credit hours. When the seal is granted in a language not offered at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, eight (8) credit hours in a lower division foreign language course (FL 101-102) will be awarded. In all cases, students must request course credit for their seal within three academic years after graduating from high school. To request course credit for the State Seal of Biliteracy, please contact the Transfer Center.

Proficiency Examinations

Students may earn course credits by demonstrating proficiency in certain subjects. Testing Services (Student Success Center 1246) maintains a list of those courses for which out-of-class proficiency examinations are regularly available and provides information pertaining to those exams at siue.edu/testing/tests/proficiency-tests.

Students wishing to take a proficiency examination in any course (general education courses as well as others) should pick up a proficiency exam form at Testing Services. In many cases, course guides and reading lists are available from either Testing Services or the academic department for which the exam is given. For information regarding general education credit for proficiency examinations, please refer to the section titled Proficiency Examinations for General Education Credit. Students may take any available proficiency examinations subject to the approval of the department and the following limitations:

• Proficiency credit may not be awarded for a course in which a grade has been previously awarded. This includes withdrawal grades of W, WR, WP, or WF;
• A proficiency examination for a specific course may not be taken more than once.

Departments will determine grades on proficiency examinations based on either an A, B, C, no credit scoring option, or a pass/no credit scoring option. After a student has completed a proficiency examination, credits and grade points are granted as follows:

For a grade of A, B, or C on a proficiency examination, the academic record shows the name of the course, hours of credit granted, grade earned, and a notation “out-of-class proficiency” or “in-class proficiency.” The grade earned counts in the grade point average.

For a pass score, credit is given without a calculated grade. The academic record shows the name of the course, hours of credit granted, a grade of “P,” and a notation of “out-of-class proficiency” or “in-class proficiency.” The grade earned does not count in the grade point average.

For a grade of D or F on a proficiency examination, no credit is awarded. The academic record shows nothing regarding the proficiency examination. However, the proficiency examination grade report form is retained in the student’s file for reference.

Students have the option of enrolling in the course for which they have taken the proficiency examination if they are not satisfied with their proficiency examination grades. In-class proficiency examinations are administered early in the term. Examinations are graded in sufficient time in order to give those who pass the test an opportunity to drop the course and add another course as a replacement on their schedule. Students who pass the test will receive credit immediately.

Advanced Placement Program of the College Board

High school students who wish to seek advanced placement and college credit should apply through the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board, P.O. Box 6671, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6671. Advanced classes, which qualify for this purpose, are offered in many high schools. A national examination measures the achievement of students to determine at what point they should begin college study of that subject. Scores are assigned as follows: 5, extremely well qualified; 4, well qualified; 3, qualified; 2, possibly qualified; and 1, no recommendation.

Courses for which earned hours credit may be awarded through advanced placement are the following:

*Art and Design

Students scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on the Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D Design Portfolio exams may arrange to bring their complete portfolio/s to the Art and Design Department for faculty review. If the review is favorable, students will receive credit for the comparable SIUE course indicated. [Process: Students should go to Testing Services (SSC 1246) indicating which Art studio course they wish to receive credit, pick up the proficiency form, submit to Art & Design (AD 1101) and set up appointment to show portfolio. If credit is awarded, it will be posted as SIUE proficiency credit.]

**Chemistry

Students scoring a 3 or 4 must have a favorable review from the Chemistry Department for lab credit (CHEM 125A and/or CHEM 125B). Students scoring a 5 will automatically be awarded the lab credit. [Process: Students should go to Testing Services (SSC 1246), pick up proficiency form, submit to Chemistry Chair (SW 3105) and set up appointment to show high school chemistry information such as lab notes, text book, etc. Student may need to demonstrate lab technique by taking a proficiency exam. If credit is awarded, it will be posted as SIUE proficiency credit.]

Students should send official results of advanced placement examinations to the Office of the Registrar. Credit earned through Advanced Placement examinations may be applied toward the 120 hours required for graduation. Please note this credit is not used in computing the SIUE grade point average. Advancement Placement credit granted at another accredited university or college is transferable to SIUE. Advanced Placement examinations are considered proficiency examinations. See the section about proficiency examinations in this catalog.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

SIUE will grant credit to students for successful completion of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests under the following conditions:

• A maximum of 32 hours of CLEP credit is applicable toward a baccalaureate degree. For information regarding general education credit for CLEP examinations, please refer to the section titled Proficiency Examinations for General Education Credit.
• Credit will be awarded for a CLEP subject examination when approved by the SIUE department offering a comparable course.
• Test credit will not be allowed when students previously have received credit for comparable courses or when currently enrolled in a comparable course.
• Students may take the tests before enrolling at the University. Final recording of credit on the SIUE record is contingent upon matriculation at the University and acceptable scores.
• When approved, credit will normally be awarded for subject examinations on the basis of the number of credit hours in the pertinent courses.

CLEP exams are available by computer only. For information, please call Testing Services at 618-650-1246 or follow the link to CLEP on the testing web page at siue.edu/testing. Persons who wish to apply for credit through SIUE should have official results sent to the Office of the Registrar.

Accountancy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, or Physics Majors at SIUE should be alert to restrictions in credit granted through CLEP. No credit toward graduation can be earned through CLEP after credit has been received for more advanced work in the subject. 

DANTES/DSST Examinations

SIUE will grant credit to students with passing scores. Credit granted for DANTES/DSST and CLEP is subject to a maximum of 32 hours toward a baccalaureate degree. Persons who wish to apply for credit through SIUE should have official results sent to the Office of the Registrar.

(B) Lower Baccalaureate, (BU) Upper Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate Credit

Students who wish to seek International Baccalaureate (IB) credit transferred should apply through the International Baccalaureate Organization. This credit is not used in computing the grade-point average. IB credit transcribed as college courses from previous accredited college or university is transferable to SIUE. 

Courses for which earned hours credit may be awarded through IB Credit are the following:

Military Prior Learning Credit

Students who are veterans or service members are eligible to receive academic credit for military training/education programs. Credit is awarded based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations and appropriate application to the student’s program of study.  Persons who wish to apply for credit through SIUE should have official results sent to the Office of the Registrar.

Evaluation of military prior learning is done in the Office of the Registrar-Transfer Center, Rendleman Hall, Room 1218, [email protected].

Requirements and Restrictions

• Bachelor’s degree completion is required within one academic year from admission to this program.
• Students retain undergraduate status until the bachelor’s degree is awarded.
• Undergraduate courses will count in the undergraduate hours and GPA only.
• Graduate courses will count in the graduate hours and GPA only (including shared credit courses).
• At least 50% of the graduate program must be completed with 500-level courses or higher.
• 400-level courses must be approved for graduate credit (see Graduate Catalog).
• Undergraduate credit (100-300 level) cannot satisfy graduate degree requirements.
• No graduate degree will be conferred prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree.
• Approval from the Graduate School dean is required for graduate degree substitutions or waivers.

Accelerated Option - Permits upper-level undergraduate students conditional acceptance to graduate programs and allows sharing of credit hours toward both the bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Between six hours and 12 hours, depending on the approved program, are completed to satisfy both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Early Entry Option - Permits undergraduate students to complete graduate-level coursework but not share credit toward more than one degree.

• Courses numbered higher than 400-level apply to graduate degree only.
• Approved 400-level classes can apply to either the undergraduate or graduate degree. No course will fulfill the requirements of both degrees.

Grading System

The University uses the following grading symbols:

• A Excellent — 4 credit points
• B Good — 3 credit points
• C Satisfactory — 2 credit points
• D Poor — 1 credit point
• F Failure
• AU Audit — no grade or credit hours earned
• DE Deferred — used only for the first semester course of a two-semester Senior Assignment sequence.
• H Passed with Honors
• I Incomplete — all work required for the course during the term was not completed; students have the permission of the instructor to do so within a specified time period.  For more information about the incomplete grade policy, see the section titled Incomplete Grades.
• PR Progress — awarded only for foundation courses.  PR grades are not included in grade point average calculations.  To earn credit for a course in which a PR grade was earned, students must repeat the course and earn a passing grade.
• P Pass — used for courses taken under Pass/No Credit option.
• NC No Credit —  used for courses taken under Pass/No Credit option; no credit hours earned.
• NS Non attendance — used when the instructor has no record of attendance or active participation
• S Satisfactory — used for noncredit courses and thesis and may be used for internships or practica at the program's discretion
• U Unsatisfactory — used for noncredit courses and thesis and may be used for internships or practica at the program's discretion
• UW Unauthorized Withdrawal — calculated as an F in grade average
• W Withdrawal. Authorized withdrawal — work may not normally be completed
• WP Withdrew Passing
• WF Withdrew Failing — calculated as F in grade average
• WR Withdrawal by Registrar

For more information about withdrawal grades and procedures, refer to the sections titled Changes in Registration and Withdrawing from the University.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

Only SIUE courses are used in calculating the cumulative grade point average (GPA). The GPA is calculated as follows:

• A — 4 Points
• B — 3 Points
• C — 2 Points
• D — 1 Point
• F — 0 Points
• AU — Audit (0 Points)
• DE — Deferred (0 Points)
• I — Incomplete (0 Points)
• H — Passed with Honors (0 Points)
• PR — Progress (0 Points)
• P — Pass (0 Points)
• NC — No Credit (0 Points)
• NS — Non attendance (0 Points)
• S — Satisfactory (0 Points)
• U — Unsatisfactory (0 Points)
• UW — Unauthorized Withdrawal (0 Points)
• W — Withdrawal (0 Points)
• WP — Withdrew Passing (0 Points)
• WF — Withdrew Failing (0 Points)
• WR — Withdrawal by the Registrar (0 points)

• Quality hours are multiplied by grade points to obtain quality points for each course. Quality hours are awarded for courses with grades of A, B, C, D, F, UW, and WF.
• The quality hours column is totaled.
• The quality points column is totaled.
• Total quality points are divided by the total quality hours. Grade point averages are rounded to the third decimal.

Example

Twenty-one (21) quality points divided by 9 quality hours yields a 2.333 GPA (grade point average).

Incomplete Grades

A grade of I (Incomplete) may be awarded when a student has completed most of the work required for a class but is prevented by a medical or similar emergency from completing a small portion of the course requirement. Unless instructors have specified a shorter period of time, incomplete grades not completed within one year will automatically be changed to an F (graduation in the meantime notwithstanding). Instructors who specify a shorter period of time must communicate that stipulation in writing, with copies to the registrar, the department chair, and the student, at the time the incomplete is granted. Students who feel that mitigating circumstances justify an extension of the time limit may petition the faculty member who granted the incomplete. Faculty members who agree to grant extensions must inform the student, the department chair, and the registrar. Students completing work for a course in which they have a grade of Incomplete should not formally re-enroll in that course, but should meet with their instructor to determine requirements for completing the course.

Pass/No Credit

Under the Pass/No Credit option, students receive a Pass for grades A, B, C, and No Credit for grades of D or F. At the time of requesting Pass/No Credit, students may stipulate that they would rather receive the grade of D than No Credit.

Pass/No Credit is limited to courses outside general education requirements and major and minor requirements. Students may enroll in no more than 9 hours of undergraduate coursework under the pass/no credit option. These limitations do not apply to courses offered only for Pass/No Credit.

A decision to take a course on a Pass/No Credit basis must be declared no later than the eighth week of the fall or spring term and the sixth week of the summer session, and must be approved by the advisor. Undergraduate students registering for a course for credit may change to or from audit status during the first six weeks of fall or spring terms and through the first four weeks of the summer term. Thereafter, no change may be made. Some graduate schools and employers consider Pass equivalent to a C grade.

Auditing Courses

You may register for Audit status for courses, but will receive neither a letter grade nor credit. Students auditing classes pay the same tuition and fees as those registered for credit. If auditing students do not attend regularly, the instructor may determine that they should not receive “AU” grades for the courses.

Veterans attending under the GI Bill do not receive benefits for audited classes. Illinois State Assistance Commission Monetary Award and Pell (Basic) Grant recipients may not include audit classes as part of the total hours to qualify for payment.

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat courses at SIUE under the following conditions and restrictions:

• When a course is repeated, only the grade earned in the final attempt will be used in computing the grade point average. All grades will appear on the transcript.
• Credits earned for any course will be applied only once toward degree requirements, no matter how often the course is repeated.
• Students will not be permitted to repeat for credit a course which is a prerequisite for a course already successfully completed.
• Courses may not be repeated more than three times.

The University is not obligated to offer a course simply to provide students an opportunity to repeat a previously attempted course. Additionally, individual academic units and programs may set more stringent conditions and restrictions regarding repeated courses.

Final Examinations

Students who have more than two final examinations scheduled for the same day, or who have two examinations scheduled for the same time, may request that one of the examinations be rescheduled. This can be accomplished by submitting a written request to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, in Rendleman Hall, Room 1207. The request must include the student’s name, student identification number, and list of scheduled courses, and must be received by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at least two weeks before the first day of the examination period.

Transcripts

Students may request official copies of their SIUE academic record. Transcripts may be requested online through our third party vendor, Parchment. Unofficial copies are available on CougarNet. Telephone requests for transcripts cannot be honored. Visit www.siue.edu/registrar for more information regarding transcript requests.

Academic Warning, Probation and Suspension

If you have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above, you are in good academic standing.

If your cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00, you will be placed on academic warning and will be subject to the restrictions placed on warning students. You will receive notification of this status and information regarding the Academic Warning, Probation and Suspension policy. If you are placed on academic warning, you are required to receive intensive academic counseling and advising during the next term of enrollment. An advisor will help you identify solutions and develop a plan of action. If you are on academic warning, you will not be returned to good standing until your cumulative average is 2.00 or higher.

If you are on academic warning and fail to attain a 2.00 term average, you will be placed on academic probation. While on academic probation, you will be required to enroll in an appropriate college success course as determined by your advisor.

If you are on academic probation and fail to attain a 2.0 term average, you will be placed on academic suspension. You will be ineligible to enroll for at least one term (fall, spring or summer). After one semester, you may return to SIUE. You will be required to meet with an advisor three times during the term. You will resume academic probation during your return enrollment.

If you are suspended for a second time, you must submit an appeal for reinstatement to be considered for return. You may re-enroll only upon favorable action by the Suspension Appeals Committee, provided that you agree to the stipulations, if any, set by the committee and that you agree to work closely with an advisor. You and your advisor must reach agreement upon a plan of action. Suspended students who have been permitted to re-enroll will return on probation. Students who are suspended a third time are ineligible to return to the university.

Plan of Action

A plan of action consists of specific steps designed to promote your successful return to good standing. A plan of action may include:

• reduction in number of credit hours attempted;
• change in academic major;
• enrollment in courses prescribed by the advisor, e.g., writing, reading, study skills;
• enrollment in courses in which you previously received a failing grade;
• career counseling;
• more frequent meetings with advisor;
• other advisor-recommended measures.

Academic Recognition

Students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship are included on the Deans’ List and recognized at Honors Convocation and Commencement.

To be included on the Deans’ List, a student’s term quality hours must be equal to or greater than 12 with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the term. Credit earned for out-of-class proficiency is not used in qualifying for the Deans’ List (published at the end of each term).

Graduating seniors who have achieved outstanding scholarship are recognized at Commencement in the graduation program; their diplomas and insignia on their regalia designate summa cum laude (3.9 or higher), magna cum laude (3.75-3.89), or cum laude (3.50-3.74).

Undergraduate students may elect to complete their degree under the requirements that appear in the undergraduate catalog in force at the time of their original matriculation as SIUE degree-seeking students or, subject to the approval of an academic advisor, may elect the requirements that appear in a succeeding catalog. This policy is subject to the following: No student may graduate under general education, major, or minor requirements published in a catalog more than seven years old without the written permission of the Dean of the college or school of the student’s major or first major. Written permission shall be submitted to the Registrar with the application for graduation.

A student may satisfy general education requirements from one catalog and major or minor requirements from a second catalog, provided that neither catalog exceeds the seven-year limit stated above. Bachelor’s degree candidates are expected to satisfy all general education requirements as well as all requirements for their academic major and any academic minor. Students intending to teach must meet the requirements for teacher certification. In addition, all candidates for a bachelor’s degree must satisfy all other University requirements, including a senior assignment (see Assessment and the Senior Assignment), and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.00 for work completed at SIUE. Academic program requirements may exceed University requirements.

Candidates for the degree must complete a minimum of 120 hours of credit in approved courses. Students transferring from an accredited two-year institution must earn at SIUE, or at any other accredited four-year institution, at least 60 of the semester hours required for the degree. All candidates for the degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence at SIUE. Written requests for exceptions should be directed to the Graduation Appeals Committee through the Registrar. Students are responsible for meeting all degree requirements and financial obligations.

Application for Graduation

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree should file an application for graduation at the beginning of their senior year. Applications are completed through CougarNet.

Once a completed application is received, graduation evaluations are performed. The Registrar determines completion of general education, University, major and minor requirements. Students also must satisfy all outstanding financial obligations to the University. Diplomas will not be issued for students with outstanding financial obligations.

Applications must be submitted by the published deadlines posted on the Office of the Registrar website. All graduation requirements must be completed by the last day of the graduation term. Commencement ceremonies are held at the end of each fall and spring term. Attendance at the exercises is voluntary; however, you will not be eligible to participate unless you have applied for graduation and it has been determined that you will complete degree requirements by the end of the term in which you have applied for graduation. Summer degree candidates may be eligible to participate in the preceding spring commencement ceremony if no more than 9 hours remain for degree completion at the conclusion of spring term. Summer degree candidates wishing to participate in the preceding spring commencement ceremony must have their application for graduation on file by March 1. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not guarantee that degree requirements have been completed. Once you have participated in a commencement ceremony, you may not participate in another commencement ceremony for the same degree. A graduation fee of $60 is payable at the time of application. The fee does not cover the cost of the cap and gown. These items are purchased through the University Bookstore in the Morris University Center. Questions regarding the cap and gown and invitations are referred to the bookstore.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond completion of the first degree and must satisfy the requirements of the major of the second degree. At least 15 of these hours must be in residence at SIUE.

Graduation Appeals Committee

The SIUE Graduation Appeals Committee hears students’ petitions to graduate even though they have not satisfied all University graduation requirements. The committee hears only those cases involving University requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Appeals relative to a major or academic unit requirement are made through the appropriate department.

Requests for waiver of general education requirements are made to the General Education Committee of the Faculty Senate. Ordinarily, the Graduation Appeals Committee will give consideration to an appeal only if there is tangible evidence that the matters at issue are of an unusual nature and that they have resulted from conditions beyond the control of the student. Appeals are initiated through the Office of the Registrar.