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51
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
DEGREES
Bluefield College is a four-year college that grants baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and
Sciences in various fields of study and an Associate of Science degree in general studies.
The baccalaureate degree consists of a minimum of 126 semester hours of instruction,
including courses in general education, the major, and general electives. Some programs
may also require a minor. The associate degree consists of a minimum of 63 hours of
instruction. A minimum of 25 percent of the baccalaureate and associate degrees must be
completed through Bluefield College coursework.
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Bluefield College requires a basic core of general education courses. The baccalaureate
program of Bluefield College requires 45-46 semester hours in general education for
the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Bluefield College requires general
education courses in English grammar and composition, literature, Christian studies,
history, science, social science, fine arts, speech, exercise and sport science, health,
mathematics. Competency in the use of computers is included in the learning outcomes of
the English grammar and composition courses.
The Associate of Science program is available online to provide a gateway for adult
students with no college education, and to provide dual enrollment curriculum to high
school students seeking advanced degrees.
THE MAJOR
A major is an academic program designed to enable students to acquire mastery of a
particular discipline or interdisciplinary area. Baccalaureate majors at Bluefield College
consist of a minimum of 10 courses or 30 semester hours, at least five courses of which are
3000 level or above. The total number of courses a baccalaureate program may require at
any level in the major and related departments is generally no more than 18 courses or 54
semester hours.
THE CONCENTRATION
A concentration is an academic program in which a student completes a basic set of courses
within the major and another predetermined set of courses that more specifically define
the major. The academic department specifies the courses required for a concentration.
Concentrations require a minimum of five courses or 15 semester hours. At least five
courses must be at or above the 3000 level.
THE TRACK
A track is an academic program within the student’s declared major that enables the student
to focus the elective hours beyond the core courses in the major. The academic department
specifies the courses for a track. Tracks require a minimum of three courses or nine semester
hours. At least three courses must be at or above the 3000 level.
THE MINOR
A minor is an academic program that a student completes in an academic area other than
that of the declared major. The academic department specifies the courses required for
the minor. Minors require a minimum of five courses or 15 semester hours. Students may
complete the requirements for any minor, but the major determines the student’s degree
(e.g., Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science).