The Academic Program

The academic program contains three essential parts: (1) the general education and Bible requirement, (2) the major area of study, (3) electives. These three parts are discussed in the following paragraphs.

The General Education Requirement

Total Hours Required: 47

The general education core curriculum is the heart of the Christian liberal arts education at Lipscomb University. The mission and purpose of this program is to structure academic exploration in a Christian context as a foundation for a life of learning and service in a diverse global environment. The mission and purpose of general education at Lipscomb University is accomplished by a curriculum that prepares students to (1) engage in the tradition of conversation in the academy through coursework in writing and speaking; (2) cultivate curiosity that transcends disciplinary boundaries through multidisciplinary integrated Explorations coursework; (3) think critically and ethically through Foundations course work, multidisciplinary integrated Explorations course work, and through the Bible curriculum; (4) understand and evaluate ways of knowing by making connections between academic areas through multidisciplinary integrated Explorations coursework; and(5) live in a diverse world with integrity and compassion through Engagement course work that connects world issues to a student’s major academic area.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Music degree will also be required to complete additional hours in a foreign language; those pursuing the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will be required to complete additional hours in math and/or science.

The specific general education requirements are as follows:

Tier 1: Foundations - 26 hours

• Bible (BI 1093 , BI 1073 , BI 1083  preferably taken in sequence in a student’s first three semesters at Lipscomb) - 9 hours
• Lipscomb Experience (LU 1203 ) - 3 hours
• Composition (EN 1313 ) - 3 hours
• Communication (CO 1003  or HN 1113 ) - 3 hours
• Wellness (PE 2012  or two different activity courses) - 2 hours
• Science with lab (Students may satisfy this requirement with astronomy, biology, environmental and sustainability science, chemistry, LUMS, or physics course with lab) - 3 hours
• Math (excludes non-credit, developmental courses) - 3 hours

Tier 2: Explorations - 12 hours (6 hours must be integrated)

• Math/Science (LUMS 2xn3 ) - 3 hours (non-integrated options include 3 hours of traditional coursework from math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, ESS 1024, ESS 2014, or ESS 3224)                      
• ​​Literature (LULT 2xn3 ) - 3 hours (non-integrated options include 3 hours of traditional coursework from EN 2113, EN2123, EN2133, EN 2143, EN 2153, EN2163, ML 2103, or any 3000- or 4000- level FR, GE, or SN literature course)
• History, Politics, and Philosophy Literature (LUHP 2xn3 ) - 3 hours (non-integrated options include 3 hours of traditional coursework in a history, political science, or philosophy course)
• Social Science (LUSS 2xn3 ) - 3 hours (non-integrated options include 3 hours of traditional coursework from psychology, sociology, economics, LJS 2103, SW 1103, FS 2503, FS 3503, FS 3433, UBN 2003, or UBN 2012)   

Tier 3: Engagements - 3 hours

• Engagements (LUEG 3xn3 ) - 3 hours (Prereqs: Minimum of 60 hours earned credit)

Additional Bible Curriculum - 6 hours

• (one of the following) Faith and Culture (BI 3213 ) - 3 hours (SP); Disciplines for Christian Living (BI 3433 ) - 3 hours (F,SP); Christian Ethics (BI 4213 ) - 3 hours (F,SP); Joy and the Good Life (BI 4S9V) - 3 hours (F,SP)
• 1 Bible elective - 3 hours 

General Education Course Descriptions ​and Information 

Lipscomb Experience (LU 1203 ) - 3 hours 
This introduction to university-level critical thinking and cultural engagement is required during the first semester at Lipscomb for all first-year students. Discussion-oriented, the Lipscomb Experience introduces students to the intellectual endeavor of liberal arts education from a Christian perspective in small group settings designed to develop mentoring relationships, to provoke important questions, and to facilitate thoughtful discussion. While Lipscomb Experience courses engage unique topics examined from multiple perspectives, each course also introduces students to a common set of transferable skills.

The course facilitates student engagement with fellow students, the university, and the local and global community; essential college-level research and information literacy skills; and the habits of rigorous study, intellectual growth, and lifelong learning. Students may not withdraw from the course unless they are withdrawing from the university. Students who do not earn a passing grade in LU 1203  must retake the course the subsequent semester. No AP, CLEP, or “Dual Enrollment” credit is accepted for this course. Students who complete an Associates degree while still in high school (dual enrollment) are required to complete this course.

Tier 2: Explorations  
Undergraduate students must satisfy the Explorations requirement by taking at least one course in each of the following four subject areas. Integrated Requirement: At least six hours (two of the four subject areas) must be fulfilled by integrated course work. The prerequisites listed for LUMS, LULT, LUHP, and LUSS courses apply to the topics in these integrated areas which can be used to fulfill the Explorations requirement. Prerequisites, listed with departmental course descriptions, apply for traditional coursework used to fulfill the Explorations requirement.

(The integrated requirement for the Explorations level is satisfied by a Lipscomb sponsored semester-long global learning program. Other global learning courses may satisfy general education requirements and/or major/minor requirements, depending on the courses offered in the global learning experience.) 

Integrated Math/Science (LUMS 2xn3 ) - 3 hours
Topics for this course partner content in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, environmental science & sustainability with each other or with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas.  Content will be integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating academic areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general. Laboratory experiences vary depending on topic. Prerequisite: Foundations course work in math and science. (Prerequisites do not apply to LUMS 2003 ).

Students can choose one approved integrated course that includes math or science. Students may also satisfy this requirement by taking three hours of traditional coursework from the following as long as they are fulfilling the integrated requirement for the Explorations level: math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, or ESS 1024  or ESS 2014 . (Students who wish to satisfy the Foundations level science requirement by taking an LUMS course with a lab must also take an LUMS course at the Explorations level.)

LUMS topics offered regularly include, but are not limited to: LUMS 2003  Power of Science: Biology/Chemistry (with a lab), LUMS 2013  Power of Science II: Physics/ Nutrition, LUMS 2023  Exploring Nature: Biology & Literature, LUMS 2033 Chemistry and Nutrition, and LUMS 2123 Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Science. These topics reflect the content requirement as expressed in the course description for LUMS 2xn3  above.      

​​Integrated Literature (LULT 2xn3 ) - 3 hours
Topics for this course partner periods or genres of literature with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas. Content will be integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general.
(Prereq: EN 1313 ) Students can choose one approved integrated course that includes literature. Students may also satisfy this requirement by taking three hours of traditional coursework from this list of approved courses as long as they are fulfilling the integrated requirement for the Explorations level: EN 2113 , EN 2123 , EN 2133 , EN 2143 , EN 2153  or EN 2163 . Students may also satisfy this requirement by completing ML 2103  or any 3000- or 4000-level FR, GE, or SN literature course.  

LULT topics offered regularly include, but are not limited to: LULT 2003 World Literature & the Arts, LULT 2023 Exploring Nature: Biology in Literature, LULT 2033 Literature in Psychology, LULT 2093 Spiritual Autobiography, LULT 2103 How Languages Work, LULT 2123 Sports and Literature, LULT 2143 Shakespeare and Leadership, LULT 2153 Food and Literature, LULT 2173 Literature and the Law, and LULT 2203  Introduction to African American Studies. These topics reflect the content requirement as expressed in the course description for LULT 2xn3  above.

Integrated History, Politics, and Philosophy Literature (LUHP 2xn3 ) - 3 hours
Topics for this course partner periods of history with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas. Course content will be integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating academic areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general.
​Students can choose one approved integrated course that includes history, politics, or philosophy. Students may also satisfy this content area requirement by taking three hours of traditional coursework in a history, political science, or philosophy course, as long as they are fulfilling the integrated requirement for the Explorations level. 

LUHP topics offered regularly include: LUHP 2003  Great Ideas in Philosophy, LUHP 2023  Great Ideas in Politics, and LUHP 2033  Great Ideas in History. These topics reflect the content requirement as expressed in the course description for LUHP 2xn3  above. 

These courses provide an interdisciplinary introduction to some of the most significant ideas and traditions that have influenced global and Western civilizations, with special emphasis on philosophical, political, or historical questions and issues.

Integrated Social Science (LUSS 2xn3 ) - 3 hours
Topics for this course partner content in psychology; sociology; economics; political science; law, justice & society with each other or with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas. Course content is integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating academic areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general.
Students can choose one approved integrated course that includes a social science. Students may also satisfy this requirement by taking three hours of traditional coursework from the following, as long as they are fulfilling the integrated requirement for the Explorations level: psychology, sociology, economics, law, justice & society (LJS 2103 ), social work (SW 1103  ), family science (FS 2503 , FS 3503 , FS 3433 ), and urban studies (UBN 2003 , UBN 2012).

LUSS topics include, but are not limited to: LUSS 2083 Integrated History & Politics, LUSS 2093  Impact Internet Tech Society, and LUSS 2103 How to Disagree Better. These topics reflect the content requirement as expressed in the course description for LUSS 2xn3  above. These topics reflect the content requirement as expressed in the course description for LUSS 2xn3  above. 

Engagements (LUEG 3xn3 ) - 3 hours (Prereqs: Minimum of 60 hours earned credit)
A multidisciplinary course, co-taught by at least one faculty member and faculty or professionals from other disciplines, that investigates a particular theme, using insights, methods and habits of thought from the liberal arts (math, sciences, humanities, and the fine arts), Bible and other academic disciplines to connect a student’s major to the theme through project-based learning. This course meets a Bible requirement. LUEG courses offered regularly include, but are not limited to: LUEG 3053 Engagements: Christianity & Culture, LUEG 3073 Engagements: Solving Complex Social Problems, LUEG 3083 Engagements: Faith, Ethics, & Healthcare, LUEG 3093 Engagements: Creativity-Wonder, Work, & Worship, and LUEG 3153 Engagements: Wonder & Beauty: Science, Art, & Faith. 

General Education Bible - 18 hours 
The study of the Bible is integral to a Lipscomb education. Although abundant opportunities for further study are available, all Lipscomb students examine the Bible’s overall message and the life to which it calls believers. Many students will be able to take one or more courses that specifically address the implications of Christian faith for their chosen field of study.

The general education Bible requirement consists of the following six courses: 

• The Story of Israel (BI 1093 ) - 3 hours (F)
• The Story of Jesus (BI 1073 ) - 3 hours (SP)
• The Story of the Church (BI 1083 ) - 3 hours (F)
• Engagements (LUEG 3xn3 ) - 3 hours (F, SP) 
• (one of the following) Faith and Culture (BI 3213 ) - 3 hours (SP); Disciplines for Christian Living (BI 3433 ) - 3 hours (F,SP); Christian Ethics (BI 4213 ) - 3 hours (F,SP); Joy and the Good Life (BI 4S9V) - 3 hours (F,SP)
• 1 Bible elective - 3 hours 

Course work beyond the courses listed above that satisfies a Bible requirement must be approved by the College of Bible and Ministry. Students who come to Lipscomb with little exposure to the Bible may choose to take BI 1003  Introduction to the Bible and Christianity (3) F, SU before beginning the sequence above. If a student chooses this option, BI 1003  will count as the elective Bible class.  

Transfer Students

Transfer students seeking a Lipscomb degree must satisfy the Bible requirement based on the number of credit hours they initially transfer to Lipscomb, as specified below. Credit may be granted fo Bible courses taken at other faith-based institutions based on review of syllabus by Bible faculty.

Students who transfer 67-93 credit hours to Lipscomb must complete two Bible courses at Lipscomb: BI 1093  or BI 1073 , or BI 1083 , and LUEG 3xn3 , or approved Bible credit courses as determined by program requirement (e.g., nursing and engineering).

Students who transfer 47-66 credit hours to Lipscomb must complete three Bible courses: BI 1093  and BI 1073  or BI 1083  and LUEG 3xn3 , or approved Bible credit courses as determined by program requirement (e.g., nursing and engineering).

Students who transfer 33-46 credit hours to Lipscomb must complete four Bible courses: BI 1093 , BI 1073 , BI 1083 , and LUEG 3xn3 , or approved Bible credit courses as determined by program requirement (e.g., nursing and engineering).

Students who transfer 32 or fewer hours to Lipscomb must complete the full Bible requirement, as described above or approved Bible credit courses as determined by the associate dean for undergraduate Bible.

Tennessee Board of Regents Transfers

An approved Bible class can be substituted for the LUEG requirement for students:

1. who have earned an A.A. or A.S. degree from a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, or
2. who transfer to Lipscomb without the A.A. or A.S. degree but who have satisfied the TBR general education requirements. 

Notes:

1. Any student who has developed competence in any of the above areas may achieve credit by examination-CBAPE, CLEP or course examination-by taking the examination prior to taking a college course in the same area of study.
2. General education requirements for students transferring to Lipscomb University will be determined by the following criteria:
   1. Transferring 1-30 hours - full program (Some accommodation may be necessary if Explorations areas have been fulfilled through traditional course work.)
   2. Transferring more than 30 hours - All subject area requirements must be met including participation in at least the Engagements course. Accommodations may be necessary if Explorations areas have been fulfilled through traditional course work. Explorations areas not met will be satisfied through integrated courses up to two integrated courses. For Bible requirements, see the Bible requirement, described above.
   3. Associate Degree Transfers (Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions) - Follow criteria in the Admissions  section of undergraduate catalog. For Bible requirements, see the Bible requirement, described above.  The Lipscomb Experience course will be required for students who complete an Associates degree while still enrolled in high school.
   4. Associate Degree transfers (non-TBR institutions) - see No. 2 above.
3. Teacher Education: students should see the Office of Teacher Education for special requirements in general education.

Additional hours for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Professional Studies, and Bachelor of Science degrees:

Bachelor of Arts: Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree must complete eight semester hours of a single foreign language. (For proper scheduling, it should be taken no later than the sophomore year.)

Bachelor of Music: Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree (with a concentration in performance -i.e., not music education majors or Commercial Music majors) must complete eight semester hours of a single foreign language. (For proper scheduling, it should be taken no later than the sophomore year.)

Bachelor of Science: Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must complete a total of 15 semester hours of mathematics and/or science. Courses may be chosen from the following areas: biology, chemistry, computer science, information technology, integrated science, mathematics, physics and engineering.

The Major Area of Study

Majors Offered:

The Minor Area of Study - Optional

Minors Offered:

Electives

Academic Success Center

Academic Advising

Three-Year Degree Plan

Dual Enrollment Programs

Lipscomb University has partnered with select high schools in the area to provide college-level course work on their campuses. We will consider, on a case-by-case basis, an individual student who wants to take courses on our campus for college credit. Students interested in participating in dual enrollment courses must meet the admission requirements of the university and be admitted to the university prior to the start of classes the semester in which they plan to enroll in dual enrollment courses. For fall semester, students must be admitted (not just apply) by August 1st.  For spring semester, the deadline is December 1st. To be considered for admission into the dual enrollment program, the student must submit the following items: (1) an application for admission, (2) ACT/SAT scores, (3) an official high school transcript and (4) a reference from the school’s guidance counselor.  Dual enrollment students attending Lipscomb Academy should check with their guidance counselor regarding application deadlines.

In addition to meeting the university admission requirements, the student must also meet all course prerequisites, such as specific sub-scores on the math and English portions of the ACT/SAT, to be allowed to register for those courses. Exceptions will not be made for students who do not meet course prerequisites.

The student is also responsible for submitting the dual enrollment grant application by the state-mandated deadline (Sept. 15 for the fall semester, Feb. 1 for the spring semester). Students who do not submit the grant application by the specified deadline are responsible for payment in full of the charges incurred by participation in the dual enrollment program.

Additional information about the dual enrollment program, including approved class lists for each semester, can be found at https://www.lipscomb.edu/admissions/non-traditional-admissions/dual-enrollment.

Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports

Lipscomb University is committed to providing equal access to education, housing, facilities and all school sponsored events through a dedicated effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and state and local regulations regarding individuals with disabilities. Pursuant to these laws, no qualified individual shall unlawfully be denied access to or participation in any services, programs, or activities of Lipscomb University on the basis of their disability. Lipscomb University will provide reasonable accommodations for the needs of qualified students as they pursue post-secondary education.

This office houses three programs for students with disabilities: ACCESS, BEST, and IDEAL.

The ACCESS (Accessing the College Community and Enabling Student Success) program manages all accommodations for students with disabilities. An individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such impairment; OR (3) is regarded as having such impairment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals, as outlined by the above regulations. Any accommodation request, however, that is unduly burdensome to the university or fundamentally alters the nature of the service, program, course, or activity cannot be fulfilled.

To request a registration form or get additional information, please contact the ACCESS Program by emailing accessibility@lipscomb.edu.

The BEST (Bisons Excelling and Succeeding Together) program provides additional supports for degree-seeking students with disabilities for an additional program fee. Students must first be admitted to Lipscomb University as an undergraduate student. The BEST program will include individualized services based on the student’s needs including 1:1 peer tutoring, 1:1 academic and organizational intervention, social support, and/or independent living supports. For more information or to request an application, email paige.reece@lipscomb.edu.

The IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb) program in an inclusive two-year certficate program for students with intellectual disabilities. For more information, email ideal@lipscomb.edu.

Career Development Center

Explore

Beaman Library

Beaman Library connects researchers to scholarly material and resources. Visit the library’s website at library.lipscomb.edu to search through more than 350,000 e-books, 150,000 print books, and more than 100 electronic databases providing access to thousands of journals. In addition to e-journals, Beaman Library has print journals that you may browse. Beaman houses bound volumes, current periodicals, microforms, the University Archives and Special Collections, primary sources, and non-print materials in various formats. 

As a Lipscomb student, you have access to bibliographic citation tools including Academic Writer (formerly APA Style CENTRAL) and EndNote. These tools assist with managing bibliographies, citations, and references. Learn more about Academic Writer at https://libguides.lipscomb.edu/academicwriter and EndNote at http://libguides.lipscomb.edu/endnote.

Research can be daunting and overwhelming. Knowing where to begin can make all the difference. Beaman Library’s Research Guides are a great starting place. The Research Guides give information on locating books, journals, and databases as well as research guidelines related to a particular field of study. They serve as a type of subject guide of carefully selected resources that will help you as you locate the most appropriate sources and information that you need. Check out all of Beaman Library’s LibGuides at http://libguides.lipscomb.edu/.

Beaman Library features group study rooms and casual seating areas for quiet study, leisure reading, and research. Access library holdings through the online catalog at library.lipscomb.edu . The Library website contains information for accessing materials, library hours, policies, services, and staff. Face to face research instruction still matters at Lipscomb University. Librarians seek to serve and are available for one-on-one research instruction. Appointments can be made through the Beaman Library homepage.

Beyond electronic resources, Beaman Library offers a multitude of services, such as Interlibrary Loan for books and articles, color copying, color printing, scanning, electronic device charging stations, and Chromebook/iPad for checkout. Beaman Library awaits you whatever your research needs may be. Go anywhere; learn anything, and find it in Beaman Library.

Requirements for Graduation

This catalog is prepared as a comprehensive statement of the requirements for attendance and graduation at Lipscomb University. Students must meet all of the requirements covered in this catalog prior to the designated conferral dates in May, August, and December, to qualify for graduation. While academic advisors are assigned to counsel students and help plan schedules, each student is ultimately responsible for monitoring his/her own progress and completing all requirements. The following list is only intended as a summary of general requirements.

1. All candidates for a bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb University must complete a minimum of 126 semester hours of work with a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 overall, 2.0 in the major, and 2.0 in the minor (if applicable) on all work taken at Lipscomb University.

These 126 hours will include:

1. The Bible requirement.
2. The general education requirements.
3. A major area of study.
4. Electives

Notes:

1. Lipscomb University will allow a maximum of 33 semester hours of credit toward graduation based on a combination of correspondence courses, extension courses, special examinations, advanced placement credits and equivalency credits. (See paragraphs below on each of these areas.) The university does not guarantee the transferability of any of these credits to other institutions. Students should investigate these possibilities as the need arises. In the case of students planning to enter professional schools, such as schools of medicine or law, investigations should be made at the professional school under consideration prior to using such credits to replace requirements for admission to these schools.
2. While remedial or developmental courses are designed to move a student toward graduation by bringing him/her up to a level of preparedness to do college work, they do not apply toward graduation credit. See section entitled “Developmental Non-Credit Courses” concerning developmental non-credit courses.
3. At least 25 percent of the credit hours required for any degree program must be earned in course work at Lipscomb University. In addition, the last 30 hours of work on a degree must be done in residence at Lipscomb except upon written approval of the Office of the Provost. A student will not be allowed to take a correspondence course, a special examination or CLEP examination during the last 30 hours of residency without petitioning the Registrar. Special permission of the dean of the appropriate college will be required.
4. A candidate for a degree must successfully complete the senior seminar and/or special standardized examinations and respond to institutional surveys where these are specified by the university or the department in which the candidate is majoring.
5. All incomplete grades must be completed, all transfer of credit made, and all correspondence and extension course grades must be received in the registrar’s office by Friday prior to graduation
6. No candidate who is placed on academic notice or who remains on academic notice during his/her final semester of work at Lipscomb will be allowed to graduate. In addition, the university may withhold issuing a degree until any disciplinary sanctions are fulfilled in accordance with the terms of the Student Handbook.
7. All candidates for degrees must be of good moral character.
8. A candidate for a degree must have his/her account paid in full before a degree can be granted, including the graduation fee which is paid by all graduating students.
9. All December and May undergraduate candidates participate in the formal graduation exercises. August graduates may petition to “walk early” with the May class or participate later in the December exercise. For the petition to be considered, the graduate cannot be on academic notice and must have an overall GPA of 2.2 as well as a 2.2 GPA in his/her major and minor. Petitions to walk early are due in the registrar’s office by Feb. 15.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

It is not generally in the best interest of a student to complete a second bachelor’s degree. In those cases, however, where a student chooses to do so, the following information is pertinent:

1. The student must declare the intent to pursue a second degree to the registrar and have an approved plan on file in that office. (Graduation honors are not applicable to students completing a second bachelor’s degree.)
2. The plan for a second degree must include a minimum of 32 hours (earned above the hours for the first bachelor’s degree) in residence at Lipscomb University with a minimum of 24 hours in the major in residence, in addition to general education degree requirements. (No minor is required.)

3. All general education credits earned while completing a bachelor’s degree at another institution must be approved by the university credentials analyst and the registrar before such credit will be given toward a second bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb. This approval is waived (except Bible) if the first degree was earned at a regionally accredited institution.

4. In no case is the completion of two or more majors or other degree requirements in the course of completing the first bachelor’s degree to be confused or equated with the completion of two degrees.

Dual Credit for Courses

Dual credit is any credit earned for a course that may be counted on a student’s degree plan in two different programs. A maximum of six (6) dual credit hours may be taken and counted toward any degree. Undergraduate students are required to finish their undergraduate degree before being allowed to take graduate coursework as dual credit unless the following requirements are met:

• Exceptions for undergraduate students who are at the junior or senior level to take graduate courses as dual credit may be granted with proper justification, and with approval of the dean(s) of the college(s) involved.

• Upon approval of the appropriate dean(s), the graduate credit may only count toward undergraduate degree electives and may not replace undergraduate core or required courses.

• The program director or academic department chair must notify the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@lipscomb.edu) in writing with the details of any approved exception for dual credit.

• The Office of Financial Aid must notify the student in writing about any financial aid eligibility restrictions regarding taking the requested course(s) for graduate credit prior to finishing an undergraduate degree and the student must provide written acknowledgement of and consent to any such restrictions, which writing must be kept on file by the program director or academic department chair, as applicable.

• The student is solely responsible for the financial aid ramifications of any approved exception for dual credit and must contact the Financial Aid Office to determine and coordinate the student’s overall financial aid.

• Undergraduate credit is not eligible for dual credit in any graduate program.

Dual credit courses that count toward multiple programs must be approved by the dean(s) of the
college(s) involved, the program director(s) or academic department chair(s) of the program(s) involved, and the Undergraduate Academic Council and/or the Graduate Academic Council, as appropriate.Undergraduate students who are approved to take graduate credit as electives as described above do not need separate academic council approval.

The dean and the program director or academic department chair, as applicable, must ensure that dual credits do not compromise the integrity and quality of the programs involved and enable students to meet each program’s learning outcomes at no loss of fidelity.
The total of transfer credit, dual enrollment credit, competency-based credit, College-Level Examination Program credit, or credit for prior work experience cannot result in a student taking less than 25% of direct instruction coursework from any undergraduate program or 34% of direct instruction coursework from any graduate program.

Governing Catalog for Enrolled Students

The Undergraduate Catalog is the official document that describes the academic programs and requirements for Undergraduate students attending Lipscomb university. Students are governed by the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their initial enrollment, provided their enrollment at the university is continuous, but students may instead opt to fulfill updated program requirements if the curriculum has changed during their enrollment. A student’s enrollment is considered continuous if the student is enrolled in courses at Lipscomb University at least two of the three semesters in each academic year commencing as of the student’s initial enrollment. Discontinued courses or programs may necessitate modifications to the graduation requirements by the university.

Reinstated or readmitted students whose enrollment is not continuous will be governed by the Undergraduate catalog in effect at the time of readmission/reinstatement.

Correspondence Courses

Any correspondence work must be approved by the university. This approval will usually include the academic chair involved, the registrar and the College of Education if the course is required for teacher certification. Forms for these approvals are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Independent Studies

Independent studies are intended to be guided independent educational experiences which are initiated primarily by the student.

The following minimum guidelines apply to all independent studies/readings courses taken at Lipscomb. Academic departments may maintain additional requirements and issue instructions to faculty and students to implement the requirements stated here. Additionally, academic departments must determine which candidates are suitable for independent studies, which activities are appropriate for such credit, the schedule of meeting times, and performance criteria, among other considerations.

1. A student desiring an independent study must submit a proposal to the academic chair. Registration cannot occur without the prior approval of the academic chair. The academic chair will coordinate procedures with the registrar to prevent unapproved special studies.
2. Proposals for independent studies must address each of the following topics:
   1. Material to be covered, research to be performed and credit to be awarded.
   2. Schedule of meeting times.
   3. Performance criteria and method of evaluation.

Normally, the student who desires to undertake an independent study will approach the directing professor and together they will prepare a proposal for the study. After they have both signed the proposal, they will seek the academic chair’s approval. When that approval is granted, the proposal becomes a contract between the student and the department. Any deviations from the approved proposal must be approved by the directing professor and the academic chair.

Special Examinations

Although the university does not encourage the use of special examinations, there are situations in which it is advisable to allow a student to earn credit through special examination. In no case should a student expect to take a special examination in a lower-level course in a discipline for which he/she has previously earned advanced-level credit. Further information concerning special examinations is available in the Registrar’s Office.

Advanced Standing Credit

Advanced standing examinations such as CBAPE, IB, EB, CLEP, TN Statewide Dual Credit, and Straighterline may be used to establish maximum credit of 30 semester hours. In establishing credit for these examinations, attention will be given not only to the score but to the scholastic record of the student, any special merits of the examination paper and perhaps a personal interview. Such credit will be granted in an area only if no college work in that area has been taken (enrolled in or attempted). No letter grades will be assigned to the credit earned by examination. Students interested in taking CLEP examinations should check in the registrar’s office for guidelines prior to taking the tests. An advanced standing credit fee is charged. The CLEP examination in each individual subject can only be taken once.

AP Credit at Lipscomb

*Only one test will be used to grant credit when the same course credit is associated with different tests.

CLEP Credit in General Exams

1. English Composition (No. 1 in CLEP Manual)-No credit.
2. Humanities-No credit will be granted if prior college work has been taken in any of the test areas.
3. Mathematics-credit general education requirement in Mathematics (3 sem. hrs.).
4. Natural Sciences (3 sem. hrs. maximum)
   1. Credit BY 1003, Fundamentals of Biology or
   2. Credit 3 hours of physical science
5. Social Science and History (meets social science requirement, not history requirement).

On B-E above, maximum credit of one entry-level course will be awarded if a score of 50 is attained. No credit will be granted if prior college work has been taken in any of the test areas.

CLEP Credit in the Subject Examinations

Note: As specified in the section “Requirements for Graduation,” a maximum of 33 semester hours of credit will be allowed on a combination of correspondence courses, extension courses, special examinations, Straighterline credits, advanced placement credits and equivalency credits.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit Policy

The Office of Admissions in consultation with the provost awards IB credit, generally, according to the following policy:

• Some of the examinations must be the higher level. A score of 4 or 5 is awarded credit.
• A score of 5 is awarded credit at the standard level.
• Other factors are to be considered when awarding IB credit.

European Baccalaureate (EB)

Credit for EB will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Note: Although there are several ways of earning credit by the non-traditional route (IB, AP, CLEP, Special Examination, Equivalency Credit and correspondence course), credit received from one source may not be duplicated by another. The maximum credit for any combination of credit by examination, such as IB, Cambridge Exams, AP, CLEP, and Straighterline is 30 hours, whereas the maximum credit for credit by the non-traditional route is 33 semester hours.

Cambridge Exams

Credit for Cambridge Exams will be awarded according to the following policy:

• Exams must be at the A level.
• A grade of B or higher must be earned.

Note: The maximum credit for any combination of credit by examination, such as IB, Cambridge Exams, AP, CLEP, and Straighterline is 30 hours.  

Equivalency Credits

Equivalency credits (such as credit for formal military courses as recommended by the American Council on Education) will be evaluated on their individual merits according to the nature and extent of the experience and the recommending department, institution or accrediting agency. 

Credit can be earned from Straighterline for the following courses:  Developmental English (EN 0110), Intermediate Algebra (MA 1030), College Algebra (MA 1113), Freshman Composition I (EN 1113), and Environmental Biology (ESS 1013).  These credits are included in the 30 credits that can be earned via AP, CLEP, IB, EB, and Straighterline.  Approval to take these courses must be given prior to the student starting the work.

Developmental Non-Credit Courses

Remedial or developmental courses are designed to move a student toward graduation by bringing him/her up to a level of preparedness to do college work. They do not apply toward the graduation GPA or graduation credit. Developmental courses benefit the student by being officially counted as part of the load and determining eligibility for financial aid and/or scholarships.

Zero Credit Hour Courses

Zero credit hour courses, also known as non-credit courses, are typically designed to provide students with resources and may include workshops, seminars, training sessions, program information, or other educational resources that enhance students’ skills, knowledge, and personal development. Frequently, zero credit hour courses may be a repository for student portfolio materials, instructional materials, academic work from other credit-bearing courses, or tutorial materials that may help students prepare for standardized tests, licensure exams, or laboratory experiences. Additionally, zero credit hour courses may be utilized for program orientation, cohort management purposes, or may be utilized as a repository for academic work across an academic program that is required for completion of the program.

Enrollment in zero credit hour courses may be open to all students or restricted to specific cohorts
based on program requirements or other criteria. Zero credit hour courses generally receive a grade of NC for no credit, S/U for satisfactory/unsatisfactory, or P/F for pass/fail. Zero credit hour courses may or may not be included on a student’s transcript depending upon the nature and purpose of the course.

Transfer Credit to an Undergraduate Degree

Academic work from other colleges and universities may be evaluated for transfer to a Lipscomb University undergraduate degree within the following rules:

1. An official transcript of academic work must be sent directly from each institution to Lipscomb University’s admissions office.
2. Courses are generally eligible to be considered for transfer credit if earned at a regionally accredited college or university and if they are comparable to courses offered at Lipscomb. This determination is made by the registrar’s office and/or the appropriate academic chair or program director on a course-by-course basis.
3. Only courses with a grade equivalent of “C” or higher may be considered for transfer credit; however, certain programs may have higher standards for transfer.
4. Transfer of courses toward a major, minor, or general education requirements must be approved by the appropriate academic chair or program director and the registrar’s office.
5. No more than 50% of the hours required in an undergraduate degree may be transferred from a two-year institution, and 3000 or 4000 level course numbers from two-year institutions will generally not transfer as equivalency credit. 
6. Remedial, technical, vocational, or non-credit coursework will not be eligible for transfer credit, unless approved by the Registrar and Program Chair/Director.
7. No more than 94 semester hours may be transferred toward a Lipscomb University undergraduate degree, unless the undergraduate program specifically stipulates a different transfer limit. See each program’s information for potential variance to the transfer credit limit.
8. The total of transfer credit, dual enrollment credit, competency based credit, CLEP, or credit for prior work experience cannot cause a student to take less than 25% of direct instruction coursework from any undergraduate program at Lipscomb.
9. Any course taken by a student at another college or university after the student’s initial enrollment at Lipscomb University may not be accepted for transfer credit unless the student has received approval to transfer the course before it is taken. Forms for this approval are available in the registrar’s office. 
10. The registrar’s office, academic chair or program director reviewing transcripts from another institution may request the student to provide course descriptions and/or course syllabi to assist in determining course equivalency.
11. For coursework taken at international institutions, course transcripts and descriptions (if requested) must be translated into English by a certified transcript translation service acceptable to Lipscomb.
12. Course grades earned at external institutions and accepted for transfer do not count toward the Lipscomb grade point average.
13. Credit awarded by other institutions for International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate (EB), Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) must be reevaluated to determine if (and how much) credit will be awarded by Lipscomb policy. Students desiring credit by exam should have the official IB, EB, AP or CLEP credit transcript sent directly to the Office of Admissions, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.

Credit by Examination for Transfer Students

Credit awarded by other institutions for International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate (EB), Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) must be reevaluated to determine if (and how much) credit will be awarded by Lipscomb policy. Students desiring credit by exam should have the official IB, EB, AP or CLEP credit transcript sent directly to the Office of Admissions, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.

Letter Grading System and Quality Points

All work in the university is graded by letters. Each letter is in turn assigned a quality-point value according to the list provided below. For example, a letter grade of “A” carries a quality-point value of four quality points per semester hour. If the student makes an “A” in a three-hour course, the total number of quality points earned for this course would be twelve quality points.

The overall grade-point average for each student is determined by dividing the number of quality-points earned by the total number of hours attempted. Only work taken at Lipscomb University is included in the computation. Neither advanced placement nor transfer credit may be used to raise the grade-point average.

In the case of courses repeated at Lipscomb, only the highest grade will be used in determining the grade-point average. The hours attempted will be used only once. For duplicated work, that is, for any course taken both at Lipscomb and another school, the grade of the Lipscomb course will always be used in computing the student’s GPA.

Thirteen different letter grades are used to record a student’s progress toward graduation. Some of the letter grades do not count for credit toward graduation, and some are used in computing the necessary grade-point averages for graduation. The following matrix summarizes these grades, and a brief description of each grade follows.

A: Superior work, exceptional quality; earns 4 quality points per hour.

B: Good, above the average expectation; earns 3 quality points per hour.

C: Average, about the quality expected of most students; earns 2 quality points per hour.

D: Barely passing, earns 1 quality point per hour. (Courses with a letter grade of “D” normally do not transfer from one institution to another.)

F: Failing, no credit; earns no quality points.

I or IN: Incomplete, no credit unless completed later with passing grade; computed as “F” in grade-point average until the grade is made up. (See paragraph on incomplete grades.)

IP or INP: IP grades are given only on approved courses, such as master’s thesis, honors theses and certain practicums. A grade must be established by the end of the next full semester after the IP grade has been given. A student who does not return to Lipscomb University will automatically receive an “F” on all IP grades after one year. Any variation of these policies must be approved by the Academic Leadership Team.

NC: No credit; used in  and , when the grade is below a “C” and is not computed in student’s average. The faculty reserves the right to assign an “F” if, in the opinion of the teacher, the student has put forth little, if any, effort.

P: Passing-A, B, C or D; used when a course is completed successfully but without any credit. Examples: all zero credit courses.

S: Satisfactory-A, B, C; used when credit is earned in nontraditional ways, such as credit by examination or in special cases where a course is not included in computation of grade-point average. (See paragraph below on audits and non-credit repeats.)

U: Unsatisfactory-D or F, used when credit is not earned in a course not to be included in computation of grade-point average.

W: Withdrew officially; not computed in grade-point average. Used whenever official withdrawal occurs: 1) from specific course(s) at the initiative of the student anytime during the designated withdrawal period of a term (see ); 2) from all course work in the event that a student is unable to complete a term due to reasons of personal choice, health problems, disciplinary actions or other reasons approved by the university such that the student is formally dissociated from the institution via processing in the registrar’s office; and also may be assigned by the registrar or the provost after the official last day to drop where there are extenuating circumstances, such as an extended illness.

X: Audit, not computed in grade-point average. There is a tuition charge but no credit is earned. (See paragraph on audits and non-credit repeats.)

Mid-term “D” and “F” grades are available on the Web to students during the fall and spring semesters. Final grades are available on the web at the end of each semester. Once grades have been posted to the student’s record in the registrar’s office they are considered permanent.

Student Grievance and Complaint Process

Incomplete Grades

Audits and Non-Credit Repeats

Academic Notice and Suspension

Academic Warning

Academic Notice

Academic Suspension

Empower: Student Success Program

Transfer Students Admitted on Notice

Excessive Absence Notifications

Student Load-Credit Hours

Definition of credit hour: For purposes of the application of this policy and in accord with federal regulations, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or at least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Application: Since several courses and some programs are delivered in a variety of formats, including distance learning, the driving force for delivering a credit hour commences with identifying learning objectives that can be delivered in the one hour/2/15 formula as noted in the definition. Using the definition and formula as noted above, granting more than one hour of credit for a course requires using the formula and increasing the student/teacher interaction, etc., via the learning objectives for the equivalent amount of credit hours desired for the course.

Dropping Courses

Class Standing

Class Attendance

Study Day and Last Week of Classes

Final Examinations

Graduation Honors

Provost’s List and Honor Roll

Teacher Education

Global Learning

Lipscomb’s Semester-Long Programs

• Lipscomb in Vienna (Fall/Spring)
• Lipscomb in London (Fall)
• Lipscomb in Florence (Fall/Spring)

Criteria for Participation in International Programs

1. They must have completed at least one full-time semester by the beginning of the semester of participation.
2. They must have at least a 2.5 GPA at the time of the application and maintain a 2.5 GPA for the two semesters preceding their participation in the global learning program.
3. They must not have an academic or behavioral infraction with the University. Acceptance to Lipscomb’s Global Programs is highly competitive. Applicants will receive a score based upon the following factors:
   • GPA
   • References
   • Date of Application
   • Suitability for inclusion in the program
   • In-person interview 
   If the GPA is still below 2.5 at the end of the second semester, the student may not be admitted to the program.
4. Students must be approved by the Global Learning Office, whose approval is based on the application, two letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated willingness to abide by Lipscomb rules and policies regarding academics and behavior.

Curriculum for Global Learning Semester-Long Programs

In semester-long programs, students take a total of 12-18 hours. Required core courses include the following 6-7 hours:

• GL 110V The Cross Cultural Experience, 3 hours (counts as integrated social science credit for general education)
• Foreign Language, 3-4 hours of language of program location (counts toward B.A. language requirement) - Not applicable for London program

These optional courses, are applicable only to our semester-long programs, are consistent with global learning objectives, and vary by site from year to year. A list for any specific program is available from the Office of Global Programs or on our website at globallearning.lipscomb.edu.

Sample optional courses:

• World Literature I (EN 2153) or English Literature II (EN 2123), 3 hours
• Faith and Culture (BI 3213) or Disciplines of Christian Living (BI3433), 3 hours
• History course (specific to the program location), 3 hours
• Discipline-specific course offered abroad by Lipscomb University faculty member (course content varies), 3 hours
• Students may also take up to one online course or independent study offered by Lipscomb University (course offerings vary by semester), 3 hours

Curriculum for Global Learning Short-Term Programs

Scholarships and Financial Aid

First Year Program-Liberal Arts

General Liberal Arts

^1. Those who earned A’s or B’s in a high school foreign language course should consider continuing language study while those skills remain current. Check with the Department of Foreign Languages about CLEP testing, credit and placement.
^2. Should be selected from general education requirements or from the major field. Students who are pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree are encouraged to take the foreign language sequence (1114, 1124) during the freshman year.

Preprofessional Curricula

Medically-Related Preprofessional Programs

Detailed lists of prerequisite courses for each of the health care professional areas are available in the Health Professions Advisory Office (Ward 327-330). Find additional information in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics section under . Students interested in specific admissions requirements to the Lipscomb College of Pharmacy should refer to the  section.

Nursing

Degrees Conferred for Work Completed in Other Institutions

Three-One Programs in Medically-Related Areas

Summer Academic Programs

Transcripts

Lipscomb Initiative for Education (LIFE) program, A.A.

This A.A. degree program is offered exclusively for students residing at Tennessee Prison for Women and Riverbend Maximum Security Institute.

Total hours required: 63

General Education Requirement: 36 hours required

• Composition (EN 1113 and ) - 6 hours
• Communication ( or other approved course*) - 3 hours
• Biological and Physical Science with lab- 6 hours 
• Literature-  3 hours
• Math (excludes non-credit, developmental courses)- 3 hours
• Social Science- 3 hours
• Bible- 9 hours
• History- 3 hours

Civic Engagement: 27 hours required

Specific course requirements are listed in the Online at Lipscomb portion of the catalog.

B.P.S. Degree in Organizational Leadership

Upon successful completion of the A.A. Degree at the Tennessee Prison for Women, students may then enroll in the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree program with a major in Organizational Leadership and a concentration in Business.  The total hour requirements for this degree is 126 semester hours. 

See General Education for Bachelor’s degree section for complete requirements.
See Organizational Leadership Major section for complete requirements. 

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Participation

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Officer Education Program

Scholarships

Summer Training

Commissioning and Career Opportunities

Service Obligations

Course Credit

Tuition

Military Science Courses

Freshman Year
MS 101. Leadership and Personal Development
MS 102. Introduction to Tactical Leadership

Sophomore Year
MS 201. Innovative Team Leadership
MS 202. Foundations of Tactical Leadership

Junior Year
MS 301. Adaptive Tactical Leadership *
MS 302. Leadership in Changing Environments *

Senior Year
MS 401. Developing Adaptive Leaders *
MS 402. Leadership in a Complex World*

* Prerequisite required to enroll

Military Science Department Staff

Commanding Officer: Michael J. Slocum; Military Instructors: Johnny C. Simon, James C. Fournier, Victor M. Sanchez

Information

Inquiries regarding enrollment in the Army ROTC program should be made to the Army ROTC Admissions Officer at 615-322-8550 or 800-288-7682 (1-800-VUROTC) or at the address below. Also see www.vanderbilt.edu/army.

Army Officer Education
Box 326, Peabody Campus
Nashville, TN 37203
615.322.8550 • 800.288.ROTC

Academic Departments and Course Descriptions

The following Catalog sections include a brief description of each of the academic departments at Lipscomb University in that college, along with descriptions of all courses offered by each department. As students choose electives from this section to complete their academic program, they should check with their advisor and possibly the academic chair involved to make sure they have the required prerequisites to enter a particular course. Courses are represented by a four-character designation. The first digit indicates the class level: 1-freshman, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior. The two middle characters are for departmental use and usually indicate a sequence of courses or categories of courses. The last character indicates the course credit.

The semester that courses are normally offered is indicated by: F-fall, SP-spring, SU-summer and W-wintermester. * Indicates the course is normally offered in alternate years. See academic chair for details.

The following are courses that illustrate the four-character number protocol:

Graduation

Lipscomb Seminar

This introduction to university-level critical thinking and cultural engagement is required during the first semester at Lipscomb for all first-year students. Discussion-oriented, the Lipscomb Experience introduces students to the intellectual endeavor of liberal arts education from a Christian perspective in small group settings designed to develop mentoring relationships, to provoke important questions, and to facilitate thoughtful discussion. While Lipscomb Experience courses engage unique topics examined from multiple perspectives, each course also introduces students to a common set of transferrable skills. The course facilitates student engagement with fellow students, the university, and the local and global community; essential college-level research and information literacy skills; and the habits of rigorous study, intellectual growth, and lifelong learning. Students may not withdraw from the course unless they are withdrawing from the university. This course may satisfy the SALT Tier II requirement. Instructors may assign a grade of “NC” (no credit) to diligent student who nevertheless fail to earn a “C.” However, instructors reserve the right to assign an “F” when, in their opinion, students do not demonstrate satisfactory effort. Students who do not earn a “C” in LU 1203 must retake the course the subsequent spring semester. No AP, CLEP, or “Dual Enrollment” credit is accepted for this course.

Development Non-Credit Courses

While remedial or developmental courses are designed to move a student toward graduation by bringing him/her up to a level of preparedness to do college work, they do not apply toward graduation credit. Developmental courses benefit the student by being officially counted as part of the load and determining eligibility for financial aid and/or scholarships.

General Education Integrated Courses (Explorations and Engagements)

The following courses refer to the Explorations and Engagements requirements for Lipscomb’s general education program. Students should consult the general education section of this catalog for specific requirements that include these courses.

Topics for this course partner content in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, environmental science & sustainability with each other or with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas.  Content will be integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating academic areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general. Laboratory experiences vary depending on topic. 
Prerequisite: Foundations course work in math and science. (Prerequisites do not apply to LUMS 2003).

Topics for this course partner periods or genres of literature with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas. Content will be integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general.
Prerequisites: EN 1313.

Topics for this course partner periods of history with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas. Course content will be integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating academic areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general.

Topics for this course partner content in psychology; sociology; economics; political science; law, justice & society with each other or with content in another academic area in order to explore the connections between the two areas. Course content is integrated to develop the students’ skills and content knowledge in the participating academic areas as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship between the specific content and between the academic areas in general.

 Engagements

A multidisciplinary course, co-taught by at least one faculty member and faculty or professionals from other disciplines, that investigates a particular theme, using insights, methods and habits of thought from the liberal arts (math, sciences, humanities, and the fine arts), Bible and other academic disciplines to connect a student’s major to the theme through project-based learning. This course meets an elective Bible requirement.
Prerequisites: minimum of 60 hours earned credit.

Global Learning

Humanities

 World Humanities II

Elective Internship

University Studies

UN 1321 Personal Finance (see college of Business)