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.

*SACSCOC approval pending

The General Education Requirement

Total Hours Required: 47

Students entering prior to summer or fall 2012 should refer to an earlier catalog for general education requirements.

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 engage in the tradition of conversation in the academy through course work in writing and speaking; cultivate curiosity that transcends disciplinary boundaries through multi-disciplinary integrated Explorations course work; think critically and ethically through Foundations course work, multi-disciplinary integrated Explorations course work, and through the Bible curriculum; understand and evaluate ways of knowing by making connections between academic areas through multi-disciplinary integrated Explorations course work; and 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 requirements are as follows:

1. Foundations - 26 hours

• Bible (BI 1073 , BI 1083 , BI 1093  must be taken in sequence) - 9 hours
• LU Seminar (LU 1103 ) - 3 hours
• Composition (EN 1313 ) - 3 hours
• Communication (CO 1003  or other approved course*) - 3 hours
• Wellness (PE 2012  or two different activity courses) - 3 hours
• Science with lab (Students may satisfy this requirement with a biological (biology) or physical science (astronomy, chemistry or physics) course with lab, LUMS with lab - 3 hours
• Math (excludes non-credit, developmental courses)

2. Explorations - 12 hours

Students must satisfy the requirement by taking at least one course in each of the following four areas. At least six hours (two of the four areas) must be fulfilled by integrated course work. The prerequisites listed apply to integrated course work. Existing prerequisites apply for traditional course work used to fulfill the requirement.

(Part or all of the Explorations integrated courses requirement may be satisfied by a Lipscomb semester-long global learning program. Other global learning courses may satisfy general education requirements and/or major/minor requirements, depending on the nature and context of the course.)

• Math/Science (LUMS 2xn3) - 3 hours

(Prereqs: LU 1103  and Foundations math and science courses; ACT Math=19, SAT Math = 460, or MA 1020 ) Students will choose one approved integrated course that includes math or science. Students may also satisfy this requirement by taking three hours from the following: math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, or ESS 1013  or ESS 2013 .

• Humanities
  • Literature (LULT 2xn3 ) - 3 hours

(Prereq: EN 1313 ) Students will choose one approved integrated course that includes literature. Students may also satisfy these requirements by taking three hours from this list of approved courses: EN 2113 , EN 2123 , EN 2133 , EN 2143 , EN 2153  or EN 2163 .

• History (LUHI 2xn3 ) - 3 hours

Students will choose one approved integrated course that includes history. Students may also satisfy these requirements by taking three hours from this list of approved courses: HI 1013 , HI 1023 , HI 1113 , HI 1123 , HI 2213  or HI 2223 .

• Social Science (LUSS 2xn3 ) - 3 hours

Students will choose one approved integrated course that includes a social science. Students may also satisfy this requirement by taking three hours from the following: psychology, sociology, economics, political science, law, justice & society (LJS 2103 ) and philosophy (PL 1003 , PL 2013 , PL 3433 ).

3. 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 an elective Bible requirement.​

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: BI 1073 - The Story of Jesus (3) F , BI 1083 - The Story of the Church (3) SP , BI 1093 - The Story of Israel (3) F , and LUEG 3xn3 - Engagements: (selected topic) (3) F, SP ; one of the following three: BI 3213 - Faith and Culture (3) SP , BI 3433 - Disciplines for Christian Living (3) F, SP  or BI 4213 - Biblical Ethics (3) F, SP ; plus one elective. 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.

Course work beyond the courses listed above that satisfies a Bible requirement must be approved by the College of Bible and Ministry.

Important Note: BI 1073 , BI 1083  and BI 1093  are prerequisites for all other Bible courses (except BI 1003  and selected Bible major courses). These three courses must be taken in a student’s first three semesters at Lipscomb (excluding Wintermester, Maymester and summer) and may not be dropped without approval from the associate dean for undergraduate Bible.

5. SALT - 2 service-learning experiences

No more than one experience can come from Tier I. At least one experience must come from Tier II or Tier III.

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. If the listed content is met, other approved Bible courses must be taken.

Students who transfer 67-93 credit hours to Lipscomb must complete two Bible courses at Lipscomb: BI 1073  or BI 1083   or BI 1093 ; 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 1073  or BI 1083  and BI 1093 ; 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 1073 , BI 1083 , BI 1093 , 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. 

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 concentrations in performance or composition only-i.e., not music education 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 Professional Studies: Candidates for the Bachelor of Professional Studies must complete six semester hours of CORE credit.

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.

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. Transfer students general education requirements 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 section of this catalog.
   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 section of this catalog.
   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.

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

1. ACT/SAT score
2. High school grade point average and rank
3. Outside employment commitments
4. Recommended college credits to take within a semester
5. Lipscomb University grade-point average
6. Academic commitment and motivation of the individual student

Dual Enrollment Programs

Lipscomb University has partnered with select high schools in the area to provide college-level course work on their campuses. We also work with individual students who want to take courses on our campus as a dual-enrolled student. 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. To be considered for admission into the dual enrollment program, the student must submit the following items: an application for admission, ACT/SAT scores, an official high school transcript and a reference from the school’s guidance counselor. (Home schooled students may provide a reference from an educational source other than a parent.)

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, and May 1 for the summer term). 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 dualenrollment.lipscomb.edu.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities (learning, physical and/or psychological) should contact the director of Disability Services in the Academic Success Center at 615.966.6301. This office coordinates services for students by collecting documentation of a disabling condition and by advising students, parents, faculty and staff on reasonable accommodations made available by the university.

Testing Services

The Testing Services office supervises the administration and interpretation of psychological tests (personality type, vocational interest, marital and premarital assessments) and educational tests (MAT, CLEP, etc.). It also oversees the SAT and ACTnational testing programs on designated Saturdays. The testing director may be reached at 615.966.1781.

Beaman Library

Beaman Library houses approximately 225,000 bound volumes as well as current periodicals, microforms, and non-print materials in various formats. The Library maintains numerous electronic resources including more than 100 databases, over 140,000 ebooks, electronic journals, and the EndNote bibliographic citation tool.

The 47,000-square-foot facility features group study rooms and casual seating areas for quiet study, leisure reading, and research. Library holdings may be accessed through the online catalog at library.lipscomb.edu or from the Lipscomb website through the University Library link under Academics. The Library website contains  information for accessing materials, library hours, policies, services, and staff. Librarians are available to assist with specific information needs. 

The SALT Program: Serving and Learning Together

The SALT program is a comprehensive plan to integrate service-learning into the educational experience of traditional undergraduate students at Lipscomb University. A strategy for developmentally enhancing student learning, the SALT Program allows students to connect their academic experience and spiritual development with significant engagement in the community.

Service-learning through the SALT program is an academic enterprise in which a service activity acts as a vehicle or “textbook” for understanding an academic concept. In service-learning, the academic credit is given for learning, not for the service completed.

Because Lipscomb expects its students to engage in innovative and rigorous academic experiences and because of the shared belief that a Christ-like attitude calls for service to others, traditional undergraduate students are expected to complete two service-learning experiences before graduation. These experiences will contribute to the student’s development academically, personally/spiritually and civically.

Adult Degree and second degree students are not subject to the SALT graduation requirement. Additionally, students enrolled at Lipscomb University prior to fall 2008 are not subject to the SALT graduation requirement.

The service-learning graduation requirement is intended to ensure that students participate in meaningful service-learning experiences. The requirement is flexible in that it can be accomplished by participating in SALT experiences in a variety of combinations. These experiences include SALT enhanced service projects, academic courses, mission trips, internships or cooperatives. This chart displays the types of SALT experiences that students may participate in to satisfy the graduation requirement:

To satisfy the graduation requirement, students must complete two SALT experiences. No more than one experience can come from Tier I. At least one experience must come from Tier II or Tier III. Tier I experiences are not required.

SALT credit is awarded for learning demonstrated, not service completed. Because these experiences do not include a learning and reflection component, SALT credit is not offered for campus-wide days of service like Service Day or service during QuestWeek.

Students interested in going beyond the basic service-learning graduation requirement will be given the opportunity to attain the distinction of SALT Scholar. The SALT Scholar is a student who has become an expert in service-learning in the context of Lipscomb University, and whose investment in service-learning reflects a significant level of engagement. SALT Scholars will receive special distinction at graduation and on their academic transcript.

Transfer students entering Lipscomb University with more than 90 hours will be required to complete one SALT-enhanced course, mission trip, internship or cooperative before graduation. Transfer students entering Lipscomb with less than 90 hours will be responsible for completing two SALT experiences. It may be possible to transfer credit for SALT experiences. Contact Christin Shatzer, Director of Service-Learning, for more information.

Students will learn about other SALT-enhanced experiences through the SALT Center, campus-wide communication, the student missions office, academic departments, the career development center, campus life and the federal work-study program. It is the student’s responsibility to identify and complete two SALT experiences before graduating. Questions can be directed to Christin Shatzer, director of service-learning, at christin.shatzer@lipscomb.edu or 615.966.7225. More information is available at salt.lipscomb.edu.

Check the program website, salt.lipscomb.edu, and myLipscomb for officially designated SALT course offerings.

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 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, investigation 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.

2. 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 associate provost for student academic support. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. No candidate will be recommended for a degree without having fulfilled the SALT requirements. For details, see guidelines in the section above.
6. No candidate who is placed on probation or who remains on probation (academic, chapel, disciplinary) during his/her final semester of work at Lipscomb will be allowed to graduate.
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. Students must register for GN 999X the semester all course work will be completed for graduation. Students who do not file their intent to graduate form in the registrar’s office by the end of the first week may be delayed in graduating. (Students who miss this deadline may not qualify for graduation honors.)
10. All December and May undergraduate candidates must participate in the formal graduation exercises. Aug. graduates may petition to “walk early” with the May class or participate later in the Dec. exercise. For the petition to be considered, the graduate cannot be on probation and must have an overall GPA of 2.2 as well as a 2.2 GPA in his/her major and minor. Petitions are due in the registrar’s office by Feb. 15.

Although some students change career goals, leave school or transfer, 64 percent graduated from Lipscomb within six years of beginning university work for the 2007 cohort year. The collective average for Tennessee Board of Regents universities is about 48 percent.

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 33 hours (earned above the hours for the first bachelor’s degree) in residence at Lipscomb University with a minimum of 24 upper division 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.

Statute of Limitations

Curriculum requirements often change and academic programs are frequently enhanced. Students should review the statement concerning modifications found on the title page of this bulletin.

A student is permitted to satisfy requirements for a bachelor’s degree under any curriculum in effect during the student’s attendance at Lipscomb University, provided the curriculum has been in effect within 10 years of the date of graduation. All requirements for major, minor and general education must come from the same catalog. Discontinued courses or programs may necessitate substitutions or additions by the academic chair in consultation with the registrar.

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 (Challenge Procedure)

Although the university does not encourage the use of special examinations, there are situations (e.g., extraordinary experience) in which it seems advisable to allow a student to challenge a course by special examination. This may be either for credit or without credit. In no case should a student expect to challenge 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. A fee is charged. A student may challenge a particular course only once and cannot challenge a course which he/she has failed or a course in which he/she has been officially enrolled, i.e., it appears on his or her transcript.

Advanced Standing Credit

Advanced standing examinations such as CBAPE, IB, EB, CLEP, 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. A 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, AP, CLEP, and Straighterline is 30 hours, whereas the maximum credit for credit by the non-traditional route is 33 semester 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.

Adult Degree Program students and those with at least four years of military or work experience may be eligible to seek Lipscomb University credit hours for college-level learning experienced outside the classroom. Interested students should contact the College of Professional Studies (Ezell 265) to begin the process.

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.

Transfer Credit from Other Colleges or Universities

Students transferring to Lipscomb University from other colleges or universities must have an official transcript of their work from each school mailed to the admissions office. Courses are generally accepted in transfer if earned at a regionally accredited college or university and if they are comparable to courses offered at Lipscomb or commonly regarded as study in the liberal arts. All other course credits (earned in a non-traditional manner) are subject to evaluation by the registrar and/or academic chair on a course-by-course basis. Moreover, the grade of “C” or higher must have been earned on each course in transfer. Evaluation of these transcripts is made in the admissions office with final approval made by the registrar. Transferred work to be counted toward a major or minor must be approved by the academic chair involved and the registrar. Transferred courses accepted to meet part of the general education requirement must be approved by the registrar. Courses taken at a two-year school which have 3000 or 4000 course numbers at Lipscomb generally will not transfer as equivalency credit.

No more than 63 semester hours may be transferred from a two-year school. Some two-year colleges offer a third year of work in special areas. Ninety-four semester hours is the maximum number of hours that may be transferred to Lipscomb.

Work taken by a student at another college or university after the student’s initial enrollment at Lipscomb University may not be accepted unless the student has received approval to transfer this work before the work is begun. Forms for this approval are available in the registrar’s office. For minimum credit hour requirements of transfer students toward graduation, see II under section entitled “Requirements for Graduation.”

Limitations of Transfer Credit

1. Students will not be allowed to transfer more credits per term than they would have been permitted to earn at Lipscomb.
2. Credit must be from a regionally accredited institution.
3. Only courses with the grade equivalent of “C” or higher are candidates for transfer credit.
4. Technical or vocational credits are not eligible for transfer and may not, therefore, be used to satisfy degree requirements.
5. All credits from Lipscomb University may not be transferable to every educational institution. Students wishing to transfer credit to another college or university should contact that institution.

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: 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: IP grades are given only on approved courses, such as master’s theses, 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 EN 0110  and EN 1113 , LU 1103 , and MA 1020  and MA 1030  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 Calendar ); 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/Complaint Process

Incomplete Grades

Audits and Non-Credit Repeats

Academic Probation and Suspension

Academic Warning

Academic Probation

Suspension

Horizons

Transitions Program

Turning Point

Early Warning System

Student Load-Credit Hours

Definition of credit hour: A credit hour (one) is defined as student/teacher interaction of not less than one hour and a minimum of two hours out of class work for 15 weeks (one hour/2/15).

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 Global Scholar Programs:

• Lipscomb in Vienna (fall/spring)
• Lipscomb in London (fall)
• Lipscomb in Florence (fall/spring)
• Lipscomb in Santiago (fall/spring)

Here is a list of where our students have traveled over the last two years and where they are headed next!

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

   • Academic Fit (courses offered are needed for student’s degree plan)

   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. They must be approved by the Global Programs Committee, 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)
• Language, 3-4 hours of language of program location (counts toward B.A. language requirement)

Optional courses, consistent with global learning objectives, vary by site from year to year. A list for any specific program is available from the Office of Global Programs or on the web at globallearning.lipscomb.edu.

Sample optional courses:

• World Literature I (EN 2153), 3 hours
• Faith and Culture (BI 3213), 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 Mid-length and Short-length Programs

Scholarships and Financial Aid

First Year Program-Liberal Arts

General Liberal Arts

^1. Those who earned As or Bs 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) and the offices of the chairs of biology and chemistry.  Find additional information in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics section under Medically-Related Preprofessional Programs . Students interested in specific admissions requirements to the Lipscomb College of Pharmacy should refer to the College of Pharmacy  section.

Nursing

Degrees Conferred for Work Completed in Other Institutions

Three-One Programs in Medically-Related Areas

Summer and Wintermester Academic Programs

More detailed information about Lipscomb’s summer and Wintermester programs may be viewed on the Web:
summerprograms.lipscomb.edu
wintermester.lipscomb.edu

Transcripts

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 section includes a brief description of each of the academic departments at Lipscomb University 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.

Graduation

GN 999X Graduation Course  

Lipscomb Seminar
 

LU 1103 Lipscomb Seminar  

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.

LS 0020 Learning Skills and Reading Improvement  

MA 1020 Introductory Algebra  

MA 1030 Intermediate Algebra  

TP 0110 Turning Point  

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.

LUMS 2xn3 Explorations in Math/Science: (selected topic)  

LULT 2xn3 Explorations in Literature: (selected topic)  

LUHI 2xn3 Explorations in History: (selected topic)  

LUSS 2xn3 Explorations in Social Science: (selected topic)  

LUEG 3xn3  

Global Learning

GL 110V The Cross-Cultural Experience  

Humanities

HU 2003 World Humanities I  

HU 2013  

Elective Unternship

INTR 100V   

University Orientation

UN 1101 Strategies of an Effective Learner  

UN 13nV Special Topics