What is the difference between the College and the University?
The College is one of the ten degree-granting divisions that comprise Duquesne University. The College includes the humanities, mathematics and computer science, and the social sciences.

How many credits are required to graduate from the College of Liberal Arts?
A minimum of 120 credits is required to receive a bachelor’s degree.

What is the minimum grade-point average required for graduation?
An overall minimum grade-point average of 2.0, which is a C grade average in a 4.0 system, is required for all bachelor’s degrees. Students also need to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in their major and minor areas.

How many credits do I need to take to be a full-time student?
A minimum of 12 credits is considered full-time.

How many credits must I complete each semester to finish in four years?
A minimum of 15 credits must be completed each semester, excluding summer.

How often should I meet with my advisor?
Students must meet with their advisor to register for classes, change their schedule or withdraw from courses.However, advisors welcome the opportunity to met with students throughout the year.

How do I know when it is time to meet with my academic advisor to register for classes?
Normally, right after mid-term you will receive both written and e-mail notification of the dates and procedures for registration.

How much time do I have to change my schedule once classes start?
You have through the first week of classes to change your schedule. The exact deadline for dropping and adding appears in the Schedule of Classes booklet each semester.

What is the difference between dropping and withdrawing from a class?
Dropping a course is considered a change of schedule and can only be done through the first week of class. The course will not appear on the semester grade report or final transcript. Withdrawing from a course can be done after the drop/add period and before mid-term, except that a first semester freshman can withdraw from a class through the last day of classes. A course withdrawal results in a grade of “W” for the course, without affecting the semester of cumulative grade-point average. The withdrawal deadline appears in the Schedule of Courses booklet each semester.

What are the requirements to be on the Dean’s List?
To be eligible for this distinction, the student must meet the following criteria:
1 Complete a full-time schedule (at least 12 credits, exclusive of pass/fail credits).
2. Receive no grade lower than a C, regardless of how many credits have been taken.
3. Receive no Incomplete grades, regardless of how many credits have been taken.
4. Earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.5.

The different levels of honors are as follows:
First Honors 3.75-4.00
Second Honors 3.50-3.74

How can I get information about financial aid and scholarships available to students in the College of Liberal Arts?
Students should contact their financial aid counselor in the Financial Aid Office, located in the Administration Building. They may also contact their major department for information about the availability of scholarships.

Is there a difference between University Core requirements and College Core requirements?
Yes. In addition to the 27 University Core credits, students in Liberal Arts must complete a set of courses referred to as the College Core requirements. For more details, please refer to the Student Handbook.

Must I complete my Core classes before starting my major courses?
No. The only Core courses required in the freshman year are “Thinking and Writing Across the Curriculum’ and Imaginative Literature and Critical Writing,” consecutively. The remaining core requirements must be completed prior to graduation.

Is a foreign language required for graduation?
Yes. Students are required to be proficient at the highest intermediate level (202). The College strongly recommends that students begin their language courses or take other steps necessary to establish proficiency no later than the first semester of their sophomore year.

What are the different majors offered by the College?
The College offers a variety of majors. For a full listing of the majors, please refer to the Student Handbook.

Is there a per-law major?
No. The College does not offer a pre-law major. Students who intend to prepare for a career in law may select any subject area for their undergraduate major. In consultation with the Pre-Law Advisor, students will be expected to meet degree requirements, as well as admission requirements of the law school of their choice.

Is a major required for graduation?
Yes. All students are required to complete at least one major and one minor. However, other options can substitute for a minor, e.g., a business certificate, a second major, a pre-health curriculum, and a second degree.

Will a double major program take more than four years to complete?
Students often choose two majors and it is quite possible to finish in four years, provided you start early enough in your undergraduate program.

How long do I have before I need to declare a major in the College?
Students should declare a major as soon as they have decided on an area of interest, but no earlier than the end of the first semester.

How do I declare or change my major?
You must obtain a Major/Minor Declaration Form from the College Office or from the major department and take the following steps:
1. Complete the student information section of the form.
2. Meet with a departmental mentor to discuss your plans and to obtain the mentor’s signature.

Can I still graduate in time if I change my major?
It is possible. However, the decision needs to be made early enough to allow for completion of all requirements, with special attention to courses with prerequisites.

What is the difference between a dual degree program and a double major program?
A dual degree program entails the completion of both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts, whereas a double major program involves the completion of one bachelor’s degree with two majors. Typically, most dual degree programs require more than the minimum of 120 credits.

What are the dual degree programs offered by the College?
Students in the College of Liberal Arts can complete a dual degree program within the College of Liberal Arts, as well as in conjunction with the School of Business Administration, the School of Education and the School of Natural or Environmental Sciences.

How do I go about transferring to a different school on campus?
Students considering transferring out of the College must first meet with their Liberal Arts academic advisor to discuss the process. They are also responsible for initiating contact with the other school to discuss the requirements for the new area of study.

Where do I get a copy of my transcript?
An official copy of your transcript must be requested in writing from the University’s Registrar’s Office, located on the ground floor of the Administration Building. A $5.00 fee is charged for the issuance of each transcript. You can get an unofficial transcript at no charge from the College Office, 212 College Hall.