ACADEMICS

This section provides an overview of the academic programs.

Degree Programs

To graduate from West Chester University, you must earn a minimum of 120 credits; however, all the BSED programs in this dept require MORE than 120 credits. These credits are broken up into two parts: General Education courses and courses in your major. Both parts will be discussed in the following pages.

Please note: The information provided are basic guidelines. They do not take into consideration any unique circumstances, substitutions or exceptions. It is your responsibility to investigate and be aware of specific prerequisites for your degree.

General Education

TCs must follow the General Education Curriculum established by the University for all undergraduates unless they are in the Honor’s Program. At WCU, the general education program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, perspectives, and competencies expected of them as citizens of the state and of the world. This broad education emphasizes the enhancement of oral and written communication skills and mathematics as well as encompassing experiences in the humanities, the social & behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. Additionally, this education is versatile and allows for exploration. Forty percent of credits earned must be general education credits. This is mandated by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Use the general education curriculum to explore your interests, fashion coursework for graduate school, and acquire skills related to your career. While there are some restrictions, students have ample choice in the classes selected.

Workload

“The actual amount of academic work that goes into a single semester credit hour is often calculated as follows (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/credits.doc )

  • One lecture (taught) or seminar (discussion) credit hour represents 1 hour per week of scheduled class/seminar time and 2 hours of student preparation time. Most lecture and seminar courses are awarded 3 credit hours. Over an entire semester, this formula represents at least 45 hours of class time and 90 hours of student preparation”/studying/homework.
  • 1 MWF 50-minute class = 2 hours of out of class preparation/studying/homework. Therefore, you can expect approximately 6 hours of out of class work per week.
  • 1 TR 75-minute classes = 3 hours of out of class preparation/studying/homework. Therefore, you can expect approximately 6 hours of out of class work per week.

Second Degree Students

Second degree students have already earned a previous bachelor’s degree. Therefore, they do not need to complete WCU’s general education requirements. They must complete all coursework in the major and all PDE required classes (see Degree Audit). They do not need a second math class or an additional LIT/CLS class. Second degree student must complete a program of study in consultation with their advisor.