The diversity of the academic programs at Ithaca College affords students a rich variety, including many cross-disciplinary study opportunities. Whether students are trying to decide on a major or looking for possibilities to supplement their major with study in another field, they are strongly urged to inform themselves about the range of possibilities open to them. The sections on individual schools in this publication provide specific information about programs, but students may find this overview helpful as they begin to explore the entire College curriculum.
Numerous majors relating to specific disciplines are offered by the various schools. The requirements are set out under each department's listings.
Ithaca College encourages students to explore disciplines other than the one in which they are majoring. Students should consider taking their open elective courses in disciplines other than the one in which they are majoring. Each school has many courses open to nonmajors, subject only to the prerequisites mentioned in the course descriptions and availability of space in the course.
With careful planning, it is possible to complete two majors, even from two different schools, so long as both lead to the same kind of degree (e.g., both lead to a B.F.A. degree or to a B.S. degree). The degree coordinator of the Office of the Registrar can advise students on the feasibility of particular combinations.
The following programs combine courses of study in two or more disciplines, and in some instances two or more schools: applied economics; applied psychology; biochemistry; business administration-legal studies; computer information systems; environmental studies; film, photography, and visual arts; gerontology; health services administration; mathematics-computer science; mathematics-computer science 7-12; mathematics-economics; mathematics-economics 7-12; mathematics-physics; mathematics-physics 7-12; musical theater; philosophy-religion; sport management; telecommunications management; and theater arts management.
Five majors have requirements for a minor in another discipline or for a planned interdisciplinary combination of courses: environmental studies, journalism, media studies, music in combination with an outside field, and writing.
Students whose interests do not coincide with any of the formally defined majors may wish to consider the planned studies major. The emphasis is first on developing an individualized educational goal and then on selecting appropriate courses to meet that goal. This major may lead to either a B.A. or a B.S. degree, depending on the nature of the focus.
In recent years, students have completed planned studies majors in scientific photography, urban planning and economic development, arts administration, women's studies, alternative health care systems, and Latin American studies.
Musically talented students who are enrolled in a major other than music may pursue their musical interests by taking a music minor, individual courses, ensembles, or lessons.
Minors and concentrations are structured plans of study consisting of a minimum of five courses for at least 15 credits. Successful completion of a minor or concentration is recorded on the transcript if the student has registered for the program as required. (See "Admission to a Minor or Concentration," p. 343.)
The difference between the two plans of study is that a minor is outside the specific discipline in which the student is majoring; a concentration is within the student's major discipline. Concentrations are available in a number of programs. Students should consult with their advisers on eligibility requirements and planning for graduation.
Minors are available in each school, as follows:
School of Business --- for non-business majors, the School of Business offers finance, general business, international business studies, legal studies, management, and marketing. For business majors, the School of Business offers concentrations in accounting, electronic commerce, finance, human resource management, international business, legal studies, management, and marketing
Roy H. Park School of Communications --- advertising and public relations; audio production; international communications; journalism; media studies; organizational communication, learning, and design; scriptwriting; still photography
School of Health Sciences and Human Performance --- coaching, exercise science, health, health services administration, nutrition promotion, nutrition science, outdoor recreation, recreation, sport studies
School of Humanities and Sciences --- anthropology, art, art history, biology, comparative literature, computer information systems, computing, dance, economics, English, environmental studies, French, German, health communication, history, Italian, mathematics, philosophy, physics, politics, psychology, religious studies, social work, sociology, Spanish, speech, theater, women's studies, and writing
School of Music --- music
Gerontology Institute --- gerontology
The Office of International Programs encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to spend a summer, semester, or academic year abroad. Ithaca College sponsors programs in Australia, the Czech Republic, England, Japan, Scotland, Singapore, and Spain. Additional study abroad sites are being developed and may include the People's Republic of China, the Dominican Republic, and sites in Europe and South America. In addition, students may participate in affiliated or non-affiliated programs throughout the world that are sponsored by other institutions. Courses taken through the Office of International Programs that are taught in a non-English language and intended primarily for native language speakers will be treated as transfer courses for grading and credit purposes. For complete details see p. 343.
Ithaca College maintains its long-standing commitment to the preparation of teachers by providing programs that lead to provisional or initial and permanent or professional New York State teaching certification in a variety of disciplines. All current teacher education programs are registered with the New York State Education Department.
Students who graduate and apply for initial certification after February 1, 2004, must complete a newly revised teaching option program in their discipline that meets New York State Education Department standards. For specific information on requirements, please see department requirements.
All students applying for New York State certification on or after July 2, 2001, must also be fingerprinted as part of the application process. Information on this can be obtained in the Center for Teacher Education.
Students who wish to apply for certification in another state can obtain information on teaching requirements in the Center for Teacher Education.
Ithaca College's reciprocal arrangements with Cornell University and with Wells College allow matriculated full-time Ithaca College students, with prior approval and within stated stipulations, to cross-register for one course per semester at Cornell University or Wells College. These arrangements are available during the fall and spring semesters only, contingent on space availability at Cornell or Wells.
Students must be currently enrolled for at least 12 credits at Ithaca College and may take only courses applicable to their programs of study that are not offered at Ithaca College. (Schedule conflicts or unavailability of courses in a given semester do not constitute a valid rationale for enrollment as an exchange student.) A maximum of 12 credits may be taken through these programs during the student's entire undergraduate enrollment at Ithaca College. Credits and transcripts are automatically transferred to Ithaca College and are included in GPA calculations. No additional tuition is charged, except in the case of students enrolled during any one semester for a combined total of more than 18 credits. Those students are subject to additional tuition charges on a per-credit basis.
Program petition forms and further information are available from the Division of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions in the Towers Concourse.
This joint program provides the opportunity for selected physics or chemistry majors to complete a prescribed three-year program in physics or chemistry at Ithaca College and then spend an additional two years in the College of Engineering at Cornell University, Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering, Applied Science, and Technology of the State University of New York at Binghamton. Upon satisfactory completion of this five-year sequence, students are awarded a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and the appropriate engineering degree from one of the above engineering schools. Program requirements are listed on p. 261 (physics) and p. 202 (chemistry). Additional information may be obtained from the chairs of the respective departments.
The linkage program with the American Graduate School of International Management (known as Thunderbird) provides students with guided transition to a graduate professional business program. Under a system of preapproved waivers, they may complete the master of international management degree at Thunderbird in as little as one year (three terms). Students interested in this program need to plan early to make sure they meet all the prerequisites as part of their undergraduate degree program. Further information and advising are available from the School of Business dean's office.
The School of Business at Ithaca College offers a 4+1 M.B.A. program. It also has established graduate articulation agreements with Clarkson University and Rochester Institute of Technology. These agreements allow Ithaca students to plan their undergraduate program to include courses that will serve as a foundation for graduate business study. These foundation courses include material required in the first year of study in M.B.A. programs elsewhere. Students who plan their undergraduate programs carefully can earn their undergraduate degree at Ithaca College and their M.B.A. degree at Clarkson or RIT within as little as a five-year period. Students are subject to the normal admission policies of the respective graduate school. Because the graduate schools review core "articulated" courses on an individual basis, students desiring to pursue this option are encouraged to earn high marks in these courses.
Interested students currently enrolled in related programs or in the business minor can also select appropriate electives in order to complete most of the foundation courses as a part of their undergraduate program. If necessary, any remaining foundation courses may be taken before beginning the graduate program.
Further information is available through the dean's office in the School of Business.
Affiliations with the Sea Education Association (SEA) and the Duke University Marine Laboratory (DUML) allow students to broaden their understanding of the ocean first hand. Both are one-semester programs (fall, spring, or summer). Certain courses will fulfill elective credit requirements for a biology degree or general education requirements in the School of Humanities and Sciences. For information and advisement, please see program coordinators in the biology department (Prof. Susan Allen-Gil for SEA, Prof. Nancy Jacobson for DUML). Students should apply through the Office of International Programs.
Under an agreement with Cornell University, students may enroll in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) programs of two military services --- air force and army. No new enrollees have been accepted in the navy program since February 1, 1991.
The objective of the program is to prepare men and women for positions of responsibility as officers in the military services. Students may enroll in classes or in programs of two, three, or four years. A range of scholarships is available to qualified applicants, including scholarships that pay up to full tuition. These scholarships may cover up to full tuition at Ithaca College; mandatory fees and textbook costs, up to $600 per year; and a $200 a month stipend during the academic year. All participants in their junior and senior years receive the $200 nontaxable monthly allowance whether they are on a scholarship or not. Periodically, mid-year scholarships may be available as well. Two- or three-year applicants for each service must contact the appropriate ROTC unit early in the second semester of their freshman or sophomore year to initiate the selection process.
A student must inform the appropriate dean's office and adviser before enrolling in any ROTC courses. Credit is not recorded unless it has been reviewed by the appropriate dean's office for conformity with Ithaca College policy. In most cases the cost of taking these courses is $15 a semester. All uniforms, books, and supplies required by the ROTC unit are provided.
There are no military obligations for enrolling in ROTC courses. However, those students accepted in the advanced program during their sophomore, junior, or senior year may incur an active duty commitment, ranging from 4 years to 10 years. The commitment varies with each service and program within the two services.
Further information can be obtained from the dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences or the registrar's office. The dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences is the campus coordinator for ROTC programs on the Ithaca College campus.
The Washington Semester Program is an internship-centered program in the nation's capital designed to meet the academic and professional interests of students from a variety of majors. In addition to a six-credit internship, students enroll in two semester-long courses and up to three one-credit academic seminars. To fully complement the academic and internship experience, the Washington Semester Program also provides cocurricular programming for students to experience the richness of Washington's cultural and political life. Further information about the program can be obtained from the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, 350 Job Hall; 607-274-3113.
The Web version of the Ithaca College Undergraduate Catalog 2001-2002 is produced by the Ithaca College publications office. Send all comments, corrections, questions to