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; 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; theater arts management; and women's studies.
Four majors have requirements for a minor in another discipline or for a planned interdisciplinary combination of courses: environmental studies, journalism, media studies, and music in combination with an outside field.
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 creative writing.
Musically talented students who choose a career in another field may pursue their musical interests by taking a music minor, individual courses, ensembles, or lessons.
Minors and concentrations consist of a structured plan 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. 348.)
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, and marketing. For business majors, the School of Business offers concentrations in accounting, 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 - adult fitness, applied exercise sciences, coaching, gerontology, health, 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, writing
School of Music - music
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, London, Singapore, and Spain. Additional study abroad sites are being developed and may include Japan, the People's Republic of China, Scotland, 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. For complete details see p. 310.
Ithaca College maintains its long-standing commitment to the preparation of teachers by providing programs that lead to provisional and permanent New York State teaching certification in a variety of disciplines. All current teacher education programs are registered with the New York State Education Department. Sweeping new standards for teacher preparation at the state and national level are stimulating the development of new programs in teacher education, including additional programs at the master's level. Information about teaching requirements in other states is on file in the Center for Teacher Education and the Office of Career Services. For complete details, see p. 306.
This reciprocal arrangement between Ithaca College and Cornell University allows matriculated full-time Ithaca College students, with prior approval and within stated stipulations, to cross-register for one course per semester at Cornell. This arrangement is available during the fall and spring semesters only, contingent on space availability at Cornell.
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 valid rationales for enrollment as an exchange student.) A maximum of 12 credits may be taken through this program 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 total of more than 18 credits (Ithaca College and Cornell combined). 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 bachelors degree from Ithaca College and the appropriate engineering degree from one of the above engineering schools. Program requirements are listed on p. 193 (physics) and p. 153 (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 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.
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 programs of four, three, or two years. A range of scholarships is available to qualified applicants including scholarships that pay up to full tuition. Two-year applicants for each service must contact the appropriate ROTC unit early in the second semester of their 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. Students may be eligible to compete for scholarships. These scholarships cover up to full tuition at Ithaca College and Cornell, mandatory fees, and textbook costs, plus $150 a month during the academic year. All participants in their junior and senior years receive the $150- a-month nontaxable allowance whether they are on scholarship or not.
There are no military obligations for enrolling in ROTC courses. However, those students accepted in the advanced program during their sophomore or junior year may incur an active duty commitment, ranging from three months to 10 years. The length of 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, the registrar's office, or the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, or by writing to the Departments of Aerospace Studies, Military Science, or Naval Science at Barton Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. The dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences is the campus coordinator for ROTC programs on the Ithaca College campus.
