Other Degree Options
Academic Minor
A minor in a second academic area is available to students who are earning an undergraduate degree in a primary area. A minor requires a minimum of 18 semester credit hours with a 2.00 quality point average. To qualify for an academic minor, transfer students must earn at least 6 graded semester credit hours in upper-level classes at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
The course requirements for academic minors are listed with the specific academic degree programs.
Associate Degree
An associate of arts degree is ordinarily a two-year university degree, which can be either a stepping-stone to a four-year bachelor’s degree or a terminal degree for someone who chooses not to continue for the bachelor’s degree. Franciscan University of Steubenville offers associate degrees in accounting, business administration, child development, general studies, philosophy, and theology.
The associate of arts degree in general studies requires 39 credits in the student’s chosen area of specialization or electives, plus 21 credits of core curriculum including: one theology core, one philosophy core, one theology or philosophy core, one history or social science or American founding principles core, one natural science core, one literature or Catholic traditions in fine arts core, and one math or economics core.
All associate degree programs require that the final 15 credits be earned at Franciscan University of Steubenville. An overall quality point average of 2.00 in all courses as well as a 2.00 average in the major courses is required. Standard admission procedures apply for associate degree programs, and all course credit is applicable to the requirements of a full bachelor’s degree.
Double Major
Careful planning of a student’s academic curriculum can accommodate a double major within four years. A careful use of electives can sometimes make this possible without exceeding the 124 credits needed for graduation. Note that a double major earns one bachelor’s degree with two majors; this differs from a second bachelor’s degree described below. A student who has completed all requirements for majors, including language requirements, both in BA and BS subjects, may, at the time of submitting the application for graduation, elect the conferral either of the BA or of the BS degree. The student’s transcript shall reflect the major of the elected degree as the primary major.
Second Bachelor’s Degree
A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville may return to the University to earn a second bachelor’s degree as long as it is different from the degree previously earned. For students earning a bachelor’s degree at another institution, a second bachelor’s degree may be earned at Franciscan University as long as it is a different major. Current core and major curriculum requirements must be fulfilled including the modern or classical language requirement if a Bachelor of Arts degree is being earned. A minimum of 30 semester credit hours, beyond those earned prior to awarding of the first degree, must be completed with a 2.00 QPA. All students must have approval of the appropriate academic department chairperson.
Second Major Post-Degree
It is possible for a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville to return to the University to earn a second major. This option is open to Franciscan University graduates only. If the previous major earned a Bachelor of Science degree, but the new degree is in the Bachelor of Arts area, the modern or classical language requirement must be met. Approval of the appropriate academic department chairperson must be given before a student can begin the second major. A 2.00 QPA in the major field of study must be earned. No additional degree is earned.