College of Science

The College of Science consists of the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Geology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Psychology and Sociology, and the Division of Health Professions.

• Biology
• Chemistry and Geology
• Computer Science
• Environmental Science and Public Health
• Nursing
• Mathematics
• Psychology and Sociology

Department of Biology

The BA and BS programs in biology include a broad spectrum of exciting subjects. We seek to prepare broadly prepared individuals who can successfully specialize in graduate or health professional schools or seek immediate employment: however, a number of students select a degree in biology just because they find it a fascinating area. Biology can be a valuable second major that enhances employment opportunities in many fields.

The BA degree is designed for students who wish to exercise more control over the development of their degree program or who are interested in biology or one of its sub-fields, but not immediately interested in post-graduate study or professional careers related to biology or health care. Such students may wish to combine studies in biology with areas such as art, business, education, or political science. Happily, some students simply want a liberal education with its focus in biology. The BA program has been designed for such students; however, some students use the BA degree to seek admission into dental or medical school by adding a number of the courses required in the BS program.

The BS degree represents the most appropriate preparation for those who wish to pursue post-graduate studies. The curriculum is built on a strong core in science with studies that explore the breadth and some of the depth of biology. The BS program provides the opportunity for each student to complete a required undergraduate research project. Students interested in a graduate degree in one or more of the biological specialties, in medicine, or who want a sound, comprehensive degree are urged to consider the BS degree.

Learning by doing is the preferred teaching mode in the Department of Biology. There are opportunities to become involved in open-ended field or laboratory projects. The university is located in a unique ecological region of the southeast, and as a result opportunities in environmental biology are common. Labs have been equipped to explore new techniques in molecular and cellular biology. Our faculty represent a well-qualified and balanced diversity of the biological sub-fields, are eclectic in their interests, and work exceptionally well with one another and with students. As a community of learners we believe in high standards, hard work, and having fun!

To declare a major in biology a student should complete the Area F courses for biology before beginning the junior year. We provide advising for the BA, BS, BS pre-professional, BS pre-veterinary, as well as pre-forestry and pre-pharmacy programs. To complete a degree in biology, students must obtain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in all science courses applied to graduation. To enter the pre-professional or pre-veterinary programs one must have achieved and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and be making progress toward the degree. We value advising and mentoring and encourage students to work closely with one or more of their professors.

As its mission the Department of Biology at Columbus State University is concerned with:

• undergraduate education and research in biology
• graduate education and research in biology, science education, and environmental science
• service to our geographic region in biology science education, and environmental science
• sustenance of a community of scholars engaged in developing the ways of knowing, habits of the mind, and operational skills characteristic of capable biologists

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• apply knowledge from mathematics, statistics, physical science, and chemistry to biological understanding
• develop an understanding of biological theory, concepts, and skills to the world in which we live in the areas of cellular biology, molecular biology and genetics, organismic biology, ecology, population biology, and evolution
• think both individually and as members of collaborative groups, with a deliberate awareness of the process of critical thinking
• employ critical thinking to formulate questions and synthesize answers
• respect and enjoy the pursuit of knowledge and rational thought
• place biological understanding into historical and contemporary contexts
• appreciate and assess social implications of biological knowledge
• demonstrate an awareness of and appreciation for codes of conduct valued by most scientists
• communicate effectively by listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• apply appropriate communications technology
• apply technology and scientific method to biological inquiry
• assess opportunities and make personal decisions about career and life goals

Department of Chemistry and Geology

The Department of Chemistry and Geology will evolve in directions which best serve the needs of our students and the regional community. Department activities are presently oriented toward undergraduate education in the physical sciences and engineering. However, we are committed to growth and expansion of the range of available services by development of the department into a center of the following:

• undergraduate education in the chemical, geological, and physical sciences and engineering
• graduate education in the chemical and earth sciences
• graduate education in environmental science
• consulting and advisory services for commercial and governmental concerns
• pure and applied research within the departmental disciplines, focusing on the particular needs and features of the region

Chemistry

The baccalaureate degree programs in chemistry are designed to offer students a solid background in inorganic, analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as exposure to applied chemistry, biochemistry, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis. Graduates are expected to appreciate quantitative interpretation, to think independently, and to apply skills and knowledge of chemistry to real-world problems. Because of the diverse goals of chemistry students, two degree programs are available, one of which has two subdivisions of specialization.

BA in chemistry - The bachelor of arts degree program is designed for students interested in attending professional schools of medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, or in employment in fields such as education, business, sales, quality control and environmental occupations. The BA in chemistry requires satisfactory completion of courses in mathematics, physics, and biology, as well as in chemistry, in addition to the general requirements. These provide a broad foundation in the field and permit flexibility for evolving and changing student interests. A broad range of upper-level elective courses exists to expose students to modern fields within the chemical sciences and to help students broaden their college experience. Faculty advisors work closely with students for careful planning of an individual student's program of study.

BS in chemistry - The bachelor of science degree program is designed for students who desire to enter the fields of industrial chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental chemistry, government research laboratories, or pursue graduate studies in chemistry. The BS in chemistry requires satisfactory completion of courses in mathematics, physics, and computer science, as well as in chemistry, in addition to the general requirements. These provide a broad foundation in the field and permit flexibility for evolving and changing student interests. A broad range of upper-level elective courses exists to expose students to modern fields within the chemical sciences and to help students broaden their college experience. Faculty advisors work closely with students for careful planning of an individual student's program of study.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the diverse areas of chemistry, both theoretical and practical
• communicate the rapidly changing field of chemical knowledge effectively
• estimate and interpret chemical information in the context of the day-to-day events
• demonstrate skills in quantitative and qualitative problem-solving related to the chemical sciences
• demonstrate theoretical knowledge of chemical instrumentation, including the operation of microprocessor controlled instruments
• integrate the usage of computers in chemistry
• think independently and apply chemical knowledge to a problem
• enter into employment in the chemical industry or into graduate or professional schools

Geology

The baccalaureate degree program in geology prepares graduates for entry into the practice of professional geology, or it may serve to prepare graduates for further training in many fields. Curricular requirements for registration by the Georgia Board of Registration for Professional Geologists can be met within the program. Students successfully completing program requirements are prepared for graduate studies in many branches of the geosciences, or for further studies in science education, environmental science, natural resources development, and regional planning. The BS in geology requires satisfactory completion of courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as well as in geology. These provide a broad foundation in the field and permit flexibility for evolving and changing student interests. A broad range of upper-level elective courses exists to introduce fields within the geological sciences and to help students broaden their college experience. Some courses are offered every other year; therefore, careful planning of an individual student's program is necessary.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a working knowledge of the major areas of geology (mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, stratigraphy, structural geology, environmental geology, and geomorphology)
• communicate geological concepts, data, and interpretations to others
• demonstrate knowledge and apply field observations, traditional techniques, and modern technology to the solution of geologic aspects of problems in regional planning and the environment as well as traditional geologic problems (use appropriate data bases, software, and analytical tools)
• demonstrate ability to assemble diverse geologic data into environmental, economic, and regional geologic interpretations
• perform the tasks requested in entry level geologic employment or graduate school

Pre-Engineering Program

The pre-engineering program is designed to provide a liberal education and to develop a broad scientific and technical foundation for future specialization. Two programs are available: the Regents' Engineering Transfer Program (RETP) and the General Pre-Engineering Program (GPEP). Upon successful completion of the pre-engineering curriculum, RETP students transfer to Georgia Tech and work toward completing a bachelor of engineering degree, while GPEP students may apply to any engineering school in the nation of their choice, including Georgia Tech. It is expected that students will normally require four to five and one-half years to complete the degree requirements, depending on their pre-college preparation and engineering major, as with any other engineering school graduates. Students entering th pre-engineering program can be prepared for specialization in aerospace, ceramic, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, industrial, materials, mechanical, nuclear and textile engineering.

To be admitted to the Regents' Engineering Transfer Program at Columbus State University, a student must be a resident of Georgia, with a combined SAT score of at least 1090 (including a 560 math and 530 verbal score). Students who do not initially qualify for RETP when entering may join the RETP after the end of their freshmen year by completing the first two required chemistry courses and calculus 1 and 2 with grades of 3.0 (B) or higher, and by attaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Columbus State University faculty members have been working closely with Georgia Tech faculty to assure a curriculum that is well coordinated with that of Georgia Tech. At the same time, RETP students enjoy many of the advantages of Georgia Tech students: they have equal access to engineering majors at Georgia Tech, they can participate in the co-op program, and they are invited to the Georgia Tech campus once a year for campus tours, information sessions, and meeting with advisors in their engineering major.

Department of Computer Science

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers bachelor of science degree programs in computer science and applied computer science, an associate of applied science degree in computer science, and a certificate in data processing.

The BS in computer science provides the student with skills required to compete in today's computing environment and to be able to adapt to tomorrow. Much effort is expended ensuring that the program is viable and current, focusing on the newer technologies and emphasizing applications of current methods for the design and engineering of software systems.

The BS in applied computer science gives the student a rigorous education in computer science with particular attention and practice given to mainframe business applications. This program was initiated by a joint study agreement with the IBM Corporation, and was expanded by funding from the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP). It is particularly geared to the large system computing needs of the companies that dominate the local economy.

The AAS in Computer Science is intended for the student who wishes to attend the university for only two years. This degree provides the student experiences in both the new technologies and in large system computing.

The certificate in data processing is designed to allow the student the opportunity to develop skills in computer science without pursuing a degree. The program requires 30 semester hours of credit in computer science or related areas in a plan of study approved by the department chair.

In conjunction with the Mission Statement of Columbus State University, the Department of Computer Science will serve the educational needs of students of the university in the area of computing and the specific educational needs of the businesses and industries in our community. Computing will continue to play a larger part in the educational experience of each student at Columbus State University, and the Department of Computer Science is committed to playing a leadership role in this process. The department will also maintain programs for its majors which are current, viable, and applicable to the computing technologies and the technologies of the present and future. And because we serve the community in which we live, we will maintain contact with the computing entities of our region, and strive to provide the educational opportunities needed to keep those entities viable for the future.

The Department of Computer Science is committed to:

educating students to think critically and creatively in a technological environment
fostering the highest ideals of ethics, especially pertaining to electronic interaction
providing the strongest and most current instruction in the areas of computing and technology
serving to meet the educational needs of the community and region in the areas of computing and technology through collaboration, vision, and foresight
striving to help Columbus State University meet its commitment to fostering its centers of excellence, especially in the areas of science, mathematics, and technology education and regional economic and community development

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will:

• be able to use an integrated development environment consisting of an editor, compiler, and linker to code and implement an executable program
• be able to produce a software solution using a structured programming architecture
• be able to produce a software solution using an object-oriented programming architecture
• be able to implement a software solution involving use of network application software
• be familiar with the standard architecture found in modern computer CPU chips and systems
• understand the major differences among modern programming languages
• be able to analyze, design and implement the solution to real-world computational problems
• be familiar with methods used to access secondary storage devices
• have a basic understanding of theoretical aspects of computer science
• be able to demonstrate knowledge of social and ethical impact of computers

Graduate Program

MS Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, with two tracks: regular and online track, to allow students with different backgrounds to benefit from and be successful in the program.

The regular track of the program is designed for those students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or in closely related filed and want to broaden their education in Computer Science. The regular track of the program offers concentrations in applications of computing systems, software development, and software engineering.

The online track of the program is designed for those students who are holding an undergraduate degree in technical or business related fields, currently are employed in computer-related areas and want to acquire specific skills and knowledge in new computer and software technologies needed in the business computing applications and industry. The online track offers concentrations in graphical user interface, networks, web-based technologies and distributed client-server systems. Consistent with the University's commitment to "serving regional needs through collaboration with...regional businesses and industries" and its promise to "promote...regional and economic development," the Department of Computer Science offers the online track of the MS in Applied Computer Science degree completely online. Particular effort is made to reach those individuals who do not have ready access to conventional classes due to time or place.

The online delivery of the online track of MS in Applied Computer Science program has been reviewed and approved as a distance learning opportunity by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is Columbus State University's accrediting organization. Along with the courses offered online is a "virtual university," which can be found at http://csuonline.edu. Every effort was made to provide Internet students with every service afforded on-campus students.

Admission

Admission requirements for the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science program are:

• undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
• a minimum of 2.75 undergraduate cumulative GPA, or a minimum 3.0 major GPA
• a minimum combined score of 800 on the verbal and math sections of the GRE

Special regular track requirements are:

• an undergraduate major in computer science, applied computer science, computer information science/systems, computer engineering or other closely related field, OR a score of 50 percentile on the GRE computer science subject test, OR satisfactory completion of
• preparatory courses or exams as prescribed by the department (probationary acceptance until preparatory courses are completed).

Special Online Track Requirements:

• Students must have a personal Internet connection
• Each student must have a personal computer which is capable of running the required software.
• Students must have the ability to administer their systems, install and configure their own software. (Software includes servers such as SQL-Server, MTS, IIS.) No support is provided to help manage personal systems or software. Students must provide personally licensed copies of required software.
• Exams are computerized. Each student is responsible to locate and arrange to have an approved off-campus proctor administer all examinations. Approved proctors including various public officials such as librarians. During the exam, the computer must maintain a continuous Internet connection.
• See the Department of Computer Science link through the Columbus State University URL at http://www.colstate.edu. Visit the MS in Applied Computer Science online support site. This site has a lot of general information useful to online students. It includes a FAQ page as well as addressing common questions like logging in, technical support, taking course exams, managing your account, contact links, software, hardware, and more.

Application for Graduation

Approval of an application for the Master of Science degree in Applied Computer Science is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for the degree by the College of Science. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the semester prior to completion of degree requirements.

The following requirements must be met for the completion of the degree program:

Students must earn a 3.0 grade point average calculated on all graduate work attempted for which letter grades are awarded.
At least 27 of the hours required for the degree must be earned in the program. A maximum of nine semester hours with no grade lower than B may be accepted for transfer. Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade point average.
All degree requirements must be completed within six years of first enrollment.

Department of Environmental Science and Public Health

BS Health Science

The BS degree program in health science is a program that gives students an overview of the health care field. It does not prepare students for any specific health occupation, but rather produces a graduate who is a generalist and equipped for entry level positions in a number of health professions for which no universally recognized baccalaureate degree has been established. The health science student will have the opportunity to obtain knowledge in such diverse health-related fields as environmental health, community health education, and human services.

Some of the settings in which graduates of the BS degree in health science program are employed are public and private mental health hospitals and clinics, drug treatment centers, juvenile court services, nursing homes, hospital education departments, and community agencies. The program also gives the student a good background for pursuing graduate studies in program such as counseling, occupational therapy, physician assistant, public health, health services administration and social work.

Expected Outcomes

• Graduates will understand the role of the health care professional in the provision of services to clients/patients.
• Graduates will be familiar with leading health/social services resources and can use them to address current problems.
• Graduates will compile, calculate and use health-related data to identify and evaluate health needs, interests and concerns of individuals and/or groups.
• Graduates will be able to identify and describe components of good mental and physical health.

Admission Requirements

Students transferring into the health science program from another degree program at Columbus State University or from another institution must have a minimum combined grade point average of 2.00.

Graduation Requirement

Satisfactory completion of all university requirements and a minimum grade of C in each health science course.

Graduate Program

MS Environmental Science

The Master of Science program in environmental science is designed to prepare graduates who can deal effectively with the increasing problems and questions related to environmental impacts and in planning for the maintenance and management of environmental quality in the face of population and industrial growth. The program builds upon an undergraduate science background and provides a foundation in pertinent areas of biology, chemistry, and geology, as well as social and philosophical issues related to the development of sound environmental policy and regulation.

Statement of Mission

The Master of Science program in environmental science provides advanced training, education and research opportunities to post-baccalaureate science students living primarily in the Georgia/Alabama region. Graduates of the program are trained to serve as environmental professionals in local, state, and federal environmental resource agencies; in the private sector, as environmental consultants; or are prepared to enter a doctoral program in environmental science or related fields. Primary emphasis is placed upon acquiring a sound background in the underpinning concepts in environmental science, designing and conducting an original piece of research, and effectively communicating the results, in both written and oral forms. These professionals will be able to critically assess a wide range of environmental issues and create a plan for sound maintenance and/or environmental management.

Admission

Minimum admission requirements for the MS program in environmental science are as follows: o Students must hold a baccalaureate degree in one of the natural sciences or engineering from an accredited college or university. o Students must have earned an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, calculated on all work attempted in which letter grades were awarded. o Students must present evidence of a minimum score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative (aptitude test) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Provisional Admission

Students who have earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree, but whose undergraduate grade point average is lower than 3.0 or whose Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude tests score is lower than 1000, will be given consideration by the graduate admissions committee of the College of Science and may be admitted provisionally. Provisional students may be given specific coursework or independent study requirements in order to make up deficiencies but, at a minimum, must complete a minimum of 10 semester hours of program core courses with a grades of B or better. Provisional students will not be eligible for teaching assistantships until they have obtained full admission to the program.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this program, students admitted to this program will be expected to have completed courses in the following disciplines: physical and historical geology, introductory biology, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and introductory physics. At the discretion of the Environmental Science Advisory Committee, students without this background may be granted conditional acceptance. However, it is expected that these deficiencies will be removed within the first two semesters of graduate work. The Environmental Science Advisory Committee will provide guidance and approve these remedial courses.

The required thesis is to be a significant original contribution in environmental science. The topic must be approved by the student's advisory committee in advance of the beginning of the thesis research. At least one member of the committee will provide advice and guidance in the student's research and in development of the thesis. The full committee will evaluate the defense of the thesis upon its completion. Candidates must choose an advisor and committee members by the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program.

Application For Graduation

Approval of an application for the Master of Science in Environmental Science is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for the degree by the College of Science. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar the semester prior to completion of the degree requirements.

The following requirements must be met for the completion of the degree program:

• Students must earn a 3.0 grade point average calculated on all graduate work attempted for which letter grades are awarded and cannot include more than five hours with grades of C. At least 30 of the hours required for the degree, including the program core, must be earned in residence. A maximum of six semester hours with no grade lower than B may be accepted for transfer. Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade point average.
• A comprehensive examination must be satisfactorily completed before graduation. This examination will be based upon the content of the program core and, normally, will be taken within two semesters after completion of the core courses. The comprehensive exam may be in written or oral format, at the discretion of the environmental science advisory committee. The exam contains material covered in the core courses as well as a selection of critical topics that a student should have studied in his/her undergraduate career. A candidate who does not perform satisfactorily may be required to enroll in additional courses or, through a special topics class, review critical literature and techniques. In any case, a student who has unsatisfactory results will not be eligible for re-examination before the following quarter. In such instances, it will not be necessary for the student to be enrolled in order to be re-examined.
• Each student must successfully defend the thesis as determined by the advisory committee.
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of first enrollment.

Course Load

The maximum recommended course load for a graduate student in the College of Science in a given semester is 12 semester hours, except that the maximum course load for a student holding a graduate assistantship is nine semester hours.

Department of Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an eight-semester curriculum with nursing courses beginning the sophomore year. Graduates are prepared to assume the role of the professional nurse.

Facilities

The nursing program is in Illges Hall where classrooms, a skills laboratory, and faculty offices are located. Facilities for clinical nursing experiences include Doctors Hospital, The Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, Martin Army Community Hospital, Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital, and others in the area. Long-term care facilities include Hamilton House, Pine Manor, Muscogee Manor, and Oak Manor. Other facilities are physicians' offices, Columbus Department of Public Health, and West Central Health District sites, public schools, preschools, and industrial sites.

Expenses

Expenses beyond the usual university fees will be incurred by students to include uniforms, equipment, and transportation to clinical sites. Detailed information is available from the program director.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10014, (212) 363-5555.

Licensure

Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to take the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). A student with a felony conviction may be admitted to the nursing program, but permission to take the NCLEX-RN rests with the Georgia Board of Nursing. Further licensure information may be obtained from the director of the nursing program.

Clinical agency agreements

In accordance with University System of Georgia standard clinical agreement contracts, students must comply with the following policies prior to enrollment in the first nursing course:

• evidence of professional liability insurance
• a current negative tuberculin screening (e.g. PPD) or negative chest X-ray
• current basic CPR certification
• immunizations and current physical examination.

Performance standards

For admission and retention, an applicant to the nursing program must have abilities and skills of four varieties: observation, communication, motor, and behavioral. Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis. However, an applicant is expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

Observation - An applicant must be able to observe a patient/client accurately. Examples of observation include: listening to heart and breath sounds, visualizing the appearance of a surgical wound, detecting the presence of foul odor, and palpating an abdomen.
Communication - An applicant must be able to communicate effectively with patient/clients and other members of the health care team. He/she must be able to interact with patients/clients and other members of the health care team in order to obtain information, describe patient situations, and perceive nonverbal communication.
Motor - An applicant must have adequate motor function to effectively work with nursing problems and issues and carry out related nursing care. Examples of nursing care include ambulation of patients; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; administration of intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral medications; application of pressure to stop bleeding; opening an obstructed airway; and the provision of patient/client daily hygiene care.
Behavioral - An applicant must possess the emotional health required for total utilization of his/her intellectual abilities. Applicants need to be able to tolerate physically taxing work loads and to function effectively during stressful situations. They must be capable of adapting to ever-changing environments, displaying flexibility, and learning to function in the case of uncertainty that is inherent in clinical situations involving patients/clients. Adapted with permission from the Medical College of Georgia, January 1993.

Employment

Upon successful completion of the first clinical nursing course, students are often hired as a nurse technician/nurse aide by some health care agencies. Students who are LPN's may also be employed while in school. The nursing program at Columbus State University renounces all responsibility for the actions of nursing students who are employed in these positions. Clearly stated job descriptions for these positions are the sole responsibility of the employing agency. The employing agency also assumes legal and ethical responsibility for the actions of these employees.

Health related licenses

Students with health-related licenses must bring the license to the nursing program director's office. A copy of the license may be made for the student's record.

The mission of the Columbus State University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare caring, competent, professional nurses to provide holistic nursing services of diverse populations in multiple settings. The nursing program fosters and exemplifies excellence in teaching, nursing practice, and service to the community. The mission is achieved through educating nurses who strive for the highest standards of health care, are sensitive to changing societal needs for nursing care, and develop behaviors that enable them to function in a changing complex society.

The program is designed for qualified high school graduates, college students, individuals who have already earned a degree in another field, and registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas who wish to prepare for professional nursing practice. Today's changing health care delivery system, as well as the increasing complexity of health problems, requires better educated and better prepared nurses. Baccalaureate education has become the standard for professional nursing.

The nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing synthesizes general and professional education and experience to make critical clinical judgments concerning client responses to actual or potential health problems in order to give effective and efficient nursing care. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice in the community hospital, large health science center, military, public health agency, nursing home, school system, and industry, as well as care for individuals and families in their homes. Nursing education at the baccalaureate level also prepares the nurse for management of client care, application of research findings in nursing practice, continued study, participation in professional nursing organizations, and pursuit of graduate education.

The first four semesters of course work are designed as pre-nursing. The following summer term and four semesters comprise the professional nursing major.

Expected Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares professionals with a liberal arts background who are capable of delivering comprehensive health care to a multicultural clientele in a variety of settings across the life-span, using accepted methods for diagnosis and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems. Each graduate will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, make independent judgments in therapeutic client interventions, and display leadership skills needed to obtain entry-level nursing practice positions.

• Graduates will compete successfully in a nursing career.
• Graduates will utilize appropriate forms of communication in relating effectively to clients/patients, family members, the health care team and the community at large.
• Graduates will utilize the nursing process and theoretical frameworks to perform health promotion and therapeutic nursing interventions directed at individuals, families and/or aggregates.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate reasoning skills, employing critical thinking and leadership skills.
• Students admitted to the major in the BSN program will complete the baccalaureate degree at a comparable percentage rate as students enrolled in similar programs at the state, regional, and national level.
• Students, alumni, employers and faculty will express high satisfaction with the BSN program.
• Faculty and students will participate in community service activities (health education and promotion, clinical practice, political process, service on policy boards with the community and university) to assist in meeting the service and leadership needs of the Columbus region.

Admission Requirements

A student who meets the criteria for admission to Columbus State University may be admitted to the university for any semester and be classified as a pre-nursing student. An informational interview with a member of the nursing faculty is the first step in student advisement and pursuit of a nursing career.

Admission to the University as a pre-nursing student enables the student to take core curriculum and general education courses only, as they are available and consistent with the prerequisites. Acceptance as a pre-nursing student does not guarantee admission to the professional nursing course sequence of the program.

Advanced standing through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit in pre-nursing courses is granted in the behavioral sciences, humanities, social sciences and mathematics according to policies stated in this catalog. No CLEP credit is allowed in the science courses required by this program.

One nursing class is admitted each spring semester. Students must submit a separate application to the Baccalaureate Nursing Program for the nursing course sequence of the program. Applications should be submitted by December 1 to be considered for summer term admission.

In order to be eligible for consideration for admission the program, students must have:

• been admitted to Columbus State University
• a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required pre-nursing course grades only
• a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
• a grade of C or better in all required science courses within seven years of application
• submitted a completed application, references, and an essay

Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.

Selection Criteria

If there are more qualified applicants than the number of spaces allotted for the program, applicant decisions will be based on:

• a score derived from a combination of grades received in prerequisite courses
• the number of prerequisite courses completed
• the written essay

Admission decisions are made by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and submitted to the program Director. Students not selected for admission will be placed in their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all the spaces available in the class have been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the BSN Program for the following spring semester.

Progression Policies

A grade of C or better is required in each nursing course. Students enrolled in a clinical nursing course must complete both the theoretical and clinical portions of the course successfully in order to pass the course. Students are evaluated in the clinical portion of such courses on a pass/fail basis. If a student fails the clinical component of any nursing course, the entire course must be repeated upon its next offering on a space-available basis in order to remain in the program. Exceptions for extenuating circumstances may be considered by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee. Students may not transfer credit from another institution to substitute as credit for a clinical nursing course failed at Columbus State University.

A student who has failed or withdrawn from a clinical or non-clinical nursing course will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of or withdrawal from the course or failure of or withdrawal from a second nursing course will result in exclusion from the BSN program.

Special requirements for progression are:

• completion of Regents' Test
• completion of prerequisites
• completion of required calculation proficiency levels for each nursing course
• completion of required achievement examinations
• annual evidence of either a current TB screening
• annual evidence of current basic CPR certification
• annual evidence of professional liability insurance

Advanced Placement for Registered Nurses

RN students must be fully admitted to the University in order to apply to the RN-BSN Program. The registered nursing (RN) student is admitted to prerequisite courses and counseled individually by a nursing faculty advisor regarding the courses and advanced placement options. Support and encouragement are provided to promote attainment of the student's academic goals. Based on previous experience and current practice, and after successful completion of NURS 3278, RN students receive credit for NURS 2275, NURS 3175, NURS 3176, NURS 3272, NURS 3273, NURS 4271 (33 semester credit hours). NURS 3278 is offered as the first nursing course in the three-semester RN-BSN track.

In order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, students must have:

• been admitted to Columbus State University
• a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required prerequisite course grades only
• a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
• submitted a completed application, references, essay and evidence of current licensure in Georgia
• documented practice or testing
• graduated from an NLN accredited program

Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.

Selection criteria

If there are more qualified applicants than the number of spaces allotted for the program, applicant decisions will be based on:

• a score derived from a combination of grades received in prerequisite courses
• the number of prerequisite courses completed
• the written essay

Admission decisions are made by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and submitted to the Program Director. Students not selected for admission will be placed in their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all of the spaces available in the class have been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the BSN program for the following spring semester.

Readmission Policy

Students who have withdrawn from the nursing program one time due to personal problems, academic difficulty, or failure will be considered for readmission if:

• written request for readmission is submitted to the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee one semester before the requested return semester
• the student has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on courses required for the degree
• resources are available to support such additional enrollment

A student who has failed or withdrawn from a clinical or non-clinical nursing course will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of or withdrawal from the course or failure of or withdrawal from a second nursing course will result in exclusion from the BSN program.

Graduation Requirements

Degree progress grade point average 2.0 or higher, and satisfactory completion of all university requirements are required. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements within seven years of their first admission to the nursing program are subject to having all credits reevaluated on the basis of the prevailing graduation requirements for the BSN degree.

Department of Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in mathematics and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in mathematics that has flexibility to allow the student to concentrate in either mathematics or applied mathematics. The two programs are designed to produce graduates with a solid foundation in calculus, abstract and linear algebra, probability and statistics, and real analysis, as well as some knowledge in other areas of mathematics. Graduates of these programs will demonstrate an ability to solve problems creatively and effectively, to reason logically and to apply mathematical skills and modern technology in positions in industry or the professions, or to continue their studies at the graduate level.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will have:

• an understanding of calculus and an ability to use calculus in applications
• knowledge of algebraic structures
• knowledge of the real numbers, functions, the topological properties of R, differentiation, and integration
• knowledge and ability, to apply probability density functions
• knowledge of appropriate mathematical models
• the ability to think critically
• the ability to understand mathematical arguments and to construct mathematical proofs
• the ability to use computational devices and software in problem solving situations
• communication to acquire, develop, and convey mathematical knowledge

Department of Psychology and Sociology

Undergraduate Programs

Psychology

Two degree programs with a major in psychology are offered: the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts. Graduates of both will have studied psychology in a liberal arts framework and be prepared for graduate study in psychology or related fields or for careers requiring a baccalaureate degree. The bachelor of arts graduate will also have proficiency in a foreign language.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge base of significant facts, theories, and issues of psychology and a conceptual framework within which new facts and ideas can be assimilated
• demonstrate reasoning skills, employing critical thinking
• use English to participate effectively in communication of psychological knowledge and processes
  gather, synthesize, and utilize information from various sources
• demonstrate the ability to design experiments, gather data, and utilize quantitative tools and skills to investigate questions of human behavior
• demonstrate an understanding of the historical roots and development of psychology as a discipline and its place in the broader intellectual traditions of the sciences and humanities

Sociology

The BS in sociology is designed to satisfy the following objectives:

• to give students a more profound understanding of society, its structures, how it functions, the interrelationships among its institutions, and its impact on the human individual
• to prepare those students who are planning careers in which knowledge of sociology contributes to quality performance
• to provide a strong foundation in the discipline for students planning to attend a graduate school of sociology

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will:

• be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental ideas and concepts of contemporary sociology
• be able to demonstrate the ability to choose the appropriate research methods and, where applicable, the appropriate statistical methods to employ for study of a sociological subject
• have attained what C. Wright Mills calls the sociological imagination ("The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society.")
• have obtained an understanding of values as well as propositions. They will have learned how to use these concepts in the exploration of human betterment. They will know how to think intelligently about what might constitute a good rule, norm or law; good structures; and how together the rules and structures may be used to create societies which provide the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
• be able to demonstrate understanding of the ethical issues relevant to sociological research
• be able to read, listen, and think analytically, critically, and creatively about sociological matters.

Graduate Programs

Certificate in Gerontology

The graduate certificate program in gerontology is designed for persons who already possess a bachelor's degree and (1) want to work in the field of gerontology, (2) are already working in the field and wish to enhance their knowledge of the discipline, or (3) desire greater knowledge of contemporary issues, research, and changing needs of today's elderly. The program is multidisciplinary and attempts to broaden student understanding of gerontology in areas of psychology, sociology, biology, health sciences, and fitness management.

Statement of Mission

The graduate certificate program in gerontology is intended (1) to prepare people to enter the field of gerontology, (2) to supplement expertise of persons in professional positions who currently work with the elderly, (3) to provide useful knowledge to those who may be caring for elderly friends or relatives, and (4) to integrate gerontological knowledge into a student's graduate discipline by providing a broad foundation of gerontological knowledge along with an internship experience.

Admission

Minimum admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology are as follows:

• Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum combined GRE score of 800 or a minimum MAT score of 44.
• A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75.