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The basic curriculum of the College is designed
to give the student a broad general education in four essential areas–the arts, the
humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences–with
a concentration in one discipline. The curriculum is also designed
to permit a student to plan a program of studies leading to any one
of a variety of careers. Some of these programs are essentially preparation
for advanced work in professional schools, such as seminary, law, dentistry,
or medicine. Others prepare the student for immediate entry into a
profession, such as accounting, business, chemistry, geology, medical
technology, or elementary and secondary teaching. Creditable work in
a field of major concentration is, of course, the accepted program
of preparation for entry into the academic departments of all graduate
schools for professional training in college teaching and research.
In consultation with a faculty advisor, a student may work out any one
of a large variety of such career programs suitable to his or her interests.
A few suggestions of types of career programs available at the College
appear below.
Tara Sudderth, Dean
Graduate schools of accounting, economics, or
business administration vary in the criteria for admission to programs
of study. In general,
admission is based on the candidate’s undergraduate grade point
average, test scores (especially the Graduate Management Admissions Test,
although the Graduate Record Examination also is used), and personal
references from both undergraduate professors and employers, supervisors,
or business acquaintances.
Admission to graduate study in these three areas is not ordinarily dependent
on the student having an undergraduate major in the field. However, the
structure and duration of graduate programs are based upon the specific
course work and credits completed at the undergraduate level. For example,
an undergraduate accounting major ordinarily exempts the student from
some accounting course requirements in an MBA or MAC program. Students
considering graduate school in economics should take additional math
courses beyond the major requirements, including linear algebra and further
courses in calculus and statistics. Likewise, students interested in
graduate study in business administration should take calculus.
To facilitate transition from Birmingham-Southern to graduate schools
of business, accounting, or economics, interested students should identify
themselves to their advisor and the Dean of the Division of Business
and Graduate Programs as early as possible. The student will be assigned
an advisor who will assist in planning an appropriate program of study
to expedite progress toward the graduate degree.
An undergraduate degree in accounting from Birmingham
Southern functions to prepare students for careers as professional
accountants in financial
institutions, industry, government, not for profit organizations, and
public practice. Public practice, however, often entails certification,
which requires additional coursework beyond the undergraduate level.
Generally, 150 hours of college level courses are required to sit for
the Certified Public Accountant's examination. Birmingham Southern addresses
this additional demand by tracking the accounting student’s educational
program and by offering courses that meet certification requirements.
Further, the academic structure of Birmingham-Southern allows the student
to attain examination qualification within a minimum amount of time and
additional coursework.
Roy D. Wells, Advisor
A broadly diversified liberal arts education is basic to a career in
the pastoral ministry, missions, Christian education, and other specialized
ministries. Students planning careers in any of these areas will complete
their preparation in a theological seminary or graduate school. In anticipation
of advanced theological training, a major in religion and philosophy
is recommended. Such a major leaves sufficient freedom for students to
choose from a wide range of elective courses according to their own particular
interests.
A faculty advisor assists each student in working out a four-year program
of studies to fit his or her individual needs. Coursework in religion
is usually begun in the first year with RE 201 Introduction to Christianity;
and RE 205 the Old Testament or RE 215 the New Testament. In other years
advanced courses in Biblical studies and theology, and courses in religion
and society should be taken. The sequence of courses in history of philosophy
is also helpful in preparation for seminary. Electives should be chosen
from the following areas: history, English, psychology, sociology, political
science, language, science, and the fine arts.
Jeannette Runquist, Chair, Health Professions Advisory Committee
Students planning careers in the health professions should inform their
academic advisors and the pre-health advisor as soon as possible. The
pre-health advisor will provide students information about the pre-health
advising system. Although their courses of study will be under the general
direction of the pre-health advisor, their particular programs will be
determined through consultation with their specific academic advisor.
Admission tests, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or
Dental Admission Test (DAT), should be taken during the spring of the
junior year.
A review and evaluation of each student’s undergraduate record
is made by the Health Professions Advisory Committee during the student’s
junior year. This evaluation is sent to the professional schools to which
the student applies for admission.
Undergraduate requirements for admission to various medical programs
differ according to the program and to the professional school. Students
should be familiar with the requirements before applying for admission.
Any questions concerning pre-health career programs should be referred
to the Chair or the other members of the Health Professions Advisory
Committee.
Natalie Davis, Advisor
Admission to a law school is normally based on
personal and scholastic records and on the results of a student’s
score on the national legal aptitude test rather than on a prescribed
undergraduate course
of study. The prospective law candidate should seek to acquire from undergraduate
studies skill in the written and oral use of the English language, understanding
of Western political, social, and economic institutions, and an ability
to think concisely and independently.
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