Mar 19, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions



Admission to Radford is selective and based on a review of each applicant’s academic qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the term in which they wish to attend.

The university selects those students who present the strongest qualifications in scholastic achievement, aptitude for achievement in the profession or specific field of study for which the applicant seeks training, and performance in extracurricular activities. Character and potential to contribute to the university community are important criteria as well.

Admission of Freshmen

Specifically, students are selected on the basis of: (a) their high school records (course of study, grade point average and rank in class); (b) Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) results or American College Testing (ACT) exam results; (c) an optional student essay; and (d) evidence of interest and motivation as supplied through related criteria.

To be considered for admission, an incoming freshman should complete a broad selection of course work in high school. Most successful applicants have taken: four units of English; four units in college preparatory mathematics (minimum math requirement for consideration includes the successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II); three to four units in laboratory science, three to four units in a foreign language; and four units in social studies, including American history. Virginia residents are encouraged to complete the Advanced Studies Diploma. It is strongly recommended that pre-nursing students complete units in both biology and chemistry.

Students who, for reasons beyond their control, have not graduated from an accredited high school may be considered for admission provided they pass the High School Equivalency Test administered by the State Board of Education and earn the General Education Development Certificate (GED). Additional material may be requested by the Admissions Office.

Students of very unusual academic ability may be considered for admission after they have completed their junior year of high school. Such students must complete their junior year; take the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) or the American College Testing (ACT) exam; and present documents from their high school and parents supporting early admission.

College Board Test

The Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) given by the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Testing (ACT) exam is required of all freshman applicants for admission to Radford. This test should be taken in the spring of the junior year in high school and not later than December of the senior year. Students who score 700 or higher on the writing section of the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) will be exempt from CORE 101 , Essentials of Written and Oral Communication. They will receive three hours of credit for this course and will begin core curriculum course work in CORE 102 , Advanced Written and Oral Communication.

Application for Admission

A student desiring to enter Radford University should request an application from the Office of Admissions or apply online at www.radford.edu. A student will be notified of action taken on his/her application after all material is received. A complete application includes:

  • An official application form completed and returned with a non-refundable application fee.
  • An official transcript of high school work completed.
  • Official results from the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) or American College Testing Program (ACT).

Students who are offered admission as residence hall students must submit a resident contract and a resident hall and enrollment deposit. Students who are offered admission as commuter students must submit an off-campus student contract and an enrollment deposit. This deposit will be credited toward university expenses for students who enroll or may be refunded if a written request for withdrawal is received in the Admissions Office by May 1. After this date, the deposit is forfeited.

Students desiring to live on campus may indicate a roommate preference. Except for individuals meeting specific conditions (see Housing and Residential Life  ), new freshmen must live on campus.

All students are required to submit a completed RU health immunization record form prior to enrollment.

Enrollment and Matriculation

Students who have (1) been admitted, (2) paid the required fees, and (3) registered for classes are considered enrolled unless the student submits an “Authorization to Cancel Registration” form to the Registrar prior to the first day of classes or a University Withdrawal before the census date. A student’s matriculation term is the first term the student enrolls as an undergraduate or as a graduate student. Students must meet the minimum degree requirements in effect in their matriculation term or any term thereafter in which the student is enrolled unless they have been away for two or more consecutive semesters (see the section on readmission). Students continuously enrolled will be permitted to continue with the requirements in effect in their matriculation term whenever possible (i.e., using the same catalog); however, course offering changes may require students to complete alternative courses.

International Baccalaureate Policy

Radford University recognizes the advanced level of academic preparation demonstrated by the International Baccalaureate. Students entering Radford University with an IB Certificate will be awarded three to eight (3-8) semester hours of credit (up to 12 for Foreign Language) for each course completed at the Higher Level with a score of four through seven (4-7).

In addition to the higher level, standard level courses with scores of five (5) or higher will be considered in the awarding of credit for those students who have completed the IB diploma. Students who complete the IB Diploma have the opportunity to earn up to 30 semester credits. Credits granted for individual IB courses or completion of the IB Diploma are shown as transfer hours on the official Radford University transcript and are included in the hours completed toward a degree. IB final course scores are evaluated for transfer credits in the same manner as for college transfer credits. See the section for Transfer Students for additional information.

IB Examination Equivalency Min. Score Radford University Sem. Hrs.
       
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature      
Language A (native/primary language)      
Literature 4-5 CORE 101   3
Language and Literature 4-5 CORE 101 , CORE 102   6
       
Group 2: Language Acquisition      
Language B (foreign language for experienced students)      
French A1 or B 4-5 FREN 100 , FREN 200   8
  6-7 FREN 100 , FREN 200 , FREN 210   12
French A2 4-7 FREN 100 , FREN 200 , FREN 210   12
German A1 or B 4-5 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200   8
  6-7 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200 , GRMN 210   12
German A2 4-7 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200 , GRMN 210   12
Latin (Classic Lang) 4-5 LATN 101 , LATN 102   8
  6-7 LATN 101 , LATN 102 , LATN 201   12
Spanish A1 or B 4-5 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102   6
  6-7 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102 , SPAN 201 , SPAN 202   12
Spanish A2 4-7 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102 , SPAN 201 , SPAN 202   12
All Other Languages A1 or B 4-5 FORL Elective Credit 6
All Other Languages A1 or B 6-7 FORL Elective Credit 12
All Other Languages A2 4-7 FORL Elective Credit 12
       
Language ab initio (foreign language for beginners)      
French 4-5 FREN 100   4
  6-7 FREN 100 , FREN 200   8
German 4-5 GRMN 100   4
  6-7 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200   8
Mandarin 4-5 CHNS 101   4
  6-7 CHNS 101 , CHNS 102   8
Spanish 4-5 SPAN 101   3
  6-7 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102   6
Russian 4-5 RUSS 101   4
  6-7 RUSS 101 , RUSS 102   8
All Other Languages 4-5 FORL Elective Credit 3
  6-7 FORL Elective Credit 6

 

Group 3: Individuals and Society      
Business and Management 4-7 MGNT 322 , MGNT Elective 6
Economics 4-7 ECON 205 , ECON 206   6
Geography 4-7 GEOG 103 , GEOG Elective 6
Global Politics 4-7 POSC 1ELE 6
History (America) 4-7 HIST 111 , HIST 112   6
History (Europe) 4-7 HIST 101 , HIST 102   6
Info Tech in Global Society 5-7 ITEC 112 , ITEC 1 Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      
Philosophy 4-7 PHIL 111 , PHIL 1COR 6
Psychology 4-7 PSYC 121 , PSYC Elective 6
Soc and Cultural Anthropology 4-7 SOCY 110 , SOCY 121   6
World Religion 5-7 RELN 111 , RELN 1 Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      

 

Group 4: Sciences      
Biology 4-7 BIOL 105  and BIOL 103  or BIOL 104   8
Chemistry 4-7 CHEM 101 , CHEM 102   8
Design Technology 4-7 DSN 110 , DSN 1ELE 6
Environmental Systems 5-7 GEOG Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      
Physics 4-7 PHYS 111 , PHYS 112   8
Sports, Exercise, & Health Science 5-7 ESHE 1 Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      

 

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science       
Math Studies 5-7 MATH ELEC, MATH 140  -or-  
(SL w/diploma)   MATH 1 CORE 6
Math Methods 5-7 MATH ELEC, MATH 140  -or-  
(SL w/diploma)   MATH 1 CORE 6
Computer Science (HL) 4-7 ITEC 110 , ITEC 120   6
Computer Science 5-7 ITEC 110  and ITEC Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      

 

Group 6: The Arts      
Dance 4-7 DNCE 1 Elective 6
Film 4-7 THEA 1 Elective 6
Visual Arts (HL) 4-7 ART 2 CORE 6
Visual Arts A 5-7 ART 1 Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      
Visual Arts B 5-7 ART 2 Elective 6
(SL w/diploma)      
Music 4-7 MUSC Elective 6
Theatre Arts 4-7 THEA 100 , THEA Elective 6

 

Advanced Placement and College Level Exam Program

Radford uses the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams and College Board Advanced Placement Tests to award graduation credits. The Advanced Placement Tests are given in May of the student’s junior or senior year in high school.

Radford University will allow credit for scores on the CLEP subject examinations and Advanced Placement Tests as shown in the table below. Advanced Placement and CLEP scores are evaluated for transfer credits in the same manner as for college transfer credits. See the section for Transfer Students for additional information regarding transfer credits.

CLEP Test Exam Subject Minimum Score Radford University Sem. Hrs.
    Equivalent  
American Literature 50 ENGL 200 , ENGL 203   6

Analysis and Interpretation
 of Literature

50 ENGL 200 , ENGL 203   6
English Literature 50 ENGL 200 , ENGL 202   6
College Composition 50 CORE 101   3
College French 50 FREN 100   4
  59 FREN 100 , FREN 200 , FREN 210   12
College German 50 GRMN 100   4
  65 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200 , GRMN 210   12
College Spanish 50 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102   6
  63 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102 , SPAN 201 , SPAN 202   12
American Government 50 POSC 120   3
American History I - to 1877 50 HIST 111   3
American History II - from 1865 50 HIST 112   3
General Psychology 50 PSYC 121   3
Human Growth
 and Development
50 PSYC 230   3
Introduction to Educational
 Psychology
50 PSYC elective 3
Introductory Macroeconomics 50 ECON 205   3
Introductory Microeconomics 50 ECON 206   3
Introduction to Sociology 50 SOCY 110   3
Western Civilization I - to 1648 50 HIST 101   3
Western Civilization II - 
 1648
50 HIST 102   3
Precalculus 50 MATH 138   3
Calculus with Elementary Functions 50 MATH 171 , MATH 172   6
College Algebra 50 MATH 137   3
College Mathematics 50 MATH 1COR 3
Trigonometry 50 MATH 140   3
College Algebra/Trigonometry 50 MATH 140   3
General Biology 50 BIOL 105  and BIOL 103  or BIOL 104   8
General Chemistry 50 CHEM 101 , CHEM 102   8
Information Systems and
 Computer Applications
50 ITEC 110   3
Introductory Business Law 50 BLAW 203   3
Principles of Management 50 MGNT 221   3
Financial Accounting 50 ACTG 211   3
Principles of Marketing 50 MKTG 340   3
General Exams      
College Composition 50 CORE 101   3
Humanities 50 ENGL 200 , ART 1ELE 6
(CORE)   level (CORE)  
Natural Science 50 Elective 6
Social Sciences and History 50 HIST 100-level, SOCY 100  
    level (CORE) 6

Radford University will allow credit for scores on the Advanced Placement Tests as follows:

Art - Studio (2D)  3 ARTS 101   3
Art - Studio (3D) 3 ARTS 102   3
Art - Studio (Drawing) 3 ARTS 111   3
Art History 3 ART 100   3
  4 ART 215   3
Biology 3 BIOL 105  and BIOL 1COR 8
Chemistry 3 CHEM 111   4
  5 CHEM 111 , CHEM 112   8
Environmental Science 3 BIOL 103   4
    or GEOG 140   3
Foreign Lang/Lit - Chinese 3-4 CHNS 101 , CHNS 102   8
  5 CHNS 101 , CHNS 102 , CHNS 201   12
Foreign Lang/Lit - French 3-4 FREN 100 , FREN 200   8
  5 FREN 100 , FREN 200 , FREN 210   12
Foreign Lang/Lit - German 3-4 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200   8
  5 GRMN 100 , GRMN 200 , GRMN 210   12
Foreign Lang/Lit - Italian 3-4 FORL 100 , FORL 200   8
  5 FORL 100 , FORL 200 , FORL 210   12
Foreign Lang/Lit - Japanese 3-4 FORL 100 , FORL 200   8
  5 FORL 100 , FORL 200 , FORL 210   12
Foreign Lang/Lit - Latin 3-4 LATN 101 , LATN 102   8
  5 LATN 101 , LATN 102 , LATN 201   12
Foreign Lang/Culture - Spanish 3-4 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102   6
  5 SPAN 101 , SPAN 102 , SPAN 201   9
Foreign Lit/Culture - Spanish 3 SPAN 300   3
European History 4 HIST 101   3
  5 HIST 101 , HIST 102   6
US History 4 HIST 111   3
  5 HIST 111 , HIST 112   6
World History 4 HIST 101   3
  5 HIST 101 , HIST 102   6
Calculus AB 3 MATH 171   4
Calculus BC 3 MATH 171 , MATH 172   8
English Lang/Comp 4 CORE 101   3
  5 CORE 101 , CORE 102   6
English Lit/Comp 4 CORE 101   3
  5 CORE 101   6
    and ENGL 200    
Geography 3 GEOG 103   3
Physics B 3 PHYS 111 , PHYS 112   8
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 3 PHYS 222   4
Physics C: Mechanical 3 PHYS 221   4
Music Theory 3 MUSC 111 , MUSC 112   6
Music Listening 3 MUSC 100   3
Computer Science 3 ITEC 120   4
U.S. Government and Politics 3 POSC 120   3
Comparative Government 3 POSC 231   3
Macroeconomics 3 ECON 205   3
Microeconomics 3 ECON 206   3
Psychology 3 PSYC 121   3
Statistics 3 STAT 200   3

 

Cambridge International Examination Policy

Radford University awards academic credit for Cambridge International Examinations on selected A-level and AS-level examinations in which a grade of A, B, or C is earned. The pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying examinations are listed below. This list is reviewed annually by the individual schools and departments, and each school or department may approve transfer credit for examinations that are not listed below at its discretion.  

Cambridge International Examination Equivalency Minimum Score Radford University Semester Hours
Accounting (A-level) C ACTG 211 , ACTG 212   6  
Accounting (AS-level) C ACTG 211   3  
Afrikaans (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Afrikaans (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Applied Information and Communication Technology (A-level) C ITEC 112 , ITEC 1ELE 6
Applied Information and Communication Technology (AS-level) C ITEC 112   3
Arabic (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Arabic (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Art and Design (A-level) C ART 1ELE, DSN 1ELE 6
Art and Design (AS-level) C ART 1ELE or DSN 1ELE 3
Biology (A-level) C BIOL 105 , BIOL 1ELE 8  
Biology (AS-level) C BIOL 105   4  
Business (A-level) C BUES 1ELE 6
Business (AS-level) C BUES 1ELE 3
Chemistry (A-level) C CHEM 111 , CHEM 112    8  
Chemistry (AS-level) C CHEM 111   4  
Chinese (A-level) C CHNS 101 , CHNS 102    8  
Classical Studies (A-level) C CLSS 1ELE 6
Classical Studies (AS-level) C CLSS 1ELE 3
Computer Science (A-level) C ITEC 120 , ITEC 220   6
Computer Science (AS-level) C ITEC 120   3
Computing (A-level) C ITEC 109 , ITEC 110    6  
Computing (AS-level) C ITEC 110    3  
Design & Technology (A-level) C DSN 1ELE 6
Design & Technology (AS-level) C DSN 1ELE 3
Design & Textiles (A-level) C DSN 223   3  
Design & Textiles (AS-level) C DSN 223   3  
Divinity (A-level) C RELN 1ELE 6
Divinity (AS-level) C RELN 1ELE 3
Economics (A-level) C ECON 205  , ECON 206   6  
English Language (A-level) B CORE 101   3  
English Literature (A-level) B ENGL 200   3  
Food Studies (A-level) C NUTR 214 , NUTR 2ELE 6
Food Studies (AS-level) C NUTR 214   3
French (A-level) C FREN 100 , FREN 200   8  
French (AS-level) C FREN 100   4  
Geography (A-level) C GEOG 101 , GEOG 102   6
Geography (AS-level) C GEOG 101  or GEOG 102   3
German (A-level) C GRMN 100 , GRMN 200   8  
German (AS-level) C GRMN 100   4  
Global Perspectives and Research (A-level) C INST 101 , INST 1ELE 6
Global Perspectives and Research (AS-level) C INST 101   3
Hindi (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Hindi (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Hinduism (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Hinduism (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
History (A-level) C HIST 101 , HIST 102   6
History (AS-level) C HIST 101   3
Information Technology (A-level) C ITEC 100 , ITEC 1ELE 6
Information Technology (AS-level) C ITEC 100   3
Islamic Studies (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Islamic Studies (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Japanese (AS-level only) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Marathi (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Marathi (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Mathematics (A-level) C MATH 171   4
Mathematics (AS-level) C MATH 126   3
Mathematics - Further (A-level) C MATH 171 , MATH 172   8
Physical Science (AS-level) C PHSC 1ELE 4  
Physics (A-level) C PHYS 111 , PHYS 112   8  
Physics (AS-level) C PHYS 1ELE 4  
Psychology (A-level) C PSYC 121 , PSYC 1ELE 6  
Psychology (AS-level) C PSYC 121   3  
Sociology (A-level) C SOCY 110 , SOCY 1ELE 6  
Sociology (AS-level) C SOCY 110   3  
Spanish (A-level) C SPAN 101 , SPAN 102   6  
Spanish (AS-level) C SPAN 101   3  
Tamil (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Tamil (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Telegu (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Telegu (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6
Thinking Skills (A-level) C  PHIL 1COR 3  
Thinking Skills (AS-level) C  PHIL 1COR 3  
Travel and Tourism (A-level) C RCPT 200   3
Travel and Tourism (AS-level) C RCPT 200   3
Urdu (A-level) C FORL Elective Credit 12
Urdu (AS-level) C FORL Elective Credit 6

Dual-Enrollment Credit

Students may receive credit for college courses taken to meet high school requirements. These credits may be applied toward a Radford University degree program but the dually enrolled credits are not evaluated automatically for transfer credit based upon high school transcripts. An official college transcript must be provided in order for credit to be awarded. Credits granted for dual-enrollments are considered the same as any college transfer credits. See the section for Transfer Students for additional information regarding transfer credits.

Campus Visits

Students are encouraged to schedule a visit to Radford University. The Admissions Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission counselors are available during these hours. Tours of the campus are conducted Monday through Friday at 10 a.m and 2 p.m. The office is also open on most Saturday mornings with tours at 10 a.m. and noon. Please note that office hours and tours are adjusted during the summer months and students should contact the office prior to visiting campus.

Retention and Graduation Rates

Of the full-time, first-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students who entered in Fall 2014, 75 percent returned for Fall 2015. The six-year graduation rate for the 2009 cohort was 59%.

Application of Special Students

Special students are those students not matriculated in a degree program at Radford University. Special students may attempt up to 24 semester hours of credit in this classification. Once they have attempted 24 semester hours, they are required to meet with a representative of the Office of Admissions to receive advice and to determine the purpose of continuing in this category. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required to be admitted and continue as a Special Student.

Students meeting one of the following conditions will be considered special students and must submit a “Permission to Register” form through the Registrar’s Office. Registration opportunities for all special student populations begins after degree-seeking students have registered. Special population students may register for summer classes during the same time frame as standard degree seeking students.

Transient Student: A degree candidate student at another college may enroll in courses at Radford University without submitting official transcripts, but must provide a letter of permission from the “home” institution.

High School Student: A high school student who wishes to take a college level course may, upon written approval from the high school and permission by the Admissions Office, take a class at Radford University. Students must submit an official high school transcript.

Non-degree Student: A student who wishes to register for undergraduate courses without pursuing a degree may register as a non-degree student. Non-degree seeking students begin registration at the start of the second “Phase” of registration. A student desiring to switch to a degree candidacy status must apply through the Office of Admissions. Students desiring to switch to degree-candidacy are cautioned that hours earned while in the special non-degree student status may or may not apply to a major program, depending on the degree requirements. Students who have been in a degree-seeking status and have been  suspended from the university may not apply for readmission as a special non-degree student.

Senior Citizens: Under the terms of the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974  as amended, eligible Virginia residents over 60 years of age with a taxable income of less than $23,850 are entitled to enroll in courses offered for academic credit on a space available basis without payment of tuition and fees. Tuition, however, may be charged for courses designed exclusively for senior citizen groups.

Transfer Students

Students wishing to transfer to Radford University from an accredited* college or university should send an application form and the nonrefundable application fee to the Admissions Office. Transcripts from all previous colleges attended must be sent whether or not transfer credit was earned. Concealment of previous attendance at a college or university is justification for cancellation of admission. If the student has been out of school for any extended period of time, other than for school breaks, a letter of activities must be submitted with the application. In addition, if fewer than 24 semester hours have been completed, the student must submit a final high school transcript and SAT 1/ACT results. The high school performance will be considered as part of the admission process and prospective students must meet the freshman admission guidelines. Transfer students must also send their high school transcript if they have not successfully completed a transferable college level math course.

A transfer student must have at least an overall 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average on all work attempted to be considered for admission.  Only courses passed with a grade of “C” or higher will be considered for transfer credit. Consequently, grades of “C-” or lower are not accepted. Radford University does not give transfer credit for courses taken as pass/fail. No fewer than 45 semester hours must be taken at Radford University to be eligible for graduation.  In addition, 50 percent of the semester hours required for a major or minor must be taken at Radford University. As a minimum, 120 semester hours are required for graduation.

Students wishing to transfer into the Nursing Program must indicate this major preference on the application for admission. To be considered for upper division nursing, transfer students must also submit a nursing application to the School of Nursing before August 1 for spring entry and before November 15 for fall entry.

Students wishing to transfer into the Design program must indicate this major preference on the application for admission. Following acceptance into Radford University all transfer students applying for admission to the Department of Interior Design & Fashion, must submit a Transfer Student Portfolio Admissions Form and an ID & F Course Equivalency Form.

Transfer credits do not affect Radford University Grade Point Averages (GPA). Transfer credits may be used in determining eligibility or limitations for awards, scholarships, grants, financial aid, admission to academic programs, organization membership, or other uses. When transcripts are provided to agencies outside Radford University, these credits may be used for matters not controlled by Radford University, e.g., scholarships, awards, recognitions, insurance discounts, employment, internships or program eligibilities.

* Radford University will consider for transfer credit only those credits earned from a regionally accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council of Higher Education (CHEA), as well as the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA/CORPA) or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as well as military service at levels consistent with the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Student (First Degree Earned from an Institution Other Than Radford University)

A student who holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who wishes to take undergraduate work toward a second baccalaureate degree in another major must have official transcripts of work completed from all colleges attended sent to the Admissions Office. Second bachelor’s degree students must complete all requirements for the second degree. Students must complete no fewer than 45 semester hours at Radford University. Students may earn two B.S. degrees, two B.A. degrees, or a B.S. and a B.A. degree simultaneously or separately. The term “degree” refers only to official state-approved degree authorizations and not to programs offered as options under these degrees.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Student (First Degree Earned at Radford University)

A student who holds a baccalaureate degree from Radford University and who wishes to take undergraduate courses toward a second baccalaureate degree in another major must complete all requirements for the second degree. Students must complete at least 30 additional credits at Radford University and must meet all requirements of the second degree and major. These hours must be beyond the minimum number of hours required for the first degree.

The GPA from the first degree is frozen and the GPA will start over for the second degree. Courses taken in the second degree cannot affect the GPA of the first degree, and a student cannot earn credit in the second degree for any course credits earned in the first degree. The number of repeats and withdrawals allowed will start over for second-degree students. The student must earn 60 credits beyond the first degree to qualify for graduation with Latin honors.

Completing an Additional Major or Minor After Earning an RU Bachelor’s Degree

Students who have already earned a degree from Radford University and who are not enrolled in a graduate program may return and fulfill the requirements for another major and/or minor. These students must apply for readmission and declare the appropriate major/minor on the application form. Students who return to Radford University to complete another major or minor (not a degree) must successfully complete only the requirements for that major/minor. However, students must meet the 2.00 minimum grade point average requirement in courses in which they enroll after their return. Once a student graduates from Radford University with a bachelor’s degree, the GPA is frozen and the student’s academic record starts over.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of the Registrar of the completion of additional requirements by filling out a Declaration of Completion of Additional Major/Minor form. Once this form has been received, the Office of the Registrar Office will confirm completion and add the additional major and/or minor notation on the student’s permanent record (transcript). Students who have completed an additional major/minor are not eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony, nor will they receive a second diploma. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from another college or university are not eligible to complete only an additional major/minor at Radford University.

State Policy on Transfer

To encourage the transfer of students from the Virginia Community College System to Radford University, the State Policy on Transfer has been embraced by Radford University, effective fall 1993. A student who transfers to Radford University from a Virginia Community College will be considered to have satisfied Radford’s Core Curriculum requirements if any of the following is met:

  • the student has by the time of transfer earned an associate degree from a Virginia community college based on a baccalaureate-oriented sequence of courses (i.e., the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Arts and Science); or
  • the student is able to earn such a degree by successfully completing the remaining requirements before completing a bachelor’s degree at Radford University.

Students who do not meet any of these criteria must complete Radford’s course-specific Core Curriculum requirements.

The transfer degrees accepted as satisfying the Core Curriculum at Radford University are the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and the Associate of Arts and Science.

Transfer credit evaluations are performed by the Office of the Admissions. Questions concerning transfer credit may be directed to this office.

Community college students completing the Transfer Module will receive credit toward completion of Radford’s Core Curriculum requirements. Credits earned with a grade lower than “C” will not transfer to Radford University. Refer to the Radford University Transfer Guide for more detailed information concerning the State Policy on Transfer.