Academic Terminology
Degree:
A degree represents the academic level of a program and the general category into which it falls. For example: Master of Arts, Master of Science, etc. At Radford University, the term “Arts” in a graduate degree generally implies a language and thesis requirement. The minimum number of semester hours for a Radford University graduate degree is 30.
Discipline:
A discipline represents a student’s principal field of study, for example, Psychology, Music, etc.
Program:
The term “program” defies unique definition. One use of the term involves a combination of a discipline and a degree, e.g., Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Occasionally, a program may consist only of a degree and not have a specific discipline, as in the Master of Business Administration. “Program” may also be used in a more generic sense to modify degree combinations, as in “School Psychology Program.”
Concentration:
A concentration or specialization is a field of study within a discipline. An example is Curriculum and Instruction within Education. The number of semester hours for a concentration varies, but are always included within the semester hours for the degree. This distinguishes concentrations and specializations from options.
Option:
An option is a set of related courses and/or experiences that complements the discipline (as distinguished from being a field within the discipline). Another definition of option is a choice, e.g., thesis, non-thesis, with a degree program.
Certificate:
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is generally a series of 15-18 hours of graduate level coursework related to a focused academic topic or competency area. A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate may enhance the education of matriculated (degree seeking) students as well as provide continuing education to non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) students, generally in a specialized or emerging field.
The Radford University Honor Code
I do hereby resolve to uphold the Honor Code of Radford University by refraining from lying, from the stealing or unauthorized possession of property and from violating the Standards of Student Academic Integrity. |