Academic Catalog

Bachelor’s Degrees

 New Freshman General Education Requirements

Basic Skills
WRIT 1101Writing Colloquium3
WRIT 1102Research Writing3
COMM 1110Speech Communication3
Basic Skills Math3
Interdisciplinary Seminars
IDS 2000 level3
IDS 3000 level3
Distribution Requirements
Arts and Humanities
Theological/Religious (QRT)3
Historical (QHT)3
Literary and Rhetorical (QLR)3
Artistic and Creative (QCA)3
Philosophical (QPL)3
Natural Sciences
Life-Scientific (QLS)3
Physical-Scientific (QPS)3
Computational, Mathematical and Analytical (QCM)3
Social Sciences
Social-Scientific I: Individuals, Organizations and Societies (QIO)3
Social-Scientific II: Political, Global and Economic Systems (QPE)3
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses
IDS 2000 level
WI designated course in the major
One additional WI designated course
Co-curricular Requirements
Global Course
Sustainability Course
Learning Community/Engaged Learning
Degree Requirements
120 semester credit hours minimum
30 semester credit hours completed at Benedictine University
12 hours of the 30 hours at BenU at the 3000 level or above and in major
54 semester credit hours completed at 4-year institution
30 hours of the 120 minimum hours at the 3000 level or above
36 semester credit hours in major
18 semester credit hours in major at the 3000 level or above
6 semester credit hours in major at the 4000 level or above
12 semester hours at the 3000 level or above in the major completed at BenU
3 semester hours at the 4000 level or above in the major completed at BenU

Transfer General Education Requirements

Basic Skills
WRIT 1101Writing Colloquium3
WRIT 1102Research Writing3
COMM 1110Speech Communication3
Math Transferable3
Interdisciplinary Seminars
IDS 2000 level3
IDS 3000 level3
Distribution Requirements
3 transferable courses representing at least two areas of the Humanities and Fine Arts9
Theological/Religious (QRT)
Historical (QHT)
Literary and Rhetorical (QLR)
Artistic and Creative (QCA)
Philosophical (QPL)
2 transferable courses representing both areas of the Sciences6
Life-Scientific (QLS)
Physical-Scientific (QPS)
3 transferable courses representing both areas of the Social Sciences9
Social-Scientific I: Individuals, Organizations and Societies (QIO)
Social-Scientific II: Political, Global and Economic Systems (QPE)
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses
IDS 2000 level
WI designated course in the major
One additional WI designated course
Co-curricular Requirements
Global Course
Sustainability Course
Learning Community/Engaged Learning
Degree Requirements
120 semester credit hours minimum
30 semester credit hours completed at Benedictine University
12 hours of the 30 hours at BenU at the 3000 level or above and in major
54 semester credit hours completed at 4-year institution
30 hours of the 120 minimum hours at the 3000 level or above
36 semester credit hours in major
18 semester credit hours in major at the 3000 level or above
6 semester credit hours in major at the 4000 level or above
12 semester hours at the 3000 level or above in the major completed at BenU
3 semester hours at the 4000 level or above in the major completed at BenU

Transfer with A.A. or A.S. Degree Completed at IAI School Requirements

Interdisciplinary Seminars
IDS 2000 level3
IDS 3000 level3
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses
IDS 2000 level
WI designated course in the major 1
Co-curricular Requirements
Global Course
Sustainability Course
Learning Community/Engaged Learning
Degree Requirements
120 semester credit hours minimum
30 semester credit hours completed at Benedictine University
12 hours of the 30 hours at BenU at the 3000 level or above and in major
54 semester credit hours completed at 4-year institution
30 hours of the 120 minimum hours at the 3000 level or above
36 semester credit hours in major
18 semester credit hours in major at the 3000 level or above
6 semester credit hours in major at the 4000 level or above
12 semester hours at the 3000 level or above in the major completed at BenU
3 semester hours at the 4000 level or above in the major completed at BenU
1

If already taken the transfer equivalent of the WI in the major must instead take one additional WI designated course.

University Baccalaureate Requirements 

  1. A student must earn at minimum 120 semester credit hours to be considered for graduation and must maintain a “C” average (2.000) in all Benedictine University coursework.
    • Courses with a number below 1000 are designated as developmental coursework and hence do not count toward the 120 semester credit hours required for graduation.
    • University-level courses completed to fulfill a condition of admission count toward the 120 semester credit hour graduation requirement, but do not satisfy University Core requirements.
    • Under no circumstances is it possible for a student to have these requirements waived for graduation. Any appeal requests to waive the minimum GPA, minimum credit, or minimum residency requirements cannot be considered.
  2. At least 30 semester hours of the minimum of 120 semester hours required for a Bachelor’s degree must be in upper division coursework (at the 3000 level or above).
  3. The undergraduate residency requirement is at least 30 semester credit hours must be completed at Benedictine University (at least 12 semester credit hours of the minimum 30 semester credit hours at BenU must be at the 3000 level or above and in the major).
    In addition, at least 54 of the 120 semester credit hours for graduation must be completed at a four-year regionally accredited college. The 54-credit rule will not be applicable for a student admitted and completing their degree through a consortium agreement or non-traditional program stating otherwise.
    Semester credit hours received through an External Credit Program will not be counted toward the minimum credits at four-year colleges or the undergraduate residency requirement.
Student Type Minimun Residency Credits at Benedictine Minimum Credits at 4-year Institution
Traditional and Accelerated 30 semester credits 54 semester credits
BAM 39 semester credits 39 semester credits
GPS 39 semester credits 39 semester credits
Second Major 30 semester credits (including first degree) 54 semester credits (including first degree)
Second Degree 30 semester credits 30 semester credits (including first degree)

General Education Curriculum Baccalaureate Requirements

Skills Requirements

Unless a student can demonstrate proficiency, he/she must complete 12 semester credit hours in Basic Skills. A student must receive a “C” or better in each of these courses to meet this requirement. The Basic Skills courses and the ordinary methods of demonstrating proficiency are as follows:

WRIT 1101Writing Colloquium3
or HNRS 1190 First-Year Colloquium I
WRIT 1102Research Writing3
or HNRS 1191 First-Year Colloquium II
COMM 1110Speech Communication 13
Select one of the following: 23
College Algebra with Business Applications
Mathematics for Everyday Life
College Algebra
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
1

Proficiency by HNRS 1191 First-Year Colloquium II or proficiency by examination.

2

Proficiency by earning External credit in College Algebra; by demonstrating proficiency in MATH 1105 College Algebra with Business Applications, MATH 1108 Mathematics for Everyday Life or MATH 1110 College Algebra on the Math Proficiency Test; by passing MATH 1111 College Trigonometry, MATH 1115 Business Calculus, MATH 1131 Mathematical Explorations, MATH 1150 Introduction to Statistics (or BALT 1150 Business Statistics I, NRHL 2250 Statistics, or PSYC 2250 Basic and Applied Statistics), MATH 1170 Introduction to Calculus I, MATH 2229 Biostatistics or any 2000- or 3000- level math course. (Grade of “C” or better in MATH 1105 College Algebra with Business Applications, MATH 1108 Mathematics for Everyday Life, MATH 1110 College Algebra, MATH 1112 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I; or passing grade in the other listed courses.)

Interdisciplinary Seminars

6 semester credit hours.

The interdisciplinary seminars sequence consists of two courses and both are required of all undergraduates. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are only required to take one IDS 2000-level seminar.

Students must complete one from each of the following:

Select one of the following:3
Catholic/Benedictine Traditions
Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship (S designation)
Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global (G designation)
Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global (S and G designation)
Select one of the following:3
Human Dignity/Common Good
Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship (S designation)
Human Dignity/Common Good: Global (G designation)
Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global (S and G designation)

The Interdisciplinary Seminars provide an integrated, coherent experience to prepare students for a life of flexible learning and responsible inquiry. These courses require students to bridge disciplines, widen perspectives, discover connections, and integrate knowledge. As part of the General Education Curriculum, the Interdisciplinary Seminars address important general questions and unstructured problems that engage the themes of the Catholic and Benedictine Intellectual Traditions and of Human Dignity or the Common Good; sections designated S and/or G place these questions in the context of sustainability and/or global society (and meet the associated co-curricular requirements). The seminars provide students with an integrative liberal arts learning experience, advance the University’s essential learning goals, and engage students in a better understanding of the Benedictine and Catholic hallmarks that inform our mission and identity.

Distribution Requirements (as designated in this catalog)

Transfer, Degree Completion and Accelerated Program students exceptions to these requirements outlined below.

Arts and Humanities

15 semester credit hours as follows:

3 semester credit hours designated as Theological/Religious (QRT). The following courses are designated Theological/Religious:

RELS 1191Selected Topics1-3
RELS 2230Introduction to Judaism3
THEO 1101Theology of Love3
THEO 1102Theology of Justice3
THEO 1103Theology of Freedom3
THEO 2104Faith and Science3
THEO 2120Religions of Asia3
THEO 2130Abrahamic Traditions3
THEO 2150Introduction to the Bible3
THEO 2162Christ and the Church3
THEO 2203Sacramental Theology3
THEO 2204Catholic Spirituality3
THEO 2207Catholic Social Teaching3
THEO 2208Marriage and the Family3
THEO 2210Introduction to Judaism3
THEO 2223History of Christian Thought3
THEO 2235Interreligious Dialogue3
THEO 2240Introduction to Islam3
THEO 2252Business Ethics in the Context of Catholic Social Teaching3
THEO 2265Eastern Christianity3
THEO 2270Benedictine Wisdom3
THEO 2281Great Women Theologians3
THEO 2285Religion in United States3
THEO 2291Topics3
THEO 2424Black and Latine Theologies3
THEO 3303Sacramental Theology3
THEO 3424Black and Latine Theologies3


 3 semester credit hours designated as Philosophical (QPL). The following courses are designated Philosophical:    

PHIL 1101Introduction to Philosophy3
PHIL 1120Greek Philosophy3
PHIL 2200Introduction to Logic3
PHIL 2205Philosophy of Human Nature3
PHIL 2207Feminist Philosophy3
PHIL 2210Philosophy of Being3
PHIL 2215Theory of Knowledge3
PHIL 2225Medieval Philosophy3
PHIL 2235Modern Philosophy3
PHIL 2245General Ethics3
PHIL 2246Biomedical Ethics3
PHIL 2247Business Ethics3
PHIL 2248Environmental Ethics3
PHIL 2255Existentialism3
PHIL 2260Social & Political Philosophy3
PHIL 2290History and Philosophy of Science3
PHIL 2291Selected Topics3
PHIL 3315Theory of Knowledge3
PHIL 3325Medieval Philosophy3
PHIL 3335Modern Philosophy3
PHIL 3346Biomedical Ethics3
PHIL 3347Business Ethics3
PHIL 3348Environmental Ethics3
PHIL 3355Existentialism3
PHIL 3360Social and Political Philosophy3
PHIL 3390History and Philosophy of Science3

3 semester credit hours as designated Historical (QHT). The following courses are designated Historical:

AFAS 1120Introduction to African American Studies3
HIST 1011Introduction to History: Cities of the World3
HIST 1111American History to 18653
HIST 1112American History since 18653
HIST 1141World History to 16003
HIST 1142World History Since:16003
HIST 1180Survey of East Asia: Ancient to 16003
HIST 1191Topics3
HIST 2213Contemporary Latin America, 1898-20003
HIST 2214The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1492-18993
HIST 2215The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1899-20003
HIST 2220The Mediterranean World3
HIST 2240Converging Hemispheres3
HIST 225320th-Century Europe, 1900 - Present3
HIST 2255Modern Russia3
HIST 2260Women in American Society3
HIST 2265African-American History3
HIST 2268Colonial America to 17633
HIST 2271Modern Middle East3
HIST 2273Classical Islamic Civilization, 1000-1700 3
HIST 2274Indian Ocean World 1300-Present3
HIST 2291Topics1-6
HIST 3360Women in American Society3
HIST 3368Colonial America to 17893
HNRS 2393Global Interdependence3
SPAN 2230Spanish Civilization and Culture3
SPAN 3231Latin American Civilization and Culture3

3 semester credit hours designated Literary and Rhetorical (QLR). The following courses are designated Literary and Rhetorical:

COMM 2201Advertising Persuasion and Consumer Society3
COMM 2256International Film3
LITR 1150Themes in Literature3
LITR 1250Islamic Literature3
LITR 1266Studies in Genre3
LITR 2210Literature and Film3
LITR 2241Environmental Literature3
LITR 2243Literature and Medicine3
LITR 2250Medieval Literature3
LITR 2255American Literature I3
LITR 2256American Literature II3
LITR 2257British Literature I3
LITR 2258British Literature II3
LITR 2259World Literatures3
LITR 2263Literature of the Early Modern Period3
LITR 2265Shakespeare3
LITR 2279U. S. Multiethnic Literature3
LITR 2280African-American Literature3
LITR 2281Gender and Literature3
LITR 2291Topics in Literature3
SPAN 2220Introduction to Spanish Literature3
SPAN 2221Introduction to Hispanic Literature3

3 semester credit hours designated as Artistic and Creative (QCA). The following courses are designated Artistic and Creative:

ARTH 2290Introduction to Art Therapy3
ARTH 3298Creative Process as Art Therapy3
COMM 2250Masters of the American Cinema3
COMM 2251History of Film3
COMM 2259Italian Cinema from 1945 to 19753
FNAR 1100Art Appreciation3
FNAR 1101Fundamentals of Design3
FNAR 1103Three-Dimensional Design3
FNAR 1105Fundamentals of Design: Computer Application3
FNAR 1120Lettering & Layout - Foundational3
FNAR 1121Lettering & Layout - Italic3
FNAR 2111Drawing I3
FNAR 2202Watercolor Painting3
FNAR 2203Ancient and Medieval Art3
FNAR 2204Renaissance to Modern Art3
FNAR 2205Global Art History3
FNAR 2206Modern and Contemporary Art History3
FNAR 2207Art of China3
FNAR 2208Art of Islam and the Middle East3
FNAR 2209History of Latin American Art3
FNAR 2220Sculpture I3
FNAR 2230Ceramics I3
FNAR 2240Printmaking: Intaglio(Etching)3
FNAR 2241Printmaking: Relief3
FNAR 2242Printmaking: Silk-Screen3
FNAR 2243Printmaking: Lithography3
FNAR 2250Oil Painting3
FNAR 2291Topics3
FNAR 2293Digital Photography3
FNAR 2294Computer Art3
FNAR 3320Sculpture II3
FNAR 3330Ceramics II3
GAD 2230Typography3
GAD 2260Graphic Design I3
HNRS 2294Creativity, Art & Culture3
LITR 2269Introduction to Creative Writing3
LITR 2272Creative Writing Workshop3
LITR 2292Topics in Creative Writing3
MUSI 1100Introduction to Music Theory, Composition and Performance3
MUSI 1103Jazz Appreciation3
MUSI 1104Music Appreciation: Medieval to Contemporary3
MUSI 1105Music Appreciation: Medieval to Baroque2
MUSI 1106Music Appreciation: Classical to Contemporary2
MUSI 1107Music Appreciation for Educators3
MUSI 1121Concert Band1
MUSI 1122Concert Choir1
MUSI 1123University Chorale: Popular and Traditional Choir Literature0
MUSI 1128Jazz Ensemble1
MUSI 1129Chamber Orchestra1
PSYC 3298Creative Process as Art Therapy3

Natural Sciences

9 semester credit hours as follows:

3 credit hours designated Life-Scientific (QLS). The following courses are designated Life-Scientific:

BIOL 1120Genetics of Everyday Life3
BIOL 1124Human Health and Disease3
BIOL 1134Biology of Non-Human Primates3
BIOL 1135Forensics3
BIOL 1140Origins of Humanity3
BIOL 1144Science at the Movies3
BIOL 1150Biology of Women3
BIOL 1155Anatomy and Physiology4
BIOL 1156Introduction to Microbiology4
BIOL 1157Introductory Anatomy & Physiology I4
BIOL 1158Introductory Anatomy & Physiology II4
BIOL 1160Plagues and People3
BIOL 1165Wine: Mystique and Madness3
BIOL 1180The Ecology of a Changing Planet3
BIOL 1197Principles of Organismal Biology3
BIOL 1198Principles of Biology3
BIOL 2297Honors Organismal Biology4
BIOL 2299Quantitative Biology Laboratory for Transfer Students1
NTSC 1111Contemporary Biology3
NUTR 1191Topics3
NUTR 2200Nutritional Science3
NUTR 2201Nutrition in Health and Exercise3
NUTR 2220Mediterranean Diet and Health3
NUTR 2291Topics1-3

3 semester credit hours designated Physical-Scientific (QPS). The following courses are designated Physical-Scientific:

CHEM 1101Introduction to Chemistry3
CHEM 1102Introduction to Chemistry Laboratory1
CHEM 1104Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory1
CHEM 1108Preparatory General Chemistry3
CHEM 1113General Chemistry I3
CHEM 1114General Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHEM 1115Honors General Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHEM 1123General Chemistry II3
CHEM 1124General Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 1125Honors General Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 1127Honors General Chemistry4
ENGR 1110Engineering Design3
PHYS 1101Physical Science3
PHYS 1105Big Ideas in Physics3
PHYS 1106Astronomy3
PHYS 1107Earth and Space Science4
PHYS 1113College Physics I3
PHYS 1114College Physics I Laboratory1
PHYS 1118College Physics II3
PHYS 1119College Physics II Laboratory1
PHYS 2205University Physics I Laboratory1
PHYS 2206University Physics II Laboratory1
PHYS 2211University Physics I3
PHYS 2212University Physics II3

3 semester credit hours designated Computational, Mathematical and Analytical (QCM). The following courses are designated Computational, Mathematical and Analytical:

BALT 1150Business Statistics I3
CJUS 2250Basic and Applied Statistics3
CMSC 1180Introduction to Computing2
CMSC 1181Visual Programming Laboratory1
CMSC 1182Science Applications Laboratory1
CMSC 1185Python Programming Laboratory2
CMSC 2200Computer Programming3
MATH 1111College Trigonometry3
MATH 1115Business Calculus3
MATH 1131Mathematical Explorations3
MATH 1150Introduction to Statistics3
MATH 1170Introduction to Calculus I4
MATH 2200Applications of Calculus I4
MATH 2210Calculus I4
MATH 2229Biostatistics3
PSYC 2250Basic and Applied Statistics3
SOCL 2250Basic and Applied Statistics3

Social Sciences

6 semester credit hours as follows:

3 credit hours designated Social-Scientific I: Individuals, Organizations and Societies (QIO). The following courses are designated Social-Scientific I:

CJUS 2205Racial and Ethnic Groups3
COMM 3303Media and Society3
FINA 2220Personal Financial Planning3
HNRS 2195Leadership3
LING 2206Global Englishes3
MKTG 2300Principles of Marketing3
PLSC 2236The Law: Sex and Gender Discrimination3
PLSC 3336The Law: Sex and Gender Discrimination3
PSYC 1100Survey of Psychology3
PSYC 2201Growth and Development3
PSYC 2210Social Psychology3
SES 2216Sport Sociology3
SES 2237Sport Psychology3
SES 2351Exercise Psychology3
SOCL 1100Principles of Sociology3
SOCL 2000Cultural Anthropology3
SOCL 2205Racial and Ethnic Groups3
SOCL 2231Medical Sociology3
SOCL 2240Social Problems3

3 semester credit hours designated Social-Scientific II: Political, Global and Economic Systems (QPE). The following courses are designated Social-Scientific II:

COMM 1101Understanding Journalism3
ECON 1100Introduction to Economics3
ECON 2001Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON 2002Principles of Macroeconomics3
GBLS 1101Introduction to Global Studies3
GBLS 2202World Systems and the Global Imaginary3
INTB 1101The Global Economy3
PLSC 1101Global Affairs3
PLSC 1102American Government3
PLSC 1104Model Illinois Government1
PLSC 1160Politics and Film3
PLSC 2105Law and Politics3
PLSC 2201State and Local Government3
PLSC 2210Introduction to International Relations3
PLSC 2211Contemporary World Issues3
PLSC 2215Model United Nations3
PLSC 2216Genocide: The Politics of Hate, Fear, Terror and Power3
PLSC 2217Revolutions and Political Violence3
PLSC 2224Democracy & Democratization3
PLSC 2291Topics1-3

Distribution Requirements must be chosen from the courses so designated in this catalog by codes starting with the letter Q as outlined above and referred to as Q codes. Departmental and disciplinary subjects (i.e. BIOL, ECON) do not necessarily correspond to these designations.

Courses required to meet state or national accreditation requirements may supersede institutional policies as approved by the department chair and college dean.

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses

WI courses are designed to emphasize the writing process and writing development through a sequence of designated classes taken at different points in a student’s career at Benedictine University. All undergraduates are required to take three designated WI courses as follows:

  1. IDS 2201 Catholic/Benedictine Traditions-IDS 2204 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global WI, Catholic and Benedictine Intellectual Traditions.
  2. WI designated course in the major.
  3. One additional WI designated course.

Transfer students who have completed all distribution requirements (with the exception of the IDS seminars and the Learning Community/Engaged Learning co-curricular requirements) will be exempt from the third WI course requirement but must complete IDS 2201 Catholic/Benedictine Traditions, IDS 2202 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship, IDS 2203 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global, or IDS 2204 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global WI and the required WI in the major.

Transfer students who have credit for the equivalent of the required WI course in the major will not be required to retake that WI course in the major but must complete IDS 2201 Catholic/Benedictine Traditions, IDS 2202 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship, IDS 2203 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global, or IDS 2204 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global WI and a second additional WI course of their choice.

Transfer students who have completed all distribution requirements (with the exception of the IDS seminars and the Learning Community or Engaged Learning co-curricular requirements) AND taken the transfer equivalent of the WI in the major must still take IDS 2201 Catholic/Benedictine Traditions, IDS 2202 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship, IDS 2203 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global, or IDS 2204 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global and one additional WI course of their choice.

Writing Intensive Courses

BIOL 3208General Microbiology4
BIOL 4341Cell Molecular Biology Laboratory1
BIOL 4342BMB Cell Biology Laboratory2
BIOL 4364Ecology Laboratory1
BIOL 4393Great Ideas in Biology and Medicine1
BIOL 4394Nature Writing1
CHEM 4314Physical Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHEM 4316Physical Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 4321Inorganic Synthesis Laboratory1
CJUS 3356Clinical Practicum Lab4
CJUS 4321Crime and Delinquency3
CJUS 4351Research Methods in the Social Sciences3
CMSC 3301Technical Communications3
CMSC 4375Software Engineering3
COMM 2201Advertising Persuasion and Consumer Society3
COMM 2209Newswriting and Reporting3
COMM 2253Public Relations Writing3
COMM 2254Writing for the Electronic Media3
COMM 3337Advanced Journalism Writing3
COMM 3353Advanced Seminar in Page Design for Publications3
COMM 3390Images of Men and Women in Advertising3
CRIM 3356Research Methods and Criminological Inquiry3
EDUC 3234Preclinical Experience Level 2 with Seminar1
EDUC 4320Reading/Writing Diagnostics for All Learners3
ENGR 1110Engineering Design3
FNAR 4350Senior Portfolio: Thesis Exhibition3
FNAR 4398Senior Seminar: Art Criticism3
GAD 4393Senior Portfolio3
GPS 3100Lifelong Learning & Change Management3
GPS 3200Sustainability & Citizenship3
GPS 3900Benedictine Wisdom for Today3
HIST 2203Historiography3
HIST 2259Contemporary World3
HIST 2271Modern Middle East3
HIST 2273Classical Islamic Civilization, 1000-1700 3
HIST 2291Topics1-6
HIST 3303Historiography3
HIST 3371Modern Middle East3
HIST 3373Empires and Cultures of Islamic World3
HIST 4399Senior Thesis3
HIST 4491Topics - Advanced3
HLED 3271Health Education Planning3
HLED 4394Health Research Methods and Program Evaluation3
HNRS 2201Catholic and Benedictine Intellectual Traditions3
IDS 2201Catholic/Benedictine Traditions3
IDS 2202Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship3
IDS 2203Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global3
IDS 2204Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global3
INTB 4380Global Strategic Management3
LITR 1266Studies in Genre3
LITR 2241Environmental Literature3
LITR 2250Medieval Literature3
LITR 2281Gender and Literature3
LITR 2298Advanced Academic and Nonfiction Writing3
LITR 3357The Nineteenth Century3
LITR 4399Senior Seminar3
MATH 2260Differential Equations4
MATH 3310Modern Geometry3
MATH 4332Abstract Algebra II3
MATH 4342Real Analysis II3
MATH 4373Probability and Statistics II3
MATH 4399Mathematics Seminar3
MDHM 4399Medical Humanities3
MGT 2237Business Communications3
MGT 3300Management3
MGT 4380Global Strategic Management3
MGT 4387Management Capstone3
MUSI 4360Senior Seminar: Professional Portfolio3
NRHL 3315Perspectives of Professional Nursing Practice4
NUTR 4392Nutrition Research and Professional Writing2
PHED 3320Physical Education Curriculum Design3
PHIL 3335Modern Philosophy3
PHIL 3391Selected Topics3
PHIL 4399Thesis1-6
PHIL 4491Selected Topics (Advanced)3
PHYS 3208Modern Physics Laboratory1
PHYS 3214Modern Physics3
PHYS 4314Physical Chemistry I Laboratory1
PHYS 4316Physical Chemistry II Laboratory1
PLSC 2210Introduction to International Relations3
PLSC 2215Model United Nations3
PLSC 4299Research Methods in Political Science3
PLSC 4399Thesis Research and Writing3
PSYC 2030Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC 3246Alcoholism and Substance Abuse3
PSYC 3356Clinical Practicum/Lab4
PSYC 4351Research Methods in the Social Sciences3
PSYC 4389Organizational Leadership Capstone3
RADT 4338Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy II3
RELS 2230Introduction to Judaism3
SES 2216Sport Sociology3
SES 4310Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science3
SES 4319Thesis in Sport and Exercise Science1-3
SOCL 3246Alcoholism and Substance Abuse3
SOCL 3321Crime and Delinquency3
SOCL 3356Clinical Practicum/Lab4
SOCL 4351Research Methods in the Social Sciences3
SPAN 2211Intermediate Grammar and Composition3
SPAN 2221Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 4311Advanced Composition3
THEO 2210Introduction to Judaism3
THEO 2270Benedictine Wisdom3
THEO 2281Great Women Theologians3
THEO 3308Sexual Ethics3
THEO 3381Great Women Theologians3
THEO 4399Thesis3

Co-curricular Requirements

  1. Global and Sustainability designated courses (one of each required);
  2. Learning Community or Engaged Learning designated courses or experiences (see below for details)

Global and Sustainability Courses

Global and Sustainability courses and co-curricular experiences are designed to prepare students for active and responsible participation in global citizenship and stewardship of the earth and its resources.

Global designated courses promote “an openness to being transformed by the other – be it an idea, a person or an experience.” People from disparate regions are recognized as having agency in a globalized world. The characteristically Benedictine openness to “the other” does not only mean openness to persons of different cultures, but to the cultures themselves.

Sustainability designated courses seek to foster awareness that we are part of a larger ecology and that the environment is a precious gift to be respected for the sake of all life forms.

All undergraduates are required to complete one course or graded co-curricular experience that carries a Global designation and one that carries a Sustainability designation. These courses may also fulfill other requirements as designated by the catalog. Some courses may be designated Sustainability or Global by class section rather than at the catalog level, therefore students should consult advisors and term schedules in identifying Global and Sustainability designated course options. Of the IDS Seminars, IDS 2202 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and IDS 3302 Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship fulfill the Sustainability requirement, IDS 2203 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global and IDS 3303 Human Dignity/Common Good: Global fulfill the Global requirement, and IDS 2204 Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global and IDS 3304 Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global fulfill both the Sustainability and the Global requirements.

Some transfer courses are approved as meeting the Sustainability and Global designation criteria. Transfer students should consult with their academic advisor for details. Transfer Sustainability and Global courses must be approved as such by Benedictine University according to Transfer Articulation rules and guidelines.

Sustainability Courses
ANTH 3309People, Culture & Environment3
BIOL 1180The Ecology of a Changing Planet3
BIOL 1197Principles of Organismal Biology3
BIOL 2205Environmental Science3
BIOL 2297Honors Organismal Biology4
BIOL 3205Environmental Science and Justice3
BIOL 4363Ecology3
BIOL 4394Nature Writing1
CHEM 1125Honors General Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 2249Honors Organic Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 3232Quantitative Analysis3
CJUS 2324White Collar Crime3
COMM 3304Media and Environment3
CRIM 2324White Collar Crime3
ENVS 4398Capstone Project1-3
GPS 3200Sustainability & Citizenship3
HIST 2213Contemporary Latin America, 1898-20003
HIST 2215The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1899-20003
HIST 3313Contemporary Latin America, 1898-20003
HIST 3315The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1899-20003
HNRS 1191First-Year Colloquium II3
IDS 2202Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship3
IDS 2204Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global3
IDS 3302Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship3
IDS 3304Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global3
LCOM 2202LC: Human Dignity/Common Good: SU Learning Community: Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainable1
LCOM 2204Learning Community: Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainable, Global1
LCOM 2261Arthur J. Schmitt Future Leaders Scholarship Program I0
LITR 2241Environmental Literature3
MGT 1120"Going Green" in the Business World1
MGT 1125Business Sustainability Topics3
NUTR 2220Mediterranean Diet and Health3
NUTR 2364Food Systems and Policy3
PHIL 2248Environmental Ethics3
PHIL 3348Environmental Ethics3
PLSC 2215Model United Nations3
SES 2216Sport Sociology3
THEO 2252Business Ethics in the Context of Catholic Social Teaching3
Global Courses
ANTH 2208The Anthropology of the Third World3
ANTH 2210Peoples and Cultures of World Regions3
ANTH 3309People, Culture & Environment3
ARBC 2201Intermediate Arabic I3
ARBC 2202Intermediate Arabic II3
ARBC 2211Intermediate Grammar and Composition3
BIOL 2223Field Studies in Biology3
CHIN 2201Intermediate Mandarin I3
CHIN 2202Intermediate Mandarin II3
CHIN 2211Intermediate Mandarin III3
CHIN 3212Advanced Intermediate Mandarin IV3
CJUS 3344International Criminology3
COMM 2256International Film3
COMM 3304Media and Environment3
CRIM 3344International Criminology3
FNAR 2203Ancient and Medieval Art3
FNAR 2204Renaissance to Modern Art3
FNAR 2205Global Art History3
FNAR 2209History of Latin American Art3
GBLS 1101Introduction to Global Studies3
GBLS 2202World Systems and the Global Imaginary3
GBLS 3302Theories of Global Studies3
GPS 3600Relationship Development: Interpersonal & Multi-Cultural3
HIST 1011Introduction to History: Cities of the World3
HIST 2213Contemporary Latin America, 1898-20003
HIST 2214The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1492-18993
HIST 2215The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1899-20003
HIST 2251The French Revolution in the Wider World3
HIST 225720th-Century Social and Political Movements in a Global Context3
HIST 2274Indian Ocean World 1300-Present3
HIST 2281Survey of East Asia 1600-Present3
HIST 2282Modern China3
HIST 3313Contemporary Latin America, 1898-20003
HIST 3314The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1492-18993
HIST 3315The African Diaspora in Latin America, 1899-20003
HIST 3351The French Revolution in the Wider World3
HIST 335720th-Century Social and Political Movements in a Global Context3
HIST 3374Indian Ocean World 1300-Present3
HIST 3389Asia in Global History3
HIST 4489Asia in Global History3
HNRS 2393Global Interdependence3
IDS 2203Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Global3
IDS 2204Catholic/Benedictine Intellectual Traditions: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global3
IDS 3303Human Dignity/Common Good: Global3
IDS 3304Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainability/Stewardship and Global3
INQ 2298Intercultural Engagement Workshop 1: Intercultural House Learning Community1
INTB 1101The Global Economy3
INTB 3300Introduction to International Business3
INTB 3302International Management3
INTB 3320Area Studies3
INTB 4350International Marketing3
INTB 4375Global Interdependence3
INTB 4380Global Strategic Management3
LCOM 2203Learning Community: Human Dignity/Common Good: Global1
LCOM 2204Learning Community: Human Dignity/Common Good: Sustainable, Global1
LCOM 2261Arthur J. Schmitt Future Leaders Scholarship Program I0
LING 2206Global Englishes3
LITR 1250Islamic Literature3
MGT 1120"Going Green" in the Business World1
MGT 1125Business Sustainability Topics3
MGT 4380Global Strategic Management3
NRHL 4365Health Promotion for Families, Communities, and Populations3
NUTR 2220Mediterranean Diet and Health3
NUTR 2298Cultural Foods3
PLSC 1101Global Affairs3
PLSC 2210Introduction to International Relations3
PLSC 2211Contemporary World Issues3
PLSC 2215Model United Nations3
PLSC 2216Genocide: The Politics of Hate, Fear, Terror and Power3
PLSC 2217Revolutions and Political Violence3
PLSC 2224Democracy & Democratization3
PSYC 3344International Criminology3
SAB 2291Study Abroad6-18
SES 2216Sport Sociology3
SOCL 2000Cultural Anthropology3
SOCL 3344International Criminology3
SPAN 2220Introduction to Spanish Literature3
SPAN 2221Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 2230Spanish Civilization and Culture3
SPAN 3231Latin American Civilization and Culture3
SPAN 3310Advanced Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3350Competency in Latino Culture for Health Care3
THEO 2252Business Ethics in the Context of Catholic Social Teaching3
Language course options for Global requirement

Applies to Benedictine University courses only. Proficiency credit will not count towards Global requirement. Transfer courses must be approved for Global designation by General Education Curriculum Committee in cooperation with Languages program.

SPAN 2220Introduction to Spanish Literature3
SPAN 2221Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 2230Spanish Civilization and Culture3
SPAN 3231Latin American Civilization and Culture3
SPAN 3310Advanced Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3350Competency in Latino Culture for Health Care3

Successfully completed study abroad experience (must be approved by Languages and Literature faculty if transfer or external).

International students who have successfully completed coursework at Benedictine University and students successfully completing Benedictine University courses taught in English at international sites, have met the Global requirement.

Learning Community and Engaged Learning Requirements

All traditional undergraduates are required to complete one approved Learning Community or one approved Engaged Learning experience. Students in the accelerated undergraduate programs must complete an Engaged Learning course or experience. Some approved transfer courses or experiences may fulfill these requirements.

Learning Communities are intentionally designed structures that encourage students to integrate what they are learning in their various studies, disciplines, or experiences, and to connect to each other through ongoing social and project-based interaction. At Benedictine University, Learning Communities can be classroom, residential or experiential. Some Learning Communities are based in a single traditional class while others may require students, faculty and staff to study and travel off campus to work together in a linked group of classes, or to collaborate on projects outside the traditional academic environment. The common element in all of these options is the formation of working groups that practice effective shared learning, social organization and task completion.

Learning Community offerings typically vary by semester; see the Course Schedule for a given semester for details.

Engaged Learning experiences at Benedictine University can take a number of forms. An approved Engaged Learning might involve work in the larger campus community, a juried public performance, show of visual art or music, significant volunteer service, or an internship or professional project.  All undergraduate internship courses will fulfill the Engaged Learning requirement. The common element in all of these experiences is that the student must apply previously learned information, values and skills to a specific setting, and explore the connections between classroom knowledge and real-world experiences. Engaged Learning experiences help prepare students for full participation in the world as accomplished community members and ethical professionals.

Some Engaged Learning experiences may be carried out as a component of a traditional course (for example, as part of a Capstone in the major), but these Engaged Learning experiences must be at least 30 percent fieldwork, one-on-one research, real-world simulation, or presentation of the student’s work to an audience broader than the Benedictine instructor evaluating the course outcome (e.g. formal performance, conference presentation, publication, etc.). Although Engaged Learning experiences may have things in common with some types of Learning Communities, and certain offerings may be approved as fulfilling both requirements, Engaged Learning experiences need not involve group activity. Non-course Engaged Learning offerings may vary by semester.

General Education for Transfer and Adult Students

  1. Transfer students from participating AZ Transfer Arizona institutions who have not previously attended Benedictine University and meet admissions requirements who complete their A.A. or A.S. degree with the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A, AGEC-B, AGEC-S) or transfer students who transfer 20+ semester credit hours and all accelerated program students will meet the General Education requirements by satisfying the following will meet the General Education requirements with the exception of the Interdisciplinary Seminar Courses and the co-curricular requirements (Learning Community, Engaged Learning, and courses designated as Sustainable and Global) provided coursework within the A.A. or A.S. includes the following transferable coursework:
    1. Communications: transferable WRIT 1101 Writing Colloquium, WRIT 1102 Research Writing and COMM 1110 Speech Communication (Grade of “C” or better)
    2. Mathematics: transferable
      MATH 1105College Algebra with Business Applications3
      MATH 1108Mathematics for Everyday Life3
      MATH 1110College Algebra3
      MATH 1111College Trigonometry3
      MATH 1112Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I3
      MATH 1115Business Calculus3
      MATH 1131Mathematical Explorations3
      MATH 1150Introduction to Statistics3
      MATH 1170Introduction to Calculus I4
      Any 2000 or 3000 level Mathematics courses3
      BALT 1150Business Statistics I3
      NRHL 2250Statistics3
      PSYC 2250Basic and Applied Statistics3
      SOCL 2250Basic and Applied Statistics3
      CJUS 2250Basic and Applied Statistics3
      Other approved GECC transfer course3

      (Grade of “C” or better in MATH 1105 College Algebra with Business Applications, MATH 1108 Mathematics for Everyday Life, MATH 1110 College Algebra, MATH 1112 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I; or passing grade in the other listed courses.)
    3. 2 transferable courses representing both areas of the Sciences Distribution Requirements for QLS and QPS (totaling 6 semester credit hours)
    4. 3 transferable courses representing at least two areas of the Humanities and Fine Arts Distribution Requirements for QCA, QHT, QLR, QPL, QRT (totaling 9 semester credit hours)
    5. 3 transferable courses representing both areas of the Social Sciences Distribution Requirements for QIO and QPE (totaling 9 semester credit hours)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Students who transfer quarter credit hours (with individual 4 quarter credit hour courses counted as 2.67 semester credit hours each) from another institution may meet the Benedictine University Distribution Requirements with 2 transferable courses representing both areas of the Sciences Distribution Requirements for QLS and QPS (totaling 5.33 semester credit hours), 3 transferable courses representing at least two areas of the Humanities and Fine Arts Distribution Requirements for QCA, QHT, QLR, QPL, QRT (totaling 8 semester credit hours), and 3 transferable courses representing both areas of the Social Sciences Distribution Requirements for QIO and QPE (totaling 8 semester credit hours).
  2. Transfer students from Illinois institutions who complete their A.A. or A.S. degree at a participating IAI school (see http://itransfer.org/OUCampusIAI/schools/participating.aspx for a full list these schools), have previously not attended Benedictine University and meet admission requirements will have met the Benedictine University General Education degree requirements with the exception of the Interdisciplinary Seminar Courses and the co-curricular requirements (Learning Community, Engaged Learning, and courses designated as Sustainable and Global.)   
  3. Students who complete the Illinois General Education Core Curriculum prior to transfer without an A.A. or A.S. degree, have previously not attended Benedictine University and meet admission requirements will also have met the Benedictine University General Education degree requirements with the exception of the Interdisciplinary Seminar Courses and the co-curricular requirements (Learning Community, Engaged Learning, and courses designated as Sustainable and Global.)  

Majors and minors:

  • A student must select a major field of study before completing 60 semester credit hours, and must complete the requirements set forth in the Catalog of their term of degree status admission under the heading for the selected major. Only courses in which a student has received a “C” or better may be applied to the major requirement.
  • A major field of study requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours. A minimum of 18 semester credit hours must be completed at the 3000 level or above, of which at least 6 semester credit hours must be at the advanced 4000 level or above. At least 12 semester hours at the 3000 level or above in the major must be completed at Benedictine University including at least 3 hours at the 4000 level.
  • Students are encouraged to supplement their major and core programs with appropriate minors or emphases. The minor or emphasis can be used to round out a program of study by complementing the required major. For example, a student who selects a major in a technical or professional area might select a minor in the liberal arts to gain additional analytical and communication skills and vice versa.
  • A minor consists of a minimum of 15 semester credit hours with 6 semester credit hours of upper division work (3000 level or above) and no more than 30 semester credit hours of courses completed from the specified list for the minor program. At least 6 semester credit hours of coursework must be completed at Benedictine University including at least 3 semester hours at the 3000 level. Only courses in which a student has received a grade of “C” or better may be applied to the minor. Semester credit hours completed for a minor may be used to fulfill core or major requirements, although some major and minor departments may place restrictions on the double counting of courses. Students may not major and minor in the same subject. Successfully completed minors are designated on the transcript following graduation, if declared prior to the student’s final term. Credit completed for a minor may not apply towards a pre-baccalaureate certificate.
  • An emphasis is a grouping of courses outside a student’s major or minor. The grouping consists of at least 12 and no more than 18 semester credit hours of required or recommended courses designed to focus on a particular area of study. At least 6 semester credit hours of coursework must be completed at Benedictine University. Only courses in which a student has received a grade of “C” or better may be applied to an emphasis. Successfully completed emphases are designated on the transcript following graduation, if declared prior to the student’s final term. Credit completed for an emphasis may not apply towards a pre-baccalaureate certificate.
  • A concentration is a grouping of courses within a student’s major. This grouping consists of at least 12 semester credit hours of required or recommended courses designed to focus on a particular aspect of a major, and/or to focus on a particular career opportunity for graduates of that major. Students may not earn a concentration and minor/major in the same subject. Credit completed for a concentration may not apply towards a pre-baccalaureate certificate.
  • A maximum of 30 semester credit hours earned through any one or combination of external credit programs may be applied with the approval of the University toward the 120 semester credit hours required for the bachelor’s degree. These credits will not be counted as part of the 30 semester credit hours of coursework at Benedictine University towards the academic residency requirement. Please see the External Credit Program section for details and accepted programs. The Petition for External Credit form may be found on the Office of the Registrar webpage.
  • A student may apply internship credit towards the minimum of 120 credit hours as follows: Humanities, 12 hours; Business Programs, 12 hours; International Business and Economics, 12 hours; Political Science, 12 hours; Health Care, 3 hours; Nutrition, 12 hours; Sociology/Psychology, 6 hours; Computer Information Systems, 12 hours; Computer Science, 12 hours; Mathematics, 12 hours; Biology, 12 hours.
  • A student must apply for graduation by the deadlines to be considered for graduation. One must be in good standing and have settled all financial accounts with the University to qualify for graduation.  
  • A student must earn the recommendation from the faculty member of his or her major program for graduation. This recommendation is based upon fulfilling the program requirements, typically, including a comprehensive examination or other integrating experience.