College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the University’s central and largest college. Through its instruction in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences seeks to foster respect for excellence, tolerance of others, dedication to fairness and social justice, precision in speech and thought, and development of intellect.

It does so through a mixture of traditional and innovative programs. Particularly noteworthy are the developing interdisciplinary programs that cut across traditional boundaries and focus on emerging social needs and issues in reading and writing, literature, the environment, cybersecurity, data science, internationalization, media, communication, and technology.

The college’s 11 departments and the School of Communication provide specialized training and advanced work leading to the B.A., B.S., A.S., and A.A. degrees. Details regarding programs of study and majors are available using the above links. The mastery of a major area of concentration prepares students for careers, for continuing their studies independently, and for undertaking graduate study and research.

Advising

The university-wide First-Year Advising Program is dedicated to empowering students to build the foundation for successful academic, social, and personal growth in their first year of college and beyond. All students are assigned a first-year advisor who will provide mentorship and support on a one-on-one basis, as well as in a once-a-week First-Year Success Seminar with peers in similar disciplines.  Each student in the College of Arts & Sciences will also be assigned a faculty advisor who will continue to mentor the student through graduation.

Admission Requirements

General requirements and procedures for admission are given here.

For admission to the College of Arts and Sciences, 16 units of secondary subjects are expected, among which the following are strongly recommended:

Applicants for the Bachelor of Science programs must have three years of college preparatory mathematics, including trigonometry.

Academic Centers

Center for Social Research

The Center for Social Research (CSR), located within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Hartford, conducts applied research and evaluation projects in collaboration with community partners and University faculty and students. The primary mission of the Center is to generate and disseminate knowledge that will strengthen communities, offer solutions to social problems, inform public policy, and improve human service programs.

Herbert Gilman Family Center for Communication Technology

The Gilman Center is located in Hillyer Hall, room 319. This College of Arts and Sciences computer lab accommodates classes of up to 28 students. Each student station has an up-to-date Windows® computer station with the current operating system, Office® suite, and statistical analysis software. Instructors have the ability to project their screen to the front of the room; for demonstration and collaborative work purposes, they can also project any of the student stations. The room is used for the sciences as well as the humanities.

The Gilman Family Center was made possible through a gift from the Gilman family and Ames Department Stores.

Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies

The University’s offerings in Judaic studies are administered through the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, an endowed academic program within the College of Arts and Sciences. Judaic Studies is an interdisciplinary program that studies the history and culture of Jews and Judaism. The Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies was made possible through a gift from Arnold C. and Beverly P. Greenberg, in honor of Arnold’s father, Maurice.

Humanities Center

The Humanities Center of the College of Arts and Sciences fosters serious interdisciplinary study of the humanities by sponsoring lectures and seminars on timely topics. Each year, students and faculty members are selected to be Fellows of the center. The Fellows pursue individual research and give a public lecture. The center also awards scholarships to student fellows. The Humanities Center is funded by a National Endowment for the Humanities matching grant.

Television and Radio Studios

The television studio, the site of all television production classes, is furnished with HD digital broadcast television equipment and separate editing suites and has the capability of campus-wide video distribution. The facility can accommodate stereo postproduction and live television production.

The University houses two modern radio stations, WSAM and WWUH. The facilities of WSAM are the site of radio production courses. Students are active on the air and behind the scenes at both stations.

Special Programs

Premedical Professional Programs: Chiropractic, Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry, Osteopathy, Podiatry, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy

These programs are designed to provide students with the broad cultural background and rigorous scientific training necessary as preparation for these various healthcare professional schools. Although requirements may vary slightly from one field to another, all include collegiate-level laboratory courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, as well as courses in mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. In addition, upper-level courses, including genetics, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry, can significantly improve an applicant’s record. These basic requirements and the overall goals of a preprofessional education can be satisfied within a number of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science major programs described in this Catalog.

Although most premedical professional students major in biology, chemistry, or the biochemistry program, they may select any departmental major as long as they satisfy the preprofessional school requirements. Students should contact the Premedical Professions advisor or a member of the Premedical Professions Advisory Committee as early as possible, preferably in the first year, for advice in planning their program of study.

The faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences supports the practice of referring to the Premedical Professions Advisory Committee all requests for letters of recommendation to health professional schools. Premedical professional students must complete the application process for an interview with the Premedical Professions Advisory Committee by the established deadline date in the spring of the junior year. The chair of the committee should be contacted for specific dates.

In cooperation with the New England College of Optometry in Boston, a unique opportunity exists for qualified students to receive the B.S. in biology and a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) in seven years. The program allows the University of Hartford student to complete the fourth-year B.S. science requirements at the New England College of Optometry.

Applicants must be highly qualified high school seniors or beginning college students. If accepted into the program, they are expected to maintain a 3.0 overall minimum grade point average during their three years at the University of Hartford. Final admission to the New England College of Optometry is contingent upon successful completion of the first three years leading to a B.S. in biology, satisfactory optometry college admission test scores, and recommendation from the University of Hartford Premedical Professions Advisory Committee.

In cooperation with the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy in Hartford, a unique opportunity exists for qualified students to receive the B.S. in biology or B.A. in chemistry and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) in six years. The program allows the University of Hartford student to complete the fourth-year degree requirements at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy.

Applicants must be highly qualified high school seniors or beginning college students. If accepted into the program, they are expected to maintain a 3.0 overall minimum grade point average during their three years at the University of Hartford. Final admission to the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy is contingent upon successful satisfaction of admissions requirements which include completion of pre-requisite courses in the first three years of a B.S. Biology or B.A. Chemistry major with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and no grade below C in any pre-requisite course.

Pre-Law Advising Program

The Pre-Law Advising program at the University of Hartford is designed to assist students considering law school as an option. The program structure affords students the opportunity to complete a major of their choice while being part of a learning community program focused on pursuing a career in law. A student organization, the Pre-Law Society, sponsors numerous social and educational events during the academic year.

Pre-Law faculty advisors are available to work with students and their academic advisors to select courses of study designed to prepare them for the study of law while satisfying degree requirements for the baccalaureate. The committee also develops and periodically reviews a list of recommended courses for students interested in attending law school. The list contains courses that are identified by the committee as ones that develop skills established by the American Bar Association as important for a pre-law curriculum: analytic and problem-solving skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, oral communication and listening abilities, general research skills, and the values of serving others and promoting justice.

For additional information, see the University Studies Pre-Law Advising Program . 

University Scholar Program

This program permits a small number of selected students to depart from the specific requirements of a major program. Details regarding the nature of the University Scholar program and the criteria for enrollment in it are available at the Office of the Dean of the college.

Teacher Certification Program

For information about the BA in English with Certification in Secondary English, click here. For information about the minor in teacher education offered by the College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions, click here . 

Study Abroad Program

Students are encouraged to study abroad during their time at the University.  For information about Study Abroad Programs, click here.

Washington Semester Program

The University of Hartford is affiliated with the Washington Semester Program through American University.  For further information, click here.

Academic Express

The College of Arts and Sciences’ Academic Express program was designed to meet the needs and concerns of nontraditional students who work full time, manage homes and families, and who need a college degree in order to increase their employment opportunities and earning potential. Academic Express is not simply an evening division of a day college. It is a comprehensive commitment to nontraditional students.

Undergraduate Study

The College of Arts and Sciences offers programs of study leading to the following degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science.

Associate in Arts programs are offered in communication, humanities, and social sciences; Associate in Science programs are offered in the biological and physical sciences. All associate’s degree programs include basic literacy requirements, distribution requirements, and a concentration in the degree area. All candidates for the associate’s degree must earn a minimum of 60 credits.

Programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science each include three components: general education requirements, a major program in a departmental field of specialization, and a number of elective courses. All candidates for the baccalaureate degree must earn a minimum of 120 credits. All courses used to fulfill a major requirement have to be taken for a letter grade except for internships (unless otherwise specified).

Graduate Study

A program leading to a doctoral degree (Psy.D.) is offered by the Department of Psychology. Master of Arts (M.A.) programs are offered by the School of Communication. Master of Science (M.S.) programs are offered by the Computer Science and Psychology departments. Complete program descriptions are available in the Graduate Catalog.

Requirements for the A.A., A.S., B.A., and B.S. Degrees

General Education Requirements  

Undergraduate Major Programs

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Program

Major programs for the Bachelor of Arts degree are offered in biology, chemistry, cinema, communication, computer science, criminal justice, digital media and journalism, economics, English (literature and creative writing), environmental studies, history, human-computer interaction design, international studies, Judaic studies, mathematics, philosophy, physics, politics and government, psychology, and sociology.

The Bachelor of Arts consists of 120 credits, including general education and UIS requirements, a major, and electives.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Program

Major programs for the Bachelor of Science are offered in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, computer science and engineering, data science, environmental science, mathematics, and physics.

In general, the B.S. degree programs, while including a broad liberal arts background, are designed to prepare the student for professional employment or for graduate study in the sciences and health professional fields. The corresponding B.A. degree programs permit students greater flexibility in the choice of electives, allowing them to meet the demands of certain preprofessional programs or to prepare for careers in teaching.

The Bachelor of Science consists of at least 120 credits, including general education and UIS requirements, a major, and electives.

Double Degree Program

In certain instances it is possible for a student to complete the work for two separate bachelor’s degrees. A minimum of 150 credits is required, including the satisfactory completion of both major programs. For further information, students should consult the chairs of both departments and the Office of the Dean.

Double Degree Program with Engineering

For those students who desire to combine studies in Arts and Sciences with studies in engineering or other disciplines, the Double Degree program may be an appropriate means to provide a multidisciplinary program of studies. The combination of disciplines produces a particularly strong background for which employers have indicated a preference.

The College of Arts and Sciences has worked out a number of joint programs with the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture whereby a student may obtain two bachelor’s degrees, one in arts and sciences and one in engineering. The two degrees would be awarded simultaneously or sequentially upon satisfactory completion of the individual degree requirements. The Double Degree program requires a minimum of 150 credits, and in some instances may be completed in five years. Typical five-year programs include a Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline, combined with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or the sciences. The students’ programs are developed by working with advisors from both colleges.

Double degrees are also possible within the College of Arts and Sciences and with other colleges in addition to the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. In the latter case, the students should consult the dean of Arts and Sciences and the dean of the other college to work out the details of the program.

Interdisciplinary Contract Majors

The college is approved by the State of Connecticut to offer interdisciplinary contract majors.

This option allows students to design a program of study within an area of concentration that is not available through the traditional structure of the department major. Some of the programs that have been approved include behavioral journalism, management and administrative psychology, medical illustration, and American studies.

All Arts and Sciences students who wish to pursue a contract major are invited to contact the Office of the Dean or the relevant department/school.

Major Requirements

The specific requirements for each of the B.A. and B.S. major programs are given in this Catalog at the head of each section where the departmental/school course offerings are listed.

Students must obtain the approval of their program chairs and dean before they can be classified as majors in any program, and the program must be approved by program advisors.

For the B.A. and B.S. degrees, all students must satisfy the course requirements established by the major department or school, in addition to the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. Overlapping is both possible and permissible, so that certain courses may serve to satisfy both the major and the general education requirements.

Writing Requirement

Each program has established a writing requirement satisfied by completing one or more courses (at the 200 level or above) required for the major and designated with a “W” (writing intensive). Students in such courses are expected to produce a substantial quantity of writing (term papers, problem sets, museum papers, etc.), which will be read, commented on, and evaluated by at least one faculty member, and will be returned in time to allow for revision and reevaluation.

Declaration of Major

Students may announce their intended major at the time they apply for admission to the University. Students may not proceed beyond the end of the sophomore year without declaring their majors and being accepted by the programs. Students wishing to declare a double major should consult their academic advisor and the Office of the Dean. Forms for declaring majors are available in the Office of the Dean of the college.

Declaration of Minor (Optional)

Students may announce their intended minor at the time of application for admission to the University or at any time prior to, but not after, the end of the junior year. Acceptance by the program is required. Specific information regarding each minor may be obtained from the respective program heads.

Additional Electives

In addition to credits required in general education and major, a student completes the remaining credits in unrestricted electives for a minimum total of 120 academic credits. Among these, however, a student may take no more than 2 credits in physical education (PE 110 , PE 111 ), and 2 credits in Peer Support Workshops (e.g., BIO 107 , M 107 ).

Major and Minor Programs and Course Descriptions

The course numbering system is described here .

Not all of the courses listed in the Catalog are offered each year. Offerings for each semester, and for the summer sessions, are listed in the class schedules, which are available during each registration period in the Office of Student Academic Services of the College of Arts and Sciences. The University reserves the right to make changes in academic programs.

Honors Program in the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences participates in the University-wide Honors program, which is open to all qualified students. Throughout students’ four years, the program makes available courses that are enriched, innovative, and generally smaller in size than other classes. Qualified first-year students may complete some of their general education requirements by taking special honors sections. Upper-level interdisciplinary honors seminars are also offered, as is the Humanities Center Seminar. In their junior and senior years, students who plan to graduate with honors have two options: pursuing Honors Thesis Research and writing an Honors Thesis, or completing a special Honors Research Project in an honors seminar or an upper-level course in the major. The proposal for the Honors Research Project must be approved by the Arts and Sciences Honors Committee, and the completed project must be approved by either a member of the Honors Committee or a designated faculty member with expertise in the project’s field. Guidelines and information about the Honors Program are available from the coordinator of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program. The Honors Program is administered by a faculty committee appointed by the dean.

Honors Designation

Students completing a minimum of 18-credit hours of honors work approved by the University Honors program will graduate with a University honors designation on their diploma.

There are two tracks for students to complete the A&S Honors Program:

• Honors with Thesis
• Honors (which involves more coursework)

The requirements of both tracks include 18+ credits of graded honors coursework. All honors courses must be taken for a letter grade (not P/NP), and students must complete these requirements with an overall Grade Point Average of 3.25+ and a 3.0+ in honors.

Honors with Thesis Requirements:

• 6+ credits of honors general education courses (e.g., honors WRT and UIS) and/or “honors contract” courses
• 6 credits of 300-level honors seminars, the Humanities Center Seminar, and with the permission of the A&S Honors Coordinator, students in the natural sciences may substitute a 300- or 400- level “honors contract” course for one of the seminars
• A 6-credit honors thesis ( HON 493 - Honors Research  and HON 494W - Honors Thesis )

Honors Requirements:

• 6+ credits of honors general education courses (e.g., honors WRT and UIS) and/or “honors contract” courses
• 9 credits of 300-level honors seminars, the Humanities Center Seminar, and with the permission of the A&S Honors Coordinator, students may substitute a 300- or 400-level “honors contract” course for one (or possibly two) of the seminars
• 3 credits of either a 300-level Honors seminar taken in the senior year in which the student completes an Honors Research Project on the course topic via honors contract, or an upper-level course in the student’s major (including an independent study or an internship, as appropriate) in which the student completes an Honors Research Project via honors contract

Please see the Honors website (www.hartford.edu/honors) for up-to-date information about the Honors Program.

Departmental Honors

Some departments in the college offer students the opportunity to do advanced work in their majors, resulting in departmental honors. A student who wants to graduate with University Honors and who has fulfilled all the requirements except the thesis may submit to the Arts and Sciences Honors Committee an Honors Thesis proposal that is based on departmental honors work. The proposal and the thesis then have to pass through the stipulated review-and-approval process established by the A&S Honors Committee for an Honors Thesis.

Types of Honors Offerings

Honors Sections (100- to 200-level courses) Enriched and/or accelerated sections of regularly scheduled, introductory-level courses, or courses required or likely to be taken under the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. The standard for admission to these courses is determined by the Arts and Sciences Honors Committee.

Honors Seminars (300-level courses) Enriched and/or accelerated special-topic seminars. These advanced seminars assume some knowledge of a discipline.

Honors Thesis: Students are expected to complete an original independent project-usually a research project-that follows the model of a journal article in the student’s discipline. The length of an honors thesis, roughly speaking, should be 35-60 pp. (including notes, figures, graphs, tables, etc.), though a shorter thesis may be possible in some disciplines.

A hybrid thesis includes a creative project, such as a 10-minute film, a one-act play, a chapbook of 10-20 poems, or a short story collection. The creative project should be analyzed in an accompanying 15-20 pp. essay that contextualizes the project.

The thesis proposal with a literature review (10 pp. minimum) is completed in HON 493  (or PSY 496P ). These proposals will be reviewed by two members of the A&S HON Committee. A completed thesis will be presented at an oral defense and reviewed by a committee of three members.

All these page guidelines are approximate and intended for guidance on the scope of the thesis project; they may vary by discipline and by project type.

Please see the A&S Honors Program Guide and Thesis Guide for the deadlines for the submission of the honors thesis proposal and the honors thesis.

Honors senior project: This contract must be approved in advance by the A&S Honors Coordinator, and the Honors Research Project must consist of 15-25 pages of additional writing beyond the course requirements. This research project will be evaluated by both the course instructor and a member of the A&S Honors Committee (or a designated expert), and it must be submitted to the A&S Honors Coordinator two weeks before the last day of classes.

Programs

• General Education Requirements for the A.A. and A.S. Degrees (A&S)
• General Education Requirements for the B.A. and B.S. Degrees (A&S)
• General Education Requirements for Transfer Students (A&S)

• Learning Beyond the Classroom

Courses

• CRD 200 - Career Preparation

• FYS 100P - First-Year Seminar

• HON 170 - Power and Politics in America
• HON 172 - Introduction to Philosophy
• HON 173 - Introduction to Psychology
• HON 181 - Communication in the Digital Age
• HON 182W - Academic Writing I
• HON 183W - Academic Writing II
• HON 184 - Business and Professional Communication
• HON 187 - Aspects of Art
• HON 210W - Foundations of Argument
• HON 381 - Honors Seminar
• HON 382 - Honors Seminar
• HON 383 - Honors Seminar
• HON 384 - Honors Seminar
• HON 385 - Honors Seminar
• HON 389 - Humanities Center Seminar
• HON 390 - Humanities Center Seminar
• HON 493 - Honors Research
• HON 494W - Honors Thesis

• LBC 400 - Learning Beyond the Classroom