General Catalog versions and rights
[Search] This Catalog (1997-98) [Index] Table of Contents [Prev] San Diego State University [Next] Student Services [Last] Faculty and Administration
Career Placement
Faculty Office Hours
Honors Council
Honor Societies
Accreditation
Degrees and Certificates
Types of Curricula Offered
The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, Student Services Building, Room 3605, 594-6323.
Information concerning San Diego State University policies regarding any refund due to the federal Title IV student assistance programs as required by the regulations is available from the Financial Aid Office, 594-6323.
The following information concerning the cost of attending San Diego State University is available from the Financial Aid Office, Student Services Building, Room 3605, 594-6323.
Information concerning the refund policy of San Diego State University for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of costs is available from the University Cashiers Office, Student Services Building, Room 2620, 594-5253.
Information concerning San Diego State University policies regarding any refund due to the federal Title IV student assistance programs as required by the regulations is available from the Financial Aid Office, Student Services Building, Room 3605, 594-5253.
Information concerning the academic programs of San Diego State University may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, HH-114, 594-6542, and may include:
Information regarding special facilities and services available to handicapped students may be obtained from Disabled Student Services, Student Services Building, Room 1661, 594-6473.
Information concerning San Diego State University policies, procedures, and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus may be obtained from Public Safety, SS-1410, 594-1991.
Information concerning San Diego State University annual campus security report may be obtained from Public Safety, SS-1410, 594-1991.
Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse may be obtained from Counseling and Psychological Services, 594-5220.
Career Services may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the campus or graduates of all campuses in The California State University.
All faculty members are required to hold regularly scheduled office hours during the week to allow for student consultation. A schedule of those hours is posted outside each faculty member's office door.
The Honors Council was formed in 1991. It comprises representatives of the Honors Program and of Golden Key, Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma, and Phi Kappa Phi interdisciplinary honor societies.
The purposes of the Honors Council are:
For meetings and events and to house honors insignia and regalia, the Honors Council has the Henry L. Janssen Honors Council Room in the Student Services building 1624. The telephone number is 594-3130
An academic honor society is a campus organization that values and reinforces the high academic standards of the University and selects its members, at least in part, on the basis of superior academic performance.
Golden Key is a national undergraduate honor society whose purpose is to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement and excellence in all undergraduate fields of study, to unite with collegiate faculties and administrators in developing and maintaining high standards of education, to provide economic assistance to outstanding members by means of annual scholarships, and to promote scholastic achievement and altruistic conduct through voluntary service. Golden Key National Honor Society has over 240 active chapters. It also publishes an annual magazine and a regular newsletter. San Diego State University's chapter was chartered in 1984.
Each fall, the chapter invites to membership juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.30 who have completed their last 24 units at SDSU. Elected student officers set all agendas and direct activities.
The faculty adviser is Dr. E. Nicholas Genovese, Department of Classics and Humanities.
Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors was founded in 1918. The society recognizes in its membership the qualities of superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the University community. The SDSU chapter of Mortar Board had its beginning in 1932 as Cap and Gown. In 1965 the local honorary was recognized as a member of the national organization. Nationwide there are over 200 active chapters with a membership in excess of 175,000.
Mortar Board membership means active involvement to benefit the campus and community. Current projects include presentation of annual emeritus faculty and staff Outstanding Service Awards to recognize individuals whose work contributed significantly to this university; service as mentors to students at SDSU; an annual -faculty/staff appreciation dinner; Project Pageturner; and the sale of the Mortar Board Datebook-a daily planning calendar and information booklet for the university community.
To be considered for election to membership, students must have senior standing for the fall semester with an overall GPA of 3.00 and have participated and excelled in the areas of scholarship, service, and leadership. All prospective members must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree. Admission to Mortar Board is highly competitive and is restricted to no more than 40 students per year.
Advisers for the honor society are Dr. Ronald Young, Associate Professor of Spanish, Kathleen Ross, Director of Scholarships, and Dr. E. Nicholas Genovese, Professor of Classics and Humanities. The administrative liaison is Dr. Jane K. Smith, Assistant Vice President for Academic Services (HH-114).
Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest national honor society in America (founded 1776), recognizes academic excellence in undergraduate students who are usually enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters or the College of Sciences and who are or will be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. To be considered for election, students must have a high overall GPA (3.5 minimum), have completed a minimum of 45 upper division units at SDSU, have completed a course in university-level mathematics, and have attained proficiency in a foreign language at the level of a third semester university course. Significant weight is also given to the breadth and depth of the students' coursework as evidenced by the number, variety, and seriousness of upper division courses taken outside the major, together with the grades earned; no more than 12 units may have been taken Cr/NC. Election is by vote of the faculty members of Nu Chapter (SDSU) of Phi Beta Kappa. For information, contact Dr. Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Department of Drama, or Dr. Barbara B. Hemmingsen, Department of Biology.
Phi Eta Sigma was established as a national society in 1923. The local chapter was formed in 1955.
Phi Eta Sigma was established to encourage and reward high scholastic achievement among freshmen in institutions of higher education. There are over 260 chapters throughout the United States and more than 485,000 members.
All freshmen, both men and women, who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the close of either semester during their freshmen year are eligible to join. Students who were eligible but missed induction after their freshman year may join at any time thereafter.
Among its activities are a topical lecture series, discussion groups, social events, and national conventions.
The faculty adviser is Carl F. Emerich, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs, (619) 594-5211.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education and to recognize outstanding achievement by students, faculty, and others through election to membership and through various awards for distinguished achievement. Activities of the organization include the awarding of two -thousand dollars in scholarships annually, the recognition of outstanding faculty and students through nominations for national awards and scholarships, spring initiation, and sponsorship of the SDSU Emeritus Lecture Series. The national organization publishes a newsletter and a scholarly journal and sponsors the National Scholar and National Artist awards and the Graduate Fellowship program. Nationally there are 275 active chapters. San Diego State University's chapter was chartered in 1965.
Membership is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Juniors must have completed a minimum of 75 units with a GPA of 3.60 overall and at SDSU; seniors must have completed a minimum of 90 units with a 3.50 GPA overall and at SDSU; graduate students must have completed a minimum of 15 units of graduate work at SDSU and have a GPA of 3.90 or better in graduate work overall and at SDSU. All prospective members must have made satisfactory progress toward the degree.
President of the society is Professor Gene G. Lamke, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism.
The national honor societies at San Diego State University which accord recognition to students who demonstrate superior scholarship and leadership in specific academic fields include:
Alpha Epsilon Delta (Medical)
Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)
Beta Alpha Psi (Accountancy)
Beta Gamma Sigma (Business)
Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering)
Delta Phi Alpha (German)
Dobro Slovo (Slavic Languages)
Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering)
Eta Sigma Gamma (Community Health Education)
Eta Sigma Phi (Classics)
Kappa Delta Pi (Education)
Phi Alpha Theta (History)
Phi Beta Delta (International Studies)
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Music)
Pi Delta Phi (French)
Pi Kappa Delta (Forensics)
Pi Kappa Lambda (Music)
Pi Lambda Theta (Education)
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)
Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering)
Psi Chi (Psychology)
Sigma Gamma Tau (Aerospace Engineering)
Sigma Iota Epsilon (Management)
Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)
Tau Alpha Chi (Taxation)
Tau Beta Pi (Engineering)
San Diego State University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also approved to train veterans under the G.I. Bill.
San Diego State University's programmatic accreditation is through membership in the following associations:
Accrediting Council on Health Services Administration
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
American Chemical Society
American Council on Education for Journalism and Mass Communication
American Psychological Association (Clinical Psychology)
American Speech-Language-HearingAssociation, Educational Standards Boardand Professional Services Board
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Computer Science Accreditation Commission of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board
Council on Education of the Deaf
Council on Education for Public Health
Council on Rehabilitation Education
Council on Social Work Education
Foundation for Interior Design Education Research
National Association of School Psychologists
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
National Association of Schools of Music
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
National Association of Schools of Theatre
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (San Diego campus)
National League for Nursing
National Recreation and Parks Association
The University is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools, U.S.A. and the Western Association of Graduate Schools
The College of Business Administration and the School of Accountancy are accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The M.S. in Financial and Tax Planning and the Certificate in Personal Financial Planning are registered with the International Board of Certified Financial Planners.
The College of Engineering undergraduate programs in aerospace, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
The School of Nursing is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing, National League for Nursing, and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Preprofessional Practice Program in Dietetics in the Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences are approved by the American Dietetic Association.
In addition, preparation for many other professions is provided. It is suggested that the student refer to the various courses of study listed in the catalog.
San Diego State University offers the following degrees and certificates:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Vocational Education
Master of Arts
Master of Science
Master of Business Administration
Master of City Planning
Master of Fine Arts (Art, Creative Writing, Drama)
Master of Music
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Social Work
Doctor of Philosophy
Nondegree programs leading to certificates are offered in Accounting, Applied Gerontology, Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language (ESL), Art (Imperial Valley Campus only), Bilingual (Spanish) Special Education, Business Administration (Imperial Valley Campus only), Children's Literature, Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD), Early Intervention, Español Comercial, Exercise Leadership, Family Life Education, Francais Commercial et Économique, Geographic Information Systems, Instructional Software Design, Human Services Para-professional, Instructional Technology, Introductory Mathematics, Personal Financial Planning, Preventative Medicine Residency, Professional Services Bilingual/Multicultural, Public Administration (Imperial Valley Campus only), Recombinant DNA Technology, Rehabilitation Administration, Single Subject Mathematics, Spanish Court Interpreting (Imperial Valley Campus only), Spanish Translation Studies, Supported Employment and Transition Specialist, Teaching the Emotionally Disturbed, Technical and Scientific Writing, United States-Mexico Border Studies, and Workforce Education and Lifelong Learning.
San Diego State University offers the following types of curricula:
Undergraduate Curricula. Undergraduate curricula provide the following opportunities for study:
(1) Liberal arts and sciences: Curricula in the academic major fields, leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts and sciences.
(2) Applied arts and sciences: Curricula in major fields leading to the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Music degree in applied arts and sciences.
(3) Professional curricula: The College of Business Administration offers the Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with majors in ten fields; the College of Engineering offers the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering with majors in four fields; and the College of Education offers curricula in teacher education leading to graduate credentials at all levels of public school teaching.
The Department of Communicative Disorders offers curricula leading to graduate credentials in Education of the Deaf and Deaf-Blind; clinical certification and graduate credentials in speech pathology, audiology and communicative disorders.
The School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science degree and the Master of Science degree in Nursing (areas of concentration are nursing systems administration, critical care (adult and child), and community health nursing) and offers a curriculum leading to registered nurse licensure and public health nurse credential, and health services credential (school nursing).
(4) Preprofessional and nondegree curricula: Programs are offered in allied health, predentistry, prelegal, premedical, and preveterinary leading to transfer to professional schools. Air Force, Army, and Naval ROTC programs are also available.
Graduate Curricula. The Graduate Division offers curricula in the various colleges and departments leading to the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in a wide variety of fields, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of City Planning, the Master of Fine Arts in Art, the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, the Master of Fine Arts in Drama, the Master of Music, the Master of Public Administration, the Master of Public Health, the Master of Social Work, and the Doctor of Philosophy in biology, chemistry, clinical psychology, ecology, education, engineering sciences/applied mechanics, geography, language and communicative disorders, mathematics and science education, and public health/epidemiology.
San Diego State University maintains and promotes a policy of nondiscrimination and nonharassment on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and national origin.
The Affirmative Action Program is a University effort affecting every level of activity. The policy stands as a statement of this University's moral commitment to the right of all persons to equal opportunity in a nondiscriminating, harassment-free atmosphere.
San Diego State University places high priority on that objective and expects all members of the University to support this policy fully.
Refer to the General Regulations section for the California State University policy pertaining to nondiscrimination.