Faculty members and the staff of LaGrange College implement curricular and co-curricular programs that contribute to the fulfillment of the mission of the College and the quest for civility, diversity, service, and excellence. Undergirding all the academic programs at LaGrange College is a fundamental commitment to the liberal arts. The underlying philosophy of liberal learning is found in all parts of the curriculum of the college but is most obvious in the structure of the Ethos curriculum, which serves as the foundation of the academic experience at the college. Baccalaureate majors share Ethos, which represents approximately forty percent of a student’s formal study at the college. Specific courses within Ethos are designed to integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines.
Within an ethical and caring community, the total LaGrange College program is designed to challenge and support students in their search for truth. This program is centered around the liberal arts curriculum ,which provides engagement in a breadth of scholarly disciplines and a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Because of this orientation, students are given opportunities to interpret and evaluate the influence of historical, cultural, artistic , mathematical, scientific, and religious developments. They are exposed to the modes of creative expression and participate in activities that foster intellectual curiosity.Through a series of experiences allowing examination of issues involving ethical reasoning, global awareness, diversity, sustainability, personal wellness, and civic knowledge and service, students have an opportunity to reflect upon and consider their place in the world and to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage.
The curriculum of LaGrange College is designed to improve students’ creative, critical, and communicative, and connective abilities, as evidenced by the following outcomes:
For students who enrolled at LaGrange College before the Fall 2018 term, the foundational curriculum in force is known as the Core Curriculum. Validated and refined through years of research and offering, the Core Curriculum represents a strong, foundational, and integrative education. Students seeking information regarding requirements and opportunities under the Core Curriculum can locate that content in previous versions of the LaGrange College Bulletin .
Courses associated with the Core Curriculum (often designated with prefix CORE) will still be available for up to two years as part of the Bridge program (as listed in the section on the Ethos curriculum) so that students entering prior to Fall 2018 can still meet all necessary requirements.
In Ancient Greek, “ethos” was the word for an informed citizen’s character. The ideal was to become an individual of courageous aspiration and sound moral judgment. Much later, ethos referred to a speaker’s authority, trustworthiness, and capacity for civic excellence. And today, one of the great aims of a comprehensive liberal education might be said to be the development of student ethos, the disposition and habits of mind essential to living a meaningful life. LaGrange College’s Ethos program endeavors to be the foundation in every student’s search for that meaningful life. Students will refine their intellectual skills, explore multiple modes of inquiry, and interrogate the values of thoughtful global citizenship. Dedicated to LaGrange College’s roots in the Wesleyan tradition and implemented across every year of an undergraduate degree program, the Ethos curriculum values high-impact learning practices and culminates with integrated, project-based senior capstone experiences unique to each student’s major area of study. The Ethos program is the soul of LaGrange College's commitment to the liberal arts tradition. It is our promise to prepare students to be curious and creative global citizens.
PROGRAMMATIC GOAL ONE: INTELLECTUAL SKILLS |
12 Hours |
Writing and Information Literacy ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102 |
6 Hours |
Logical and Quantitative Reasoning One from the following list: MATH 1101, 1221, 2221 and One from the following list: MATH 1120, *MATH 1114 or PSYC 2298 satisfy the MATH 1120 requirement for students in the Nursing program. |
6 Hours |
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|
PROGRAMMATIC GOAL TWO: MODES OF INQUIRY |
25 Hours |
Diverse Cultures, Human Behavior, and Human Relationships PSYC 1101; GNDR 1101; SOCI 1000; LAST 1104, 2000; POLS 1101, 2210, 2220; PHIL 2440; CORE 3001;RLGN 1104, 2230, 2320; HIST 1101, 1102, 1111, 1112 |
3 Hours |
Modern Languages Two sequential courses FREN, GERM, SPAN, KORN, LANG |
6 Hours |
Laboratory Science and the Natural World BIOL 1101, 1102, 1107, 1108, 2148, 2149; CHEM 1101, 1102; PHYS 1101, 1102, 2121, 2122 |
7 Hours |
World Civilization and Humanities 1102, 1111, 1112; POLS 2210, 3340 (PHIL 3420); PHIL 1410, 3420 (POLS 3340); ARTD 1109, 1110, 1111; THEA 1101, 1102, 2352; MUSI 3301, 3302, 1112; ENGL 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207 |
6 Hours |
Artistic Expression ARTD 1151, 1152, 1153, 2272, 2223, 2227, 2229, 2273; THEA 1180, 1184, 1205, 1286, 2272, 2360, 2370, 2380; MUSI 1101, 1100, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 3105, 3106 |
3 Hours |
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PROGRAMMATIC GOAL THREE: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP |
7 Hours |
Values Cornerstone 1101, 1102 |
4 Hours |
Faith Traditions 1107, 1108, 3120, 2215 |
3 Hours |
TOTAL REQUIRED ETHOS HOURS |
44 Hours |
Each student is required to pass three (3) Interim-term courses [one (1) three-hour course per term] as part of the graduation requirements. First-year students are required to enroll in an Interim-term course. Students may elect to complete four (4) Interim-term courses and are encouraged to do so.
The Ethos Curriculum and the Interim Term comprise General Education at LaGrange College.
During the first semester and again prior to graduation, students take the college’s assessment exam, designed to determine the extent to which students have achieved the objectives of the Ethos Curriculum. Participation in this testing program is a requirement for graduation with a baccalaureate degree.
Students will be responsible for assembling an Ethos Portfolio with which the programs and the Ethos Council can perform course-embedded assessment. All Ethos courses will include authentic assessments that are designed and administered by the courses’ instructors. For the most part, these assessments will be written artifacts, but multimedia artifacts including recorded presentations and/or performances, photography, and sound files may also be appropriate.
While often adequate for assessing student learning within certain courses, student results on standardized and/or computer scored midterm and final exams are not recommended artifacts for programmatic portfolios. Rather, students are encouraged to design signature assignments that may function as transactional discourse outside of the classroom.
The Ethos Portfolio will be comprised of nine (9) artifacts that students will collect and upload electronically over their time as students at LaGrange College. Artifacts must demonstrate gains made within each of the student learning outcomes: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and connection. Senior theses/capstone projects should be, with some rare exceptions, uploaded by all graduating seniors.
In each instance, students will be prompted to write brief self-assessments of no more than a paragraph that explain the inclusion of their work and how it demonstrates its respective student learning outcome. This reflective work—and all assessment—will be reviewed by the Ethos Council. Students transferring to LaGrange College with at least thirty (30) transfer credits may have certain artifacts waived from their Ethos Portfolios depending on which courses were transferred.
Students transferring to LaGrange College with at least sixty (60) transfer credits will not have to complete an Ethos Portfolio as part of the graduation requirements. The Ethos Council will annually conduct assessment of artifacts associated with a limited number of learning outcomes. This cyclic, systematic process will focus on distinct sets of learning outcomes in succeeding assessment periods until all learning outcomes are evaluated. With some exception, many of these assessments are already being administered across LaGrange College’s curriculum.
The Ethos Portfolio presents the opportunity for faculty to review it in the interest of improving student learning, and for students—and their families—to see meaningful benchmarks in their educations.
There is no time limit on the credit or validity of coursework in the Ethos Curriculum. It should be noted, however, that students who have not been enrolled at LaGrange College for four (4) years, or who transferred from LaGrange College and subsequently return, enter the college under the Bulletin in force at the time of re-entry.
The Interim is the class term held during the month of January for approximately four (4) weeks. Courses offered in the Interim are designed to encourage students to explore course content outside their majors. All first-year students must successfully complete three (3) of the four (4) Interim terms offered during a typical four-year course of study. For students who transfer to LaGrange College, reductions are made in this requirement based on the academic standing of the student at entry, as follows: transfer freshman (< 30 attempted hours) – 3; transfer sophomore (30-59.99 attempted hours) – 2; transfer junior (60-80.99 attempted hours) – 1; transfer senior (>81 attempted hours) – 0. All first-year students are required to register for an Interim class during their first year at LaGrange College. First-year students not pre-registered for the Interim term following their first Fall semester must submit an Academic Petition to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).
Due to the exploratory nature of the Interim term, other academic programs are encouraged to refrain from offering courses required in the major or courses that are restricted to certain small groups of students. With this intent, students can be exposed to opportunities of study, thought, and expression that are not available during the other semesters of the academic year. To preserve the uniqueness of the Interim program, Interim-term courses are not offered during other semesters, Ethos curriculum courses are not offered during the Interim, and students may not repeat an Interim course.
To be eligible for any Interim course, all academic, procedural, financial, and other prerequisites must be met. Students who have been enrolled full-time during the preceding Fall semester may take an Interim course at no additional charge for tuition, room, or board. Individual courses may assess fees particular to the activities planned. The costs listed in the course descriptions in the annual Interim bulletin are the anticipated per-participant charges for that particular class. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks; most are available at https://lagrange.ecampus.com/ .
The primary Interim bulletin is distributed in early Fall semester, with registration in late September for the upcoming January. Students are encouraged to discuss any questions about courses with the indicated instructors during the week prior to registration. A separate preliminary travel bulletin is distributed during the prior Spring semester, with an early travel application period offered in March. If space is available in the courses, then it may be possible to register for travel courses during the Fall registration period also.
All Interim courses require a minimum of 120 clock-hours per term of student involvement. At the first class meeting in early January, the instructor will provide guidelines for successful completion of the course, as well as a schedule of class meetings, assignments, and other necessary information. Grading of Interim courses is based on the A-F scale or Pass/No Credit. Instructors may allow students to choose between these grading options in on-campus courses but study away courses may only be taken on the A-F scale.
During the Interim term, LaGrange College offers several opportunities for off-campus study that require travel, to other states or travel beyond the United States. Being allowed to study away as part of the curriculum of LaGrange College is a privilege; approval to study away is not automatic but may be granted through the Office of Global Engagement, based on a completed application, including instructor permission and references. Study away inevitably involves risk—accident, injury, illness, civil unrest, and other unforeseen circumstances. These risks are ones that neither those who sponsor or participate in study away can control. In recognition of these risks, a premium on a travel assistance and emergency medical insurance policy is included with the fees assessed for study away courses. Participation in such an off-campus study program is purely voluntary on the student’s part. As a condition for participation, LaGrange College requires that students and their parents read and execute liability releases and other documents that acknowledge, accept, and assume all risks. LaGrange College expects that students and their parents will use their own due diligence in informing themselves of current global conditions and in determining whether they wish to engage in study away to given sites.
The LaGrange College Mission Statement emphasizes that the institution, in its focus on the liberal arts, the Wesleyan tradition of truth-seeking, and the preparation of students for professional success and responsible citizenship, will provide an educational experience that contributes to the formation of graduates who are not only capable of encountering difference, in people and in cultures, but also eager to be significant contributors to a complex world. Faculty and staff are committed to providing many opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills for informed thought and responsible decision-making. It follows naturally from this sense of mission and purpose that the college should foster the development of characteristics of globally engaged students who will one day be knowledgeable, involved citizens of the world.
The Study-Away program encourages students to participate in learning opportunities in other settings, both domestic and international. Students may do this through short-term, faculty-led study away courses such as those offered during January in the Interim Term and during May in the May Away Term. Each spring, there is a specific application and enrollment period for study away courses which will operate during the upcoming year. All students are also encouraged to spend a semester or an academic year in an individual study abroad program. Information on these programs can be obtained through the Office of Global Engagement. All students who are interested in full-term Study Abroad should begin the process by requesting approval from the Office of Global Engagement.
A major commitment of the college is to provide all students with greater access for study-away opportunities. A significant component of this commitment is the undergraduate student travel voucher program, whereby eligible students receive direct financial support of up to $2500 to participate in a for credit international or domestic study-away experience sponsored or approved by the college. The eligible student will have entered LaGrange College as a first-time, first-year student, been continuously enrolled during fall and spring semesters, have attained at least junior (60 semester hours) status by the award date of the voucher, and be in good standing. The voucher may be used during the junior or senior year.
May Away, an academic study away-only term, features a three-semester-hour study away course which requires 120 hours of student engagement. Pre-departure and course preparation will likely begin during the preceding spring semester, with a sufficient number of faculty/student hours to fully prepare students for the travel component. This preparation may include on-campus and on-line sessions. Even though students will begin coursework, the official start of the May Away term is the day after the last scheduled final exam day for spring semester. Graduating seniors may enroll in a May Away course. These seniors will be able to walk for graduation, but will not receive their degree until the following May after successfully completing the May Away course. Graduating seniors will have to file a graduation petition and a pre-completion request with the VPAA.
The travel component of May Away will begin within a few days after graduation; no on-campus housing will be provided for May Away students (faculty and students will meet at the airport or another pre-arranged place). Students eligible for May Away free tuition will be those who are full time students in the preceding spring semester. Exceptions would be those students who have already used the annual allotment for the January Interim term because of their full time status the preceding fall semester and are therefore not eligible for free tuition in May. Students are able to take advantage of the free tuition only one time during an academic year. Travel vouchers and transfer student travel scholarships may be used for May Away courses.
A student may take both a January Interim term course and a May Away course during the same academic year. May Away courses count toward the required total number of Interim courses for graduation. May Away courses will follow the same calendar path as study away courses taught during the January Interim term. These new courses are available for student application beginning in February for the upcoming academic year. In this way, all study away courses (January and May) are offered to the current year’s students at one time.
Online learning at LaGrange College is an initiative that enjoys campus-wide support and participation. To remain true to the ideals of an ethical and caring community, the college focuses on improving the lives of students by continuing to offer rigorous coursework than can be taken with more consideration for their responsibilities and obligations.
Courses are offered through a variety of techniques which employ varying levels of digital delivery:
Students in online courses of any type may be required to take exams which are administered and proctored by a trusted, outside source. In some courses, there may be occasional required synchronous class sessions and additional, non-required help sessions, all of which would be available to students via the internet. Instructors will hold office hours in physical (office) locations and also through a digital presence.
Students enrolling in primarily or fully online, synchronously distributed, or hybrid courses at LaGrange College are responsible for meeting all college and course prerequisites, locating and obtaining privileges to use accepted testing centers (as needed), acquiring access to modern computing tools (computer, microphones, webcams, etc.) and broadband internet, addressing any fees specific to scheduled courses or programs, and maintaining skills necessary to properly operate instructional technologies. Students with questions or concerns should contact the course instructor for clarification of any prerequisites and conditions.
For detailed information on the institutional and legal protection of students who are enrolled in distance courses at LaGrange College, please reference the Protection of Students Enrolled in Distance Education Courses policy.
A major is defined as a primary program of study in which the student completes a designated number and sequence of courses within a specific discipline or subject area. A major may or may not offer concentrations for focused coursework within the major.
Astudent may choose to pursue one (1) of five (5) baccalaureate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Music, or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Art and Design |
History |
Psychological Science |
Biochemistry |
Interdisciplinary Studies |
Religion and Philosophy |
Biology |
Mathematics |
Sociology |
Chemistry |
Music |
Spanish |
Digital Creative Media and Film |
Musical Theatre |
Theatre Arts |
Education (Early Childhood) |
Non-Profit Leadership |
Political Science |
English |
|
|
Concentration in Accountancy, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, or Sports Management
Accountancy |
Chemistry |
Mathematics |
Biology |
Exercise Science |
|
Composition and Music Technologies |
Performance (voice, piano, organ, guitar, percussion) |
Church Music |
LaGrange College also offers graduate programs. In these programs, students may complete the Master of Arts in Teaching, the Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development, the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science and Master of Arts in Strength and Conditioning, and the Specialist in Education in Teacher Leadership. Please refer to the Graduate Bulletin for more information about these programs.
The Interdisciplinary Major at LaGrange College allows highly motivated students to pursue a self-designed, individualized program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
To be eligible to pursue the interdisciplinary major, a student must exhibit a high-level of maturity and self-direction. A grade point average of 3.3 or permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is required at the time of submission of the proposal. The major may be declared upon completion of 30 semester hours, but no later than 69 semester hours.
Policies and Procedures:
Coursework requirements in major programs necessarily change in response to evolving curriculum concerns and changing student needs. Students' major requirements are governed by the Bulletin in force at the time of the declaration of the major. The declaration of major is initiated with the Registrar’s Office and the chair of the respective department.
At the discretion of the department chair, students may be required to demonstrate proficiency and/or currency in the subject matter if the major coursework is older than five (5) academic years. Normally, credit hours earned in the major may not be applied to the completion of the major if the hours earned are older than eight (8) years, dated from the student's initial matriculation. Students who have been out of school longer than two (2) years must again declare their majors.
In certain majors, independent study courses are offered. These courses are limited to upper-class major and minor students who have completed at least two-thirds of their particular major or minor program, and who wish to pursue a special problem or course of reading beyond that taken up in any formal course and lying within the capabilities of the library and laboratories. In order to be eligible for independent study, the student must have at least a 3.0 average in major courses. Total credit which can be earned through independent study normally will not be more than six (6) semester hours. Written permission to enroll in such a course must be obtained from the instructor, the chair of the department concerned, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). A descriptive syllabus (including the method of evaluation) must be submitted with the petition.
All students are assigned an academic advisor. Prior to the declaration of a major, a student is advised by her/his Cornerstone instructor and by a member of the faculty in a discipline related to the student’s area of interest. Subsequent to declaring a major, the student and program coordinator of that major work together in planning a program. Selecting the proper courses in order to complete the desired degree is the responsibility of the student.
Academic minors may be earned in most programs. A minor must include at least 12 semester hours, 6 of which must be in 3000-level or above courses. Some programs do not designate the courses required for the minor, but the courses selected must be approved by the coordinator of the program.
Major/Concentration | Minor/Concentration | Program | |
---|---|---|---|
Accountancy | X | X | |
Aging Studies | X | ||
Applied Finance | X | ||
Art and Design | X | X | |
Art History | X | ||
Asian Studies | X | ||
Biology(B.A. or B.S.) | X | X | |
Biochemistry (B.A. or B.S.) | X | ||
Business | X | X | |
Business Essentials I | X | ||
Chemistry (B.A. or B.S.) | X | X | |
Church Music | X | ||
Church Leadership | X | X | |
Coaching | X | ||
Composition & Music Technologies | X | ||
Computational Mathematics | X | X | |
Criminology | X | ||
Digital Creative Media & Film | X | ||
Dual Language | X | ||
Education Studies | X | ||
Elementary Education | X | ||
English | X | X | |
Entrepreneurship | X | ||
European Union Studies | X | ||
Exercise Science | X | X | |
French | X | ||
Gender Studies | X | ||
Gerontology | X | ||
Global Missions and Service | X | ||
Global Sustainability | X | ||
History | X | X | |
Interdisciplinary Studies | X | ||
International Business | X | ||
Latin American Studies | X | ||
Literature | X | ||
Marketing Design | X | ||
Mathematics (B.A. or B.S.) | X | X | |
Military History | X | ||
Music (B.A. or B.M.) | X | X | |
Music Education | X | ||
Musical Theater | X | ||
Nursing | X | ||
Nonprofit Leadership | X | ||
Organizational Leadership | |||
Performance (B.M.) | X | ||
Philosophy | X | ||
Physical Education | X | ||
Physics | X | ||
Political Science | X | X | |
Poverty Studies | X | ||
Psychological Science | X | X | |
Public History | X | X | |
Religion and Philosophy | X | X | |
Servant Scholar | X | ||
Sociology | X | X | |
Social/Behavioral Sciences | X | ||
Spanish | X | X | |
Sports Management | X | ||
TESOL | X | X | |
Theatre Arts | X | X | |
Writing | X |
Offered by several major programs, these opportunities allow students to gain added applied experience and insight in approved off-campus settings. Internships (termed Shadowing in some disciplines) consist of a minimum of 120 hours (per 3 credits) of work. Assignments in addition to off-campus work may include selected readings, public presentation, and a final portfolio containing essays, weekly journal, and supporting material. The internship should first be discussed with the student’s advisor and the Career Development Center, which will provide placement. The application process is unique to each facility.
All students registering for an academic internship in an allied health field will be charged a $25 fee to provide them comprehensive liability insurance coverage. This fee will be included as part of the student bill. Students cannot begin an internship and no credit hours will be issued until the fee is paid.
The Teaching Fellows Program allows faculty members to offer highly-qualified students opportunities to learn by sharing in the instructional responsibilities for particular courses. Students enrolled in the courses will have the added benefit of additional academic support.
The Teaching Fellow is given a sphere of responsibility so that learning and teaching can be experienced as two aspects of the program. The student’s role differs from that of teaching assistants utilized by many colleges and universities. Here the faculty sponsor is as involved as ever in all aspects of the course. Involvement of a student in teaching/learning participation in a particular course happens only if the faculty sponsor feels that definite benefit to both the student and the course will result.
The Teaching Fellows Program is voluntary with each faculty member determining which of his or her courses, if any, are appropriate for such individual studies in teaching/learning. The type of responsibilities and extent of involvement of the student will vary depending on the course and faculty sponsor. It may not be counted as a substitute for any of the undergraduate teacher education requirements.
Students may be approached by faculty members to serve as a Teaching Fellow or may initiate the process with approval from a sponsoring faculty member along with other required signatures. This experience should be reserved for those select few students who have demonstrated appropriate characteristics and academic excellence.
Students must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have attained at least junior status to serve as Teaching Fellows. Additionally, students must have successfully completed the course for which they will be serving as a Teaching Fellow. Students may earn 0-3 semester hours of credit for this experience. The experience may be repeated; a new proposal must be submitted and approved for each experience. Evaluation will be awarded on a pass/no credit basis only.
A student enrolled as a Teaching Fellow will engage in activities to fulfill 40 hours of academic endeavors per hour of credit earned in and out of the classroom. Appropriate activities may include, but are not limited to, some combination of the following: setting up and/or assisting with teaching laboratories, assisting the faculty sponsor in assessing or revising a course, developing in-class activities and oral presentations, leading or facilitating class discussions, and preparing and delivering lectures. The following policies apply to teaching experiences:
The LaGrange College Tutoring Center serves LaGrange College students who could benefit from addition help in many general education courses through peer tutoring. The tutors have been nominated by professors in their respective disciplines, typically including: Accounting, Biology (including Anatomy and Physiology), General and Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Problem Solving, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, and in other languages and fields as the needs arise.
Located in the 24-hour study area on the main floor of the Lewis Library, the walk-in hours are Monday - Thursday 5-10 pm during the spring and fall semesters. If students are unable to meet during those times, they may instead schedule an appointment through the Tutoring Center website: http://home.lagrange.edu/tutoring or by e-mailing Dr. Stacey Ernstberger, the director of the Tutoring Center, at tutoring@lagrange.edu.
Students who would like to serve as peer tutors but are ineligible for work-study funding may enroll in TCHA 4492 (On-Campus Tutoring Internship) and thus earn one to three (1-3) semester hours of academic credit for their service. Note that these hours do not count toward any major or minor program. This course may be repeated for credit. Grading is on a “Pass/No credit” basis. Prerequisites: Recommendation from a full-time faculty member in the subject to be tutored and approval by the Director of the Writing and Tutoring Center.
Its hours are Monday- Thursday 6-9 p.m. and by special appointment. Students may schedule an appointment by contacting Dr. Justin Thurman, director of the LaGrange College Writing Center, at jthurman@lagrange.edu .
Faculty Led Study Halls |
Cornerstone Activities |
Academic Coaching |
Faculty Development Events |
Testing Center for Students Needing Accommodations |
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PACE is open Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00pm with some evening events as well. More information regarding services in PACE can be found by e-mailing PACE@lagrange.edu .
The library’s resources support the curriculum and general information needs of students and faculty. Included are approximately 336,000 print and electronic books, an extensive reference collection, a large DVD and CD collection, and approximately 200 full-text databases for all academic disciplines. Notable electronic subscriptions include Education Source, Films on Demand, SPORTDiscus, JSTOR, Project Muse, the Archive of Americana, the Gale Virtual Reference Library, Newsbank, Science Direct, the London Times Digital Archives, LexisNexis, BizMiner Academic, PsycArticles, MathSciNet, ATLAS Religion Database, CINAHL, Credo, Access World News, STATISTA, and many more.
Each year the library staff receives high marks on the annual library survey by administrators, faculty, and students. They regularly provide both one-on-one and course-specific library instruction. The library staff is service oriented and ready to assist students and faculty.
The Jennie Lee Epps Memorial Lectureship was revived in 1997 by a gift from Dr. Grace Hadaway Boswell '49 and her husband, Dr. R. Dean Boswell. Ms. Kate Howard Cross, professor of Latin, donated the originating gift for the Epps Lecture in memory of her friend and colleague, who was a professor of English for 28 years. The lecture is usually delivered toward the end of the Spring semester.
The Waights G. Henry, Jr., Endowed Lectureship was established by a gift from the Neighbors Fund, Inc. in memory of Dr. Henry, president and chancellor of LaGrange College for a period of 42 years. Income from the endowment is used to fund the Waights G. Henry, Jr., lecture.
Each Fall at the Opening Convocation, the Arthur H. Thompson Lectureship sponsors an award-winning faculty member to address the college community. The endowment was established by Ms. Mary Will Thompson, Class of 1898, in memory of her husband, who served as chair of the Board of Trustees of the College. He expressed his philosophy in this statement: "The greatest thing in life is the simple faith of an honest man."
LaGrange College has a curriculum and environment that is well suited for preparation for further study in fields such as medicine and engineering. These programs include, but are not necessarily limited to, preparation for the following areas:
For the pre-health professions (Dentistry, Medicine, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Veterinary Medicine), the advising team is chaired by Dr. Melinda Pomeroy-Black and is composed of Dr. Nickie Cauthen and Dr. Melinda Pomeroy-Black. Students who are interested in one of these professions should consult with Dr. Pomeroy-Black for assignment to one of the team members.
Students should consult frequently with Dr. Pomeroy-Black in addition to their primary advisors for their majors. The pre-dental student should select a major as early as possible and work toward the B.S. degree.
The pre-dental student should be familiar with the specific requirements set by the dental schools to which he or she plans to apply, especially as it applies to upper-level Biology courses. There is some variation in the requirements of the various schools, but the minimum requirements set by most schools of dentistry are:
English |
6 semester hours |
Principles of Biology with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Physics with Lab |
4-8 semester hours |
General Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Organic Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Biochemistry |
4 semester hours |
Students should consult early and frequently with Dr. Cauthen in addition to their primary advisors for their majors. The pre-medicine student should select a major as soon as possible and seek the B.S. degree. Medical schools rarely accept candidates with less than the baccalaureate degree.
The student should be familiar with the requirements of the several medical schools to which he or she plans to apply. Requirements vary somewhat in the various medical schools, but the minimum requirements of most medical schools are:
Principles of Biology with Lab |
8 semester hours |
General Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Organic Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Physics |
8 semester hours |
Every applicant must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT also includes topics in psychological science, sociology, and biochemistry; thus, PSYC 1101, SOCI 1101, and at least one semester of biochemistry (CHEM 4421/L) are also recommended courses. It is preferable that applicants take the MCAT in the spring or early summer preceding the submission of his or her application to medical school, but no later than the early fall of that year. Students should take General Chemistry (CHEM 1101-1102) as a first- or second-year student to be on track for the MCAT exam. BIOL 1107-1108 with labs is also suggested for first– or second-year students. Either General Chemistry or Principles of Biology should be taken in the first year in order to stay on track for timely graduation and application to medical school. Medical schools also expect experience in the field of medicine. Students should keep records of dates, duration, and types of experience when participating in shadowing or volunteer or paid work in a hospital, doctor’s office, or other medical facility. Consult your advisor and the Career Center for help setting up a shadowing experience.
Students should consult early and frequently with Dr. Cauthen in addition to their primary advisors for their majors. The pre-PA student should select a major as soon as possible and seek the B.S. degree. PA programs require completion of a baccalaureate degree.
The student should be familiar with the requirements of the several PA programs to which he or she plans to apply. Dr. Cauthen has a table of requirements for PA schools in Georgia that is available upon request. Requirements vary significantly in the various PA programs, but the common requirements of most PA programs are:
Biology with Lab |
8 semester hours |
General Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Organic Chemistry with Lab |
4 semester hours |
Human Anatomy and Physiology |
8 semester hours |
Microbiology |
4 semester hours |
Every applicant must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), preferably 4 to 6 months preceding the submission of his or her application to PA programs. Students should take General Chemistry (CHEM 1101-1102) and Principles of Biology (BIOL 1107 and 1108 with lab) as a first- or second-year student. Either General Chemistry or Principles of Biology should be taken in the first-year to stay on track for timely graduation. PA programs also expect extensive direct/hands-on patient care experience (not shadowing). Students should begin acquiring this experience early and keep records of dates, duration and types of experience for their applications. Consult your advisor for suggestions on how to gain this type of experience.
There are several pre-requisites for a pharmacy school, some of which are not within a science major. Therefore, it is especially important that the pre-pharmacy student should select a major as soon as possible and seek the B.S. degree. Students should consult early and frequently with Dr. Pomeroy-Black in addition to their primary advisors for their majors. While the admission requirements will vary between schools, the minimum requirements set by most schools of pharmacy are:
English |
6 semester hours |
Principles of Biology with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Advanced Biological Science* |
12 semester hours |
Physics |
4 semester hours |
Biochemistry |
3 semester hours |
General Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Organic Chemistry with Lab |
6 semester hours |
Math** |
6 semester hours |
Economics |
3 semester hours |
*Including Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology
**Including MATH 1114 and 2221
Students should take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) as early as practical. Early admission applications are encouraged.
Physical therapists hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. These programs require a baccalaureate degree as well as completion of the pre-physical therapy pre-requisite courses. The pre-requisite courses vary from school to school; you should select your courses after consulting the requirements for your schools of interest and speaking with your advisor. Typical prerequisite courses include chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, Principles of Biology, other biology or exercise science courses, statistics, psychological science, and sociology. Dr. Nickie Cauthen and Dr. Amber Leiker have a table of requirements for PT schools in Georgia that is available upon request. Most schools look for experience working with or observing a certified physical therapist in various settings. Students should keep records of dates and duration of such experience. Consult your advisor and the Career Center for help setting up a shadowing experience.
Students should consult early and frequently with Dr. Pomeroy-Black in addition to their primary advisors for their majors. The pre-veterinary student should select a major as early as possible and work toward the B.S. degree.
The pre-veterinary student should be familiar with the specific requirements of the school to which he or she plans to apply as they vary between schools. The minimum requirements set by most veterinary medicine schools are as follows:
English |
6 semester hours |
Principles of Biology with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Advanced Biological Science |
8-12 semester hours |
Physics |
8 semester hours |
Biochemistry |
3 semester hours |
General Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Organic Chemistry with Lab |
8 semester hours |
Advanced Biological Science |
8-12 semester hours |
Students should take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) no later than the September or December of the year preceding the year of desired entry, depending on the schools to which the student applies. The results should be received by a school by anywhere from October 1 to January 15. It should be noted that some schools also require GRE Subject Tests, such as the Biology and Analytical Writing Subject Tests.
LaGrange College has an engineering preparation program designed to provide a broad liberal arts background while preparing the student for a professional engineering program. Dual-Degree Engineering Programs have been established with Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech) and Auburn University. A student accepted in the Dual-Degree program will attend LaGrange College for approximately three (3) years (90 semester hours if entering under this Bulletin) while he/she completes he/she completesthe general education requirements and the engineering preparatory courses listed at the end of this section. After satisfactorily completing these studies at LaGrange College, the student will then attend the engineering institution (GA Tech or Auburn) and complete a major in engineering, a process that generally takes two to three (2 to 3) additional years. After completion of the degree requirements for both institutions, the student will receive an engineering degree in the selected engineering discipline from the engineering institution and a Bachelor of Arts degree from LaGrange College.
All students considering the Dual-Degree Engineering Program should contact one of the program advisers, Dr. Kevin Ludwick or Dr. Bill McCoy, prior to registration. Students must complete all components of the Core Curriculum, including the College’s exit assessment exam, Cultural Enrichment requirements (modified to 30 CE events), and interim course requirements (modified to 3 interim courses) before transferring to the engineering institution.
The Dual-Degree Engineering Program is best suited for students who are prepared to take Pre-Calculus or Calculus I during the first semester. Dual-Degree Engineering students must satisfactorily complete all of the following courses before attending the engineering institution:
Calculus I, II and III (MATH2221, 2222, 2223)
Differential Equations (MATH2224)
Linear Algebra (required for GA Tech, MATH3335)
Programming in MATLAB for the Sciences (required for GA Tech, MATH2241)
General Chemistry I and II (CHEM1101-1102 and CHEM1101L-1102L)
General Physics I and II (PHYS2121-2122 and PHYS2121L-2122L)
Please note that calculus-based physics (General Physics, PHYS 2121-2122) is required. Students must begin the study of calculus as early as possible in order to be prepared for the physics sequence.
The Georgia Institute of Technology Dual-Degree Program maintains GPA requirements that, for 2017, vary from 3.0-3.3 depending on the intended engineering major.This range applies to both overall GPA and math-science GPA. Students should check the GA Tech website for current requirements under the Dual-Degree Engineering program.
Many students believe that in order to prepare for a career in journalism, they must earn an undergraduate degree in either journalism or communications. This simply is not true. Most publications and graduate professional programs do not require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in those disciplines. What these employers and programs doinsist upon is that their applicants hold a liberal arts degreethat promotes their abilities to think, read, and write critically. Students at LaGrange College can prepare themselves for a career in journalism or communications (or for graduate studies in those fields) by
and/or
First-year students who are interested in journalism and communications should consider enrolling in ENGL 1101J and ENGL 1102J for their required first-year writing courses. These sections will focus on writing for, editing, and publishing LaGrange College’s student newspaper, The Hilltop News. In addition, students in these sections will explore exemplary feature writing and submit articles for publication.
Students should also become actively involved in one or more of the following student publications:
The Hilltop News (our campus newspaper)
The Scroll (our fine arts magazine)
Citations (our scholarly journal of undergraduate research)
Students considering law school should consult with the Pre-Law advisor, beginning in their first year and should meet regularly with other students interested in pre-law at announced meetings of the Pre-Law Advising Committee during the school year. Students entering law school come from varied undergraduate backgrounds. It is not possible to say which major serves as the best preparatory background for law school. Almost every law school bulletin, however, suggests that entering students must have a strong background in political science, history, and English, as well as some elective preparation in either economics, business, sociology, psychological science, and or mathematics. For further information, please contact the pre-law advisor, Professor Jeff Lukken at jlukken@lagrange.edu, x8021.
The Church Leadership Concentration of the Religion program is designed to prepare students for future careers in church service. Many of our graduates take positions in Christian Education or Youth Ministry directly after graduation. Others enroll in seminaries as a preparation for ordained ministry.
LaGrange College is one of only nine (9) colleges in the nation that are authorized by the United Methodist Church to offer certification programs in Youth Ministry and Christian Education. United Methodist students who complete our Church Leadership program fulfill all of the educational requirements needed for professional certification in these fields.