Introduction

Mission Statement

Seton Hill is a Catholic university rooted in Judeo-Christian values. In the tradition of Elizabeth Ann Seton, we educate students to think and act critically, creatively, and ethically as productive members of society committed to transforming the world.

Learning Objectives

Upon receipt of a baccalaureate degree from Seton Hill University, a graduate will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

Communication and Problem Solving

• Use the expressive arts as a mode of inquiry or expression.
• Demonstrate leadership, negotiation, relational, and consensus skills.
• Use technological skills to access information, organize knowledge, and communicate.
• Propose new solutions to current issues.
• Express arguments or main points clearly, in written and oral communication.
• Transfer knowledge and values into sound decision-making.

Historical, Cultural, and Global Awareness

• Communicate in a second language at college-level introductory proficiency.
• Analyze the impact of history, geography, and socio-cultural dynamics on global interactions from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
• Analyze current and historical events through the lens of spirituality and faith.
• Assess privilege and oppression from the perspective of culture, race, class, and gender.

Multiple Modes of Inquiry

• Generate and analyze numerical and scientific data.
• Locate and analyze expressive media to gain information or comprehend the significance of an issue or an event.
• Organize and manage resources in a creative way to achieve impact.
• Find, evaluate, and apply information.
• Interpret quantitative and qualitative information to present a logical argument based on supporting data.

Self Reflection and Assessment

• Demonstrate ethical decision-making grounded in philosophical inquiry.
• Apply Catholic social teaching to the analysis of contemporary social issues.
• Recognize the value of diverse spiritual and religious perspectives.
• Integrate the practice of charity with justice.
• Exercise responsible freedom and civic engagement based on an informed value system.

Requirements for Degree

Seton Hill University grants these degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Science. For Master’s level degrees, see the specific program’s section for requirements. Any student who has completed the following is eligible to receive the undergraduate degree appropriate to the curriculum chosen:

1. a minimum total of 120 credits earned; a minimum of 48 credits earned, including the last 30, while registered at Seton Hill.

2. a cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) or better, with at least a C - in every course required for the major and the minor and the Liberal Arts Curriculum, and an average of C (2.0) or better in courses required for the major.

3. the completion of a capstone assessment for the major.

4. the completion of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

5. the completion of courses required for an academic major or an approved self-designed major. A maximum of 18 credits of experiential learning experiences may be counted toward the degree. At least one half of the credits required for the major must be earned at Seton Hill.

6. a formal application for degree which must be submitted to the Registrar before the beginning of the last semester of study and not later than March 15 or the Friday before if March 15 falls on a weekend (for expected May or June graduation), June 15 or the Friday before if June 15 falls on a weekend (for expected August graduation), or October 15 or the Friday before if October 15 falls on a weekend (for expected December or January graduation).

Requirements for Second Bachelor’s Degree

1. A student who has a baccalaureate degree from Seton Hill may earn a second Bachelor’s degree by satisfying the requirements of the major and earning at least 30 Seton Hill credits after the first degree was awarded and completing the capstone assessment for the major.

2. A student who wishes to earn two different baccalaureate degrees from Seton Hill in the same semester must satisfy the requirements of the major in each degree program and the capstone assessment for each major and must additionally complete at least 30 credits beyond the 120 credits required for the Bachelor’s degree.

3. A student who has a Bachelor’s degree from another institution may earn a second Bachelor’s degree by satisfying the requirements of the major and earning at least 48 Seton Hill credits and completing the capstone assessment for the major. At least one half of the credits required for the major must be earned at Seton Hill.

Writing Intensive Courses

Writing serves many purposes, including communication, self-expression, exploration of new ideas, presentation of information, debate, reflection, and learning. At Seton Hill, students write for a wide variety of contexts in and out of the classroom. Recognizing that writing differs based on its purpose and its audience becomes an essential skill for success. Having the flexibility to write in multiple modes prepares students for the writing contexts they will encounter in the world. As a part of this preparation, students practice the building blocks of academic writing and learn to make strong arguments about cultural issues in the first year writing courses. Seton Hill students also learn the writing conventions, contexts, and techniques unique to their disciplines in special courses designated as “writing intensive”. Bachelor degree students are required to take at least one writing intensive course in their major for graduation and may choose additional writing intensive courses as electives.

Capstone Assessment

Competency demonstration of the learning objectives is shown through required activities unique to each major program. Common to the capstone assessment are student activities that demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives in the major field, as informed by the University’s learning objectives. The specific requirements for the major capstone assessment are found in the catalog along with the major requirements.

The capstone requirement for second degree students will be a modified assessment appropriate to their previous completion of general education or liberal arts requirements. The details of the modified capstone assessment will be determined by the supervisor for the capstone requirement for the major. At the time of matriculation, the academic advisor will ensure that the student and the supervisor for the capstone assessment communicate regarding the details (requirements) for the student’s capstone assessment.

Philosophy and Educational Objectives of Graduate Study

As a liberal arts university, rooted in Judeo-Christian philosophy and in the Catholic intellectual tradition, Seton Hill is committed to the holistic development of students who are pursuing graduate education. By providing advanced study within a liberal arts context, Seton Hill University aims to contribute to the preparation of highly qualified professional women and men whose education will enable them to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century and enjoy fruitful personal and professional lives.

Seton Hill believes that the preparation of persons for specialized careers within a small, private university permits greater attention to all aspects of individual development - intellectual, social, moral, aesthetic, and physical. It hopes in turn that these professionals will share their knowledge and talents with those whose lives they touch.

In order to realize this philosophy, Seton Hill University expects every candidate for a master’s degree or graduate certificate to achieve the following objectives:

• To become a reflective practitioner of the discipline being mastered and develop a professional philosophy which integrates theory, practice, research, and methodology.
• To become a scholar-practitioner, analyzing, critiquing, and evaluating the discipline, its current research, research methodology, and the relationship between its theory and practice.
• To master the practical skills appropriate to the discipline, becoming an effective and creative practitioner capable of developing new knowledge in the field and applying it in innovative ways.
• To become a social change agent aware of one’s personal value system and its impact on professional practice, as well as one’s social responsibility to the profession and to society.
• To develop effective communication skills, including the ability to deliver clear written and oral presentations.
• To be aware of and able to apply ethical standards appropriate to the discipline.
• To recognize that a discipline develops within the context of a multi-cultural and pluralistic society, understanding the relevance and importance of social and cultural differences as defined by privilege and/or oppression.