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Dakota Wesleyan University provides a comprehensive and wide-ranging academic program which embodies the best of the liberal arts tradition and comprehensive professional education.
We strive to enhance our offerings to provide a continually innovative and challenging academic program. Visit www.dwu.edu for current information, including changes to this university catalog. We welcome comments about our academic programs. To maintain quality programs, Dakota Wesleyan reserves the right to modify or terminate programs when warranted. The university may change the content, schedule, requirements and means of presentation of courses at any time for educational reasons. Programs, services or other activities of the university may be terminated at any time due to natural disasters, destruction of premises, labor disturbances, governmental orders or other reasons or circumstances beyond the control of the university.
 Our
Academic Mission
The academic mission of Dakota Wesleyan University is spelled out in the
opening sentence of our mission statement:
Dakota Wesleyan University aspires
to excellence in the
liberal arts and professional programs, preparing students
for meaningful careers and lifelong intellectual adventure.
This mission reflects the heritage of teaching and learning at DWU –
grounded in the liberal arts (making a life) and preparation for leadership
and productivity in one’s chosen profession (making a living). This
provides a vision for higher education. Dakota Wesleyan University offers
coursework leading to the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor
of Fine Arts, and Master of Arts degrees.
Colleges
College of Arts and Humanities
In DWU’s College of Arts and Humanities, innovative programs and small classes prepare you for leadership and success. Well-spoken, clear-thinking and thoroughly prepared for the challenges of graduate school and a career, DWU students pursue their passions from a position of strength.
Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences
The Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences prepares students for careers in healthcare, wellness and science-related fields. This college is designed exclusively to prepare students for the most important emerging careers in the healthcare industry. DWU offers a powerful, personalized approach for future healthcare and science professionals, including specialized advising paths for students with graduate school aspirations.
College of Leadership and Public Service
In the College of Leadership and Public Service, faculty help students connect with programs of study based on their strengths. The college is intentional about integrating leadership, professional communication, entrepreneurial thinking and ethics into the learning experience. This unique learning experience emphasizes servant leadership built on ethical foundations and practical experiences that connect each student with opportunity.
Associate
of Arts
Dakota Wesleyan University offers Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees in
the following fields:
Graduation Requirements for Associate of Arts
Candidates for the Associate of Arts degree must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing and basic mathematics. A grade of C or better is required in ENG 111 and all nursing courses for the nursing graduates. LST 101 is required for all new students in Associate of Arts degree programs, unless specifically exempted from this requirement by prior academic experience.
Diplomas and official transcripts will not be released until all financial obligations owed to the university are paid in full.
Bachelor
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Dakota Wesleyan University offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in several majors. Most bachelor degree programs require the completion of a minor. In addition, students pursuing the B.A. degree can take honors courses, pursue internships (required in some majors and minors), study abroad and enhance their education with a variety of elective courses in many interesting areas. Some students will want to complete double majors, often during the normal four-year college career. Students with double majors are advised to notify their academic adviser and the registrar’s office of their intent to double major in order to facilitate timely completion of both majors.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Dakota Wesleyan University provides a unique opportunity for studies related to theatre. Students in this program will have an opportunity to complete certain requirements through traditional classroom, hands-on experiences, and a combination of work on and off campus.
Academic Majors
An academic major is a concentration of courses in a selected area. Academic majors involve a minimum of 30 semester hours of study and are designed to provide a thorough grounding in the basics of a discipline, preparation for careers, and/or preparation for graduate study and professional training. The selection of a major is a crucial part of a student's college career. Some students come to college knowing what they want to major in and will eventually graduate with that major. Other students change majors or minors one or more times before settling into a course of study.
As part of a liberal arts education, students are encouraged to expand their horizons and to be open and adaptable to new experiences. The General Education and support requirements of our curriculum are designed to provide breadth of intellectual experience to every student who graduates from DWU. In addition, most degrees require that students complete a minor in an area that is different from their major, expanding the student’s horizons even further.
On the other hand, a college degree at DWU requires students to develop expertise in at least one subject area – all students must complete a major. In some programs, such as education, nursing or accounting, late declaration of a major may delay graduation beyond the normal time span. Thus, students often experience a tension between needing to choose a major early in their career and taking time for academic exploration before choosing a major. This tension is a normal part of the intellectual adventure of going to college. Although students are encouraged to declare a major as early as their first semester, they should also feel free to take courses in a variety of academic areas, and even to change majors when necessary. In order to complete most four-year bachelor's degree programs, students should select a major and minor by the end of their sophomore year, in consultation with their adviser. See "Graduation Requirements" for Bachelor of Arts.
Dakota Wesleyan University offers academic majors at the baccalaureate
level in the following areas:
In the area of education – preparation for careers in teaching kindergarten through 12th grade – DWU offers the following authorizations approved by the South Dakota Department of Education. The department uses specialized terminology to describe majors and minors in education. An education program is defined as all courses necessary to be certified for teaching in South Dakota.
Dakota Wesleyan University offers the following certification programs:
Biology Education
Elementary Education
English Education
History Education
Mathematics Education
Special Education
An endorsement program is defined as coursework that allows an educator to instruct in a specific field. A student cannot add an endorsement without completing a program. Dakota Wesleyan University offers coursework to prepare for the exams for the following endorsements:
5-8 Middle Level Education
K-12 Special Education
7-12 Special Education
K-8 Special Education
Individualized Majors
Students may plan individualized majors to meet their particular interests and needs. Students using this option will plan their program with their academic advisers, cutting across departmental lines as needed. The Education Policy and Curriculum Committee will then approve, amend or deny the individualized graduation plan.
Academic Minors
An academic minor is a secondary field of study that provides students with a relatively broad introduction to that field. Academic minors provide students with the opportunity to explore and expand their base of academic and professional preparation. An academic minor involves a minimum of 15 semester hours of study. Dakota Wesleyan University offers academic minors in the following areas:
Individualized Minors
Students may plan individualized minors to meet their particular interests and needs. Students using this option will plan their program with their academic advisers, cutting across departmental lines as needed. The Education Policy and Curriculum Committee will then approve, amend or deny the individualized graduation plan.
Preprofessional Programs
Dakota Wesleyan University also provides the following
preprofessional programs for students who want the Wesleyan educational
experience, but who plan to complete a professional undergraduate or graduate
degree program at another institution.
Pre-engineering
Pre-law
Pre-physical therapy
Pre-professional – Allied Health
Pre-theology
Graduation Requirements for Bachelor Degrees
Bachelor degrees are conferred upon a student who successfully completes the following requirements:
- Students must earn at least 125 hours of credit. This may include up to 11 hours in developmental education courses (ENG 101, ENG 102, ENG 107, MTH 120).
- Students must demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics and passing the Basic English Proficiency exam.
- Students in the College of Arts and Humanities must pass two semesters of foreign language.
- LST course sequence and COR courses are required as noted in the LST/COR section.
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 hours in General Education. For specific requirements, see "General Education." General Education courses are also listed by department and identified by a comment at the end of the course description. A course may only count toward one general education category. A student may not count a single course toward two or more general education categories.
- Students must declare one major and one minor. The normal range of hours for a major in the traditional liberal arts disciplines is 30 to 40, generally with at least 12 upper level credit hours. However, some professional programs may require more than 80 hours for the major. A student may elect to earn two majors. No course may count for both a major and a minor or both majors. In cases where a course is required for both a major and a minor, departments will determine alternatives or waive requirements. The student’s first major determines his or her college. Students enrolled in the athletic training, education, nursing, sports management and theater programs do not require a minor.
- Students must complete at least 15 hours in the major, including at least five upper level courses, completed in residence at Dakota Wesleyan University. Grades of NC and below C- are not applicable toward a major, and grades of CR are only for experiential education courses.
- Students must complete a minor, usually consisting of 15 to 28 hours depending on departmental requirements, including required GPA, required courses, comprehensives and thesis. Grades of NC and below C- are not applicable toward a minor, and grades of CR are only for experiential education courses. Students enrolled in the athletic training, education, nursing and sports management programs do not require a minor.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (C) and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all General Education courses. Some departments may require a cumulative GPA above 2.0.
- Students must complete at least 42 semester hours of upper level credit.
- Students must complete their senior year in residence (this means at least 30 of the last 40 hours are under the auspices of Dakota Wesleyan University) except in certain preprofessional curricula.
- Students must complete a required Professional Electronic Portfolio (PEP).
Diplomas and official transcripts will not be released until all financial obligations owed to the university are paid in full.
Master
of Arts – Education
The Master of Arts program is designed to serve the region’s educational communities. Students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours and complete a capstone course. Students may choose, for their capstone, to write a research thesis and defend it, take a comprehensive examination or prepare a rigorous proposal. The DWU Master of Arts is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Accreditation Association and is affirmed by the South Dakota Department of Education.
The mission of DWU graduate studies is to provide high-quality graduate programs in a liberal arts environment by emphasizing the values of learning, leadership, faith and service. We strive to promote excellence in teaching, learning, scholarship and research. The graduate studies division provides guidance for development of programs in order to ensure rigorous academic preparation and leadership opportunities for professional development.
Education Objectives
- Amplify and refresh instructional pedagogy of area educators, which will reinvigorate area school environments;
- Provide a professional growth setting for area educators; and
- Encourage exploration of contemporary instructional practice and investigative application of identified practices.
Graduation Requirements
The Master of Arts degree is conferred upon students who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and successfully complete one or more of the following concentrations:
- Curriculum and Instruction - requires a minimum of 36 coursework credit hours and a capstone. For their capstone, students may choose to write a research thesis and defend it, take a comprehensive examination or prepare a rigorous proposal. This degree is an enhancement of previous study. It is not a degree leading to certification or administration.
- Pre K-12 Principal Certification and Degree - requires a minimum of 36 coursework credit hours, a capstone and two Pre K-12 internships. For their capstone students may choose to write a research thesis and defend it, take a comprehensive examination or prepare a rigorous proposal.
- Secondary Certification and Degree - requires a minimum of 37 coursework credit hours, student teaching and a capstone. For their capstone students may choose to write a research thesis and defend it, take a comprehensive examination or prepare a rigorous proposal.
- Educational Policy and Administration - requires a minimum of 36 coursework credit hours and a capstone. For their capstone students may choose to write a research thesis and defend it, take a comprehensive examination or prepare a rigorous proposal.
- History Instruction – requires a minimum of 30 coursework credit hours, pass a comprehensive exam, and develop an electronic portfolio consisting of an accumulation of coursework.
See the “Master of Arts – Education”
section for complete information on the program.
Assessment Plan
DWU faculty and staff are committed to an ongoing process of assessment and have chosen the Professional Electronic Portfolio (PEP) as the major assessment method included with other supportive assessment tools. The PEP will enable each student to showcase his or her accomplishments, competencies and experiences while at DWU. In addition, the PEP promotes student reflection related to his or her learning and enhances skills and abilities related to life-long learning. All students in baccalaureate programs of study are required to complete a PEP. The contents of the portfolio will include samples of the student’s scholarly work and cocurricular experiences which will enable faculty and staff to assess the achievement of university and program student learning outcomes as well as to make improvements that enhance the student’s curricular and cocurricular learning experience.
Philosophy
of General Education
The DWU General Education Philosophy flows from the DWU mission, vision and values statements, which provide a foundation for the development of a liberal arts general education program of study at DWU. Five themes, or pillars, flow from the values of learning, leadership, faith and service, and they serve as the framework for the DWU General Education program that enhances students’ abilities in the areas of critical and collaborative thinking, effective expression, cultural and global awareness, civic values and engagement, and personal growth and maturity.
The primary purpose of the DWU General Education program is to prepare students to be servant leaders and to live in and contribute to a complex, ever-changing, diverse and multicultural world. Toward these ends, DWU faculty and staff are committed to providing students with learning experiences that will develop such abilities. Affirming our mission to “educate students in service to God and humanity” and affirming learning, leadership, faith and service as core values, the faculty uphold the following philosophy of general education. The faculty at DWU believe that a general education program of study that supports a liberal arts world view will:
- promote the search for truth and meaning;
- be undergirded with teaching and learning strategies that enhance reflection, introspection and respect for diverse views;
- foster learning through an interdisciplinary approach that examines the world through the lens of multiple perspectives;
- include diverse perspectives and contributions in the exploration of societal and global issues;
- encourage the unbiased, critical exploration of ideas and issues which foster the goal of negotiated agreement versus conflict;
- foster a critical and collaborative approach to learning and problem solving;
- provide insight into ethical issues and guide the development of a process for responsible decision making;
- support the effective communication and expression of ideas;
- promote the attributes embedded in servant leadership;
- support the exploration of one’s faith in God, recognizing the diversity of religious perspectives;
- nurture commitment to self-understanding, lifelong learning, personal growth and wellness; and
- support the exploration of art, theatre and music, as a vehicle for the enhancement of self-confidence, self-expression and well being.
Five Foundational Pillars
The General Education program of study supports the tenets articulated in the DWU Philosophy of General Education. Five foundational pillars serve as a guiding framework for the General Education courses.
| Critical
and Collaborative Thinking |
Effective Expression |
Cultural and Global Awareness
|
Civic Values and Engagement |
Personal Growth and Maturity |
| The student will:
1. demonstrate individual and collaborative problem solving skills. |
The student will:
1. create examples of effective communication using oral, written
and visual forms. |
The student will:
1. compare and contrast diverse perspectives, beliefs and cultures. |
The student will:
1. evaluate various ethical standards and determine how they
apply to issues of contemporary life. |
The student will:
1. evaluate his or her emotional, intellectual and spiritual
growth. |
| 2. access, critique the validity of, evaluate the relevance of
and synthesize information related to a given problem or issue.
|
2. critique various forms of creative expression. |
2. recognize global issues, evaluate current responses and propose
and defend possible solutions. |
2. provide service to others in the local, national and/ or global
arena. |
2. design, implement and evaluate a plan that enhances positive
lifestyle behaviors. |
University Student Learning Outcomes
DWU student learning outcomes flow from the five foundational pillars of critical and collaborative thinking, effective expression, cultural and global awareness, civic values and engagement, and personal growth and maturity. The five foundational pillars in turn flow from the DWU mission, vision and values of learning, leadership, faith and service. The DWU General Education program courses are developed and chosen in light of the five foundational pillars and related university student learning outcomes. The pillars display the relationship among the DWU mission, vision, values, five foundational pillars, university student learning outcomes and DWU General Education program courses.
The student’s first major is the college of record for General Education requirements. Designated subject areas in General Education are:
| Areas |
College of
Arts and
Humanities |
Donna Starr Christen College of
Healthcare, Fitness
and Sciences |
College of
Leadership and
Public Service |
| |
Credit Hours |
Credit Hours |
Credit Hours
|
| Critical and Collaborative Thinking |
|
|
|
Cognitive Analysis |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Quantitative
Reasoning |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Historical
Thinking and Analysis |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Science
Technology and Human Experience |
3 |
7-8 |
3 |
| Effective Expression |
|
|
|
| Written |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Oral |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Literary
Analysis |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Artistic
Appreciation |
3 |
3 |
| Cultural and Global Awareness |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Civic Values and Engagement |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Personal Growth and Maturity |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Faculty may, from time to time, offer special courses that students take for General Education credit. Such courses must be approved by the faculty’s General Education Committee and Education Policy and Curriculum Committee and will be identified in the course schedule as General Education credit.
Approved General Education Courses
Learn Strong and Core Courses (all
courses required)
| LST 101 |
Learn Strong I: Discovery of the Self |
LST 201 |
Learn Strong II: Discovery of Your World |
LST 301 |
Learn Strong III: Discovery of Your Role |
LST 401 |
Learn Strong IV: Embracing Your Responsibility |
COR 101 |
Interdisciplinary Investigations I |
COR 301 |
Interdisciplinary Investigations II |
Critical and Collaborative Thinking
Cognitive Analysis
| PHL 212 |
Introduction to Critical Thinking |
PSY 131 |
General Psychology |
PSY 237 |
Developmental Psychology |
Quantitative Reasoning
| MTH 115 |
Mathematics for the Liberal Arts |
MTH 125 |
College Algebra |
MTH 200 |
Statistical Methods I |
MTH 210 |
Calculus I |
Historical Thinking and Analysis
| HIS 101 |
World History I |
HIS 102 |
World History II |
HIS 201 |
U.S. History I |
HIS 202 |
U.S. History II |
HIS 302* |
America since 1945 |
HIS/POL 351* |
American Foreign Policy |
Science Technology and Human Experience
| AST 100 |
Introduction to Astronomy |
BIO 101 |
General Biology I |
BIO 115 |
Environmental Science |
| BIO 120 |
Principles of Biology I |
BIO 330* |
Anatomy & Physiology II |
CHM 150 |
General Chemistry I |
PHS 100 |
Physical Science: Physics and the Atomic Nature
of Matter |
PHS 101 |
Physical Science: Chemistry, Earth and Space |
Effective Expression
Written (Required)
| ENG 111 |
Expository Writing |
Oral (Required)
| CTH 101 |
Fundamentals of Speech Communication |
Literary Analysis
| ENG 205 |
British Literature I |
ENG 206 |
British Literature II |
ENG 221 |
American Literature I |
ENG 222 |
American Literature II |
ENG 227 |
Literature of European Civilization I |
ENG 228 |
Literature of European Civilization II |
ENG 314* |
American Multiethnic Literature |
Artistic Appreciation
DRM 131 |
Introduction to Theatre |
DRM 203 |
Acting I |
ENG 202 |
Creative Writing |
| GDS 101 |
Introduction to Basic Design |
| GDS 120 |
Art Appreciation |
| GDS 205 |
Photography Foundations |
MUS 120 |
Introduction to Western Music |
Cultural and Global Awareness
DRM 369* |
World Culture in Film |
EDU 335 |
American Indian Education |
ENG 201 |
Introduction to Literature |
ENG 315* |
Women Writers |
LAN 105 |
Conversational German I |
LAN 115 |
Conversational Italian I |
MUS 250 |
World Music |
REL 314* |
World Religions |
REL 461* |
Travel Seminar |
SOC 152 |
Introduction to Sociology |
SOC 227/427* |
Introduction to Women’s Studies |
SOC 317* |
Minority Groups |
Civic Values and Engagement
| BUS/PHL 381* |
Business Ethics and Social Policy |
CRJ 250 |
American Legal System |
PHL 220 |
Introduction to Ethical Issues |
PHL 305* |
Biomedical Ethics |
POL 153 |
U.S. Government |
PSL 210 |
Introduction Leadership and Public Service |
REL 240 |
Sexuality, Spirituality and Loving |
Personal Growth and Maturity
| PHL 101 |
Philosophy of Life |
REL 201 |
Introduction to the Bible |
REL 215 |
The Life and Teachings of Jesus |
REL 216 |
The Life and Letters of Paul |
REL 225 |
Introduction to Religious Beliefs |
REL 360 * |
Death, Dying and Life after Death |
| REL 370* |
Pop Culture and Theology |
SOC 154 |
Marriage and the Family |
*with faculty approval
Students are required to complete a minimum of 42 semester hours in General Education as outlined above. Students must have an overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (C) in all courses used to fulfill the General Education requirement. The CR/NC option is available only for General Education courses that will not apply to a major or minor. Up to 27 semester hours of nontraditional credit may apply toward the General Education requirements.
General Education courses are identified in the department sections of the catalog by comments at the end of the appropriate course descriptions. A student may not count a single course toward two or more General Education categories.
The basic skills in reading and writing are demonstrated by passing ENG 111 with a grade of C or better, and passing the Basic English Proficiency exam; and mathematics by passing MTH 115, MTH 125 or higher.
Transfer students will be required to take COR 301 Interdisciplinary Investigations II unless, through your adviser, an exception is granted by the Education, Policy and Curriculum Committee or, a comparable transfer course is approved.
Opportunities
to Broaden and Enhance the Academic Experience
In addition to the General Education requirements, there are several opportunities
for students to broaden and enhance their academic experience.
George and Eleanor McGovern Library and Center for Leadership and
Public Service
The McGovern
Library is a multifaceted facility at Dakota Wesleyan University that
honors George and Eleanor McGovern, distinguished alumni who have served
South Dakota, the United States and the world. George McGovern was a professor
of history at DWU before beginning his political career.
The McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service links DWU’s
academic resources with the McGovern Archives and a legacy exhibit to
produce a comprehensive array of programs. McGovern Lectures and other
workshops are offered for students and the larger community. Inspired
by the McGoverns' example, the center’s purpose is to equip and
inspire students and visitors to lives of effective and ethical leadership
and public service for the benefit of individuals, society and the world.
See Leadership and Public Service.
The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship
The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship teaches and promotes entrepreneurship through the development and enhancement of educational curriculum, outreach, service, leadership training, scholarships and experiential learning opportunities. The Kelley Center’s mission is to assist in the development of entrepreneurial leaders in business, government and the nonprofit sectors.
The Kelley Center offers inspiring educational and experiential learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their major. Students who are involved with the Kelley Center will have opportunities to explore their creative and innovative ideas, gain support for those ideas through a strong network of regional and state-wide resources, develop leadership skills and learn how to articulate their ideas effectively. Students may elect to take entrepreneurship classes, be involved with Students in Free Enterprise, attend special events and conferences, meet with a career counselor about their passions, participate in an internship, confer with a small business consultant, learn how to write a business plan, meet with successful entrepreneurs, and/or brainstorm their ideas.
The Kelley Center also hosts the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides free business consulting services for students, faculty and staff, and regional clients. The main purpose of this partnership is to help new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership and assist existing businesses in their efforts to remain competitive. The SBDC outreach provides professional, confidential and no-cost business consulting services, including one-on-one counseling and training to individuals planning to start a business, expand their existing business or those who need some type of specialized business assistance.
The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship was created from the vision and major gift from successful entrepreneur Rollie Kelley ’49. His desire to nurture an entrepreneurial leadership spirit in individuals, regardless of their chosen professions, led him to donate a gift to DWU to establish the Kelley Center.
Internships
Internships provide students with an opportunity to explore and affirm career goals while also gaining professional experience and exposure. These experiences allow students to apply classroom theory to real-world situations. In addition, internships assist in the development of essential skills needed in a particular field and build confidence. Experiential learning is valued and encouraged at Dakota Wesleyan University. DWU students have completed internships in such places as the U.S. Department of Justice; the FBI; the Internal Revenue Service; corporate fitness and sports centers across the country; local hospitals and schools; state and local agencies; countless faith-based nonprofit organizations; and various environmental research organizations. Internships are one way DWU students begin to embrace their career paths while also making meaningful connections and contributions to the organizations in which they serve.
The Kelley Center serves as the primary office and resource center for students wishing to pursue internships. The Kelley Center educates students in self-directed learning, self-assessment, career exploration, faith integration and professional development.
Honors
Program (HON)
The DWU Honors Program is a four-year honors program that provides highly motivated students with experiences designed to expand their personal and professional horizons by developing their interpersonal and intellectual excellence to become leaders within the DWU learning community. The university offers research opportunities and other special programs to members of the Honors Program. Students should consult with their adviser about enrollment in the Honors Program.
Students who complete all requirements of the Honors Program and have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will be recognized in the commencement program.
Travel
Courses and Study Abroad
Travel Courses
Course proposals for May term or summer travel may be initiated by students with the help of a faculty sponsor or by a faculty member. These proposals must be submitted to the provost by Nov. 1 of the academic year in which the course is to be offered.
Study Abroad
There are many opportunities for DWU students to study abroad. As a participating member of the Central College Abroad program, DWU students are able to enroll in established programs around the world. Also, an exchange program has been established in Ireland, allowing Irish students to attend DWU and DWU students to attend universities in Ireland with tuition waived by the host school. There is a yearly study abroad experience available from a partnership with the Anglo-American College in Prague, Czech Republic, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and the National Association of Schools and Colleges of The United Methodist Church. In this unique opportunity, students at United Methodist-related colleges can study in historic and cosmopolitan settings in central Europe. Students may study for a year, a semester or the summer term. Other study abroad opportunities are also available. For more information, contact the office of the provost.
Honors
of the University
In addition to the Honors Program, DWU recognizes the achievements and
abilities of students who pursue academic excellence at Dakota Wesleyan
University by bestowing graduation honors, sponsoring honor societies
and presenting various awards to eligible students.
Graduation Honors
A student graduates with honors from Dakota Wesleyan University if he/she
has achieved one of the following levels in his/her cumulative GPA for
the total credit-bearing coursework for the bachelor's degree:
| Cumulative
GPA |
Honor |
| 3.85
|
Summa
Cum Laude |
| 3.70
|
Magna
Cum Laude |
| 3.50
|
Cum
Laude |
Students graduating with an Associate of Arts degree
with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher will receive “with honors”
designation in the commencement program.
Honors in Scholarship
Students who earn recognition for honors in scholarship must be in current attendance with a GPA of 3.5 for all work at Dakota Wesleyan University and elsewhere. Juniors and seniors must have successfully completed at least two semesters; sophomores, one semester; and freshmen, part-time and special students, 15 hours at Wesleyan. Honors in scholarship are recognized at Honors Sunday each spring.
Honor Societies
Dakota Wesleyan University has a number of honor societies that recognize
scholarship and achievement. The following honor societies present awards
annually at Honors Sunday. Specific descriptions of the awards are available
in the office of the provost.
| Alpha Psi Omega |
Theater |
| Phi Kappa Phi |
Honors |
| Pi Gamma Mu |
Social Science |
| Pi Kappa Delta |
Forensics |
| Psi Chi |
Psychology |
| Sigma Tau Delta |
English |
| Sigma Zeta |
Science/Mathematics |
Alumni Medals
Alumni medals are presented to outstanding graduating seniors in various
departments at Dakota Wesleyan University during Honors Sunday. Departments
make their selection based upon scholarship and performance. Specific
descriptions of the awards are available in the office of the provost.
Departmental Awards
Certain departments designate specific awards to recognize students for
their achievement and leadership in a particular discipline. Many of the
awards are given in memory of individuals and are presented at the annual
Honors Sunday. Specific descriptions of the awards are available in the
office of the provost.
Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities
Upper-class students who earn recognition for outstanding campus leadership
and scholastic ability are selected to appear in Who’s Who Among
Students in American Colleges and Universities. The number eligible for
this recognition is based upon a percentage of the student body. A campus
committee determines selection.
Bishop Armstrong Peace and Justice Award
In honor of the 12 years Bishop A. James Armstrong served in the Dakotas, the DWU Board of Trustees established the Bishop Armstrong Peace and Justice Award. This award is presented each year to students or staff who, by their actions and qualities, clearly demonstrate the interrelatedness of religious ethics and concern for national and international issues. Students who are considered for the award typically have been involved in several types of activities that demonstrate their awareness of and willingness to address a variety of human needs and issues that have national and international implications. Candidates must also have demonstrated in some way that their involvements are rooted in their religious commitments.
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