Dakota Wesleyan University provides a comprehensive and wide-ranging academic program that 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 from semester to semester for financial or other reasons 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 and Master of Arts degrees.

Associate of Arts
Dakota Wesleyan University offers Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees in the following fields:

Business Administration General Studies

Criminal Justice Nursing (R.N.)

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. ADV 101 is required for all new students in Associate of Arts degree programs, unless specifically exempted from this requirement by prior academic experience.

Students must make payment in full for all financial obligations owed to the university. Students must comply with the behavioral and residential standards of the university.

Bachelor of Arts
Dakota Wesleyan University offers the Bachelor of Arts 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.

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."

Dakota Wesleyan University offers academic majors at the baccalaureate level in the following areas:

Accounting Art (and Art Education) Athletic Training Behavioral Sciences Biochemistry Biology (and Biology Education) Business Administration (and Business Education) emphasis in Agribusiness emphasis in Economics emphasis in Finance emphasis in Information Management emphasis in Management emphasis in Marketing Church Music Communication Criminal Justice Education—programs in elementary education (K-8 with middle level) and K-12 (see list of programs and endorsements below) English (and English Education) emphasis in Creative Writing emphasis in Journalism

History (and History Education and Social Science Composite) Human Services Mathematics (and Mathematics Education) Multimedia Music (Vocal/Choral Music Education) Nursing Physical Education Psychology Public Service and Leadership Religion and Philosophy Special Education Sport, Exercise and Wellness Sports Management emphasis in Sports Club and Fitness Management emphasis in Sports Facility and Personnel Management emphasis in Sports Marketing and Promotion Theatre Wildlife Management

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. Education programs are roughly equivalent to majors and minors. An endorsement is defined as coursework, in addition to the education program, that allows an educator to instruct in a specific field. Students cannot add an endorsement without completing a program.

Dakota Wesleyan University offers the following certification programs:

Art Education
Biology Education
Business Education
Education Technology
Elementary Education
English Education
History Education
Mathematics Education
Physical Education
Social Science Education
Special Education
Vocal/Choral Music 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 the following endorsements:

Birth Through Preschool Education Endorsement
Birth Through Preschool Special Education Endorsement
Coach Education Endorsement
Kindergarten Education Endorsement
5-8 Middle Level Education Endorsement
5-8 Middle Level Education Endorsement–English/Language Arts
5-8 Middle Level Education Endorsement–Mathematics
5-8 Middle Level Education Endorsement–Science
5-8 Middle Level Education Endorsement–Social Science
7-12 Biology Education Endorsement
7-12 Chemistry Education Endorsement
7-12 Economics Education Endorsement
7-12 History Education Endorsement
7-12 Language Arts–Composition/Grammar/Mass Communication Education Endorsement
7-12 Language Arts–Drama/Theatre Education Endorsement
7-12 Language Arts–Literature Education Endorsement
7-12 Language Arts–Literature/Composition/Grammar Education Endorsement
7-12 Language Arts–Speech/Debate Endorsement
7-12 Mathematics Education Endorsement
7-12 Physical Science Education Endorsement
7-12 Political Science Education Endorsement
7-12 Psychology Education Endorsement
7-12 Sociology Education Endorsement
K-12 Adapted Physical Education Endorsement
K-12 Art Education Endorsement
K-12 Comprehensive School Health Endorsement
K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement
K-12 Physical Education Endorsement
K-12 Vocal Music Education Endorsement

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:

Art	Forensic Accounting
Behavioral Sciences	History
Biochemistry	Human Services
Biology	Language
Business Administration	Legal Studies
Chemistry	Mathematics
Coaching	Multimedia
Communication	Music
Computers and Technology	Political Science
Criminal Justice	Psychology
Cultural Studies	Public Service and Leadership
Desktop Publishing	Religion and Philosophy
English	Sociology
Entrepreneurial Leadership	Theatre
Fine Arts

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-medicine and health arts professions
Pre-physical therapy
Pre-theology

Graduation Requirements for Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree is conferred upon a student who successfully completes the following requirements:

1. Students must earn at least 125 hours of credit. This may include up to 11 hours in developmental education courses (ENG 101, ENG 102, MTH 110).
2. Students must demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics and computers.
3. ADV 101 is required for all new students unless exempted by the vice president for academic affairs.
4. 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.
5. Students must declare one major and one minor. 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.
6. 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 CR, NC and below C- are not applicable toward a major. The normal range of hours for a major in the traditional liberal arts disciplines is 30 to 40. However, some professional programs may require more than 80 hours for the major.
7. 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 CR, NC and below C- are not applicable toward a minor.
8. 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.
9. Students must complete at least 42 semester hours of upper level credit.
10. 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.
11. Students must complete a required assessment examination. Students who have not fulfilled this requirement will not have met their academic requirements for graduation and will not be allowed to graduate.
12. Students must pay in full all financial obligations owed to the university.
13. Students must comply with the behavioral and residential standards of the university.
    

• learn the methods by which knowledge is gained in specific disciplines, use knowledge derived from formal study to solve problems, and acquire individual and collaborative problem-solving and decision-making skills;
• develop insights into questions of meaning and value – both personal and social;
• experience and develop oral, written and artistic modes of expression;
• become exposed to various issues from different perspectives and in different disciplinary, historical, social and cultural context; and
• have the opportunity to enhance and apply personal strengths and convictions in the process of intellectual and personal growth.

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 Education Policy and Curriculum Committee and will be identified in the course schedule as General Education credit.

Approved General Education Courses

Cultural Awareness (one course from the following)

History (one course from the following)

Literature and the Arts (one course in literature and one in arts)
Literature

Arts

Mathematics (one course from the following)

Natural Science and its Methods
(one course in life science and one course in physical science)
Life Science

Physical Science

Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
(one course in religion and one course in philosophy or religion)

Fitness and Lifetime Physical Activities
(must have PED 120 and one credit hour of PED 099-118)

Social, Psychological, and Political Thought
(one course in individual and one course in institutional)
Individual

Institutional

Written and Oral Communication (one course in written and one course in oral)
Written

Oral

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 maximum number of General Education courses that can be used from any department is two. 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.

The basic skills in reading and writing are demonstrated by passing ENG 111 or ENG 312 with a grade of C or better and passing a Basic English Proficiency exam; mathematics by passing MTH 115, MTH 125 or higher; and computers by passing CAT 105 or a computer proficiency exam given by our computer and multimedia department.

Master of Arts–Education
Offering a broad-based and constructivist philosophy of instructional pedagogy, the Master of Arts program strives to serve students, Dakota Wesleyan University and the regional educational communities. Students complete 36 hours, including six hours of electives approved by the program director. Students will prepare an action research paper and defend their thesis. Students will also develop an electronic portfolio and make a presentation as a requirement for graduation from the program.

The Master of Arts in education has these objectives:

to amplify and refresh instructional pedagogy of area educators, which in turn will reinvigorate area school environments;

• to provide a professional growth setting for area educators;
• to encourage exploration of contemporary instructional practice and investigative application of identified practices;
• to promote focused study of current educational scheme and methodology;
• to target classroom diversity and accommodation in direct relationship to constructivist theory, according to the DWU Education Department mission and philosophy; and
• to substantiate methods of instruction and application of the DWU undergraduate education department with concerted, continuing evaluation and assessment in connection with graduate practices.

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 public service and leadership for the benefit of individuals, society and the world. See “Public Service and Leadership” for the current academic program.

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 a minor in entrepreneurial leadership and expands the teaching of entrepreneurship across DWU academic offerings.

The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship was created from the vision and major gift from successful entrepreneur Rollie Kelley ’69. 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.

University Scholars Program (USP)
The University Scholars 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 two or more courses each semester under the USP designation. Other courses can be offered individually as USP courses with the consent of the instructor and a contract between the instructor and the USP student, which outlines the criteria for an honors-level course.

Students who complete all requirements of the USP and have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will be designated as a University Scholar in the Commencement program.

Information about the USP and its requirements for admission are available from the program director or the office of academic affairs and dean.

Internships
www.dwu.edu/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. Internships are available to all students.

Capitol Hill Internship Program, sponsored by the United Methodist College Washington Consortium
Dakota Wesleyan is a charter member of the United Methodist College Washington Consortium, a group of 12 colleges and universities in the Midwest and southern United States that provides comprehensive internships in the Washington, D.C., area. Students from consortium institutions can receive 12 to 15 hours of college credit from their home college or university by participating in this one semester program that includes:

• a full-time (32 hour) internship with the U.S. Congress, a federal agency, a museum or foundation, non governmental agencies (such as the World Bank), or major corporations in Washington;
• a three credit-hour internship seminar;
• an additional three credit hour course (including courses in public policy, business, art or history);
• extracurricular activities (such as visiting museums and historical sites, as well as attending cultural events); and
• housing (in addition to tuition) just blocks from the Capitol building (in one of the safest and most enjoyable areas of Washington). 

Internships are available in either the fall or spring semester.

Admission Requirements:

1. The applicant must be a junior or senior in good academic standing in any academic major at one of the participating colleges. Second semester sophomores may be considered under special circumstances.
2. The applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.
3. The applicant must complete an application.

To apply, students should complete an application form available in the academic affairs office. Costs will vary.

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 vice president for academic affairs and dean by Nov. 1 of the academic year in which the course is to be offered.

Study Abroad
There are numerous 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 vice president for academic affairs and dean.

Honors of the University
In addition to the University Scholars 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 is graduated 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:

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 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 vice president for academic affairs and dean:

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 vice president for academic affairs and dean.

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 vice president for academic affairs and dean.

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. The candidates must also have demonstrated in some way that their involvements are rooted in their religious commitments.