College of Arts and Sciences 

Admissions, Academic and Degree Requirements

Please Note: Fine Arts majors should refer to program requirements listed in the Division of Fine Arts section of this Bulletin.

Art Department

Students must submit a portfolio for admission to the B.F.A. degree program in studio art. In addition, two letters of recommendation and an interview may be required if all admission requirements are not met or surpassed.

Students enrolled in B.A. degree programs must meet the standards and requirements set by the college and the university.

Music Department

In addition to the required SAT score of 920 or a comparable test score, one must successfully complete an audition of his/her performance medium before acceptance is gained to the Music Department. Consequently, one may be accepted by the University but not accepted by the Music Department if the audition is not successful. One should contact the Department of Music (202) 806-7082 for specific information concerning the audition.

Theatre Arts Department

To be admitted to the Department of Theatre Arts, applicants must submit a combined SAT score of 920, two letters of recommendation and a completed resume. Students will be auditioned/interviewed for placement in departmental programs upon arrival.

Transfer Credits

1. (a) Students from regionally accredited junior (two-year) colleges may transfer a maximum of sixty-five (65) credits at the time of enrollment in the College; (b) Students from regionally accredited four-year colleges may transfer a maximum of ninety (90) credits at the time of enrollment in the College.

2. (a) Students may take summer courses at other institutions with official approval from the following: chairman of the department of the discipline involved, the chairman of the major department, and the Dean of the College of his/her designee; (b) Students who have already transferred the maximum of sixty-five (65) credits from a regionally accredited junior (two-year) college will be permitted to transfer additional credits earned during the summer only from a 4-year accredited institution; (c) Students may use officially approved summer courses taken at other institutions to satisfy any requirement. This would include those courses which do not have departmental equivalents, but which have equivalents in another Howard University school or college; and (d) Students who live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area may take summer courses at regionally accredited institutions within said area.

3. (a) Students must earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in a course for which they seek transfer credit; and( b) Students who transfer from other institutions will receive credit for the number of hours and courses transferred. Grades and grade point averages earned at other institutions are not transferable to the College.

Academic Information

Degree Programs

The College of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor’s degrees in the following areas:

Bachelor of Arts: African Studies, Afro-American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Art Management, Classical Civilization, Economics, English, Fashion Merchandising, French, German, Greek, History, Interior Design, Latin, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Russian, Sociology, Administration of Justice, and Spanish.

Bachelor of Science: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, and Psychology.

Bachelor of Music: Composition, Jazz Studies, Music History, Voice, Piano, Orchestra Instruction, Music Business, Music Therapy, and Music Education.

Bachelor of Music Education: Organ Emphasis, Piano Emphasis, Instrumental Emphasis, and Voice Emphasis.

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Ceramics, Design, Electronic Studio, Experimental Studio, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, Pre-directing, Theatre Education, Theatre Arts Administration, and Theatre Technology.

For information on master’s and doctoral programs, consult the Graduate Programs Bulletin.  

Credits for Graduation

Effective August 1, 1985, a total of 127 semester hours, exclusive of courses taken through the Center for Academic Reinforcement (CAR); grades of C or better in all courses used to satisfy the minimum credit-hour requirement for departmental majors, grades higher than C for courses used to satisfy requirements for departmental majors in any department stipulating this requirement; and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in departmental majors, as well as in the minor fields of concentration, are required for graduation from the College of Arts and Sciences. Effective August 1, 1992, all freshmen in the College of Arts and Sciences must take and pass Freshman Orientation (FRSM 001).

Residence Requirements

The last 30 credits offered for a degree must be earned in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.

Attendance

All students are expected to attend classes regularly and promptly. Students who are absent from classes or laboratory periods are held responsible, nevertheless, for the entire work of the course.

Any student who does not take a quiz, scheduled mid-term or examination must obtain the approval of the instructor in order to take a substitute. A student who does not secure such approval will receive a grade of 0 for the examination missed.

Readmission for Old Students Returning

Credit will be given for those courses taken at accredited schools that are comparable to courses offered at Howard and in which the student has earned a grade of C or better.

Auditors

Students are permitted to audit a course upon filing an application and paying the regular tuition and fees. An auditor does not participate in class discussion, does not take examinations, and does not receive credit.

Regular Degree Students

All University admission procedures for regular degree students apply to students seeking admission to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Student Advisors

Students are assigned advisors to assist them in planning and following a sound program of study. Accordingly, the advisor’s signature is required on registration cards, program adjustment cards, and related forms. Students are encouraged to contact their adviser on any matters related to their educational programs.  

Grading System

A grade of D cannot be raised to a higher grade by reexamination. Required courses in which students receive failing grades must be repeated.

Withdrawal from a Course

Students may withdraw from courses no later than four (4) weeks prior to the end of the semester, including the final examination period. The specific date will be published on the university calendar in the Student Reference Manual and Directory of Classes.

Course Load

The normal course load in the College of Arts and Sciences is five courses (excluding R.O.T.C. and Physical Education). Any program exceeding the normal load must be approved by the Dean of the College or by the Educational Advisory Center for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. A student in the College of Arts and Sciences must have an average of "B" or better during the preceding semester to take one additional course.

General Education Requirements

The College of Arts and Sciences designates basic required courses for all students. These courses must be completed before the student can be considered eligible for graduation.