(Image via umassd.edu)
Volunteer Writer: Aliyah Santana
Email: asantana5@umassd.edu
One of Umass Dartmouth’s seven degree-granting colleges (College of Arts and Sciences) has updated its requirements. The College of Arts and Science houses 57 majors, including online classes.
CAS’s mission is to prepare all students for lifelong learning, productive and rewarding work, self-governance, and responsible democratic citizenship.
All majors within CAS are affected by the change in requirements depending on whether you are a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). All returning students have the option to opt in or out of these changes.
The changing requirements for Arts and Science programs show a growing focus on interdisciplinary education, which helps students build essential skills like critical thinking and creativity.
Previous (B.S.) Requirements
Transition course (1E) – CAS 101/103 – one to three credits
Critical Reading and Writing (ENL101 and ENL102) (1A and 1B) – six credits
Literature (3A plus additional course) – six credits
Science (2A and 2B) – six credits
Humanities and Social Sciences – 18 total credits (at least six credits in each):
- Humanities – six to 12 credits
- Social Sciences – six to 12 credits
Mathematics (1D) – three credits (required by University studies but not CAS College Distribution Requirements)
Previous (BA) requirements
Cas 103 (also 1E) – three credits
ENL 101 and 102 (1A, 1B) – six credits
Literature ( 3A plus one more course – six credits
Natural science (2A and 2B plus one more course) – nine credits
Humanities – nine credits
Social Science – 12 credits
Global language – zero-12 credits up to Level 102 competency
(Mathematics required in University Studies as 1 D – three credits)
New 2024 Requirements (B.S.)
Transition course (1E) – CAS 101/103 – one to three credits
Critical Reading and Writing (ENL101 and ENL102) (1A and 1B) – six credits
Literature (3A) – three credits
Science (2A and 2B) – six credits
Humanities – six credits (may overlap with University Studies)
Social Sciences – six credits (may overlap with University Studies)
Mathematics (1D) – three credits
STEM/Quantitative Science – eight credits (may be filled with major requirements using courses outside of the primary major, e.g. PHY 101 and 102 for a Mathematics B.S.)
New 2024 Requirements (B.A.)
CAS 103 (1E) – three credits
ENL 101 and 102 (1A, 1B) – six credits
Literature (3A) – three credits
Natural Science (2A and 2B) – six credits
Humanities – nine credits (may overlap with University studies
Social Sciences – nine credits (may overlap with University Studies)
Global language – zero to six credits up to Level 102 competence
Mathematics (1D) – three credits
While the new requirements are not a drastic difference, there are changes that students should be aware of.
If a student chooses to opt-out, they will remain on the former requirement track, and no further action needs to be taken. If a student decides to opt-in to the new requirements, they should meet with their advisor; the opt-in form is now available under e-forms in Coin.
If you are a new student or transfer, you do not have an option and will be placed into the new CAS requirements automatically.
These changes affect returning student schedules. I spoke with a fellow peer who is a crime and justice major.
“The change in requirements allows me to focus more on core classes than other requirements. College should be about focusing on your major.”
Amado 27’ had the ability to drop a language class to pick up a core crime and justice class.
Dropping extra classes allows students to concentrate on classes that are essential to their major. By reducing the number of electives or general education courses, students can dedicate more time and energy to in-depth study in their primary field.
This focus not only deepens their understanding of key concepts but also enhances their skills and prepares them more effectively for careers related to their degree.
These changes reflect the university’s ability to evolve with the changing of times. By adapting to the changing landscape of knowledge and skills needed in today’s world, the college is not only enhancing the academic journey of its students but also preparing them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.