ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The Goals of Education at Valparaiso

    While appreciating the importance of preparing students for useful careers, Valparaiso University holds to the ideal that its students want an education which treats them first as human beings rather than simply as future wage earners. These students want to think clearly, to analyze facts and ideas, to draw sound conclusions from their reasoning and to express themselves clearly and creatively. They want to understand their cultural and religious heritage, developing a sensitivity to the culture and the viewpoints of others while at the same time finding for themselves firm values and standards by which to live and make judgments. They want to become humane and responsible citizens in an ever changing society and to participate effectively in their institutions and communities.

    There is no simple formula for acquiring these abilities. Every degree program at Valparaiso aims to assist students to attain these goals by offering a course of studies in general education which provides students with a broad base of knowledge and abilities, as well as in a particular area which leads to the mastery of concepts and tools of a single field of study. Both components, general education and the major field of studies, develop abilities in the student which go far beyond mere career preparation and provide intellectual enrichment for a lifetime.
 

Degrees

Associate of Arts

Associate in Science

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Music Education

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science in Education

Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Master of Arts

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Master of Education

Master of Music

Master of Science in Nursing

Master of Science in Special Education

Juris Doctor

Master of Laws

Requirements and Flexibility

    Each degree entails a set of requirements which are specified at appropriate places in this bulletin. These requirements are designed to give structure to each student's education while affording the greatest possible freedom to design an individual academic program. Elsewhere in this bulletin are descriptions of a number of ways by which the University encourages further flexibility and individuality.

An Overview of the General Education Requirements at Valparaiso

These requirements vary somewhat in different degree programs, particularly in the professional colleges. These variations are described in the more detailed presentation of degree requirements elsewhere in this catalog.

1. Freshman Studies

(taken during the freshman year) The Human Experience, two semesters

2. Academic Area Studies

Theology, two courses (one in the junior or senior year)

Literature and Fine Arts, two courses

Philosophical and Historical Studies, one course

Studies in Social Analysis, two courses

Studies in the Natural and Behavioral Sciences/Mathematics, three courses

Global Cultures and Perspectives, one course

U.S. Cultural Diversity, one course

Foreign Languages, variable requirement

Physical Education, one credit hour

Summary of the Academic Fields of Study at the University

    Most of the fields of study listed below are available as majors and minors or as interdisciplinary programs. A few are available only as minors. Some fields offer further specialized concentrations within the major itself. The index of this Bulletin indicates the location for further information regarding these programs.

The College of Arts and Sciences:

American Indian Studies Minor

American Studies

Art

Biology

Broadcast Meteorology

Chemistry

Chinese and Japanese Studies

Classics

Communication

Computer Science

Criminology

Economics

Elementary Education (Early/Middle Childhood)

English

Environmental Science

French

Geography

Geology

German

Hebrew Minor

History

International Economics and Cultural Affairs

International Service

Japanese Minor

Mathematics

Meteorology

Modern European Studies

Music

Music Education

Music Enterprises

Music - Theatre

Philosophy

Physical Education

Physical Education: Athletic Training

Physical Education: Sports Management

Physical Education: Exercise Science

Physics

Political Science

Pre-Seminary Studies

Psychology

Secondary Education (Adolescence/Young Adult)

Social Work

Sociology

Spanish

Theatre

Theology

Writing Minor

Youth, Family, and Education Ministry
 

Christ College:

Scholar and Associate Honors Program

The Humanities

The College of Business Administration:

Accounting (two degree options)

Finance

Information and Decision Sciences

International Business

Management

Marketing

International Business and Global Studies Minor

The College of Engineering:

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Interdisciplinary Programs:

Applied Statistics Minor

Bioethics Minor

Business Administration Minor

Environmental Studies Minor

Film Studies Minor

Ethnic Studies Minor

Gender Studies Minor

Human Aging Minor

Liberal Arts Business Minor

Manufacturing Management Minor

Political Communication Minor

Urban Studies Minor

The College of Nursing:

Nursing

B.S.N. completion program for R.N. students

Programs of the School of Law and the Graduate Division are described in separate catalogs.

The Freshman Year

    Even though they may express clear-cut decisions, college freshmen are often uncertain about their long-range career goals. The University fosters this openness by encouraging them to discover new interests while cultivating their current ones. All students, with the help of their academic advisers, design a program that allows them first to explore various areas of interest and, in due time, to develop a plan of study focusing on a major area of interest.

    The Valpo Core Course. The Valparaiso Core Course is a two-semester, ten credit course required of all first-year students not enrolled in the Christ College Freshman Program. The primary subject of this interdisciplinary course is the human experience as great thinkers, writers, and artists have represented it. The primary object of the course is to welcome and initiate new students into this university community and academic life generally, by putting them in dialogue with great teachers and great texts, and of course, with each other, to explore together some of the most essential aspects of human existence, past, present, and future.

    The course is interdisciplinary because knowledge is interdisciplinary, and in the global community we now live in the world depends increasingly on people able to make connections across disciplines, across cultures, across oceans, across town. To prepare our students to succeed in this world and live meaningful lives of leadership and service, we recognize the need to introduce them to cultures and traditions other than their own. The reading list is multicultural and international because the world is multicultural and international. At the same time, we recognize the need to help students discover where they come from and where they are, which for the majority means exploring the Judeo-Christian intellectual tradition of the West, which produced, among other great things, this University. Hence, at the core of this Core Course, in the best spirit of Lutheran higher education, is the desire to create dialogues of texts and traditions, and to help our students grow in their understanding of how the past speaks to the present, how the sacred informs the secular.

    First-year students need special skills to enter fully into this dialogue and become successful students in the fullest sense. The Valpo Core is designed to help students develop those skills necessary for them to thrive in their studies, skills in close reading and critical thinking, in speaking, and especially in writing. Great opportunities also exist in the course for students to become more adept at retrieving, evaluating, and managing information, as they hook up to the rest of the world through our electronic information services.

    Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Core course, some institutions experience difficulties determining how to apply these credits toward their own general education requirements. CORE 110 may be distributed as 3 credits of English composition and 2 credits of philosophy/theology. CORE 115 may be distributed as 3 credits of non-U.S. History and 2 credits of philosophy/theology.

Off-Campus Study Programs in the United States

    Washington Semester Program. Through an agreement between Valparaiso University and the American University, Washington, DC, students from Valparaiso may spend one semester of their junior year (or some other semester by arrangement) at American University. The program is a set of courses designed to give the students an opportunity to see at first hand the broad range of the governmental and political activity in Washington through field visits, consultation with officials and evaluation sessions led by academic instructors. The program includes semesters on National Politics, Urban Politics, Science and Technology, International Development, Foreign Policy, Economic Policy and Justice.

    The Valparaiso University course POLS 120 is a prerequisite to this program. This program is not open to students who have participated in the Semester on the United Nations Program.

    Students register at Valparaiso University for the Washington Semester and pay to Valparaiso University the normal general fee of this University and the tuition and fees of the American University. Expenses for travel, meals and lodging are paid directly by the students. The Washington Semester courses are accepted for full credit toward graduation from Valparaiso University.

    The Lutheran College Washington Consortium. Valparaiso University is a member of the Lutheran College Washington Consortium, sponsored by a group of eleven Lutheran colleges and Universities. The consortium offers a full semester of courses designed to introduce students to the range of governmental activities in Washington, with an emphasis on ethical dimensions of public service. The Core Course is thus entitled "Ethical Issues and Public Affairs." The director of the program also places students in internships ranging from congressional offices to various public and private agencies.

    The Valparaiso University course POLS 110 is a prerequisite to this program. This program is not open to students who have participated in the Semester on the United Nations Program or the Washington Semester Program at American University.

    Students register at Valparaiso University for the Washington Consortium Semester and pay to this University the tuition and general fee. Expenses for travel, meals and lodging are paid directly by the students. The Washington Consortium Semester courses are accepted for full credit toward graduation from Valparaiso University.

    For information on the Washington Consortium Semester see the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

    Semester on the United Nations. Through an agreement between Valparaiso University and Drew University, Madison, NJ, students from Valparaiso may spend one semester of their junior year (or some other semester by special arrangement) at Drew University. The curriculum involves on-the-scene observations and analyses of the United Nations through direct contact with United Nations meetings and headquarters. For two days each week of the semester the student is in the proximity of the United Nations in New York under the supervision of a member of the Drew University faculty.

    Valparaiso University course POLS 130 is a prerequisite to this program. This program is not open to students who have participated in the Washington Semester Program.

    Students register at Valparaiso University for the Semester on the United Nations and pay to Valparaiso University the normal general fee of this University and the usual tuition and fees of Drew University. Expenses for travel, meals and lodging are paid directly by the students. Semester on the United Nations courses are accepted for full credit toward graduation from Valparaiso University.

    Chicago Arts Program. The Chicago Arts Program is a 15-week guide to the contemporary art world. In addition to attending a wide range of cultural events, students live in Chicago and meet and work with local artists and arts professionals on part-time internships and independent study projects, and in two courses, the Core course, Negotiating the Artworld, and an elective special topics seminar or studio course. Possible internship placements include in an artist's studio; in a museum or gallery; with a theatre or dance company; with an orchestra or presenting venue; with a magazine or newspaper and more. Not limited to arts majors, the program benefits all students who have strong interests in the arts.

    Chicago Urban Semester. Through the College of Arts and Sciences and with the cooperation of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, the University offers to all students a one semester program involving residence in Chicago. This program offers students 16 credit hours of instruction including closely supervised internships and independent study projects. Through the course work, students learn the magnitude and complexity of an urban environment by analyzing and experiencing the political, social, economic and cultural forces shaping a city. For descriptions of courses and grading policies refer to page 221.

    Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to participate. The program is offered both fall and spring semesters.

    Valparaiso students register at Valparaiso University for the Chicago Urban Semester and pay to this University the tuition and general fee. There is an additional fee for this program which is determined annually by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. Expenses for travel and meals are paid directly by the students. Chicago Urban Semester courses are accepted for full credit toward graduation from Valparaiso University.

    Cooperative Education Program. Cooperative education is an academic program which combines professional work experience with academic coursework. Paid employment occurs in business, Industry, government, or other professional settings. The Cooperative Education experience is available in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences (page 53), Business Administration (page 179), Engineering (page 194), and Nursing (page 212).

    All students in good standing who meet the grade point minimum declared by the particular college may participate in the program. Students may enroll in full-time (called alternating) or part-time (called parallel) programs, except in the College of Engineering where only the alternating program is available. Academic credit for Cooperative Education is granted by the college or participating department in which the student is enrolled. The number of co-op credits counted toward a major or a degree varies by college or department. Students should consult with faculty co-op coordinators to determine how co-op credits may apply to majors and/or degree requirements.

    The Cooperative Education program enriches the total education of students by providing the opportunity to increase their sense of responsibility, judgment, and self-confidence through off-campus experiences that are closely integrated with their academic studies.

    Students are considered to be continuing full-time students of the University while on co-op assignment.

Other Academic Opportunities

    Internships. A number of internship opportunities have been established in several departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and in the College of Business Administration. Some of these are optional, others are required. These internships allow students to learn by direct experience under the supervision of a professional. Further information is given in departmental descriptions.

    Service Learning. Service learning is a credit based educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs. Students reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Service learning provides an additional means for reaching educational objectives, and academic credit is appropriate for service activities when learning objectives associated with the service are identified and evaluated.

    Unlike extracurricular voluntary service, service learning is a course-based service experience that produces the best outcomes when meaningful service activities are related to course material through reflection activities such as writing and small group discussions. Unlike practica and internships, the experiential activity in a service learning course is not necessarily skill-based within the context of professional education.

    Guidelines for courses with a service learning component are as follows:

    1. Courses should contain the equivalent of one to two hours per week of the service-learning component.

    2. A reasonable variety of service agency placements should be provided for each course.

    3. Any given course may contain a service-learning component; these courses will be designated as such in the
        current course schedule.

    4. Students may be required to use their personal vehicles for travel to off-campus service sites. If off-campus work
        is required, students will sign a liability waiver.

    Honors Work and Independent Study. The University encourages honors work and independent study. Each college has its own approach to this form of instruction. Information should be sought from deans or department chairs. Especially interesting is an opportunity for a group of students to develop a topic or area of studies to be approached as a group under the sponsorship of a faculty member. This independent group study program is administered through the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences but is open to all students. More detailed information is given on pages 52-53.

    Christ College. This College is itself one of the special educational opportunities available to all students of the University. It is an honors college which offers honors courses, special integrated courses and seminars which probe topics of interest not normally found in a single department. The College has a core community of students who follow a special course of studies in the area of general education but welcomes all students to inquire into its programs and to participate in it. Details are given on pages 172-176.

    Summer Sessions. The summer program serves a variety of undergraduate and graduate students. Regularly enrolled Valparaiso University students use the Summer Session to assist in completing additional majors or minors, distribute their academic load, accelerate their studies, or take maximum advantage of educational opportunities. Visiting students from other accredited institutions take courses for transfer to their home institution.

    Newly admitted students (freshmen, transfers and graduates) may begin their work during the summer. Selected high school students may take courses to facilitate their educational objectives.

    The first of two six-week terms begins immediately after the May Commencement. Students may earn up to seven credits in each six-week session and a total of 14 for the summer, the equivalent of a semester's work.

    Within each six-week term, a number of shorter courses with special pedagogical requirements are offered. Typically these last two or four weeks and usually involve field trips, field study (including international travel), and immersion experiences which use films, videos, or laboratories. Students normally may not take any other courses while taking a short course.

    Details are available in a Summer Session Bulletin published at the beginning of the Spring Semester. See also page 226.

Lectures

    Valparaiso University presents numerous lectures by scholars and public figures on topics of scholarly or current interest as an integral part of its academic program. Various endowed and named lectures are also presented each year, bringing distinguished men and women to the campus to address the University community.

    The Walter E. Bauer Endowed History Lectureship Fund, established by the family and friends of Dr. Walter E.
    Bauer, is an annual History Department event to honor Dr. Walter E. Bauer.

    Willis Boyd History Lectureship was established by the family and friends in honor of Professor Willis Boyd.

    John Martin Gross and Clara Amanda Gross Memorial Lectures, established by Mr. and Mrs. Walter H.
    Gross, are delivered annually by outstanding religious leaders to the entire University community.

    Vera Therese Hahn Memorial Fund for the Performing Arts will use interest from the fund to bring to the
    campus artists and lecturers who will contribute to the educational experience of students studying theatre and/or
    public speaking, said artists and lecturers to be selected by the Director of the University Theatre.

    A. G. Huegli Lectureship in Church-Related Higher Education is a lectureship series established by Dr. A. G.
    Huegli to stimulate discussion on key issues concerning Church-related higher education.

    Rae M. Huegli Memorial Lectures in Health and Hospital Care provide income for annual lectures in the College
    of Nursing. This endowed fund was established in memory of the wife of former President Albert G. Huegli because of
    her long interest in health services.

    O. P. Kretzmann Lectureship in Christian Ethics, established in honor of the late President of the University,
    is delivered annually. Earnings from the O. P. Kretzmann Memorial Fund underwrite the expenses. At the direction
    of the President of the University, the lectureship may periodically be replaced with a memorial sermon on a topic
    related to Christian faith and social issues.

    A. J. W. and Elfrieda LeBien Endowment Fund for Lectures on Liturgy provides income for lectures on liturgy
    and for publication of brochures related to the Chapel.

    Monsanto Lectures on Tort Law Reform and Jurisprudence were established at Valparaiso University by the
    Monsanto Fund. This annual series is funded by a generous gift from the Monsanto Fund eleemosynary arm of the
    Monsanto Company. The gift enables Valparaiso University to invite distinguished scholars and professionals to
    re-examine the theory of tort as it has evolved in this country and to explore avenues for its reform.

    J. W. Miller Memorial Lectures, delivered during Reformation Week by prominent religious leaders, were
    established in memory of Pastor J. W. Miller, who was an important influence in establishing Valparaiso as a
    Lutheran University.

    Edward A. Seegers Lectures are presented annually by an eminent legal scholar. The lecture series honors Mr.
    Edward A. Seegers, a benefactor of the University who endowed the Louis and Anna Seegers Chair in Law. The
    series is under the supervision of the Seegers Professor of Law.

    Percy H. Sloan Memorial Lectures in Art, established as a memorial to Percy H. Sloan, who endowed the Sloan
    Collection of American Paintings, are presented by prominent artists and art critics.

    Thomas F. Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures were established by Thomas F. Staley to further the
    evangelical witness of the Christian Church, with a particular concern for college students.

    Tabor Law Lectureship in Ethics, established by Mr. & Mrs. Glenn J. Tabor to provide funds for a law lectureship
    with emphasis on ethics.

    University Lectures on various topics of current interest are presented from time to time at University convocations
    as an integral part of the University's educational program.

Endowed Chairs and Professorships

    Richard P. Baepler Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, endowed by a challenge grant from the National
    Endowment for the Humanities and generous gifts from alumni and friends of the University, is a rotating two year
    appointment of a faculty member in a humanities discipline, established to honor the contributions of Richard P.
    Baepler and to enhance the interdisciplinary teaching of the humanities in general education.

    The Walter E. Bauer Professorship of Art History was established through a grant from the National Endowment
    for the Humanities and friends of Valparaiso University to honor the late Dr. Walter E. Bauer in recognition of his
    leadership in advancing the study of art and its history at Valparaiso University.

    The Paul H. Brandt Professorship of Business was established by Paul H. Brandt to promote excellent teaching
    and leadership in the College of Business Administration.

    The Paul and Cleo Brandt Professorship of Engineering was established by Paul H. Brandt to promote
    excellence in teaching in the College of Engineering.

    The Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Christian Ethics is a University Professorship established by
    Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg to explore, research, write and teach the ethical implications of contemporary
    social issues from the Biblical perspective and the perspective of Lutheran Symbolic Writings.

    The John R. Eckrich Chair in Religion and the Healing Arts, a University Professorship established by the
    Lutheran Charities Foundation of St. Louis in memory of John R. Eckrich, supports the study of the interrelationship
    of faith, ethics and health.

    The Walter G. Friedrich Professorship of American Literature was established with the support of the National
    Endowment for the Humanities and Friends of Valparaiso University to honor the late Dr. Walter G. Friedrich,
    Valparaiso University professor of English, and to support and encourage high quality teaching in American literature.

    The Frederick F. Jenny Professorship of Emerging Technology was established by Catherine Jenny to honor
    the life and work of Frederick F. Jenny and to enable the selected College of Engineering faculty member to impart
    new knowledge to students.

    The Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair, a University Professorship established through a gift from Mr. Emil Jochum,
    supports the study of Christian values in public and professional life.

    Kruse Organist Endowed Professorship was established by Frederick J. Kruse in memory of his parents, Edward
    A. and Anna L. Kruse, for advancing the integral role of organ music at the center of the University's worship
    community.

    The Richard E. Meier Professorship of Management was established by Richard E. Meier to advance the College
    of Business Administration.

    The Louis S. and Mary L. Morgal Endowed Chair of Christian Business Ethics was established by Louis S. and
    Mary L. Morgal, with additional support from Proctor and Gamble, Inc., to promote the understanding and practice of
    Christian business ethics by students, faculty, and the business community.

    The Surjit S. Patheja, M.D., Chair in World Religions and Ethics was established by Surjit S. Patheja, M.D., to
    promote appreciation of world religions, religious tolerance and world peace.

    The Fredrick A. and Mazie N. Reddel Professorship of Music, established by the Reddel family to honor Fredrick
    A. and Mazie N. Reddel, is a professorship in the Department of Music.

    Leitha and Willard Richardson Professorship of Engineering was established by Leitha and Willard Richardson
    to promote excellence in the College of Engineering.

    The Herbert H. and Agnes S. Schulz Professorship of Business was established by members of the Schulz
    family in honor of their parents to support the high goals of the College of Business Administration.

    The Louis and Anna Seegers Chair in Law was established by Edward A. Seegers in honor of his parents to
    promote teaching and scholarship in the School of Law.

    The Alfred W. Sieving Chair of Engineering was established by a gift from Esther C. Sieving and Frances H.
    Sieving to honor their brother, Alfred W. Sieving, and to advanced the College of Engineering.

Special Academic Endowments

    The Carl and Isabelle Brauer Business Ethics Fund. This endowment has been established to support activities
    in the area of business ethics.

    The Carl and Isabelle Brauer Humanities Fund. The fund promotes professional activities in the humanities.

    The Carl and Isabelle Brauer Music Endowment. This endowment is intended to enhance the music program of
    the University.

    The Endowed Fund for Faculty Research and Faculty Development-1975 Senior Class Gift. This endowment
    supports both research expenses and faculty development projects.

    The Faculty Research and Development Endowment. This fund is being developed by contributions from the
    faculty and from friends of the University.

    The Albert G. Huegli Library Fund. This fund was established by friends to honor the former President of the
    University.

    The O. P. Kretzmann Memorial Fund for Research in the Healing Arts and Sciences. Established by the
    Wheat Ridge Foundation, this endowment annually supports faculty research.

    The Library Humanities Fund. This endowment was created by a major grant from the National Endowment for the
    Humanities which was matched by friends of the University, and exists to fund acquisitions in the humanities.

    The Sigrid Lindemann Faculty Development Endowment. This endowment was established by the late Helen
    Lindemann in memory of her daughter who had taught in the College of Nursing. Its earnings support professional
    activities and research in nursing.

    The Mechanical Engineering Research Fund and the Civil Engineering Research Fund. These funds have
    been developed by the faculty of the College of Engineering to support research.

    The Arnold H. Moeller College of Business Administration Endowed Fund. This fund is available to the College
    of Business Administration for purposes of underwriting professional growth.

    The Moody Laboratory Fund. This endowment supports the development of laboratories in the Department of
    Mechanical Engineering.

    The Rusch Memorial Library Fund. The earnings from this fund are used for library materials.

    The Janet Sievers Accounting Faculty Development and Research Endowment.Established by alumni in
    memory of Professor Janet Sievers, this fund is used to support professional activities and research in the area of
    accounting.

    The Judge Luther M. Swygert Memorial Endowment. Established by his family in memory of the late Judge,
    this fund supports the Moot Court Program of the School of Law.

    The Endowed Ziegler Family Research Fund for the Humanities. This fund supports faculty research in the
    humanities.