Classes
Directed Study Courses
Directed study is a method of instruction permitting the student to complete a course in an independent context. Essentially, the course work is completed independently but under the supervision of the faculty member, a grade is assigned, and college credit is posted to the student’s academic record upon successful completion of the course.
Directed study courses are designed as an exception for students and may be offered as an option for students who are nearing graduation and are required to enroll in a course that is currently not offered.
In general, students must have earned at least 60 credit hours and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to enroll in a directed study course. Students may be limited to a maximum of 3 hours of directed study credit each semester. Additionally, students may apply no more than 12 credit hours of directed study credit in their degree program and no more than 25% of their core course work in their major or minor.
Approval to register for a directed study course must be obtained in writing by the school chair prior to the faculty assigning any work for credit.
All students (students in either the On-Campus or SWU Global program) seeking a directed study course will be charged a fee in addition to regular tuition, which will then be used for renumeration for the faculty member directing the study, except in extenuating circumstances, including the following:
- In the event that there is insufficient enrollment for a class to make, students who need the class to graduate on time, as determined by the dean, will be offered the class as a directed study, with no additional charge to the student.
- If a class needed to graduate is not being offered, or if the class time conflicts with another class required for graduation, the student will not be charged the additional fee for enrolling in the directed study necessary to graduate on time.
- Students taking directed study as part of the Honors Program will not be charged the additional fee.
Permission for directed study, as well as fee waivers, must be approved in writing by the dean.
Experiential Learning (Credit-bearing) Courses
Southern Wesleyan believes that learning is often enhanced through practical experience in settings where theory can be applied to practice. Though often integrated with content-based courses, credit may from time to time be granted for experiential learning such as internships, practica, and clinical experiences which constitute stand-alone courses. In certain majors, these experiences are required, while in other programs they are recommended or optional. The prerequisite for participation in such an experience is completion of all required general education courses in computer, math, oral communication, and writing. No more than 18 credits of stand-alone experiential learning may count toward the requirements of a degree.
Eligibility for the credit-bearing experience will be determined by the academic advisor and program coordinator for the major. The program coordinator is responsible for approving arrangements for the course. Unless otherwise noted, credit for the experiential learning requires at least 40 hours of engagement in the setting per credit hour and appropriate critical reflection approved by the assigned faculty member. Faculty oversight is expected in all field experiences.
Hybrid Courses
Some courses at Southern Wesleyan University are offered in hybrid format in which some traditional face-to-face “seat time” is replaced by online learning activities that extend and reinforce the classroom learning. If a hybrid meeting date for “seat time” falls on a holiday, the instruction for that meeting will be given online.
Independent Study Courses
A course in independent study is available in each major offered by the University, to enable stronger students to enrich their program by studies or research opportunities not generally available in formal courses.
To be eligible for independent study, a student must have a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on all work attempted. Up to eight hours of credit may be earned, but no more than three hours in any one semester.
To register for independent study, the student must obtain the signatures of the division chair and dean of the course requested.
Online Courses
Southern Wesleyan University offers some of its courses in a distance-learning format that allows students to complete the course requirements in a manner mediated through technology (rather than in a face-to-face setting). In general, such courses are asynchronous and web-based. As such they require of the student a level of technological skill, organization, and self-discipline beyond what may be commonly a part of face-to-face courses. Students are strongly advised to assess their readiness before enrolling in an online course.
Travel Courses
On occasion it is deemed that course learning outcomes may be achieved through a combination of travel and instruction. Faculty in charge of courses involving extensive travel should consult the Vice President for Student Life to determine whether or not a student wishing to take such a course is on social probation. If so, the instructor may prohibit such a person from registering for the course or from completing it.