Academic Catalog 2021-2022 
    
    Oct 12, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Undergraduate Programs



Wayland Baptist University offers the degrees of Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Christian Ministry, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Each degree provides a specific framework for pursuing a number of academic programs. Some are structured to provide students with a course of study carefully designed to enhance their entry into and success within a variety of career fields such as the arts, business, education, the ministry, math and sciences, computer science, and those related to the social sciences. Some are designed to provide the graduate with the preparation required for access to further study at either the professional or graduate level. These include psychology, engineering, pre-law, and allied health fields, as well as graduate study in a number of disciplines including biology, business, chemistry, counseling, English, history, mathematics, public administration, and religion. Some are designed to enable students to build a degree upon the foundation provided by previous vocational training and/or work experience. Finally, some degree programs have been enhanced through a special honors curriculum to provide a more demanding and in-depth program of study than that included in the regular baccalaureate degree.

In addition, the university offers dual degrees with Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M University in engineering, and a pre-seminary track with certain Southern Baptist seminaries for students wishing to pursue the Master of Divinity or Master of Religious Education degrees. A profile of all undergraduate programs may be found immediately following this section.

Degree programs offered by the university consist of several distinct yet interrelated components. In keeping with the liberal arts tradition of the university, each degree includes a variety of academic disciplines integrated into a carefully designed general education core. This core provides the Wayland student with a general education background upon which to build a meaningful academic degree. Although the nature of a particular degree may suggest some variation in the general education core, core requirements for each degree are consistent with the university’s declared mission of preparing broadly educated individuals. In instances where general education core courses are from the same discipline as the major or minor fields of study, these courses may simultaneously fulfill both core and major/minor requirements. Although these instances should be noted on a student’s degree plan, students should check with their advisors when in doubt.

In addition to the general education core, each degree offered by the university includes a major and a minor field of study and free electives, when needed, to complete degree requirements. Degree designations are based on those disciplines included as major fields of study.

Some degrees, such as the B.G.S.,  B.S.I.S., B.S.N., and the B.S. degree, replace the traditional major and minor fields of study with a broad-based interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary major and other degrees. Some degrees also contain a pre-professional or professional specialization block of courses designed to prepare the student for entry into a particular career field, such as teaching. Information related to each degree component is contained in the following sections.

General Education Outcomes

The General Education Core at Wayland Baptist University is designed to comprehensively prepare students to be productive, knowledgeable and actively involved citizens. Wayland is a Christian institution of higher learning within the Baptist tradition, and students will be taught from a distinctively Christian worldview across the curriculum. This being established, the General Education Core aims to ensure that:

  1. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills, including verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and artistic forms of expression.
  2. Students will demonstrate effective critical thinking, including quantitative, qualitative, collaborative, and creative applications.
  3. Students will demonstrate effective application of information and professional technology.
  4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of current and past cultures and knowledge of the natural and physical world.
  5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of personal, social, and environmental ethics.


The University General Education Core Curriculum


University General Education Core Curriculum - 44 hrs


The University General Education Core Curriculum is applied to all degrees at Wayland Baptist University with the exception of the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) and the Bachelor of Christian Ministry (B.C.M.) degrees. The full general education core curriculum for these degrees can be found in the degree specific general education core curriculum section.

 

The Bachelor of Applied Science Degree


Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 44 hrs


The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) is an inverted degree program which allows individuals to apply a vocational/technical field (i.e., courses, training, or work experience) as credit toward an applied associate’s degree and, in turn, to apply the associate’s degree toward a B.A.S. degree. Students in this degree program desire to enhance their knowledge, analytical abilities and critical thinking skills for upward mobility in their field. The B.A.S. exists to provide a seamless transition from technical fields to an appropriate baccalaureate program while enhancing the liberal arts component of the student’s education.

The B.A.S. degree is designed for individuals who have completed occupational/technical degrees and certificates at community, vocational, and technical colleges and schools; individuals who have completed occupational/vocational training in U.S. Armed Services Schools, the workplace, and career training centers; occupational and technical faculty at regional and local public schools; individuals who have received several years of on-the-job training; and individuals entering these technical/career paths.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree is a minimum 124-credit hour program. A minimum of 36 credit hours must be upper-level (junior/senior level) credit. Major fields of study included in the degree have specific upper-level requirements. The student may select from fourteen majors which combine non-traditional credit with a traditional liberal arts background. Majors include applied science, banking and finance, business administration, computer information systems, computer science, criminal justice administration, digital marketing, early childhood development, elementary education, environmental studies, human services, management, middle school languages arts, and mission in business. Each major consists of 36 credit hours of which 18 must be upper-level credit. The degree also requires a 24-credit hour professional development block designed to provide academic depth or breadth to the major and to provide substantive developmental knowledge for the student’s career or personal goals. The degree also includes a 12-credit hour experiential professional development block designed to provide practical experience as an integral part of the student’s career development. Finally, the degree includes electives to complete the 124-credit hour requirement.

Major


The B.A.S. degree requires a 36-credit hour major of which 18 credit hours must be upper-level credit. The major may be selected from applied science, banking and finance, business administration, computer information systems, computer science, criminal justice administration, digital marketing, early childhood development, elementary education, environmental studies, human services, management, middle school language arts, and mission in business.

Professional Development


The Professional Development component consists of 24 credit hours selected to provide depth or breadth to the major and to provide substantive developmental knowledge for the student’s career or personal goals.

Experiential Professional Development


The experiential professional development component consists of 12 credit hours designed to provide practical experience as an integral part of the student’s career development. Practicums and internships may be placed in this area or up to 12 credit hours of practicum or internships may be placed in the major specialization if related to the major. Experiential learning may satisfy a portion of this requirement. Experiential learning must be evaluated and approved by the university.

Electives


The student may complete the remainder of the required 124 credit hours with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields that hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met.

 

The Bachelor of Arts Degree


Bachelor of Arts Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 15-16 hrs


The Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). Major and minor fields of study included in the degree also have upper-level requirements. As these may vary depending on the discipline selected, specific requirements are included in the subject field sections of the catalog. Because of the nature of the degree, it includes additional study in the fine arts and in foreign language. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.A. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


The B.A. degree is designed primarily for students desiring to study in the arts, the humanities, or the social sciences. Major fields of study approved for the B.A. degree are listed in the Academic Program Profile table following the degree requirement section of the catalog. In the majority of instances, the major requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Specific credit hours as well as course requirements are included in that section of the catalog dedicated to the discipline selected.

Students pursuing the B.A. degree must select a minor or second major from any discipline identified by the university as an approved minor or major field. The typical minor consists of 18 credit hours. Specific credit hours as well as course requirements for the majors and minors are included in that section of the catalog dedicated to the discipline selected. A complete list of minors is included in the Academic Program Profile.

Electives


Students may complete the minimum 124 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met.

 

The Bachelor of Business Administration Degree


Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 11 hrs


The Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (B.B.A.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree which provides a conceptual understanding of the business world, examines a number of business components, and addresses the application of concepts related to these components. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). Upper-level requirements for the major and each specialization are included in the Business Administration section of the catalog. Because of the unique nature of the degree, it includes additional requirements in mathematics. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.B.A. degree:

  • 3 hrs
  • 3 hrs 1
  • EXSS 1 hrs2
  • Science (life or physical science - whichever not fulfilled in the University Core) 4 hrs
  •  

    NOTATIONS:

    1. Student may opt to test out of COSC 2311 ; see course description.
    2. Must be EXSS 1112  if course not taken to meet University Core Curriculum requirement. Courses that can be used to fulfill this requirement include a statement to that affect in the course description. Students who have served two or more years in the Armed Forces are exempt from EXSS requirement with DD-214 from basic training.

Academic Major and Minor


Students seeking the B.B.A. degree will complete the appropriate composite major requirements in addition to a specialization in accounting, business administration, cyber security, digital marketing, economics and finance, health care administration, hospitality management, management information systems, management, management and marketing, mission in business or sports management.

Electives


Students may complete the minimum of 124 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met.

 

The Bachelor of Christian Ministry Degree


Bachelor of Christian Ministry Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 44 hrs


The Bachelor of Christian Ministry Degree (B.C.M.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree designed to afford both academic and professional depth for individuals who express a call to ministry. The degree integrates university degree requirements with appropriate experience. A minimum of 36 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). Components of the Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree include:

Academic Major


Students seeking the B.C.M. degree will complete the appropriate major requirements as outlined in the School of Christian Studies section.

Professional Development


The Professional Development component of the B.C.M. consists of 36 credit hours selected to provide depth or breadth to the major and to provide substantive developmental knowledge for the student’s career or personal goals. Depth and breadth can be met through a major, a specialization, a minor, or ministry-related courses. Student completing Christian ministry or theological studies majors will complete a minor or second major as a portion of the professional development hours unless the student enters the university with substantial ministry-related transfer credit, as determined by the dean of the School of Christian Studies, or they are accepted into an accelerated program that does not require a minor. Students in the co-vocational ministry major will complete a second major or a specialization as part of a composite major in lieu of a separate professional development component. Co-vocational ministry specializations may require additional hours beyond the 36 credit hours, in which case hours will be reduced from the electives block or added to the degree. Students not pursuing a minor or second major must ensure all upper-level academic and cumulative hours are met for the degree.

Up to 12 credit hours of experiential professional development may satisfy this requirement. Experiential learning must be evaluated and approved by the university. Students who have work experience in full-time, part-time or co-vocational ministry positions may have the work experience evaluated if the ministry position is a paid staff position with formal job requirements. Practicums and internships may be placed in this area if they do not relate to the major.

Electives


Students may complete the minimum of 124 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met.

 

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree


Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 15-16 hrs


The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (B.F.A.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). Because of the nature of the degree, it includes additional study in the fine arts and in foreign language. These additional requirements are included in the degree specific general education core. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.F.A. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


The B.F.A. degree is designed primarily for students desiring to study in the area of art. Students may choose from two-dimensional or three-dimensional studio art emphasis. Due to the composite nature of the degree, a minor is not required.

Electives


Electives will be needed to meet the upper-level graduation requirement.

 

The Bachelor of General Studies Degree


The Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) program provides opportunities for students who are interested in combining a liberal arts background with some degree of concentration. The degree offers a solid university and degree specific general education core curriculum program along with the freedom to choose from a variety of customizable concentrations to assist the student in meeting professional and personal goals. Concentrations are available in the following disciplines: art, business administration, communication, education, environmental science, environmental studies, exercise and sport science, graphic design, history, criminal justice administration, media communication, political science, psychology, and sociology. Concentrations may not overlap in discipline content.

Bachelor of General Studies Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 6-7 hrs


The Bachelor of General Studies Degree (B.G.S.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.G.S. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


The Bachelor of General Studies is comprised of a major in general studies with sixty hours, from which at least 36 hours must be upper-level. Students must choose two concentrations with 15 hours each which may not overlap in content. Due to the composite nature of this degree, a minor is not required.

Electives


Students may complete the minimum of 124 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met. At least six (6) hours of upper-level electives may be required

 

The Bachelor of Music Degree


Bachelor of Music Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 7 hrs


The Bachelor of Music Degree (B.M.) is designed to provide intensive professional preparation for students who plan to enter some phase of music as a career. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). As the degree includes a strong professional development component, no minor is required. Because of the nature of the degree, it includes additional study in foreign language. This is included in the academic major requirements. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.M. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


Because of the breadth of the program, the major and minor fields of study are combined into a single composite field offered in music education and music performance.

Electives


As the B.M. degree requires more than 124 credit hours, no elective hours are required.

 

The Bachelor of Science Degree


Bachelor of Science Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 14 hrs


The Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree designed for students who wish to pursue a career in mathematics or one of the sciences. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). Major and minor fields of study included in the degree also have upper-level requirements. As these may vary depending on the discipline selected, specific requirements are included in the discipline sections of the catalog. Because of the nature of the degree, it includes additional study in mathematics and science. These additional requirements are included in the degree specific general education core. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.S. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


Major fields of study approved for the B.S. degree are listed in the Academic Program Profile table following the degree requirement section of the catalog Major requirements for the degree are at least 30 credit hours. Specific credit hours as well as course requirements are included in that section of the catalog dedicated to the discipline selected.

Students pursuing the B.S. degree must select a minor from any discipline identified by the University as an approved minor field. The typical minor consists of 18 credit hours. In composite science, major and minor requirements are combined into a 48-credit hour major. Specific credit hours as well as course requirements for the minor are included in that section of the catalog dedicated to the discipline selected. A complete list of minors is included in the Academic Program Profile section.

Electives


Students may complete the minimum of 124 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met.

 

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree


Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 14 hrs


The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (B.S.I.S.) is a 124-credit hour degree designed to prepare students for a career as an elementary or middle school teacher. The degree integrates University degree requirements with the State’s teacher certification requirements. A minimum of 42 credit hours must be in upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). Because of the unique nature of the degree, additional study in mathematics and the sciences is required. Since specific science requirements change according to the academic specialization selected, students should check with their advisors concerning these courses. These are included in the degree specific general education core requirement. Degree specific general education requirements may vary from state to state based upon certification requirements. Components of the B.S.I.S. degree include:

In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.S.I.S. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


Rather than a traditional major and minor, the B.S.I.S. degree includes a 36- to 38-credit hour interdisciplinary core of courses. This core includes a concentration selected from an approved list of disciplines and a combination of other subject fields selected to prepare the student for the comprehensive section of the teacher certification examination. The concentration may be selected from one of the following disciplines: elementary education (EC-6), core subjects (grades 4-8), mathematics (grades 4-8), science (grades 4-8), and social studies (grades 4-8). Specific credit hours as well as course requirements are included in the School of Education section of the catalog.

Electives


In addition to the interdisciplinary core, the B.S.I.S. degree requires 27 credit hours in professional development courses. As a result, the number of elective hours is generally limited. When elective hours are available, students may complete degree requirements with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met.

Major (Teaching Field)


Rather than a traditional major and minor, the B.S.I.S. degree includes an interdisciplinary program. This program focuses on the subject matter and a combination of other subject fields selected to prepare the student for the comprehensive section of the teacher certification examination.

 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree


Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 27 hrs (Generic B.S.N.)


The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (B.S.N.) provides students the ability to complete a degree in two years after completing the general education core. All students must have completed the Hepatitis B series prior to beginning the program. All students will be required to complete a drug screen and a background check prior to admission to the program. The Hepatitis B series, drug screen, and background investigation are at the cost of the student. Contact the School of Nursing for current costs. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.S.N. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


The major field of study for the B.S.N. is a composite. This means that a second major or minor is not required for the degree. Student pursuing the L.V.N. to B.S.N. degree program should contact the School of Nursing for further information.

Electives


Electives are not required for the completion of this degree.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements- 26 hrs (L.V.N. to B.S.N.)


The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (B.S.N.) provides students the ability to complete a degree in two years after completing the general education core. All students must have completed the Hepatitis B series prior to beginning the program. All students will be required to complete a drug screen and a background check prior to admission to the program. The Hepatitis B series, drug screen, and background investigation are at the cost of the student. Contact the School of Nursing for current costs. In addition to the University Core Curriculum, students must complete the following degree specific general education core requirements for the B.S.N. degree:

Academic Major and Minor


The major field of study for the B.S.N. is a composite. This means that a second major or minor is not required for the degree. Student pursuing the L.V.N. to B.S.N. degree program should contact the School of Nursing for further information.

Electives


Electives are not required for the completion of this degree.

 

The Associate of Applied Science Degree


Associate of Applied Science General Education Core Course Requirements - 32 hrs


The A.A.S. degree program is designed to track directly into the B.A.S. degree. Students desiring to continue in their educational pursuits can do so at the baccalaureate level with no loss in credit between the A.A.S. and the B.A.S. degrees. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a 65-credit hour degree which requires 32 credit hours in a general education core and 33 credit hours from an approved major. The residency requirements on the A.A.S. degree count toward the B.A.S. residency of 31 hours. The A.A.S. residency is 18 hours. The five majors include applied science, business administration, human services, criminal justice administration, and Christian ministry. Eighteen credit hours must be completed at Wayland.

Majors


Five majors are available for the A.A.S. degree. These include applied science , business administration , Christian ministry , human services , and criminal justice administration . Requirements for each major are included in the Associate of Applied Science degree section of this catalog.

 

The Associate of Arts Degree


Associate of Arts Degree Specific General Education Core Course Requirements - 15-16 hrs


The Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) is a lower-division degree (courses numbered 1000 or 2000) designed specifically to give students the opportunity to move directly into a bachelor’s degree program on completion. The minimum requirement for the degree is 60 credit hours. Elective hours may be taken in language, math, and science to give students opportunities to track directly into a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program. As requirements may vary depending upon the degree selected, specific requirements are included in the various degree sections of this catalog.

A minimum of 15 credit hours must be taken at Wayland Baptist University to satisfy the residency requirement for the Associate’s degree program. There is no provision for a major or minor in this degree.

Electives


Students may complete the minimum 60 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective.

 

The Honors Program


A special Honors curriculum is available for the B.A., B.B.A., B.F.A., B.M., B.S., and B.S.I.S. degrees. Information can be located in the Honors  Program section of the catalog. Students who elect the Honors curriculum must complete six hours in Honors seminars. Any major field of study coupled with the Honors program will be considered a composite major. Honors courses in the research/tutorial and thesis areas will be added to the major to complete the composite classification. Completion of the Honors Program is noted on the transcript and Honors students are given special recognition during the commencement ceremony.