Programs of Study
The Common Core
The general education program at Dalton State College is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for them to be successful in college and with their careers in the future. It provides a breadth of academic experiences across disciplines to help students come to a better understanding of the society in which they live and to adapt effectively to the rapid changes in the local and global world. Further, the program gives students the background necessary to be engaged citizens and self-reflective, lifelong learners.
The general education program at Dalton State College is found within Areas A-E of the Core Curriculum. It consists of a set of courses encompassing communication skills, quantitative skills, oral communication, humanities and fine arts, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences.
General Education Learning Outcomes (Approved by the Council on General Education, October 26, 2010)
Learning Goal A1 (Communications Skills)
- Students will determine forms of communication appropriate to particular audiences and purposes; organize and communicate knowledge and ideas in a logical and purposeful way; and use accepted patterns of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in written communication.
- Students will use technology and gather data to conduct research from various sources, including electronic media, and demonstrate an understanding of plagiarism by acknowledging and citing informational sources correctly.
Learning Goal A2 (Quantitative Skills)
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of data presented graphically or mathematically.
- Students will perform foundational mathematical operations and express and manipulate mathematical information or concepts in verbal, numeric, graphic, or symbolic forms while solving a variety of problems.
Learning Goal B (Institutional Options)
- Students will exhibit expertise necessary to research, organize, and present an oral report or speech.
- Students will express orally or in writing a broad understanding of an array of issues relating to culture, society, creative expression, or the human experience.
Learning Goal C (Humanities/Fine Arts)
- Students will articulate an understanding of individual and cultural differences and perspectives across the globe.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to make informed judgments in interpreting works of art, literature, or other aesthetic experiences of cultures throughout the world.
Learning Goal D (Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology)
- Students will utilize appropriate models, systematic methods, and concepts such as the scientific method to solve problems.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate observations, inferences, or relationships in works under investigation.
Learning Goal E (Social Sciences)
- Students will articulate an understanding of major forces and events, influences, or ideas that have shaped history and society.
- Students will analyze social institutions, world religions, natural landscapes, or human behavior using appropriate disciplinary frameworks.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate and analyze perspectives and values of diverse cultural groups and their historical experiences in the United States.
- Students will articulate the constitutional principles and governmental processes fundamental to American democracy and political participation.
Learning Goal (Critical Thinking)
- Students will analyze, evaluate, and provide convincing reasons in support of conclusions and arguments.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to evaluate observations, inferences, or relationships in works under investigation.
The Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum of the University System of Georgia is a comprehensive academic program which provides for the transfer of freshman and sophomore credit among the twenty-six colleges and universities in the University System. Consisting of precisely 42 semester hours of general education comprising Areas A-E, the Core Curriculum will be accompanied by an Area F made up of lower-division courses required by the student’s major. All 1000- and 2000-level courses completed in the Core Curriculum at any unit of the System will normally transfer to all other units. Students who complete an approved Core Curriculum at one institution will receive full transfer credit in the same academic major at all other University System institutions and normally can complete a baccalaureate degree with the same number of credit hours as native students at the receiving institution. Transfer students who change majors or whose grade point average is below that required by the receiving institution may be required to take additional credit hours.
The general distribution of Core Curriculum requirements is as follows:
Area | Area Name | Description | Hours Required |
---|---|---|---|
A1 | Communication Outcomes | Courses that address learning outcomes in writing in English | At least 6 hours |
A2 | Quantitative Outcomes | Courses that address learning outcomes in quantitative reasoning | At least 3 hours |
B | Institutional Options | Courses that address general education learning outcomes of the institution's choosing | At least 3 hours |
C | Humanities, Fine Arts, and Ethics | Courses that address learning outcomes in humanities, fine arts, and ethics | At least 6 hours |
D | Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology | Courses that address learning outcomes in the natural sciences, mathematics, and technology | At least 7 hours (At least 4 of these hours must be in a lab science course.) |
E | Social Sciences | Courses that address learning outcomes in the social sciences | At least 6 hours |
F | Lower-Division Major Requirements | Lower-division courses required by the degree program and courses that are prerequisites to major courses at higher levels | 18 hours |
The following courses comprise Areas A through E. However, some degree programs require students to take particular courses within Areas A-E. Students should refer to the specific requirements for their degrees listed under the individual programs of study section of this Catalog.
Area A1: Communication Outcomes
This requirement includes courses that address learning outcomes in writing in English.
English Composition I | ||
English Composition II |
Area A2: Quantitative Skills
This requirement includes courses that address learning outcomes in quantitative reasoning.
Quantitative Skills/Reasoning | ||
Intro to Mathematical Modeling | ||
College Algebra | ||
Precalculus Mathematics | ||
Elementary Statistics | ||
Calculus and Analytic Geom I |
Area B: Institutional Options
This requirement includes courses that address general education learning outcomes of the institution's choosing. COMM 1110 is a required course. PRSP 10XX is required for all first time AA, AS, and Bachelor's degree-seeking students during their first semester at DSC. Transfer students with more than 29 credit hours choose from the other electives listed.
Fundamentals of Speech | ||
Intro to Greek Mythology | ||
Creative Writing | ||
Natural Hazards | ||
Appalachian Hist-Special Topic | ||
Sports Hist & Amer Character | ||
Health and Wellness Concepts | ||
Mystery Fiction in Pop Culture | ||
Christian Fiction/Pop Culture | ||
Perspectives in Liberal Arts | ||
Perspectives in Business | ||
Perspectives in Education | ||
Perspectives in Health Edu | ||
Perspectives in STEM | ||
Race and Ethnicity in America |
Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts
This requirement includes courses that address learning outcomes in humanities, fine arts, and ethics.
Humanities
Topics in Literature & Culture | ||
World Literature I | ||
World Literature II | ||
British Literature I | ||
British Literature II | ||
American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
Intro to Film as Literature |
Fine Arts
Art Appreciation | ||
Expressions of Culture I | ||
Expressions of Culture II | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
World Music | ||
American Music | ||
Theatre Appreciation |
Area D: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology
This requirement includes courses that address learning outcomes in the natural sciences, mathematics, and technology.
Astronomy of the Solar System | ||
Stellar and Galactic Astronomy | ||
Environmental Studies | ||
Principles of Biology I | ||
Principles of Biology II | ||
Botany | ||
Principles of Entomology | ||
Survey of Chemistry | ||
Principles of Chemistry I | ||
Principles of Chemistry II | ||
Principles of Programming I | ||
Principles of Programming II | ||
Introduction to Data Science | ||
Environmental Hazards | ||
Principles of Geology | ||
Historical Geology | ||
Geology & the Environment | ||
Precalculus Mathematics | ||
Elementary Statistics | ||
Applied Calculus | ||
Calculus and Analytic Geom I | ||
Calculus and Analytic Geom II | ||
Introductory Physics I | ||
Introductory Physics II | ||
Principles of Physics I | ||
Principles of Physics II |
Area E: Social Sciences
This requirement includes courses that address learning outcomes in the social sciences.
POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or 2112 are required courses.
Intro to Cultural Anthropology | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Introduction to Geography | ||
Intro to Human Geography | ||
Intro to Physical Geography | ||
World Civilization to 1500 CE | ||
World Civilization since 1500 | ||
United States History to 1877 | ||
United States Hist since 1877 | ||
Intro to World Religions | ||
Intro to Philosophical Issues | ||
Logic and Critical Thinking | ||
American Government | ||
Intro to Political Science | ||
State and Local Government | ||
Comparative Politics | ||
International Relations | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Psychology of Adjustment | ||
Human Development | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Social Problems |
Perspectives Program
The Perspectives Program (PRSP) is an integral part of Dalton State College. The program assists students in their transition from high school to college. The goals are to engage students in critical thinking while arming them with academic skills necessary to be successful in both the academic and co-curricular portions of their lives. PRSP 10XX is required for all first time AA, AS, and Bachelor's degree-seeking students during their first semester at DSC. Transfer students with more than 29 credit hours choose from other electives in Area B. In addition, students will be required to integrate their learning into real-world situations. As part of the curriculum, students will enroll in a PRSP (Perspectives) course. Each School on campus will have a Perspectives seminar that helps students make the transition to college by introducing them to college level critical thinking and inquiry. These thematic seminars center around an area of interest, chosen by the faculty member, and engage students in critical thinking and integrative learning.
PSRP 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 courses will utilize themes to engage students in exploring complex problems using both quantitative and qualitative methods in order to deepen student understanding of an array of issues relating to culture, society, creative expression, or the human experience according to the focus of Learning Outcome No. 2. Through the chosen themes, PRSP courses will explore not only current and contemporary issues but also enduring principles that have shaped academic disciplines for decades. This exploration will strengthen their understanding of these “big” questions. In addition, it will help to create the academic expectation that inquiry and exploration is a critical part of college level academics.
Transfer Rules
Students within USG must declare one home institution at a time. Students who transfer from one institution to another automatically change their home institution.
Students must meet the USG-specified minimum number of hours in each Area A-E.
Students successfully completing a course in one institution's Areas A-E will receive full credit for the course in Areas A-E upon transfer to another USG institution as long as the following conditions are met:
- The course is within the Area hours limitations of either the sending institution or the receiving institution and
- The student does not change from a non-science major to a science major
Students successfully completing a course in one institution’s Area F will receive full credit for the course upon transferring to another USG institution as long as the student retains the same major.
Receiving institutions may require transfer students to complete the requirements as specified for native students. However, the total number of hours required of transfer students for degree must not exceed the number of hours required of native students for the same major.
Students who wish to take Area A-F courses (including distance learning courses) from a USG institution other than the home institution, either concurrently or intermittently, may request transient permission to take and receive credit for Areas A-F courses satisfying home institution Area A-F requirements.
Provided that native and transfer students are treated equally, institutions may impose additional reasonable expectations, such as a grade of “C” in Area A-F courses.
Students transferring outside the University System should consult the catalog of the institution to which they intend to transfer. Course substitutions require written approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Majors, Minors, and Areas of Concentration
At Dalton State College, all credit-based programs of study include a major or area of concentration, and some students elect to earn minors as well. Each of these terms is defined as a group of courses, organized in a coherent and focused manner, that includes content and student learning experiences directly related to the specialization incorporated within each program of study. The term “area of concentration” is used to define the specialization within mini-certificate, certificate, and degree programs. The terms “major” and “minor” are used to define specialization within bachelor’s degree programs. Some bachelor's degrees also include a concentration depending upon major requirements.
The minimum numbers of semester credit hours required by program type for a major or area of concentration are shown below.
Program | Hours |
---|---|
Bachelor's Degree | 30 |
Associate of Arts/Science Degree | 18 |
Associate of Science in Nursing Degree | 37 |
Associate of Applied Science Degree | 36 |
Certificate | 21 |
Mini-Certificate | 8 |
A minor must contain 15 to 18 semester hours of coursework, including at least 9 hours of upper-division courses at the 3000-4000 level. Courses taken to satisfy Core Areas A through E may not be counted toward completion of the minor, but courses taken in Core Area F may be used to fulfill minor requirements.
Alternative Methods for Earning Academic Credit
Credit-by-Examination
Students who have competencies or skills equivalent to those required for the completion of courses offered by Dalton State College may receive “Credit-by-Examination.” In skill and vocational areas, such levels of proficiency often result from work experiences or previous training. In academic areas, competencies may result from independent study, rigorous high school preparation, or exceptional intellectual ability.
The College awards credit through
- Institutional examinations,
- The College Board Achievement Test and Advanced Placement Program (AP) https://www.daltonstate.edu/academics/ap-cut-scores.cms,
- The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) https://www.daltonstate.edu/academics/clep-scores.cms, and
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
The following policies govern credit-by-examination:
- Credit is awarded only to students admitted to the College and is officially recorded only for those who enroll for credit courses.
- Credit-by-examination is awarded only for courses offered by the College.
- Credit is not awarded if a comparable course has been completed at the College. Conversely, previously awarded credit-by-examination is forfeited by completing a comparable course at the College.
- Credit-by-examination is an award of semester credit hours but carries no letter grade or quality points.
- A student may take the proficiency examination for a course only once.
- A student may not take a proficiency examination if
- the student has previously enrolled in the course, or
- the student is currently enrolled in the course.
- Each school is responsible for determining the achievement level of students taking proficiency examinations and for recommending the award of credit in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- Official scores earned on the SAT II, the Advanced Placement Program, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the CLEP examinations must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. Dalton State College has created its own policy for credit award based on University System of Georgia guidelines. A current list of those scores is maintained by the Office of Enrollment Services.
- The minimum cut scores can be found at https://www.daltonstate.edu/academics/credit-by-exam-cut.cms
Institutional Exams for Georgia Legislative Requirements
Institutional examinations on Georgia History and/or Georgia Constitution are used to satisfy the State of Georgia legislative requirements for students receiving transfer credit for HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 and/or POLS 1101 if transfer credit is from an out-of-state institution or non-approved Georgia institution. These institutional examinations for Georgia History and/or Georgia Constitution may be taken a maximum of three times each and must be completed prior to graduation. Transferring students who may have successfully completed college-level course work dedicated to Georgia History and the Georgia Constitution or who have taken HIST 3930: History of Georgia at Dalton State are exempt from these examinations.
Students who are awarded transfer credit for POLS 1101 and/or HIST 2111 or 2112 from most non-USG/non-TCSG institutions must pass the Georgia Constitution and/or Georgia History exams to satisfy the Georgia Legislative requirements. This is because these non-USG/non-TCSG institutions are not subject to the legislative mandate to include content in Georgia History and Georgia Constitution. Exemption tests are offered to students whose U.S. History and/or Political Science course(s) did not include Georgia History or Georgia Constitution. Some non-USG/non-TCSG institutions in Georgia do include Georgia History and Georgia Constitution content in their U.S. History and American Government courses, as documented in their catalog course descriptions. Students who are awarded transfer credit for these courses at specific Georgia institutions may also receive credit for Georgia History and Georgia Constitution requirements, as appropriate. A list of qualifying courses and institutions is provided in the linked table.
Transfer of Credits
The following is a brief description of the general guidelines used to evaluate transfer credits. This list does not guarantee the student any certain result and is meant only as an explanation of the procedures. Dalton State College has established these policies in compliance with the standards established by the University System of Georgia. In order for credit to be evaluated, it must be sent on an official transcript (sent directly from the school) and contain final grades of all courses completed.
- In general, credits coming from an appropriately accredited institution (SACS, NASC, NEASC, NCAC, MSAC, etc.) will be accepted and transferred in on the level in which they were taken. For example, if courses were applied toward a 4-year degree at another appropriately accredited school, they will be accepted as such. However, if A.A.S. courses were taken at a 4-year accredited institution, they will transfer-in on an equal level (not applying towards a 4-year degree with some exceptions).
- Certificate courses from regionally accredited Georgia technical colleges will be accepted as technical level classes except for University System of Georgia approved General Education courses from COC Accredited Technical College System of Georgia schools which will transfer into the University System of Georgia Core Curriculum.
- If there are more than 45 semester credit hours transferring in, the required minimum GPA is 2.0. "D's"(except in courses that require a "C" or better for successful completion) will transfer in provided that the GPA does not fall below a 2.0. Students seeking to transfer 30 or fewer semester hours must have a GPA of at least 1.8, and those with 15 or fewer semester hours must have a GPA of at least 1.6.
- Freshman English Composition I (ENGL 1101) and Freshman English Composition II (ENGL 1102) require a minimum of a C or better in order to transfer.
- The transfer GPA is a component of the student's cumulative GPA at Dalton State.
- Courses will transfer in with the same number of hours as received at the previous institution. If this causes a deficiency in an area, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that it is satisfied through additional coursework. No course will be equated to a class on a higher level (ex: 2000 -> 3000) without the approval of the department chair unless an equivalency is obviously determined and is not more than one level higher.
- In order to receive credit for remedial and developmental classes, the student must have successfully passed the ACCUPLACER/COMPASS entrance exam or Freshman English Composition for English or Freshman Math (MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, 1113, 1401) for math. However, if a student satisfied a deficiency in another University System of Georgia Institution, it will be honored.
- In order to receive credit for a lab science course, the student must have successfully completed BOTH the lab and the class. No partial credit will be awarded.
- Courses that do not have exact equivalents here at Dalton State but may be used toward program of study are coded with the prefix for the course and the number 1, 2, 3, or 4 ELE. This is to indicate if the course is a 1000-level elective, a 2000-level elective, 3000, or 4000. (Examples: PSYC 1ELE = 1000-level Psychology elective; CHEM 3ELE = 3000-level Chemistry elective.) Courses transferred in with an "8888" designation do not have a direct equivalency and will not apply towards programs of study. If students wish to apply these towards their degree, they may appeal the courses through their advisors and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For more information refer to the Transfer Equivalency information on the college web site.https://www.daltonstate.edu/academics/transfer-equivalency.cms
- All course work is transferred in under the Semester System.
- If a student wishes to modify the results of the transfer evaluation, additional consideration will be given if the student submits a written request to the Registrar's Office and indicates which transfer course they would like re-evaluated and which Dalton State class they think it should equate with. Course descriptions and syllabi will be the minimum requirements to determine if the coursework is acceptable. Additional documents may be needed. The Registrar's Office will respond to the request in writing.
- Military credit and experience is accepted provisionally provided that the content, nature, and appropriateness apply to courses offered at Dalton State College. Official documentation and course descriptions (when possible) must be provided.
- Students who wish to receive credit from international schools abroad must submit their transcript to an approved international credentials evaluation service. Please click here for more information on international student admissions and approved transcript evaluators. Evaluations may take 2-8 weeks.
- As a member of the Adult Learning Consortium, Dalton State College agrees to accept assessed and transcripted courses from other consortium members.
- In order for credit to be evaluated, it must be sent on an official transcript (directly from the institution) and contain final grades for all courses completed.
Transfer Equivalency
Link to transfer equivalency database:
https://daltonstate.gabest.usg.edu/B690/dsc_trans_equiv.find_state
Students who transfer credit from other institutions will have their equivalencies available for viewing within approximately two to three weeks after being accepted to the College. Students may view their transfer credit via their Roadrunner Portal by checking their Academic Transcript. All transfer courses have a T in front of the transfer grade they received. Please note that transfer credit is calculated in a student’s cumulative GPA here at Dalton State. Any courses followed by a carat (^) are courses that did not transfer as useable credit (example grade: TC^).
Courses that do not have exact equivalents here at Dalton State but may be used toward program of study are coded with the prefix for the course and the number 1, 2, 3, or 4 ELE. This is to indicate if the course is a 1000-level elective, a 2000-level elective, 3000, or 4000. (Examples: PSYC 1ELE = 1000-level Psychology elective; CHEM 3ELE = 3000-level Chemistry elective.)
Courses transferred in with an "8888" designation do not have a Dalton State College equivalency and will not apply towards programs of study. If students wish to apply these towards their degree, they may appeal the courses through their advisors and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For more information refer to the Transfer Equivalency information on the college web site.
If you have questions or need clarification, please contact Registrar at registrar@daltonstate.edu.
Baccalaureate Programs
Students can earn a baccalaureate degree in a wide range of programs at Dalton State College.
Three degrees and twelve majors are administered by the School of Arts and Sciences:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree is offered with majors in Communication, English, History, and Interdisciplinary Studies (optional Secondary Teacher Education Certification in English and History).
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is offered in Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Mathematics, and Psychology (optional Secondary Teacher Education Certification in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics).
- Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Engineering Technology and Information Technology.
One degree and six majors are administered by the Wright School of Business:
- A Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree is offered with majors in Accounting, Finance and Applied Economics, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.Ed.) in Elementary Education with optional ESOL and/or Autism endorsement is offered and administered by the School of Education.
Three degrees and five majors are offered by the School of Health Professions:
- Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
- RN-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with majors in Health and Wellness, Organizational Leadership, and Respiratory Therapy.
The completion of these programs of study normally requires four years of full-time enrollment. Program curricula and other requirements are listed in other sections of the catalog.
Transfer Associate Degree Programs
Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) transfer programs are designed for students who plan to pursue baccalaureate degrees. These programs of study provide the freshman and sophomore years of academic course work required for a bachelor’s degree.
The approximately 60 hours of degree credit for the A.A. or A.S. degree can be earned in the equivalent of two academic years: four semesters of enrollment for 15-16 degree credit hours each semester or five or more semesters of enrollment for fewer than 15-16 degree credit hours each semester. Students who have earned acceptable credits at other colleges or through credit-by-examination may satisfy the requirements for an A.A. or A.S. in fewer than four semesters.
The curricula of all A.A. and A.S. transfer programs fulfill the Core Curriculum of the University System of Georgia. A student who completes one of these programs can expect to receive full transfer of credit toward a bachelor’s degree in the same field of study at any school in the University System of Georgia. Credits earned in the A.A. and A.S. programs also transfer freely to private institutions and to public colleges and universities in other states. Students who change majors when they transfer to other institutions may lose hours and/or be required to take additional course work to satisfy the freshman and sophomore requirements in the new field of study.
Students are encouraged to select a specific transfer/pathway program as early as possible in order to receive maximum credits toward their baccalaureate degrees. Those who are undecided about a baccalaureate major should concentrate on the general education courses in Areas A through E of the General Studies transfer programs (A.A. or A.S.) until they identify their major-related academic interests and goals. Students planning to transfer to private or out-of-state public colleges may use the extensive elective choices in the General Studies transfer programs to design, in consultation with their academic advisors, curricula that satisfy the freshman and sophomore requirements of those institutions.
Many four-year institutions will accept more academic credit hours than the minimum required for the A.A. or A.S. degree at Dalton State College. Students wishing to take additional hours at Dalton State College should contact the institution to which they plan to transfer to determine the number of additional hours and specific courses, if any, that will transfer.
Career Associate Degree Programs
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs and the Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) are designed for students who wish to gain a foundation in general education and specific career skills for initial or continuing employment after graduation. Students who intend to pursue a baccalaureate degree other than the B.A.S. or B.S.N. should consider the associate's degree transfer program.
The credit hours required for a career associate degree, which vary from program to program, can be earned in four semesters of enrollment for fifteen or more hours each semester. Students completing fewer than fifteen hours per semester must enroll in additional semesters to accumulate the credits needed for their degrees. Students who have earned acceptable credits at other institutions or through credit-by-examination may satisfy the requirements for a career degree in fewer than four semesters. Except for science, technical, and professional sequence courses in the allied health and technology programs, there is no time limit for the completion of a career degree by students who maintain satisfactory academic progress.
The general education component of each career associate degree includes, at a minimum, one course each in mathematics, written communication and speech, and at least 12 additional credit hours of course work from the Core Curriculum. Many of the career programs offer Core Curriculum courses within the field of study. Career degree students who decide to pursue an associate degree transfer program at Dalton State College, or decide to transfer to a four-year college or university, can expect to receive credit for some or all of the Core Curriculum credits earned, depending upon the new major field of study.
Information about career opportunities and assistance in assessing career interests and preferences are available to all students through the Office of Academic Resources. Job assistance is also available to students and graduates seeking employment.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are designed for students who wish to gain skills for entry-level employment in vocational and technical occupations.
The credit hours required for a Certificate, which vary from program to program, can be earned in three or four semesters by students who enroll for a full load each semester. Credits to complete a certificate program may also be accumulated over a longer period of time by students who enroll on a part-time basis. Students who have earned acceptable credits at other post-secondary institutions or through credit-by-examination may satisfy the requirements for a certificate in fewer than three or four semesters.
The curriculum of each certificate program provides opportunities for students to acquire or improve the skills in oral and written communications, reading, and mathematics that are essential for success in the modern workplace.
Students who complete certificate programs may be able to apply the credit hours earned toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Information about career opportunities and assistance in assessing career interests and preferences are available to all students through the Office of Academic Resources. Job assistance is also available to students and graduates seeking employment.
Learning Support Programs
Some applicants to Dalton State College need additional preparation before embarking on a degree or certificate program. Dalton State's Learning Support courses were developed to assist students for success in college-level mathematics and English courses. These corequisite courses provide "just-in-time" remediation in English/reading and mathematics.
Requirements for Exempting/Placing in the Program
Students seeking to enter degree programs must be able to demonstrate that they have met the Dalton State College established minimum requirements in English, Reading, and Mathematics in order to be allowed to enroll in Core Curriculum and degree level courses.
To exempt placement in Learning Support, a student must meet the following criteria. Test scores taken within the last 5 years can be used to determine placement.
For English (Writing) and Reading
- minimum score 430 Old SAT-Verbal; or
- minimum score 480 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) on the new SAT
- minimum score 17 ACT-English; or
- minimum score 61 Accuplacer Reading AND minimum 6 Accuplacer Writer; or
- minimum score 70 Accuplacer Reading AND minimum 5 Accuplacer Writer; or
- minimum score 80 Accuplacer Reading AND minimum 4 Accuplacer Writer;
- minimum score 237 through 247 on Accuplacer Next-Generation Reading Comprehension AND minimum score 5 on Accuplacer Writer; or
- minimum score 248 on Accuplacer Next-Generation Reading Comprehension AND minimum score of 4 Accuplacer Writer; or
- minimum High School GPA of 3.0;
- and have met the Required High School Curriculum requirement in English
For Mathematics
MATH 1111 Pathway
- minimum score of 500 Old SAT-Mathematics; or
- minimum score of 530 New SAT-Math Section Score; or
- minimum score of 21 ACT- Mathematics; or
- minimum score of 80 Accuplacer Elementary Algebra; or
- minimum Accuplacer Next Gen score of 267; or
- minimum High School GPA of 3.5;
- and have met the Required High School Curriculum requirement in mathematics
MATH 1001/1101 Pathway
- minimum score of 460 Old SAT-Mathematics; or
- minimum score of 510 New SAT-Math Section Score; or
- minimum score of 19 ACT- Mathematics; or
- minimum score of 69 Accuplacer Elementary Algebra; or
- minimum Accuplacer Next Gen score of 258; or
- minimum High School GPA of 3.3;
- and have met the Required High School Curriculum requirement in mathematics
Students who have taken Accuplacer test at a COC-accredited TCSG college and transfer to a USG institution will not be required to take another placement test if the placement test was administered as part of the normal application process.
Regents' Engineering Pathway Program
Dalton State College is one of many institutions in the University System of Georgia approved to offer the Regents' Engineering Pathway Program (REPP), formerly the Regents' Engineering Transfer Program (RETP). This program allows Georgia residents interested in engineering careers to complete the first two years of the engineering degree at a college close to home. Upon satisfactory completion of the pre-engineering curriculum and additional course requirements, students may transfer to one of the five REPP institutions (Georgia Southern University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, or University of Georgia) to complete the remaining course and degree requirements. This program is an excellent fit for families of students who are interested in saving money on tuition or simply staying close to home for the first couple years of college.
Honors Program
The Honors Program at Dalton State College is designed for motivated, high-achieving students to excel by exploring their passions through in-depth learning experiences. The program will challenge students with a rigorous curriculum and meaningful, practical experiences such as service learning, study abroad/study away, leadership development, and off-campus educational opportunities.
Dalton State honors students will be challenged by enrolling in specialized, smaller sections of core courses with other honors students in their cohort. In upper-division courses, honors students will work with faculty members to complete honors projects that will afford them a unique educational experience. Click HERE for more information.
International Travel and Study Opportunities
Institutions of the University System of Georgia provide students with a multitude of opportunities to study abroad while earning academic credit toward completion of degree requirements at their home campuses. Study Abroad programs are coordinated through the Council on International Education of the Board of Regents. The program selections include summer study in France, England, Ireland, Spain, Russia, Italy, Mexico, China, and Japan. There are also many institutional based summer semester and academic year programs in many countries in which Dalton State students can participate, including semester and academic year programs in several countries in Europe.
Studying abroad enables students to gain a global perspective through experimental learning, increase their knowledge of a foreign language, provides them an opportunity to gain insights into and appreciation for the cultures and institutions of other people, and facilitates the development of relevant career skills. Furthermore, such experiences contribute to personal maturity and to the development of independence and confidence.
The International Education Coordinator at Dalton State College maintains information about a variety of opportunities for student study abroad and is available to counsel students on programs that would be compatible with their interests. The University System of Georgia publishes a catalog of student programs offered by all units of the System, while other colleges and international organizations furnish to Dalton State College information about other programs abroad.
Dalton State College participates directly in the planning and implementation of several summer programs in Europe, Mexico, and China. Dalton State College faculty members teach in those programs, and a number of Dalton State College students have participated in them, earning core curriculum credits while enjoying the sites and culture of the host countries. Students interested in exploring the possibilities for study abroad should contact the International Education Coordinator at Dalton State College.
Most of the University System programs are open to all regularly admitted undergraduate students in good academic standing, while some are designed primarily for graduate students. Students in the University System of Georgia who are eligible for financial aid may use that aid toward the System Study Abroad programs. A limited number of scholarships are available from various sources. Further information may be obtained from the International Education Coordinator or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
For more information, please contact Dr. Fernando Garcia, the International Education Coordinator, or visit the DSC Study Abroad web site: https://www.daltonstate.edu/academics/getting-started.cms
As you complete your degree, adding the International Certificate will demonstrate your commitment to knowing more about the world and the people of the world around you. The International Endorsement is available to all DSC students in any major and does not require any additional credit hours. Requirements include a combination of curriculum coursework, approved international activity, and your participation in the International Symposium or the annual international event hosted on campus.
Students who complete the International Certificate requirements and graduate from DSC will receive a line on their transcript indicating this distinction.
How do I earn the Certificate?
- Meet with the Coordinator of the Office of International Education (OIE) to be assigned to an International Endorsement Advisor.
- Enroll using the International Endorsement Application and Checklist.
- Complete one international activity: Study Abroad or Service Learning Project.
- Attend at least 3 international events approved by an International Endorsement advisor.
- Make a presentation on your international activity at the annual DSC Undergraduate Research Symposium or the annual international event hosted on campus as a capstone requirement.
- Complete 15 credit hours in courses with international content. A grade of C or better is required for each class.
- Notify your International Endorsement Advisor of your completion of the Endorsement requirements.
- Graduate from DSC.
International Activity
Students must complete one or more of the following international activities. Prior to beginning an activity, a student is required to meet with his or her International Endorsement Advisor for approval of the activity.
Activity Options:
Study Abroad
- Must be for academic credit.
- Courses completed in the study abroad program may be used to help satisfy the 15 credit hour course requirement for the Endorsement.
Service Learning Project
- A student must complete a minimum of 60 hours of volunteer service while being enrolled at Dalton State College.
- Service must be with an “international community.”
- Service can be either local or abroad.
- Student must provide written documentation from the volunteer organization verifying participation.
International Events
- Students must attend at least three international events approved by an International Endorsement advisor.
- These events may be on campus, local or abroad.
- For each event, students must submit a one-page typed response paper about what they learned.
Capstone Requirement
Annual DSC Undergraduate Research Symposium
A presentation based on your international activity will be given to the DSC community at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. An International Endorsement Advisor or the Coordinator of the Office of International Education must approve presentation materials; or
Annual DSC International Event on Campus
A presentation based on your study abroad experience will be given to the DSC community at the annual international event. An International Endorsement Advisor or the Coordinator of the Office of International Education must approve presentation materials.
Courses with International Content
Students will choose at least 15 credits from the following list of DSC courses or other approved courses. Any courses completed in a Study Abroad program will count toward fulfillment of this requirement. The courses must be completed with a grade of C or better to fulfill the requirement. Students may use a maximum of two courses from each discipline for this requirement. For example, you may use two HIST and/or two ENGL courses to go toward the 15 credit hours.
ANTH 1103 | Intro to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
ARTS 1100 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
BIOL 1105K | Environmental Studies | 4 |
BUSA 3351 | International Business | 3 |
COMM 4425 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
CRJU 3350 | Drugs in America | 3 |
ECON 3110 | International Trade | 3 |
EDUC 2110 | Investig Critical/Contem Issue | 3 |
EDUC 2120 | Expl Socio-Cultural Perspect | 3 |
EDUC 3214 | Expl Act in PE, Art & Music | 3 |
ENGL 2111 | World Literature I | 3 |
ENGL 2112 | World Literature II | 3 |
ENGL 2120 | British Literature I | 3 |
ENGL 2121 | British Literature II | 3 |
ENGL 3210 | Multi-ethnic American Lit | 3 |
ENGL 3235 | African-American Literature | 3 |
ENGL 3300 | Medieval Lit in Translation | 3 |
ENGL 3340 | Hispanic Lit in Translation | 3 |
ENGL 3350 | Latino/a Literature in English | 3 |
ENGL 3360 | Topics in Asian Literature | 3 |
ENGL 3400 | Renaissance Literature | 3 |
ENGL 3410 | Shakespeare | 3 |
ENGL 4130 | Restor&18th-cent. British Lit | 3 |
ENGL 4140 | British Romantic Literature | 3 |
ENGL 4150 | British Victorian Literature | 3 |
ENGL 4160 | Modern British Literature | 3 |
ENGL 4420 | Literature Non-Western World | 3 |
ESOL 4242 | Culture and Education | 3 |
FREN 1001 | Elementary French I | 3 |
FREN 1002 | Elementary French II | 3 |
FREN 2001 | Intermediate French I | 3 |
FREN 2002 | Intermediate French II | 3 |
GEOG 1101 | Intro to Human Geography | 3 |
HIST 1111 | World Civilization to 1500 CE | 3 |
HIST 1112 | World Civilization since 1500 | 3 |
HIST 3100 | History of Latin America | 3 |
HIST 3150 | History of Africa | 3 |
HIST 3160 | The African Diaspora | 3 |
HIST 3200 | Traditional China | 3 |
HIST 3210 | Modern China | 3 |
HIST 3300 | English History to 1485 | 3 |
HIST 3310 | Tudor-Stuart England | 3 |
HIST 3310 | Tudor-Stuart England | 3 |
HIST 3440 | Europe in the Middle Ages | 3 |
HIST 3460 | Renaissance and Reformation | 3 |
HIST 3520 | France: 1660-1815 | 3 |
HIST 3540 | Modern Russia | 3 |
HIST 3940 | Special Topics World History | 3 |
HUMN 1201 | Expressions of Culture I | 3 |
HUMN 1202 | Expressions of Culture II | 3 |
MUSC 1100 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
MUSC 1110 | World Music | 3 |
PHIL 1103 | Intro to World Religions | 3 |
POLS 2301 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
POLS 2401 | International Relations | 3 |
PSYC 3450 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 |
READ 3251 | Children's Literature | 3 |
SOCI 3001 | Global Cultures and Societies | 3 |
SOCI 3100 | Sociology Latino Family/Cultur | 3 |
SPAN 1001 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
SPAN 1002 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 |
SPAN 1003 | Accelerated Elementary Spanish | 3 |
SPAN 2001 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
SPAN 2002 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
SPAN 2034 | Spanish for Criminal Justice | 3 |
SPAN 3001 | Adv Conversation/Composition | 3 |
SPAN 3002 | Literary/Nonliterary Texts | 3 |