Academic Programs

BACHELOR'S DEGREES

*This program requires students to have completed an associate's degree in the field.

MAJORS, CONCENTRATIONS, AND MINORS

Major: A program of study which cannot exceed 20 course-credits.  The faculty prescribes the courses in the major field of study. The courses that constitute the major include all the major courses, required-related courses, and professional education courses.

Concentration: A focused program of courses within the major. Generally, a concentration provides the student with a proficiency or competency in a specialty area within the major field.

Minor: A minor, consisting of a minimum of 5 courses, constitutes a program of study less extensive than that of a major. Although minors do not qualify as degree programs, approved minors are recorded on the transcript of a student who successfully completes the requirements. Minors are awarded only with the completion of a degree.

Within a broad range of purposes, a minor may:

• provide an academic emphasis in a department or provide a program of study in an interdisciplinary area,

• offer students an opportunity to pursue interests different from their major field, and

• help students to enhance their job potential upon graduation.

Minimum standards for acceptance into and completion of minors are the same as for majors. Specifically:

A minimum of three (3) course-credits for the minor requirements must be completed in residence. Minor residency requirements may be partially fulfilled by courses taken through FSU Study Abroad Program. Such cases require approval by the appropriate department chair.

• A minimum GPA of 2.00 must be earned in the courses used for the minor.

• A student may not complete the minor version of their major, if one exists.

• Refer to the description of the minor for any additional specifications.

COURSE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Degree: To complete the University residence requirement, a minimum of eight (8) course-credits (32 semester hours) must be taken at the University.

Major: To complete a major requirement, a minimum of five (5) course-credits (20 semester hours) in the major department must be taken at the University. Major residency requirements may be partially fulfilled by courses taken through FSU Study Abroad program.  Such cases require approval by the appropriate department chair.

Minor: To complete a minor requirement, a minimum of three (3) course-credits (12 semester hours) in the minor department must be taken at the University. Minor residency requirements may be partially fulfilled by courses taken through FSU Study Abroad program.  Such cases require approval by the appropriate department chair.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Framingham State University offers 40 majors, including several interdisciplinary programs. Major, concentration, and minor requirements for specific disciplines are described in the department sections, which follow. The courses listed in each section are currently being offered within departments and programs. Many introductory courses are offered each semester or yearly; some courses are offered in alternate years. To ensure timely completion of requirements, students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor or department chair in planning their sequence of courses.

*This program establishes a freshman and sophomore curriculum taken at FSU before transfer out to University of Massachusetts-Lowell, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the engineering disciplines at those institutions.

Note: Refer to the academic sections of the catalog for program descriptions.

UNDECLARED MAJOR

A candidate for admission to Framingham State University may elect not to declare a major. Students who are admitted as undeclared students are encouraged to view their status as an opportunity to explore a range of fields of interest. Undeclared students must apply for a specific major prior to the onset of the junior year. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs serves as chair of undeclared students.

Undeclared students are encouraged to visit the Academic Advising Center in O’Connor Hall for help in curriculum planning and exploration of possible majors. In addition, the Career Resource Center in the McCarthy Campus Center sponsors career workshops and offers individual career counseling that is particularly helpful to undeclared students.

OFFICE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

Matriculated students enrolling in undergraduate courses offered through Continuing Education may also complete undergraduate programs leading to the baccalaureate degree with majors in: Accounting, Business & Information Technology, Computer Science, Criminology, Liberal Studies, Management, Psychology, and Sociology.

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR POLICY

The University is committed to providing a First-Year seminar to aid students in a successful transition to college. All first-time, First-Year undergraduate students who matriculate in the fall semester shall enroll in either a RAMS First-Year Seminar, or a HNRS Honors First-Year Seminar for their first semester.  All first time, First-Year undergraduate students who matriculate in the spring semester or who do not enroll in one of these options during fall semester shall enroll in a spring-semester RAMS First-Year Seminar.

RAMS 101 FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS

RAMS 101 First-Year Seminars are designed to help facilitate First-Year students’ transition to the university setting by providing an opportunity to engage in a deep exploration of a significant topic or theme while being introduced to resources and strategies that support student academic success and integration into the university community. These seminars require subject-based reading, writing, and analysis in order to help students continue to develop essential academic skills and cultivate intellectual curiosity. Students further enhance their skills using evidence-based reasoning for decision-making and communication.

The First-Year Seminars use a small group setting to foster in-depth class discussion and a close relationship among the students, faculty member, and student peer-mentor. Offered through a specific academic department, the First-Year Seminars will have General Education status. Seminars scheduled with an HNRS Honors designation will be restricted to students in the Commonwealth Honors Program.

All RAMS 101 First-Year Seminars cover student success skills in addition to disciplinary content. Students success skills include coverage of topics in the following areas: academic skills, academic expectations, the terminology and structures of academia, resources and support on campus, and expectations as an engaged member of the university community.

To this end, all RAMS 101 First-Year Seminars will provide students with the opportunity to:

• Develop academic skills (such as taking effective notes, study skills, locating and evaluating sources, critical thinking, and effective communication);

• Recognize academic expectations (such as those pertaining to time management, tracking grades and deadlines, utilizing faculty office hours, professional communication, and expectations for college-level work);

• Understand the terminology and structures of academia (such as syllabi, course add/drop, course withdrawal, GPA, advising, registration, holds on accounts, majors/minors, prerequisites);

• Understand campus learning resources and support services (such as CASA, Whittemore Library, the Center for Inclusive Excellence, advisors, Career Services, Health and Wellness, Counseling Center, Financial Aid, Veterans Services);

• Understand the expectations as a member of the university community (such as creating an inclusive community, academic honesty, civic engagement, involvement in campus events).

COMMONWEALTH HONORS PROGRAM

The Commonwealth Honors Program at Framingham State University is designed to provide academically talented students with the opportunity to enrich their college experience with courses both within and outside their major department. Courses bearing the “Honors” designation are drawn from a wide range of disciplines, and are designed to be intensive and intellectually challenging, drawing upon and developing students’ creativity and analytical thinking skills.

Honors courses are designed for a maximum enrollment of 20 students to foster in-depth class discussion and a close student-instructor relationship. Honors courses may be applied to the general education requirements specified by the University. Honors courses that are split may be taken by students, who are not participating in the Program, on a space available basis in the non-honors section of the course.

Honors Program Admission Requirements

Incoming First-Year Student Admission: First-Year students are selected for the Honors Program based on their high school curriculum, recalculated grade point average, and demonstrated potential for superior academic work at the university level.

Incoming Transfer Student Admission: Transfer students in academic good standing in the Commonwealth Honors Program at another Massachusetts public institution automatically meet the Honors Program selection standards.

Continuing Student Admission: Matriculated students not initially selected to participate in the Honors Program may request selection after completing at least one semester of coursework (minimum of 3 course credits) at Framingham State with a minimum GPA of 3.20. Matriculated students are not eligible for Honors Program selection after completing five (5) or more general education course credits. A brief statement of intent and an unofficial transcript must be presented to the Faculty Director of the Honors Program by January 10 (to join Honors program in spring) or June 10 (to join Honors program in fall).

Honors Program Completion Requirements

Participants in the Framingham State University Honors Program must complete a minimum of six (6) course credits bearing the honors designation, including a RAMS First-Year Seminar with an Honors designation (HNRS) and the honors capstone course HNRS 480 Honors Program Thesis/Project. The remaining four (4) course credits must be fulfilled through approved honors sections of regular 100- and 200-level courses carrying a general education designation. However, students may choose to substitute one (1) upper-division course in their major program of study (300- or 400-level) for one of these four elective Honors courses by submitting an honors contract in which the student and instructor devise or enhance a project within the course emphasizing advanced, independent research on a particular subject. Students pursuing Educator licensure in addition may substitute a designated honors section of either EDUC 110 Education in American Society or EDUC 200 Education in American Society with Field Study I. All students must complete a minimum of three (3) courses with the honors designation at Framingham State University, including HNRS 480 Honors Program Thesis/Project.

As a condition of continued enrollment in the Honors Program, a freshman or sophomore must maintain a GPA of no less than 3.00 overall; a junior or senior must maintain a GPA of 3.20 or greater. In addition, a student must earn a minimum grade of B (3.0) in each honors course (including the thesis) in order to count toward the program requirements. Students may not go more than one semester without taking an Honors course prior to the completion of First-Year and program elective requirements, but may wait to take HNRS 480 Honors Program Thesis/Project without penalty. Students who fail to satisfy these requirements are allowed to continue in the program for a probation period of one year (freshmen and sophomores) or one semester (juniors and seniors). Subsequent continuance is at the discretion of the Honors Council.

In 2011, the Framingham State University Honors program received Commonwealth Honors designation from the Board of Higher Education. Participation in the Framingham State University Honors Program is noted on the students’ transcripts. Students successfully completing the program are also designated as Commonwealth Honors Scholars on their academic transcripts.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Pre-Health Studies Curriculum for Students Interested in the Health Professions

Advisors:     Steven Cok, Chemistry & Food Science Department
                      Shelli Waetzig, Chemistry & Food Science Department

This program is intended for students interested in pursuing medicine (either as a doctor (MD or DO), or physician’s assistant (PA)), dentistry (DMD or DDS), pharmacy (PharmD), nursing (APRN or DNP), or other healthcare professions (i.e. physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary).  Each track/profession has a different set of course requirements. For most pre-medical/pre-health professions, majoring in either Pre-Medicine & Human Health, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, or Biochemistry fulfills most or all of these course areas. At FSU, students can choose any major while still fulfilling the required courses to apply to these programs.  Some of the required or recommended pre-professional courses are fulfilled through appropriate selections from the General Education program at Framingham State University, including courses in English composition and literature, psychology, and sociology.

Pre-professional students should meet with one of the pre-professional curriculum advisors no later than the beginning of their sophomore year and continue to meet periodically. This contact will ensure that students complete the specific requirements for the professional programs to which they intend to submit applications, since each program and institution has varying admissions requirements, which can also include clinical hours or national exams (i.e. MCAT, DAT, CASPer). Please note that the application process is highly competitive for all types of professional schools. Students with a final overall GPA of 3.50 or higher are more likely to gain admission to professional school programs.

Pre-Engineering

Advisor:       Santosha Adhibhatta, Environment, Society, & Sustainability Department

This program, in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute establishes a freshman and sophomore curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the engineering disciplines. A typical student accepted into this program will study for two or for three years at Framingham State University and complete the program at one of the three universities, earning the degree from that institution. “Pre-engineering students who complete the program with a threshold GPA (which varies between universities from a “C+” to a “B”) are guaranteed admission to the engineering program at that university campus. Those students with a “C” average may be accepted, but their transfer cannot be guaranteed. Other students may choose to remain at Framingham and complete their program of studies in a major such as biology, chemistry, or computer science. (For further information see Environment, Society, & Sustainability Department section.)

Pre-Law

Advisor:      Thomas Severo, Political Science Department

Since law schools do not require or recommend specific undergraduate majors, the University does not offer a prescribed pre-law program, although the Political Science Department offers a minor in law and politics. Students are encouraged to choose a major and courses that emphasize reading, writing, and speaking, as well as analytical skills. Students contemplating a career in law should plan their curriculum under the guidance of both major and pre-law advisors.

3 + 3 BACHELOR'S/JURIS DOCTORATE PROGRAMS 

Suffolk University Law School

The 3+3 program enables students to attend Suffolk Law School after three years of study at Framingham State University (FSU). This is an accelerated program that allows the participants to complete their undergraduate studies and law degree in six (6) years.  Courses that students take in their first year of law school will count as free electives at FSU, which will allow them to complete their undergraduate degree requirements. Students choosing an accelerated program or those choosing to complete their undergraduate general education and major program requirements in three (3) years would be eligible. The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is awarded following the successful completion of the first year of law school (as noted on an official transcript sent from Suffolk University).

Interested students should meet with their major academic advisor and the Pre-Law Advisor no later than the start of their sophomore year in order to determine that they can complete all necessary undergraduate courses and credits by the end of their Junior year.

Selected students start at Suffolk University Law School after their junior year at Framingham State University. Students may apply to the Suffolk Law School program no later than April 1st of their junior year at FSU. 

Matriculation Requirements to Suffolk University Law School

• Maintain at least a 3.30 overall GPA while at FSU;

• Obtain a Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score equal to or greater than the Suffolk University Law School’s median score of the prior year;

• Provide at least one (1) letter of academic recommendation from an FSU faculty member by January 1st prior to the fall start in law school;

• Submit a completed Suffolk University Law School application no later than April 1st of their junior year at FSU (Suffolk University Law School will waive the application fee);

Complete required Framingham courses before beginning at the law school, including all major program requirements and General Education requirements, which need to be completed by the end of the student’s junior year.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Law School

The 3+3 program enables students to attend University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Law School (UMass Law) after three years of study at Framingham State University (FSU). This is an accelerated program that allows the participants to complete their undergraduate studies and law degree in six (6) years. Courses that students take in their first year of law school will count as free electives at FSU, which will allow them to complete their undergraduate degrees. The program is very demanding and geared towards a select group of students.  Students who demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Framingham and UMass Law are highly appropriate candidates. Students choosing an accelerated program or those choosing to complete their degree requirements in three (3) years would be eligible. The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is awarded following the completion of the first year of law school. 

Selected students start at UMass Law after their junior year at Framingham State University.  Students may apply to the UMass Law program at the end of the 1st semester of their freshman year through the end of their sophomore year. Completion of the program will yield a baccalaureate degree from Framingham as well as a juris doctor from UMass Law.

Matriculation Requirements to UMass Law

• In compliance with American Bar Association Standard 502, successful completion by the end of the junior year of at least three-fourths of the credits leading to a bachelor’s degree (i.e., the students must complete at least 24 graduation credits or 96 hours);

• Earned a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) during the three years of FSU undergraduate study;

• Satisfied all major requirements and satisfied all general education requirements;

• A minimum score of 150 on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT);

• Satisfy the character and fitness requirements appropriate for admission to law school;

• Fulfillment of all admissions requirements normally imposed by UMass Law, including but not limited to:

  • Completing a law school application for basic information and to register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) by December of the student’s junior year at FSU;

• An accepted student to the UMass Law Program can defer for one year without penalty.  The student has to enroll the following year. If not, the student will no longer be in the UMass Law Program;

• Failure to meet the above criteria will result in the student being withdrawn from the 3+3 program. The student may apply through the regular process as a candidate for admission to the law school following the completion of the undergraduate degree.

• If a student is lacking one or two courses to satisfy their major or general education requirements, they may be given the summer session following their junior year to complete these courses.

4 + 1 BACHELOR'S/MASTER'S PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology/Professional Science Master’s with a concentration in Biotechnology (BS/PSM)

This program combines undergraduate and graduate training in a scientific discipline, plus the components of business and regulatory training. This will prepare undergraduate Biology majors for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, government or healthcare industry, with just one additional year of school to complete the Professional Science Master's with a concentration in Biotechnology, specialization in Quality Assurance. The BS/PSM degrees program can be completed in a period of five years - four undergraduate years and one year of graduate studies - and is intended to focus on training highly motivated undergraduate juniors with applicable scientific and professional skills for the biotech industry.

Bachelor of Arts with a major in English/Master of Arts with a concentration in English (BA/MA)

This program prepares students for high school or community college teaching, as well as graduate studies in English at the Ph.D. level, pre-professional studies in law and library science, and for careers in communications, public relations, publishing, marketing, information sciences, human resources, and business and public administration. Students in the Bachelor of Arts in English program will have the opportunity to further develop and refine their writing and communication skills, think critically and creatively, and use emerging information technologies in the pursuit of advanced research in their graduate courses for the Master of Arts concentration in English. 

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science or a Minor in Public Administration/Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Administration (B/MPA)

This 4+1 program provides students the opportunity to complete course work at the undergraduate and graduate level that will prepare them for a career in the public sector, including work in government and non-profit organizations, positions in the private sector who are involved with and affected by governmental activities, and careers in government at the management level. In this period of increased interdependency among the public, non-profit, and private sectors, the program is dedicated to the increased responsibilities and challenges confronting the public manager.

Bachelor of Science with a major in Food and Nutrition with concentration in Coordinated Program in Dietetics/Master of Science with a concentration in Food and Nutrition with specialization in Coordinated Program in Dietetics (BS/MS)

This program combines undergraduate and graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) and includes both the academic requirements and the supervised practice requirements which qualify students to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians upon graduation. Upon successful completion of this 4+1 program, students are eligible to receive a Verification Form, required to document eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Bachelor of Science with a major in Food Science/Master of Science with a concentration in Food and Nutrition with specialization in Food Science & Nutrition Science (BS/MS)

This program combines undergraduate program in Food Science with the graduate program in Food and Nutrition with a Specialization in Food Science and Nutrition Science. This program prepares undergraduate Food Science majors for a career in the food science industry or for graduate studies at the Ph.D. level in Food Science or a related field. Students in the program will have the opportunity to further develop their knowledge of food science and their laboratory skills by exploring a research problem dealing with food or nutrition science, food processing technology, food engineering, or food biochemistry resulting in a master’s thesis.

Bachelor of Science with a major in Food and Nutrition with concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics Education/Master of Education with a concentration Nutrition Education (BS/MEd)

This program combines undergraduate the Nutrition and Dietetics Education concentration with the master’s program to complete their master-level work prior to or potentially concurrently with dietetic internship programs, thus enabling them to sit for the registered dietitian nutritionist exam upon completion of their post-graduate dietetic internships. It will also allow our students to be more competitive for dietetic internships.

Bachelor’s/Master of Education with a concentration in Secondary Education – specialization in English, History, Mathematics, or Visual Arts (B/MEd)

This program combines an undergraduate degree with a major in English, History, Mathematics, or Studio Art with the Master of Education with concentration in Secondary Education. The graduate program is an advance study of education combined with the requirements for Initial Licensure in the areas of English Grades 5-12, History Grades 5-12, Mathematics Grades 5-8 or 8-12, and Visual Arts Grades PreK-8 or 5-12.

Bachelor’s/Master of Education with a concentration in Special Education - Moderate Disabilities (B/MEd)

This program combines an undergraduate degree with the Master of Education with concentration in Special Education (Moderate Disabilities) to prepare candidates to work with children and young adults with diverse learning needs. Candidates learn to support literacy and numeracy development, communication skills, and social & emotional learning of students with moderate disabilities Grades PreK-8 or 5-12. This program leads to an initial license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities in Grades PreK-8 or Grades 5-12.

Bachelor’s/Master of Science with a concentration in Organizational Leadership (B/MS)

This program combines an undergraduate degree with the Master of Science with concentration in Organizational Leadership is structured to prepare entry level professionals for future leadership and management roles in today’s increasingly complex organizations. Students learn to link theory with practice, and to recognize the ethical, leadership, and multi-disciplinary demands of organizational environments that are increasingly global, diverse, and geographically/culturally diffuse. This program offers in-depth study in leadership principles and management, including organizational psychology, change management, and innovation and disruption. This concentration emphasizes quantitative and qualitative data, and scientific methods and analysis, while focusing on three key areas necessary for success as new entrants in the business world based on sound scientific reasoning practices. Graduates are better prepared for employment in both the private and public sector, such as with non-profits and governmental agencies.

BACHELOR'S TO MASTER'S (B2M) PROGRAMS

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Framingham State University students will be able to apply for the collaborative accelerated master’s programs (CAMP) in Data Science, Neuroscience, and Medicinal Chemistry offered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and begin their graduate studies early. The CAMP programs will be governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FSU and WPI.

The MOU will include the following conditions:

• Up to three WPI graduate courses will be accepted into Framingham State and applied to the undergraduate degree according to the current transfer credit policy. These courses will be taken during the junior and/or senior year at FSU.

• Up to two approved FSU courses can be used toward the WPI Master’s Degree in Data Science, Neuroscience, or Medicinal Chemistry. Selected courses appropriate for these programs are listed as part of each program in the University Catalog.

• Students will apply to the program during their junior or senior year at FSU. Students may also apply to the program up to three (3) years after earning their Bachelor’s degree if they have completed at least one of the approved FSU courses. 

• Testing requirements and fees for the WPI admissions application are waived.

 Application Requirements:

• Completion of at least 15 course credits;

• Maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA while at FSU;

• Completion of MATH 219 Calculus I or equivalent, with a grade of B- or higher;

• Completion of WPI Graduate Program Prerequisites and Application;

• Two letters of recommendation; one letter of recommendation must from an FSU faculty member.

Collaborative Accelerated Masters in Data Science

The bachelor’s to master’s program (B2M) in Data Science enables students to earn a master’s degree from WPI, while completing their bachelor’s degree at FSU. Students will enroll in up to three (3) graduate courses at WPI while completing their undergraduate degree requirements. The WPI courses will count as open electives at FSU, unless determined as appropriate electives in their major or minor program, as determined by program coordinator or department chair. Up to two (2) courses from FSU may count toward the degree at WPI.

Matriculation Requirements

Students eligible for this program are either minoring in Data Science or majoring in Mathematics. Students in other majors should meet with the program advisor to discuss curriculum choices to complete the necessary prerequisites.

 WPI Graduate Courses Acceptable for Transfer to FSU:

(Note: Students must be accepted into the program before enrolling in the WPI courses)

DS 501 Introduction to Data Science

DS 502/MA 543 Statistical Methods for Data Science

DS 517/MA 517 Mathematical Foundations for Data Science

FSU Undergraduate Courses Acceptable for Transfer to WPI:

CSCI 400 Special Topics in Computer Science

CSCI 410 Computer Science Cooperative Experience

CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science*

CSCI 495 Internship in Computer Science*

DASC 490 Independent Study in Data Science*

DASC 495 Internship in Data Science*

ECON 490 Independent Study in Economics*

ECON 495 Internship in Economics*

MATH 490 Independent Study in Mathematics*

MATH 495 Internship in Mathematics*

QUAN 470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

*The WPI Data Science Program Director will make the determination if the Independent Study or Internship is appropriate and applicable to the Data Science Master’s program. Students are recommended to work with the FSU program advisor prior to beginning their research, if they want the course to transfer to WPI.

Collaborative Accelerated Masters in Medicinal Chemistry

The bachelor’s to master’s program (B2M) in Medicinal Chemistry enables students to earn a master’s degree from WPI, while completing their bachelor’s degree at FSU. Students will enroll in up to three (3) graduate courses at WPI while completing their undergraduate degree requirements. The WPI courses will count as open electives at FSU, unless determined as appropriate electives in their major or minor program, as determined by program coordinator or department chair. Up to two (2) courses from FSU may count toward the degree at WPI.

Students eligible for this program are either minoring in Chemistry, or Biochemistry, or majoring in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Pre-Medicine & Human Health. Students in other majors should meet with the program advisor to discuss curriculum choices to complete the necessary prerequisites. 

WPI Graduate Courses Acceptable for Transfer to FSU:

(Note: Students must be accepted into the program before enrolling in the WPI courses)

CH 520 Cell Signaling

CH 536 Theory and Applications of NMR Spectroscopy

CH 538 Medicinal Chemistry

CH 542 Drugs in the Brain

CH 545 Plant Natural Products

CH 546 Natural Product Isolation and Analysis

CH 554 Molecular Modeling

CH 555 Special Topics in Chemistry

 FSU Undergraduate Courses Acceptable for Transfer to WPI:

BIOL 400 Trends in Biotechnology

BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology

BIOL 490 Independent Study in Biology*

BIOL 495 Internship in Biology*

CHEM 480 Chemical Research I

CHEM 481 Chemical Research II

CHEM 490 Independent Study in Chemistry*

CHEM 495 Internship in Chemistry*

NEUR 450 Seminar in Neuroscience

NEUR 490 Independent Study in Neuroscience*

NEUR 495 Internship in Neuroscience*

PSYC 450 Empirical Research Thesis in Psychology

PSYC 480 Psychological Seminar

PSYC 490 Independent Study in Psychology*

PSYC 495 Internship in Psychology*           

*The WPI Medicinal Chemistry Program Director will make the determination if the Independent Study or Internship is appropriate and applicable to the Medicinal Chemistry Master’s program. Students are recommended to work with the FSU program advisor prior to beginning their research, if they want the course to transfer to WPI.

Collaborative Accelerated Masters in Neuroscience

The bachelor’s to master’s program (B2M) in Neuroscience enables students to earn a master’s degree from WPI, while completing their bachelor’s degree at FSU. Students will enroll in up to three (3) graduate courses at WPI while completing their undergraduate degree requirements. The WPI courses will count as open electives at FSU, unless determined as appropriate electives in their major or minor program, as determined by program coordinator or department chair. Up to two (2) courses from FSU may count toward the degree at WPI.

WPI Graduate Courses Acceptable for Transfer to FSU:

(Note: Students must be accepted into the program before enrolling in the WPI courses)

NEU 501 Neuroscience

NEU 502 Neural Plasticity

NEU 503 Computational Neuroscience

NEU 504 Advanced Psychophysiology

NEU 505 Brain-Computer Interaction

NEU 590 Special Topics in Neuroscience

 FSU Undergraduate Courses Acceptable for Transfer to WPI:

BIOL 400 Trends in Biotechnology

BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology

BIOL 490 Independent Study in Biology*

BIOL 495 Internship in Biology*

CHEM 480 Chemical Research I

CHEM 481 Chemical Research II

CHEM 490 Independent Study in Chemistry*

CHEM 495 Internship in Chemistry*

CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science*

CSCI 495 Internship in Computer Science*

MATH 490 Independent Study in Mathematics*

MATH 495 Internship in Mathematics*

NEUR 450 Seminar in Neuroscience

NEUR 490 Independent Study in Neuroscience*

NEUR 495 Internship in Neuroscience*

PSYC 450 Empirical Research Thesis in Psychology

PSYC 480 Psychology Seminar

PSYC 490 Independent Study in Psychology*

PSYC 495 Internship in Psychology*

*The WPI Neuroscience Program Director will make the determination if the Independent Study or Internship is appropriate and applicable to the Neuroscience Master’s program. Students are recommended to work with the FSU program advisor prior to beginning their research, if they want the course to transfer to WPI.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS PROGRAM

This program affords qualified students the opportunity to do extensive study in an area of interest not usually pursued in regular academic work. The completed thesis is recorded on the student’s transcript and is placed on permanent file in the library. Distinction for completing the departmental honors thesis is also noted at commencement. Students should consult their department chair to initiate their enrollment in the departmental honors program. 

Students are eligible for this program if they have a grade point average of 3.00 or higher for the entire sophomore year, or for the last semester sophomore year plus the first semester junior year. The 3.00 cumulative grade point average must include a minimum of four (4) course-credits taken at Framingham State University. Students undertaking this program may elect to omit one elective course in the senior year, substituting the final work of this research project for the course omitted. Course substitution must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and department chair. The program is carried on under the direction of a faculty advisor. The choice of the faculty advisor and the actual program of study are matters of mutual agreement between the student and the faculty member. Students may begin work any time after qualifying and must continue for at least two semesters.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL MINORS

An Interdepartmental Minor shall consist of a designated number of courses, which must be taken in different subject areas. To complete a minor requirement, a minimum of three (3) course credits (12 semester hours) in the minor must be taken in residence at the University. The University offers minors in the following areas:

American Studies

Artificial Intelligence

Black Studies

Data Science

Digital Humanities

Diversity Studies

Gender Studies

Information Technology

Irish Studies

Latin American, Caribbean, and United States Latino Studies

Media, Culture, and Society

Museum Studies

Neuroscience

Public Health

Science Communication

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Social Studies

Sustainable Food Systems

A description and course requirements of each Interdepartmental Minor can be viewed in the Interdisciplinary section of this catalog.

MINORS

To complete a minor requirement, a minimum of three (3) course credits (12 semester hours) in the minor must be taken in residence at the University.

Accounting

African American Literature and Film

American Sign Language

American Studies

Anthropology

Apparel Design

Art

Art History

Biochemistry

Biology

Black Studies

Business Administration

Chemistry

Child and Family Studies

Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Communication Arts

Computer Science

Creative Writing

Criminology

Data Science and Analytics

Digital Humanities

Diversity Studies

Earth and Planetary Systems

Economics

Education

English

Entrepreneurship

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Science

Environmental Studies and Social Justice

Fashion Merchandising

Fashion Studies

Film Production

Film Studies

Finance

Food Science

Gender Studies

Geographic Information Science

Geography

Graphic Design

Health and Wellness

History

Hospitality and Tourism Management

Information Systems

Information Technology

International Business

Irish Studies

Journalism

Latin American, Caribbean, and United States Latino Studies

Law and Politics

Marketing

Mathematics

Math for Elementary Education

Media, Culture, & Society

Museum Studies

Music

Neuroscience

Nutrition

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Portuguese

Professional Writing

Psychology

Public Administration

Public Health

Sales

Science Communication

Secondary Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Social Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Sports Management

Statistics

Strategic Communication

Sustainable Food Systems

Theatre

World Languages and Linguistics

Writing