Curricular Information

Summary of Curriculum for all Undergraduate Students

All undergraduate students must complete:

1. Either the Canisius Core Curriculum or the All-College Honors Curriculum;
2. Major Requirements (see individual major requirements using the Undergraduate Majors A-Z listing); and
3. Electives (sufficient courses and credits to reach the minimum of 120 credits to graduate). 

To determine how your courses fulfill curricular requirements you should run a GriffAudit. To run a GriffAudit go to the Canisius website and logon to myCanisius. Under "Online Tools," click on "Email, D2L, & Services." On the "Schedule and Registration" menu, click on select "Run My GriffAudit."  If you have difficulty with this process or with the information, you should consult your advisor or someone in the Griff Center for Student Success.

Credit Policy

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credits. The number of actual courses and credits varies depending upon the particular program as described in this catalog. All Canisius credits, regardless of the number of credits earned for a course, count toward the fulfillment of the 120 total. In practice this means that students may combine one credit courses to make the equivalent of a three-credit free elective. A student may also combine unrelated laboratory credits to make free electives if that student has changed from a science to a non-science major. Any questions about the award of credits and their application to a degree can be directed to the Student Records and Financial Services Center or to an academic advisor.  Additionally, students much complete a minimum number of liberal arts and sciences credits depending on the degree sought (60 credits for a bachelor of science and 90 credits for a bachelor of arts).  This requirement is explained on our liberal arts and sciences requirement page. 

Dual Bachelor's Degrees

Students may earn two different undergraduate degrees if they 1) complete a minimum of 150 undergraduate credit hours; 2) meet the requirements of majors linked to different degrees (e.g., BA English and BS Marketing); and 3) meet the NYSED liberal arts and sciences requirements of both degrees. Per university policy, each additional major requires a minimum of 15 credits that do not apply to the student's first or subsequent major. Please note that students may not receive two different degrees linked to the same major (e.g., a BA in Psychology and a BS in Psychology). 

Associate's Degree

To earn an associate's degree, a student must complete the required Core Curriculum courses, major courses, elective courses and a minimum of 60 credit hours. Additionally, students must complete 45 credits of liberal arts and sciences coursework for an associate of arts and 30 credits of liberal arts and sciences coursework for an associate in science.  This requirement is explained on our liberal arts and sciences requirement page. 

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes, labs, and other course-related activities. Students are expected to accept personal responsibility for absences and are responsible for fulfilling all requirements and completing assignments in each course. However, on some occasions students may need to be absent. When possible, students should inform their instructors if they plan to be absent from class. Instructors are privileged to establish reasonable absence regulations, which should be clearly stated in the syllabus. The instructor is expected to determine when the number of absences has reached the level where any additional absences would prevent the student from attaining the objectives of the course.

Writing

Writing is a way of learning as well as a way of communicating. The development of skill and fluency in the written use of language is inseparable from the development of skill and fluency in thought. As part of their learning experiences, students should expect to write in a variety of modes, from class notes, diaries and poems to examination essays and research papers. Opportunities for writing are a feature of every course in the university. To help develop skill and fluency in writing of various kinds, students may seek assistance from the staff of the Tutoring Center.

Examinations

One purpose of examinations is to benefit students. Examinations make more memorable the structure and materials of the course, satisfy the need for definite goals and provide an opportunity to exercise knowledge and skill in the subject. They are experiences in which students can learn about the subject and themselves.

In their syllabi, instructors specify examinations of a kind and number that are, in their judgment, appropriate to the needs of the students and to the objectives and conditions of the course. Normally, a final exam is given in each course during the final exam period. An instructor who wishes to omit the final exam requires prior approval of their department chairperson. No final exams are to be administered during the final week of classes.

Academic Support Services

Students whose prior academic record or performance on placement examinations indicates that they will need additional help to succeed in their college work will be placed into special sections or courses that are designed to assist them in their future course of studies. Students may also be advised to take special courses or sections if their performance in the first year indicates such special attention may be helpful. When necessary, the University, working through the Griff Center for Academic Engagement and the various departments, may require that such courses be taken.