Special Undergraduate
Academic Programs

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Experiential Learning gives reality to classroom learning, provides orientation to the world of work and assists students in formalizing career goals. Caldwell College sponsors two distinct experiential programs for students. Internships and Cooperative Education are work-based experiences related to academic and career interests. Both require junior status and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Each position is approved and supervised by a faculty advisor and the Director of Experiential Learning. Elective credit is awarded upon successful completion of an academic component.

The programs differ in time commitment and earning potential. Co-op, students work up to twenty hours per week while attending classes, or full time during the summer. All of these positions are paid. Most Internships do not exceed eight hours per week and are not paid. There is a limit of two internship / cooperative education experiences for academic credit.

Click here to visit Experiential Learning's web page.

WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM

Caldwell College is affiliated with the Washington Semester Program of American University, Washington, D.C. Under this program, Caldwell students spend one semester in residence at American University, taking advantage of the many resources of the Washington, D.C. area. The program is open to juniors and seniors.

Students enroll at Caldwell College during this semester, but pay tuition at the American University rate. The program involves a seminar, internship experience and an independent research project or course elective. Washington Semester students earn a full semester of credit and can focus on one of seven areas of study: American Politics, Art and Architecture, Economic Policy, Foreign Policy, International Business and Trade, International Environment and Development, Journalism, Justice, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Public Law.

Further information on this program can be obtained from the Department of History and Political Science, (973) 618-3326.

ROTC

Through a cross-registration program, full-time undergraduate students may register for Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) in association with nearby Seton Hall University and commute to the South Orange campus for the required classes.

Students may enter the program as freshmen, sophomores, or at the start of their junior year. The Army offers full-tuition scholarship assistance to qualified students. All advanced course students (third and fourth year students) are paid $350 for contracted juniors and $400 for contracted seniors per month, tax free, during the school year.

Specific details can be secured through the Caldwell College Office of Admissions or the Seton Hall Military Science Department, 973-761-9446.

CERTIFICATE IN AMERICAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Caldwell College offers a one year certificate program for international students who desire to improve their English language communication skills and to enhance their understanding of American culture. Students will have the opportunity to earn 24-30 credits in advanced composition or grammar; American culture; oral communication; business writing; and other elective courses. A certificate will be issued to each student at the successful completion of the second semester.

ENGLISH FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS

The Caldwell College English for Non-Native Speakers Program develops the academic language skills non-native speakers of English need to succeed in mainstream American college courses. It offers advanced-level courses to improve skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking and to enhance understanding of contemporary American culture and the conventions of the American academic community.

The program is open to students of all ages and requires formal application. Traditional students must apply to the Admissions Office, while students over the age of 23 apply to the Center for Continuing Education. Caldwell College is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Students who apply for an I-20 must enroll for full-time study on a credit basis.

Please consult the Academic Support Center's page for a full description of the English for Non-Native Speakers program and a complete listing of the English for Non-Native Speakers courses offered at Caldwell College.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS

Caldwell College acknowledges that some students need to strengthen their academic skills before entering into the rigors of college-level work. Therefore, a full complement of courses are available to skill deficient students in the areas of mathematics, composition and reading. The grades in these courses are calculated into the GPA.

Skills Placement
Caldwell College administers a placement test to all incoming freshman. The test assesses skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Test performance is one factor in assigning students to developmental courses. Exit criteria for these courses are a grade of "C" or higher and attainment of a proficiency level on the placement test. English and reading requirements must be completed by the end of the second semester. Math requirements must be met by the end of the fourth semester.

In addition to the developmental courses listed among English and mathematics developmental offerings, the following courses are included in the Developmental Program:

La 095 Developmental Reading (3 non-degree credits)

Prepares students to reason while reading so that they are able to evaluate the written word, to judge its importance, and to express main ideas through supporting details, reasons and examples. Required of freshmen and new students whose placement test scores indicate weakness in reading skills.

La 096 Learning Strategies (2 non-degree credits)

Assists students on academic probation to develop stronger learning strategies for success in college. Emphasis is on study skills, time management and goal setting. Required for freshmen on academic probation.

La 097 Seminar in Reading Advancement (1 non-degree credit)

Directs students to develop skills in previewing, concentration and retention while reading. Speed, inferences and identification of key concepts are additional areas stressed. Required of those students whose post-test scores still indicate weakness after completion of Developmental Reading (La 095).

La 100 Applications of Learning (1 non-degree credits)

Introduces strategies to help students become successful, independent learners. Students will learn time management techniques, study skills using notes and readings, and the process of effective essay and test answer writing. Required of freshmen whose records indicate the need for enhanced skill development.

La 101 Foundations of Learning (3 non-degree credits)

Addresses the critical thinking skills that allow students to analyze and evaluate complex problems and issues. Skills emphasized in the course are: changing one's point of reference, generating possibilities, developing logical consistency, solving problems, making informed inferences, and articulating relationships. Required of freshmen enrolled in three developmental courses and students whose records indicate need.

STUDY ABROAD

Well-qualified students are encouraged to study abroad during their junior year or during the summer if such study is advantageous. Students desiring to do so should plan their program with their departmental advisor and present it in writing for approval to the Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs. Credit and grades for all study abroad programs will be transferred and included in the GPA.

For more information, visit the Study Abroad and Short Term Travel Experience page.

SUMMER SESSION

Summer Session provides opportunities for individuals to pursue college studies and take advantage of special programs during late May, June, and July. The Summer Session is offered in two (2) five-week semesters and an additional accelerated seven week semester for Adult Undergraduate students. It is open to all students in good academic standing at Caldwell College and at other institutions. Students may register for a maximum of twelve (12) credits over both Summer Sessions. Summer Session is administered through the Center for Continuing Education.

WINTER SESSION

Winter Session affords faculty and students an opportunity to teach and experience new innovative courses, different approaches to traditional offerings, creative interdepartmental courses, study and travel abroad, or explore areas of study with an intensive hands-on approach.

Winter Session consists of a three-week period in January. Students may register for a maximum of four (4) credits. The Winter Session is open to all students enrolled at Caldwell College and visiting students in good academic standing at other institutions.

For Winter Session registration information and course offerings, click here.

Winter Session is administered through the Center for Continuing Education.

OPTION FOR QUALIFIED SENIORS TO TAKE GRADUATE COURSES

Students who have completed 90+ credits and who have an overall GPA of 3.5 or better may take up to six credits of graduate level courses in the M.A. in Liberal Studies, M.A. in Counseling Psychology or the M.A. in Pastoral Ministry programs, if all prior permissions are granted. Graduate courses in these programs may be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit, but not both. Undergraduates taking graduate courses will be charged undergraduate tuition up to the maximum of six credits. Admission of an undergraduate to courses at the graduate level does not imply future acceptance into a graduate degree program.

Qualified students may apply for admission into the combined B.S./M.B.A. program in the spring semester of their junior year. During the senior year, students accepted into the programs will complete six graduate credits, specified by the Department of Business, which will be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. The total number of credits required for both degrees is 150 or 153 depending on the student's academic background. The Bachelor of Science degree will be awarded upon the completion of the requirements for that degree. For details on this option, please refer to the Department of Business page.