Academic Programs and Services
Academic Programs and Services
Programs
The University Honors Program
Director: Mary Elizabeth Ingham, C.S.J.
As a means of creatively challenging the potential of the outstanding student and thereby contributing to the intellectual life of the entire academic community, the University adopted the Honors Program in 1958. By constant experimentation and periodic revision, the program attempts to keep true to its original intent of providing intellectual adventure.
The program is interdepartmental and does not involve a separate faculty. It relies on the interest and generosity of the entire University faculty and on the enthusiasm of the truly exceptional students to become mutually involved in an intellectual experience. Not being a separate unit apart from the rest of the University community, the University Honors faculty and students thus share with the rest of the school the stimulation of their special academic experience.
Taking advantage of its freedom from some of the restrictions involved in the structure of regular courses, the University Honors Program attempts to challenge as well as to inform, to ask hard questions as well as to examine tested solutions. Its goal is to provide a carefully integrated and demanding curriculum for the exceptional student.
The University Honors Program is open to students from all the undergraduate Colleges and the undergraduate School of Loyola Marymount. The Program is administered by the Honors Director with the assistance of the Program Supervisor and the Honors Advisory Council. Faculty members from all disciplines at Loyola Marymount are invited to participate.
The University Honors core curriculum begins with an intensive undergraduate experience combining four interdisciplinary courses in the humanities and sciences with an individualized sequence in writing, critical thinking, and cultural studies. A second-year sequence in historiography, theology, and natural philosophy prepares the Honors student for the third-year seminars in ethics, interdisciplinary study, and thesis preparation. The fourth year results in the publication of the capstone thesis project: the culmination of independent research under the individual guidance of a professor and the participation in the Senior Thesis Forum.
University Honors students must maintain an average GPA of 3.50 and display proficiency in a foreign language. Successful completion of the University Honors Program is announced at the annual Commencement ceremonies and noted on the student’s permanent transcript. This recognition is of lasting personal, professional, and academic value.
The University Honors Program is open to incoming and current first year students. First semester sophomores and transfer students may also apply. More is expected of students in the Honors Program; not everyone is qualified to join. We are interested in: a sense of academic adventure, highly motivated individuals, rigorous educational experience, social awareness, personal responsibility, interesting personal background, a first-rate cumulative GPA (4.0 scale), highly competitive test scores (SAT and/or ACT), the constant pursuit of excellence. Interested students should complete an application; schedule an interview with the Director or member of the Honors Advisory Council; provide a critical writing sample; and submit a letter of reference.
Each Fall, the University Honors Program carefully selects a limited number of incoming students to join the Program. Application materials are available at http://www.lmu.edu/honors.
Further details on requirements and course descriptions are continued under University Honors Program in the Bulletin.
Individualized Study Program
Director: College or School Dean
The Individualized Study Program involves a select number of creative and highly motivated students within all colleges and schools of the University whose educational needs and goals cannot fully be met by individual departments or majors. The program is thus designed to offer each participant greater responsibility in determining the content of his or her major program, based upon the goals to which that major is directed. Students may wish to construct their programs or areas of concentration from interdisciplinary, independent study, field work alternatives, or a combination thereof.
The program is open to freshmen and sophomores who have completed at least one semester in the participating colleges or schools. Once accepted into the program by the Dean of the student’s college or school, the student selects a counselor who assists in designing the specific content of the major in line with the student’s objectives. The student’s program is then formalized into a contract signed by the student, advisor, and Dean. Upon completion of the contracted course of studies, the student is issued a degree in Individualized Studies.
Naval ROTC
Eligible Loyola Marymount University students who wish to participate in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps may do so through a program established with the UCLA University Extension. The program, in conjuction with an LMU baccalaureate degree, leads to a commission in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. Appropriate academic credit for courses accredited by the University of California is given in accordance with the policies governing LMU’s Aerospace Studies program. Further information may be obtained from the Chairperson of the Department of Naval Science, University of California, Los Angeles.
Preparation for a Career in Law
Director: Stacy Burns
The University offers several curricula that are appropriate for students who plan to enter law school upon the completion of their undergraduate degree. The prelaw student should select a course of study that insures the development of the skills essential to the successful study of law: 1) the ability to use language and communicate effectively and 2) the ability to think critically and creatively. In addition, the prelaw curriculum must provide a broad understanding of basic human institutions and values.
To insure they follow an appropriate course of study, prelaw students are advised to select their classes in consultation with the University Prelaw Advisor. The Prelaw Advisor also serves as a resource person for students during the law school application process.
Preparation for the Health Professions
Director: Rebecca Crawford
The Health Professions Information Program provides the student with regular informational meetings. The Director of the Program serves as a resource person and is available for individual consultation. The Director’s Office distributes relevant materials to prospective applicants and maintains their files for the Health Professions Advisory Committee. The Committee assists students in completing the application process to health professional schools. The University offers pre-health professional curricula for those students who plan to apply for admission to the following programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pediatric Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Public Health. These curricula are not degree programs, and students who wish to complete the requirements for a Bachelor’s degree before admission to a professional school should select a major within the University. Students usually select a biology, biochemistry, or other science major. Students in other majors should consult with the director early in their college career about blending pre-health profession courses with their chosen major. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the chosen major, specific requirements of the professional programs should be satisfied. The following lower division courses are usually required: BIOL 101, 102, 111, 112, 201, 202; CHEM 110, 111, 112, 113, 220, 221, 222, 223; English (6 semester hours); MATH 122, 123; PHYS 253, 254, 255, 256; and PSYC 100. In addition, other specified upper division biology, biochemistry, and statistics courses and electives from Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, and the Sciences may be required.
Students should be aware that many health professional schools do not recognize some AP credits and that alternative coursework may need to be completed to meet admission requirements. Please discuss with the Director.
AFROTC Program
Director: Mark Fish
Loyola Marymount offers its own program of instruction designed to prepare students for commissioning as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force. Additional information can be found under Aerospace Studies in this Bulletin.