Goucher College is an intellectual community of students, scholars, artists, and scientists. Within an innovative liberal arts curriculum, students can determine the course of study that best suits their intellectual interests and academic goals. They can choose a traditional major, or they can shape their education by combining different fields of study into a double major or interdisciplinary major. The Goucher curriculum emphasizes the value of intellectual engagement, interdisciplinary approaches, information technologies, and global perspectives in order to prepare students to live and work in the world as contributing, ethical citizens. Course work, service options, study abroad, and internships provide students with myriad opportunities to develop intellectually and personally. The curriculum is divided into five divisions that reflect a commitment to merging traditional liberal arts with interdisciplinary study. These divisions are arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, and interdisciplinary studies.
The Courses of Instruction
Numbering of Courses
Courses at the 100 level are introductory to a field or discipline. Courses at the 200 level assume that students enrolled in them are already acquainted with introductory or intermediate methods and materials. Courses at the 300 and 400 levels are advanced.
The semester hours of credit for each course are noted in parentheses after the course title. The amount of credit for an internship, unless specified, may be a minimum of three to a maximum of four semester hours. A minimum of 30 hours of experience is required for each semester hour of credit.
Courses applicable to the liberal education requirements are indicated with the appropriate requirement in parentheses. Students may elect a course for which they do not have the stated prerequisites, provided permission is given by the instructor.
Credit Hour and Work Expectations
Goucher defines the credit hour as the amount of work expected in learning outcomes to be achieved by students in class work which is approximately equivalent to not less than:
(a) One hour (50-60 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester for each credit (or the equivalent amount of work during a different amount of time); or
(b) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in item (a) above for other academic activities as established by the college, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, independent studies, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.
In courses, such as online courses or independent work, in which “seat time” does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement.
Calendar and Time Schedule
The academic year is divided into two semesters of approximately 14 weeks each. At the end of each semester, there is a brief reading period followed by final examinations. There is also a designated three-week intersession in January for intensive courses.
Definitions of Terms
Program
Programs, headed by a director, usually interdisciplinary. They are composed of faculty drawn from several areas who are engaged in the study of a broad field combining a number of disciplines; for example, American Studies, International and Intercultural studies, Individualized Interdisciplinary major or Women, Sexuality, and Gender studies. Program may offer both majors and minors.
Concentration
Programs may offer, in a given major, one or more concentrations. A concentration represents an emphasis or focus on a particular aspect of the major discipline, such as studio art (as opposed to art history) within the art major. Interdisciplinary concentrations (such as prelaw studies or arts administration) may be elected by students in several majors for which the concentration is appropriate. A student wishing to focus on a field not related to his or her major may be able to elect it as a minor.
Goucher II Program
Goucher II is an entrance plan for adults who wish to complete or begin their undergraduate studies at Goucher College. Prospective students are eligible for Goucher II if they have independent status as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1992 (at least 24 years of age, or a veteran, or married, or with legal dependents other than a spouse). Goucher II students study on-campus and have the same access to classes and faculty as all other undergraduate students. Goucher II students may study either part- or full-time..
The college accepts up to 60 credit hours for courses completed at other accredited two- and four-year institutions in which at least a grade of C- was earned. Course credit may be transferred regardless of when the courses were taken, but must be relevant to the Goucher curriculum to be accepted. Part-time Goucher II students are automatically granted a scholar’s award that substantially reduces the cost of tuition, and financial aid is available for eligible full-time students.
Robert S. Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
The Robert S. Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies provides adults with opportunities for a degree, career change, professional advancement, and enrichment. The center offers ten masters degrees programs, 4+1 Bachelors/Masters programs, 4+ 2 Bachelors/Masters of Fine Arts programs, dual degree MA/MA, and dual degree MA/MFA, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Programs are offered in both on-campus, hybrid, and online formats.
Graduate Limited Residency Degree Programs
Goucher College’s limited residency master’s degree programs are geared towards working professionals who want to take the next step in the professional lives. Our hybrid on-campus/online format gives students the best of both worlds. We pioneered the limited-residency master’s degree format to provide a high impact graduate education that is both convenient and extremely effective.
Throughout the academic year, faculty maintain close contact with students through a variety of communications channels. During residency, faculty meet face-to-face with students during intensive on-campus classes. During our online sessions, classes meet in an interactive, web-based format. The limited-residency structure means that students have the attention of thought leaders and experienced practitioners from around the world, wherever they live or work. Relationships bridge the on-campus and online sessions, and help students form lifelong friendships and the professional connections to help them throughout their careers.
Our students address real-world issues that directly affect their community and their discipline. Our goal is to empower our students to address the complex and dynamic challenges they face as professionals in leadership positions. Students graduate with an advanced degree that enhances their ability to make a lasting contribution to the world.
For more information or an application, visit us at:
Robert S. Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
http://www.goucher.edu/graduate-programs
Julia Rogers Building, Room 204
410-337-6200 or 1-800-697-4646
center@goucher.edu
Master of Arts in Arts Administration
The Master of Arts in Arts Administration program gives working professionals the ability to further their skills and knowledge in the challenging and ever-developing field of arts administration. The program emphasizes the role of the arts in the community, and the contribution the arts make to society. The core curriculum covers key fields in arts administration, including strategic planning, marketing, development, law and the arts, and financial management. Graduates are prepared to work effectively in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, in organizations focused on the performing arts, visual arts, arts education, and arts policy. For more information, visit www.goucher.edu/MAAA
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction
Our nationally recognized MFA in Creative Nonfiction helps students develop their skills as nonfiction writers under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. The program’s faculty members include some of the most respected writers in the genre, who have excelled in the teaching of creative nonfiction and can work with a wide range of student interests. What distinguishes Goucher’s MFA from other graduate creative writing programs, including those that take advantage of the limited-residency format, is its exclusive focus on a single genre. The program is also distinguished by its strong professional focus on writing and publishing. Toward that end, students make regular trips to New York to meet with editors and agents in the publishing world. The program is normally completed in two years and includes four semesters of off-campus work, two two-week summer residencies in Baltimore, two spring weekend mini-residencies, an internship, and a final five-day graduation residency. Balancing original writing with critical reading, it provides instruction in narrative nonfiction, the personal essay, memoir, literary journalism, travel/nature/science writing, and biography/profiles. The summer residencies include lectures, writing workshops, panel discussions, and faculty/student readings. Visit www.goucher.edu/MFA.
Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability
The Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability prepares students to effectively engage and build community capacity for sustainability, resilience, and innovation in the face of complex social challenges. The program prepares students to work effectively in identifying and supporting the cultural history, resources and gifts of communities. The program is centered around promoting ethical practice, deep human inquiry, relationship building with people in communities, and ongoing assessment and reflection. Graduates from the program work in roles ranging from programming and education at cultural institutions; cultural documentation (in both written and multimedia formats); and helping organizations effective community partnerships, build their cultural competency, and promoting cultural equity. For more information, visit: www.goucher.edu/culture
Master of Arts in Digital Arts
The Master of Arts in Digital Arts program focuses on rapidly developing the most in-demand technological skills among its creative students. Students take coursework in management, web development, and creative electives to develop a portfolio that will attract future employers. Students work closely with faculty familiar with both technology and business while building a diverse network across disciplines. Our students are forming the technology culture of the future: while building connections with other creative professionals in the Digital Arts graduate programs. Graduates from the program work at design studios, in web and user design firms, in the graphic and multimedia arts, in education, as programmers, as audio engineers, and as independent artists. For more information, visit: www.goucher.edu/digital-arts
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital Arts
The mission of the Master of Fine Arts in Digital Arts is to help students develop their artistic skills across a range of media and to gain the creative skills in high demand today. In addition to coursework in visual media, sound, and video, students take courses in management and creative web programming. This helps students stand out not just as artists, but gives them the tools to lead organizations and respond deftly to the rapid developments in the world of technology. Students develop a rich portfolio of multimedia works that demonstrate a wide variety of skills and help them unlock their creative potential. Graduates from the program work as independent artists, start their own firms, teach at both the K-12 level and in higher education, and take on senior leadership positions in exiting organizations. For more information, visit: www.goucher.edu/digital-arts
Master of Arts in Environmental Studies
The mission of the MA in Environmental Studies program is to develop leaders prepared to collaborate across disciplines who can address the complex human and social aspects of environmental challenges. The program provides students with the tools to work with communities, organizations, and researchers. It ensures students have the scientific literacy and quantitative skills necessary to engage a variety of different stakeholders from both technical and non-technical backgrounds. Graduates of the programs are able to create sustainable programs, policies and solutions for both a healthy planet and healthy communities. They can take on positions across industries, including in educational or advocacy organizations, local or federal government agencies, public policy institutes and think tanks, environmental nonprofits, conservation organizations, environmental justice or citizen science organizations, engineering or industrial firms, and as writers or film makers. For more information, visit: www.goucher.edu/MAES
Master of Arts in Historic Preservation
The Master of Arts in Historic Preservation addresses current issues in preservation as well as traditional skills and knowledge necessary to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance. Students in the program customize their course of study to focus on their interests, ranging from managing a historic house museum, understanding the complexities of financing a rehabilitation project, or gaining the knowledge necessary to preserve large cultural landscapes. Students also pursue more cutting edge areas such as sustainability, technology, and public policy in preservation. For more information, visit: www.goucher.edu/MAHP
Master of Arts in Management
The mission of the MA in Management program is to develop leaders for social, environmental and creative organizations in the for-profit, non-profit, and public sectors. The program is geared toward developing the leadership capacity for students who want to make positive impacts on people and the planet as well as run economically sustainable organizations. Students select from courses ranging from social entrepreneurship and how to run a nonprofit to project management, finance, marketing and strategy. This program is one of our most popular dual degrees because it provides a depth of managerial and strategic skills for students who are interested in leading or starting an organization, or developing their own leadership skills. For more information, visit: http://www.goucher.edu/MGT
Dual Degree Master’s Programs
Students who would like a broader knowledge base can apply to the limited residency dual-degree programs with the initial application or at any time before graduation. Dual-degree students typically take an extra year of course work and finish with two master’s degrees. By coordinating classes across programs, students can maximize their education and credentials while minimizing the cost and time in school. In this dual degree option, classes are drawn from across both curricula so students can develop their skills in two domains. Students also complete a capstone project or thesis, which is the culmination of a student’s work and draws from topics shared in both programs. Visit www.goucher.edu/graduate-programs/dual-degree-masters-program
Non-Matriculating Students or Alumni Interested in Personal or Professional Development
The limited residency graduate programs accept qualified, non-degree seeking students (aka non-matriculated students) for up to 12 credits worth of coursework with program director approval. Non-matriculating students are not eligible for a degree or financial aid.
Graduate Programs in Education
Master of Arts in Teaching
This certification program is designed to prepare college graduates with strong liberal arts backgrounds who wish to enter the teaching profession but who have not had adequate preparation for teaching. The program is based on the assumption that, through a curriculum carefully balanced between theory and practice, participants can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to teach elementary, secondary, special education, or dual certification (elementary and special education or secondary and special education). Students complete the program with a yearlong internship guided both by a member of the Goucher faculty and for traditional interns, by a selected, well-qualified cooperating teacher. For more information, please visit www.goucher.edu/gpedu.
Master of Education
Goucher College offers a master of education degree developed in collaboration with the Sheppard Pratt Health System Inc. With a curriculum specifically designed to integrate theoretical with practical course work, the MEd program is currently divided into ten areas of specialization: Athletic Leadership and Administration, At-Risk/Diverse learners, Literacy Strategies for Content Learners, Middle School (available only through cohort program), Montessori studies (in collaboration with Maryland Center for Montessori Studies), Reading Instruction, School Improvement Leadership, Special Education for Certified Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher as Leader in Technology, and Urban Education. Each program component addresses the societal forces that have an impact on student development and success, social and ethical issues, curricular and management strategies, and relevant research. Whenever possible, a clinical perspective is offered. For more information, please visit www.goucher/edu/gpedu.
Professional Development Certificate Program
Advanced graduate work may be pursued beyond the master’s degree to receive a professional development certificate. Applicants are required to have completed a master’s degree in education or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Certificates are offered in eight of the areas of specialization listed in the Master of Education program. For more information, please visit www.goucher.edu/gpedu.
Educators’ Institute
The Educator’s Institute provides teachers and administrators with innovative training on several new techniques that address educational issues for a diverse range of learners. The Institute courses focus on experiential learning and building lesson plans that will adapt to the needs of your organization and classroom. Institute courses fulfill graduate and professional development credits in a condensed format, with most courses taking place over one week during the summer semester. Courses are designed to help teachers meet state certification requirements and study subjects of current need and interest. Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree to take any of the graduate courses offered in the Educators’ Institute. For more information, please visit www.goucher.edu/ti.
Advanced Placement Summer Institute
As part of the Educator’s Institute, in association with the Middle States Regional Office of the College Board, The Advanced Placement Summer Institute offers week-long summer courses intended for both future and current Advanced Placement (AP) teachers to help them prepare for their AP courses as they share best teaching practices with colleagues in a retreat-like setting. All instructors are national AP consultants for the College Board who are experts in their fields and are very experienced in effectively preparing students for their AP exams.
4+1 and 4+2 Bachelor of Arts/Master Programs
For those undergraduate students interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level, Goucher offers accelerated degree programs in which students can earn both the Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in five years rather than the more typical six or seven years.
The Welch Center offers accelerated 4+1 degree programs in both the limited residency programs and the graduate programs in education. In this program students can earn both the Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters of Arts degree in just five years in Cultural Sustainability, Digital Arts, Education/Teaching, Environmental Studies, and Management. For students interested in earning both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts in Digital Arts we have a 4+2 program.
To be eligible, undergraduate students need to have at least a 3.0 grade point average, and have been approved by their undergraduate faculty advisor and the director of the graduate program the student wishes to enter. Students may apply as rising juniors. Undergraduates may take up to nine graduate credits that would apply to both the 120 credits required for the bachelor’s degree, and the credits required for the master’s degree. The 4+1 programs typically require two to three summers of coursework. Information on the programs is available at the relevant program website at: http://www.goucher.edu/graduate-programs
Graduate Programs Financial Aid
Matriculated students enrolled in programs culminating in a degree may apply for graduate-level Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans or Graduate PLUS loans. Please review the loans section of our financial aid website for details. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to be considered for these programs. A limited number of scholarships are also available.
Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program
The one-year Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program is a non-degree program designed for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree but lack the required science courses for entrance to medical school. Students typically take nine courses in the sciences and receive a certificate upon completion of the program. Prior to the start of the program in June, an optional intensive mathematics review is offered at no extra cost. Individual tutoring is provided throughout the program by a full-time teaching assistant, who also conducts homework sessions and exam reviews. Beginning in the fall, students prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) through twice-weekly prep instruction; this continues in the spring with more frequent sessions and numerous practice MCAT’s. Workshops are offered on many topics, including essay writing and interviewing skills. In addition, students receive extensive counseling during the medical school application process and a composite letter of evaluation from the premedical committee at Goucher. On Tuesdays starting in the fall, students have the opportunity to enhance their clinical experience by volunteering in a hospital or clinic.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
Candidates for the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program are selected on a rolling admission basis starting in September. An interview is required of competitive candidates after all application materials are received. A completed application consists of the following:
- The online application form, a personal statement, additional optional essay, résumé, and nonrefundable application fee, all submitted electronically.
- Official transcripts from all high schools, undergraduate colleges, and graduate schools attended.
- Scores from the SAT, ACT, or GRE.
- Two letters of recommendation.
FEES and EXPENSES
Information concerning tuition and expenses can be obtained from the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program website. The tuition fee includes workshops, MCAT preparation, tutoring provided by the teaching assistant, lectures, and laboratory fees for the nine courses and a mathematics review (offered in the summer before the start of the program). Books and incidental fees are not included.
FINANCIAL AID
Students may apply for graduate-level Federal Direct unsubsidized loans and Graduate Direct PLUS loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The program awards several merit scholarships; all applicants are considered for these, and there is no separate application.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS and FACULTY
Director- Betsy Merideth
Assistant Director - Toni St. John
Program Assistant - Theresa Reifsnider
Professors - George Delahunty (biological sciences), Sasha Dukan (physics), Janet Shambaugh (biological sciences, emerita)
Associate Professor - George Greco (chemistry), Ruquia Ahmed-Schofield (chemistry), Micah Webster (mathematics)
Assistant Professors - Kevin Schultz (chemistry), Pam Douglass (chemistry), Hank Ratrie (biological sciences)
Laboratory Instructors - Jacqueline Andrews (biological sciences)
CURRICULUM
BIO 547 BIOLOGY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE I(5 Cr.) - fall term.
BIO 548 BIOLOGY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE II (5 Cr.) - spring term.
CHE 540 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I (4 Cr.) - taken in the summer.
CHE 541 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II (4 Cr.) - taken in the summer.
CHE 636 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (4 Cr.) - fall term.
CHE 637 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II (4 Cr.) - spring term.
CHE 641/BIO 641 BIOCHEMISTRY (3 Cr.) - January term.
PHY 542 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I(4 Cr.) - fall term.
PHY 543 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II (4 Cr.) - spring term.
If a student has successfully completed for credit one or more equivalent courses elsewhere, the Director may approve the substitution of an upper-level science course or an appropriate non-science course for the core courses listed above. All post-bacs must be enrolled full-time in the program.
As mandated by the U.S. Department of Education, disclosures regarding the program’s cost, student indebtedness, and outcomes are available on the program website (click on http://goucher.edu/graduate-programs/post-baccalaureate-premed-program to follow link).
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