Nusing and Health Science Program of Study
TCU has a long history of offering courses and degrees that contribute to the health and well-being of the community. Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences enhances that tradition by uniting the departments of Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Kinesiology and Social Work. The degree programs offered by Harris College build on a strong liberal arts foundation and prepare graduates to practice in complex and varied professional settings. Many of the courses offered in Harris College allow students to learn through practice in professional and clinical settings encountering multiple and diverse disciplines, practitioners and clients. In both classroom and practice environments, students develop skills essential to finding information, using technology and solving problems.
By integrating clinical practice, professional and community service, and research activities, Harris College faculty demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and leadership. They create an atmosphere where learning is a part of the lives of all members of the Harris College community. Faculty are committed to providing individual attention to students in order for them to achieve and grow, and are actively involved in teaching research and work closely with students in laboratory and clinical experiences at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Faculty members also serve as advisers providing career and professional guidance.
Mission
The mission of Harris College is to enhance the human condition by preparing graduates who think and practice as ethical leaders, and by advancing knowledge of health and human development within the global community. Faculty fulfill this mission by offering a dynamic curriculum that is responsive to the local and global communities. Students are prepared for a variety of professional roles, including clinical and generalist practice, teaching, or further study in graduate programs. Faculty provide exemplary education in the context of the highest standards, preparing students to enter careers that will benefit society.
Harris Associates
The Harris Associates are a group of select students that assist in promoting Harris College through various leadership activities. Students at all levels are recommended by Harris College faculty and administration to serve.
Harris Fellows
The Harris Fellows program provides unique experiences, academic focused programming and leadership opportunities for academically successfully, high achieving students within Harris College. Harris Fellows students are nominated by faculty and have a 3.5 minimum GPA.
Harris College Degree and Majors
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers the following degrees and majors:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (BSAT)
- Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in:
Habilitation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Speech-Language Pathology
Health and Fitness
Movement Science
Physical Education
Sport Psychology
Curriculum
Students seeking the Bachelor of Science degree must fulfill all University degree requirements described in this catalog. This includes completion of the minimum number of credit hours, typically 124, specified by their majors in the following categories:
Core Curriculum (CC): 39-63 credit hours
- Essential Competencies: 12 credit hours plus six hours writing Emphasis
- Human Experiences and Endeavors: 27 credit hours
- Heritage, Mission, Vision and Values: 18 credit hours that may overlay with other elements of a student's degree requirements
Curriculum Requirements of the Major: variable credit hours
Multiple Majors
Students with a first major in Harris College may declare an additional major on the BS degree. Approval by the department and college of both majors is necessary. The degree awarded will be that of the first major. All degree requirements for each major must be satisfied, including all TCU Core Curriculum requirements associated with any major.
Transfer Credit
Students must receive approval of courses they wish to take at another college or university following admission to TCU. Students should gain course recommendations from department advisers, seek approval of the department chair or director, and then seek approval from the Office of the Dean of Harris College. No more than a total of 12 semester hours, except those earned in an approved study abroad program, may be transferred from other schools, after admission to TCU. No credit may be transferred from a community college once 54 cumulative semester hours have been earned.
Degree Plan and Notification of Intent to Graduate
Students must request a degree plan in the Office of the Dean of Harris College, typically after completing 60 hours. After a degree is awarded, no further work may be applied to the degree. Students must also file an Intent to Graduate in the Office of the Dean at the beginning of the last year of coursework.
Academic Advisement
Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements of the major. It is essential that students understand their degree plans and maintain communication with their departments. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a departmental adviser on a regular basis for the purpose of reviewing progress toward the degree.
Harris College Minors
The Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers the following minors:
- Habilitation of the Deaf (COSD)
- Speech-Language Pathology (COSD)
- Health (KINE)
- Fitness (KINE)
- Movement Science (KINE)
- Physical Education (KINE)
- Social Work (SOWO)
- Interdisciplinary Healthy Aging (Harris College)