Undergraduate Catalogue 2023-2024

Volume 46

MEREDITH COLLEGE INTENDS TO adhere to the rules, regulations, policies, and related statements included in this document, but reserves the right to modify, alter, or vary all parts of this document with appropriate notice and efforts to communicate such changes.

 Meredith College Seal    Greetings to the Class of 2027!


As an alumna of Meredith College, I well remember the excitement of my first move-in day, talking with new friends, arranging (and re-arranging) my room, and getting my new Meredith College ID that proved I was an official college student. Having returned to Meredith many years later as President, I am delighted to welcome you to this College, this experience, this incredible part of your life’s journey.

Meredith is no doubt a tremendous part of my success, as it most certainly will be of yours. As I made friends, learned how much the faculty and staff could help guide me in reaching my goals, and explored educational, social, and numerous other opportunities through the College and throughout Raleigh, I learned that Meredith's distinctive reputation for excellence balances challenges with support. We have sustained this reputation by investing 132 years into the development of strong women. And we are delighted you agree that being strong is the best way to face life’s options and opportunities -- and challenges.

While we feel we are past the pandemic, the past three academic years proved that not only can we manage difficult times, but we can actually thrive as we work together to accept challenges and support each other. I want to be sure you know that the experience you have at Meredith is led by outstanding faculty whose expertise in their subject areas, in teaching, and in engaging students persists whether face-to-face or in a virtual format. In addition, you will enjoy the rich traditions and opportunities for bonding over shared interests that build a network of friendships that will be yours for life.

Your enrollment here begins with understanding your individual strengths—what makes you unique—in ways that will help shape your decisions regarding your education, experiences outside the classroom, understandings of finances, and options for your career. That exploration results in a StrongPoints® plan, a coaching and planning model that differs from student to student, but always focuses on a well-researched pathway designed to position you for the future you desire. Every single major at Meredith College offers multiple opportunities for careers, and understanding your strengths will help you explore the nuances of those options and the ways that you are ideally suited to pursue them. In the end, the focus on planning and strengths is what leads to resilience—the confidence to pursue your goals and the knowledge that you can face challenges and disappointments and bounce back.

I am delighted you are eager to join our community. Here you will find eager collaborators, guides, mentors, and supporters as we help open doors all along the way. I encourage you to think of yourself as one of those collaborators, guides, mentors, and supporters who stand ready to encourage others along their own journeys. That is truly what makes this place special....and makes us all strong!

Best wishes and WELCOME!

President's Signature

Dr. Jo Allen, '80
President

Recognizing the enriched environment produced by a diverse student body, Meredith actively seeks to enroll qualified students of varying backgrounds, interests, and talents. Enrolled students come from across the country and beyond. Students from all ethnic and racial groups, from all economic levels, from public and private schools, from other countries, and any religious background are encouraged to apply. Students interested in receiving financial assistance are encouraged to read the catalog section on financial assistance and contact the Office of Financial Assistance at (919) 760-8565.

Meredith College is committed to offering the highest quality education available today for the most reasonable cost. Financial support from various sources supplements tuition and allows the College to enrich academic and co-curricular programs. A Meredith College education is a value today and an investment for the future.

This section details the tuition and fees charged by the College and its various programs and services. The College reserves the right to change tuition and fees at the beginning of each semester if conditions make such adjustments necessary. Students will receive advance notice of any changes. Financial aid is available to students whose needs qualify them for assistance.

The quality of student life at Meredith is important to the Meredith community. The College has a strong commitment to a total education that integrates academic and co-curricular experiences to further a student’s intellectual and personal growth. Supporting the concept of an enriched student life program, the College provides creative residence life and commuter programs, avenues for developing leadership skills, and opportunities for full participation in campus and community affairs. The College is also celebrated for its integrated liberal arts approach to increasing students' awareness of their global citizenship and their involvement in social and political affairs. Especially exciting about student life at Meredith is the opportunity -- and the responsibility -- students have in creating and implementing activities of the College. In addition to the contributions they make to their various organizations, students are fully involved in college committees that consider academic programs, instructional matters, and cultural events as well as student life issues and student self-governance. To lend encouragement and support to student life, the College provides a variety of services and trained personnel through the Division of College Programs, including career planning; athletics; dean of students; disability services; diversity programs; campus police; commuter life; chaplain’s services; volunteer services; counseling; health services; residence life; student leadership and service; emerging leader seminar; community resources; first year experience; orientation; international programming; and social, recreational, and cultural events.

Meredith College requires that students complete a minimum of 124 credit hours in order to earn a baccalaureate degree. A grade point average of 2.0 or higher must be achieved for all courses attempted, all courses attempted at Meredith and all courses completed at Meredith in the major field. A student’s program of study includes 42-53 credit hours of general education courses and all courses required in at least one major field. Many majors include courses that fulfill general education requirements in their programs-thus reducing the total credit hours “spent” on general education. Major field requirements range from 30 to 99 credit hours; some have concentrations, which give focus to the major field. Remaining credit hours may be earned in teaching licensure, a second major, minors, or with elective courses in areas of interest.

This section defines requirements and outlines policies that govern a student’s progress toward a degree. Descriptions and requirements of specific academic programs please refer to the Degrees and Certificates section.

Academic programs and majors at Meredith are enhanced by a number of experiences, resources, and specialized programs which reflect both tradition and change. Students are encouraged to enrich their course of study by taking advantage of the options most suited to their goals, strengths, and aspirations.

Through its strong general education program integrated with in-depth study in a major, Meredith College provides undergraduate academic programs that show our commitment to the liberal arts and professional studies as a preparation for life, for careers, for graduate studies, and for engaged leadership. The undergraduate and graduate programs at Meredith College are administered through four schools in which departments are organized for disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning. Additional interdisciplinary programs are also available.