What is an Academic Variance?

• An Academic Variance allows a student to request the substitution of a degree requirement (major, minor, concentration or general education) with a course outside of their catalog requirements.

Where should the Academic Variance be submitted?  

• The form should be initiated by the student with a course description or syllabus here: https://laserfiche.cbuonline.edu/Forms/Academic-Variance
• The form will automatically be forwarded to the appropriate Dean, Department Chair, or University Registrar for recommendation. For questions, please see the below chart for the appropriate individual and office.

  Major/Minor	Department
  All General Education Requirements	Dr. Rich Simpson, Office of the University Registrar, Yeager D118
  Architecture, Art History, Art Therapy, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Visual Experience, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design, Production Design, Visual Experience Design	Dr. Mark Roberson, College of Architecture, Visual Art and Design
  Aviation Dispatch, Aviation Flight, Aviation Management, Aviation Unmanned Systems, Missionary Aviation	Dr. John Marselus, Department of Aviation Science
  Comedic Arts, Communication Studies, Journalism and New Media, Public Relations, Theatre	Dr. Victoria Brode, Department of Communication Arts
  Classics, Criminal Justice, History, Humanities, International Studies, Political Science	Dr. Chris McHorney, Department of History and Government
  Children's Literature, Creative Writing, English, Spanish, Spanish for Health Care Professions, TESOL. Writing and Digital Studies	Dr. James Lu, Department of Modern Languages and Literature
  Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science, Global Community Science	Dr. Bruce Prins, Department of Biological Sciences
  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry	Dr. Patrick Schacht, Department of Chemistry
  Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistical Analysis, Applied Statistics, Foundational Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Sports Analytics	Dr. Linn Carothers, Department of Mathematical Sciences
  Anthropology, Behavioral Science, Christian Behavioral Science,  Counseling Ministry, Human Services, Sociology	Dr. Douglas Wallace, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
  Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Sport and Performance Psychology	Dr. Joshua Knabb, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
  Social Work	Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
  Aerospace Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics	Dr. Phil Van Haaster, Department of Aerospace, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering
  Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering	Dr. Xueyan Sarah Zhao, Department of Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering
  Civil Engineering and Construction Management	Dr. Jong-Wha Bai, Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management
  Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Software Engineering	Professor Larry Clement, Department of Computing, Software and Data Sciences
  Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering	Dr. Seunghyun Chun, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
  Engineering	Dr. Phil Van Haaster, College of Engineering
  Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiological Sciences	Dr. Nicole MacDonald, Department of Allied Health Professions
  Communication Sciences and Disorders	Dr. Bryan Ness, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
  Coaching, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Management	Dr. Sean Sullivan, Department of Kinesiology
  Physician Assistant Studies	Dr. Heather Ontiveros, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
  Healthcare Administration, Health Science, Nutrition, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Public Health	Dr. Janet Bonome, Department of Public Health Sciences
  Nursing, Pre-Nursing	Dr. Karen Bradley, College of Nursing
  Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Technology Management, International Business, Marketing, Real Estate	Dr. Marina Girju, Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs Dr. Tad Hove, Assistant Dean Graduate Programs School of Business
  Applied Theology (BAT), Christian Studies, Global Integration Studies, Global Justice, Global Studies, Intercultural Studies, Philosophy	Dr. Chris Morgan, School of Christian Ministries
  Early Childhood Studies, Education, Higher Education Leadership and Student Development, Leadership Studies, Leadership and Organizational Studies, Liberal Studies, School Counseling, School Psychology	Dr. Robin Duncan, School of Education
  Composition, Instrumental Performance, Keyboard Accompanying, Music, Music Education, Music for Worship Arts and Ministry, Piano Performance, Vocal Performance, Worship Arts, Worship Arts and Ministry	Dr. Joseph Bolin, School of Music

What additional information should I know before submitting an Academic Variance?  

• Courses listed on an articulation agreement do not require the submission of an academic variance.
• Approval of an Academic Variance Request may alter graduation requirements. It is the student's responsibility to seek clarification from Academic Advising.
• The variance will expire within one year of approval if coursework is not completed. Students who have not completed coursework for which an academic variance was approved before its expiration, should submit a new variance for review and consideration.

An Academic Variance is required for any student wanting to use a course at another institution to meet an upper division requirement within their major/minor/concentration.