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.


Check the status of your Academic Variance

Please check your CBU email for the status of your Academic Variance.
 
*The standard processing time for an Academic Variance is 7-10 business days from time of receipt in the Office of the University Registrar.
Academic Variance- An official document that requests the substitution or exemption of a degree requirement with the use of a different course
 
Exemption- student is excused from a particular degree requirement
 
Substitution- the use of one course in place of a course requirement

Degree and Records Analysts' Contact Information (divided by students' last names):
 
A-L:  Heidi Wilson
         951.343.4566
         registrar@calbaptist.edu 

M-Z:  Emmanuel Castro
         951.343.4566
         registrar@calbaptist.edu