Addendum - January 2024
Husson University publishes a University Catalog at the start of every academic year. The addendum contains information related to policies, program requirements, and courses that were updated after the catalog was published in August 2023.
Policy Updates
Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions for courses in which they are enrolled and to be responsible for all coursework. The only recognized absences are those that are the consequence of family or personal emergencies, or extended illness that results in confinement or hospitalization. Proof of the validity of a particular class absence may be required of a student by an instructor. The decision as to whether or not a student may make up class work, quizzes or examinations missed while absent is exclusively that of the course instructor.
Husson University policy encourages faculty to maintain attendance records. When students are absent from either more than 15% of the scheduled class meetings for a semester or more than the number of absences allowed per the syllabus for a specific course, faculty may award the grade of X and deny course credit for excessive absences. It is recommended that faculty and advisors inform students when they are in danger of losing credit due to excessive absences. Advisors may be given the authority to work with and issue “X” grades working in agreement with the faculty of record.
Attendance may be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:
Face-to-Face Courses: Physical attendance in the classroom setting; Virtual presence in a synchronous environment.
Fully Online Asynchronous Courses: Submitting academic assignments; Taking exams; Engaging in interactive tutorials or computer-assisted instruction; Participating in online discussions about academic matters; Initiating contact with the faculty members via Canvas to ask questions about the academic content of the course. For fully online asynchronous courses, students must log in at least once a week at a minimum but multiple logins are highly recommended to satisfy academic obligations. Any student who begins active participation but does not log into their course(s) for 7 consecutive calendar days, or as outlined in the course syllabus, may be assigned a grade of "X" (Failure for excessive absences).
Students needing to miss classes due to an unexpected medical or personal emergency, should contact the Center for Student Success (CSS) or their Online Advisor. The CSS or Online Advisor can work with faculty to assist students in responding to missed classwork and assignments. If absences become excessive, CSS or Online staff can also assist students with either a withdrawal or a medical withdrawal.
BS/Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Policy
Admissions Criteria
Students who wish to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy have two degree options at Husson, including a degree in Health Sciences or in Exercise Science. Each of these is a four-year degree, in which the fourth year comprises the first year of the physical therapy graduate education. Students will receive a bachelor’s degree in either of these fields after completion of the requirements for the undergraduate degree and will complete an additional two years of education to obtain the DPT. This is referred to as a 3+3 program, including 3 years of undergraduate and 3 years of graduate DPT courses. Alternatively, students at Husson or at any other university may complete a bachelor’s degree that includes all of the prerequisites for Husson’s DPT program (see below under “Graduate Admission”), and may then apply to the graduate portion of our program (4+3).
Regardless of the undergraduate degree a student chooses (Health Science or Exercise Science), there are three paths of admission into the DPT program:
1) Undergraduate early assurance option (3 + 3)
2) Undergraduate standard option (3 + 3)
3) Graduate option (4 + 3)
Undergraduate Early Assurance Option (3+3)
Students may be accepted into the Early Assurance option directly from high school if they have:
• a high school GPA of 3.6 or greater
• taken the following courses in high school: 4 years of science (including biology and chemistry, physics is recommended); 4 years of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; 4 years of English
To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) without reapplication, early assurance students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 by the end of the spring semester of their third year, and must complete all core science prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better. The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.
Core Science prerequisite courses include:
- Precalculus with Trigonometry (4 credits)
- Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
- General Psychology (3 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (6 credits)
- Chemistry I and II (6 credits)
- Physics I (4 credits)
- General Biology (3 credits)
- Cell Biology (3 credits)
Students who begin in this category, but do not meet the requirements for assured progression will need to follow the procedure for the Undergraduate Standard option for progression.
40 seats are reserved for early assurance students at the time of admission to Husson University
Transfer students
• Transfer students are accepted into years 1 and 2 of the program if they meet the requirements listed above for first year student admission.
• To be admitted as an early assurance transfer student, a student must have an overall GPA of 3.6 based on college transcripts
• All other requirements for early assurance students apply to transfer students.
Undergraduate Standard Option (3 + 3)
Students who do not obtain an early assurance seat can pursue the Standard Option 3 + 3 to the DPT degree; however, admission to the professional phase of the DPT is not guaranteed as in the early assurance option.
To qualify for the Standard Option students must
• Have at least a 3.2 high school GPA
• Have taken three years of science and English classes in high school
To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) students must complete an application indicating their desire to continue in the DPT program. They must also
• Have a 3.2 overall GPA by the end of the spring semester of their third year
• Complete all core science pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better. The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses (listed above) must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.
• Complete an interview with the DPT Admissions Committee
• Submit a recommendation from their academic advisor
If students are not admitted into the professional phase of the DPT program, they may continue to finish their undergraduate degrees.
30 seats are reserved for standard option applicants at the time of admission to Husson University.
Transfer students
• Transfer students are accepted into years 1 and 2 of the program if they meet the requirements listed above for first year student admission.
• A transfer student with a college GPA between 3.2 and 3.59 may be admitted to the standard option.
• All other requirements for standard option students apply to transfer students.
Graduate Admission (4 + 3) This pathway is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (including Husson). The number of available seats is dependent on the number of undergraduate early assurance and standard admissions.
Applicants must:
have an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
have successfully completed the following pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C:
o Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
o General Psychology (3 credits)
o Anatomy with lab (4 credits)
o Physiology with lab (4 credits) (may take Anatomy and Physiology I and II to meet Anatomy and Physiology requirements (8 credits)
o Chemistry I and II with labs (8 credits)
o Physics I (4 credits)
o Two Biology courses (6 to 8 credits)
o Upper level Psychology (3 credits) such as Abnormal, Developmental, or Child Psychology
Applicants must submit the following items to PTCAS
Application with application fee
Official transcripts of all previous college or university work
Two letters of recommendation, one from a physical therapist or employer and one from a past instructor
Physical Therapy observation hours verification
One essay responding to PTCAS prompt
Physical Therapy Progression
Pre-Professional Student Progression into the three-year DPT program
Undergraduate Early Assurance
To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) without reapplication, early assurance students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 by the end of the spring semester of their third year, and must complete all core science prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better. The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.
Students who begin in this category, but do not meet the requirements for assured progression will need to follow the procedure for the Undergraduate Standard option for progression. 40 seats are reserved for early assurance students at the time of admission to Husson University.
Undergraduate Standard Option
Students who do not obtain an early assurance seat can pursue the Standard Option 3 + 3 to the DPT degree, however admission to the professional phase of the DPT is not guaranteed as in the early assurance option. 30 seats are reserved for standard option applicants at the time of admission to Husson University.
To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) students must complete an application indicating their desire to continue in the DPT program. They must also
- Have a 3.2 overall GPA by the end of the spring semester of their third year
- Complete all core science pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better. The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses (listed above) must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.
- Complete an interview with the DPT Admissions Committee
- Submit a recommendation from their academic advisor
If students are not admitted into the professional phase of the DPT program, they may continue to finish their undergraduate degrees.
Core Science Prerequisite Courses :
| MS 132 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MS 180 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 4 |
| PY 111 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SC 191 | General Biology I | 3 |
| SC 291 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| SC 181 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| SC 182 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| SC 221 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| SC 222 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| SC 271 | Physics I | 3 |
New Programs
Undergraduate Certificate - Tourism Management
| HA 101 | Intro to Hospitality Mgmnt | 3 |
| HA 200 | Tourism and Travel | 3 |
| HA 311 | Destination Management and Marketing | 3 |
| HA 412 | Sustainable Tourism | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Program Changes
Below, please find updated course requirements for the programs listed:
Undergraduate Certificate - Counter Terrorism and Security
| CJ 402 | Perspectives in Terrorism | 3 |
| CJ 412 | Homeland Security | 3 |
| CJ 414 | Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency | 3 |
| CJ 415 | Corporate Security | 3 |
| CJ 416 | Global Jihad and Radicalization (n) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Undergraduate Certificate - Extended Reality
| GV 208 | 3D Modeling I | 3 |
| IT 261 | Introduction to Computer Programming I | 3 |
| XR 177 | Extended Reality I | 3 |
| XR 277 | Extended Reality II | 3 |
| XR 292 | Game Engines I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Undergraduate Certificate - Web Design
| IT 207 | Web Design I | 3 |
| IT 209 | Web Design II | 3 |
| IT 223 | User Experience Design | 3 |
| IT 336 | Scripting for the Web | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Web Imaging | ||
| Introduction to Computer Programming I | ||
| Interaction Design | ||
| Web Applications I | ||
| Search Engine Marketing | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Undergraduate Certificate - Web Media
| IT 121 | Computer Applications for Digital Media | 3 |
| IT 202 | Web Design for Non-Majors | 3 |
| IT 223 | User Experience Design | 3 |
| MC 101 | Introduction to Mass Communications | 3 |
| MK 211 | Search Engine Marketing | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Graduate Certificate - Counter Terrorism and Security
| CJ 715 | Corporate Security | 3 |
| CJ 714 | Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency | 3 |
| CJ 716 | Global Jihad and Radicalization | 3 |
| CJ 712 | Homeland Security | 3 |
| CJ 702 | Perspectives in Terrorism | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Global Health
Six-Course Certificate (18 CH)- Non-capstone; Non-internship
*Degree Requirement for admission: Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and admission requirements (GPA, etc.) for graduate MPH.
Students will take the following courses (no particular sequence):
| HS 602 | Public Health Program Planning, Management, and Evaluation | 3 |
| HS 604 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| HS 700 | Global Health | 3 |
| NU 740 | Public Health Policy Issues and Challenges | 3 |
| NU 821 | Strategy & Analysis of Organizational Process | 3 |
| NU 836 | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Upon completion of the six-course certificate, students may continue on towards their MPH (would need to apply for the program).
If an existing MPH student wanted to earn the Nursing Global Health Certificate, students would need to apply during the first term of the program. This would be only open to students who have earned a BSN.
New Courses
CJ 422 Behavioral Threat Assessment 3 Credit Hours
This course is designed to teach the background and current information on behavioral threat assessment as utilized by law enforcement agencies, corporate security, and academia.
CJ 722 Behavioral Threat Assessment 3 Credit Hours
This course is designed to teach the background and current information on behavioral threat assessment as utilized by law enforcement agencies, corporate security, and academia.
MS 113 Principles of College Algebra 3 Credit Hours
This course relates college algebra to everyday life. It starts with number systems, exponents and scientific notation, radicals, polynomials, and factoring. The course continues with equations including coordinate systems, linear equations of one variable, and modeling using linear equations. It finishes with quadratic equations and their real-world applications. Functions and fundamental concepts include domain, range, rates of change, graphs, composition of functions, transformations of functions, and finally inverse functions. The course concludes with a deeper dive into linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
XR 101 XR Practicum II 1 Credit Hour
This level two practicum is designed for XR majors to continue to introduce students to the workings of the extended reality facility, projects, and related operations. Students perform hands-on extended reality (XR) support under the mentorship of faculty and upper level XR students. Tasks may include assisting active XR projects, organizing, repairing, and researching XR equipment, and studying principles and support functions for projects and labs. Prerequisite: XR 100
XR 108 2D-3D Drafting Design 3 Credit Hours
This course is an introduction to 2D and 3D computer aided drafting (CAD) techniques. Scale drafting is fundamental and powerful to the design-build workflow. This course explores scale drafting to create real-world objects by the development of drawings and models. It introduces the creation of 2D and 3D drawings, which have the potential to be applied to diverse areas including 2D printed plans, 3D printing and extended reality applications.
XR 201 XR Practicum IV 1 Credit Hour
This level four practicum is designed for XR majors to assist in leadership responsibilities in XR projects, while continuing to develop the student’s knowledge of the workings of the extended reality facility, projects, and related operations. Students perform hands-on extended reality (XR) support under the mentorship of faculty and upper level XR students. Tasks may include assisting active XR projects, organizing, repairing, and researching XR equipment, and studying principles and support functions for projects and labs. Prerequisite: XR 200
XR 300 XR Practicum V 1 Credit Hour
This level five practicum is designed for XR majors to assist in leadership responsibilities in XR projects, while continuing to develop the student’s knowledge of the workings of the extended reality facility, projects, and related operations. Students perform hands-on extended reality (XR) support under the mentorship of faculty and upper level XR students. Tasks may include assisting active XR projects, organizing, repairing, and researching XR equipment, and studying principles and support functions for projects and labs. Prerequisite: XR 200
XR 301 XR Practicum VI 1 Credit Hour
This level six practicum is designed for XR majors to assist in leadership responsibilities in XR projects, while continuing to develop the student’s knowledge of the workings of the extended reality facility, projects, and related operations. Students perform hands-on extended reality (XR) support under the mentorship of faculty and upper level XR students. Tasks may include assisting active XR projects, organizing, repairing, and researching XR equipment, and studying principles and support functions for projects and labs. Prerequisite: XR 300
XR 351 XR Internship 3 Credit Hours
This internship experience allows students to practically apply classroom theory at for-profit or non-profit organizations in a supervised, workplace environment. One hundred twenty hours of active participation in actual projects for the internship site is required. Community service activities are welcome. Working in conjunction with the internship coordinator, each student is able to select an internship site based on their preference and interests after an interview with management and final approval by the coordinator. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
Course Changes
CO 701 The Role of School Counselor 3 Credit Hours
In this course, students review the historical and philosophical bases for school counseling programs, explore the role of a school counselor, and examine the ethical and legal responsibilities of school counselors. Focus is given to recent applications of contemporary theories in educational settings as well as the role of the counselor in assisting all students in academic, career, and personal/social domains.
HA 412 Sustainable Tourism 3 Credit Hours
This course is modeled after the World Travel and Tourism Council for sustainable tourism activities following the triple bottom line approach: Environment, Equity, Economy, or Planet, People, and Profits. It is designed to expand the student’s understanding of business principles in conjunction with sustainable practices. Prerequisite: HA 101 and HA 200
IT 265 Introduction to iOS App Development 3 Credit Hours
This course introduces to the student to modern techniques and tools used to create and deploy mobile applications. Using industry appropriate tools for iOS mobile development, students learn how to design, build and deploy mobile applications to iOS devices. Basic computer programming concepts and the project development cycle are also covered in this course. Prerequisite: IT 261
PT 506 Musculoskeletal I 4 Credit Hours
This four-credit class is the first of a three-course sequence designed to prepare students for musculoskeletal/orthopedic clinical practice. This course introduces components of differential diagnosis and treatment by physical therapists as applied to common conditions of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Students learn a systematic process of examination and begin to develop a clinical decision-making process that is modeled throughout the course. Topics covered and applied throughout the semester include body system review, examination including selective tissue tensioning, biomechanical, and gait assessment, evaluation, and treatment interventions. An emphasis on manual therapy and therapeutic skills involved in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal problems associated with these joints is included. Students explore and develop skills in joint mobility assessment/treatment and exercise prescription appropriate to the stage of healing, impairments, and activity limitations presented by the patient. The evaluation of related scientific and clinical literature in the selection of evaluation techniques, treatment techniques, and expected treatment outcomes is emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite: PT 410
PT 507 Musculoskeletal II 4 Credit Hours
PT 507 is the second of three musculoskeletal courses offered in the professional curriculum. PT 507 introduces entry-level PT students to the scientific and clinical principles of musculoskeletal assessment and intervention for the upper and lower quadrants. Building on content introduced in PT 506, entry-level PT students learn to apply a variety of musculoskeletal assessment and intervention techniques to address movement dysfunctions of the shoulder complex, elbow complex, wrist, hand, ankle, and foot. Upon completion of PT 507, entry-level PT students are able to evaluate and treat orthopedic conditions of the upper and lower limbs with supervision in the clinical setting. Prerequisite: PT 506
PT 508 Musculoskeletal III 4 Credit Hours
In the third course of the musculoskeletal series, entry-level PT students advance their knowledge concerning the scientific and clinical principles for rehabilitating human movement dysfunctions affecting the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Entry-level PT students further acquire clinical reasoning and psychomotor skills in assessing, evaluating, and treating musculoskeletal disorders of the craniofacial region (temporomandibular joint), cervical spine, thorax, lumbosacral spine, and pelvis. Examination and treatment principles presented in this course include multiple systems: mechanical diagnosis and therapy approach (MDT), orthopedic manual therapy (OMT), therapeutic pain neuroscience, and therapeutic exercise prescription. Entry-level PT students learn to apply joint mobilization techniques, including spinal thrust joint manipulation. Upon completion of the course, entry-level PT students are able to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal disorders of the TMJ, spine, and pelvis with supervision in the clinical setting. Prerequisite: PT 507
PT 526 Advanced Therapeutic Exercise 2 Credit Hours
This course introduces students to the principles of exercise and the expected responses and adaptations of clients and patients to different types of exercise interventions. It prepares students to assess movement dysfunction using a systematic methodology. Students learn to design, implement and progress therapeutic exercise programs for a wide variety of clinical populations spanning the spectrum of physical therapy clinical practice. Students also participate in exercise as well as instruct and assess the performance of fellow students in therapeutic exercise techniques. The course consists of a mix of didactic lectures and laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: PT 510
PT 560 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy 3 Credit Hours
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the assessment, management, and rehabilitation of individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions throughout the lifespan. This course integrates lectures, hands-on labs, and immersive simulations to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking abilities required to identify acute and chronic cardiopulmonary/cardiovascular impairments across the lifespan. Students develop the skills to choose and apply treatment strategies appropriate to the problems identified during their assessment. Prerequisite: PT 561
PT 561 Pathophysiology 3 Credit Hours
This course provides foundational knowledge for understanding human disease. It covers basic physiology that affects the whole system (e.g. blood flow, fluid balance, blood glucose regulation) and organ specific diseases. Students discuss the pathophysiology of various diseases and the associated system dysfunctions, as well as possible functional impairments that people may experience as a result of the diseases. The course briefly covers potential treatment options and their efficacy for many diseases. It consists of didactic lectures supplemented with case studies and videos designed to reinforce topics discussed in class. Prerequisite: PT 410
PT 562 Management of the Medically Complex Patient 2 Credit Hours
This course uses a mix of group discussion and lectures to discuss complex concepts in acute care physical therapy practice. Lab activities take place in the simulation center to create increasingly complex clinical scenarios, allowing students to practice clinical reasoning skills and respond to emerging data in real-time. Prerequisite: PT 560
PT 599 Advanced Physical Therapy Elective 2 Credit Hours
This course provides advanced study in small groups of varying areas related to physical therapy practice.
PT 630 Professional Identity Formation 2 Credit Hours
This seminar course is designed to provide students an opportunity to examine their roles as an educator, advocate, and consultant within the physical therapy profession. Students examine the impact of bias and identity differences (race, ethnicity, class, gender, disability, and other identity differences) on learning and healthcare. Students also study the educational principles, learning theories, and methodologies needed to educate various constituencies within healthcare. Students gain an understanding of population health principles and issues facing underrepresented minorities in healthcare. Students explore opportunities to advocate for patients, populations, and the profession along with healthcare humanities including the lived experiences of patients, confronting fear and anxiety in healthcare and the importance of the caregiver/client relationship. Prerequisite: PT 431
PT 664 Geriatrics 3 Credit Hours
This course provides students with knowledge and clinical skills focusing on management of geriatric clients throughout the spectrum of care. Students learn to differentiate between normal and sub-optimal aging, and demonstrate evidence-based assessment and treatment of older adults with mobility impairments. Through lecture and lab participation, students also demonstrate a strong understanding of the public health implications of falls in geriatric clients, and the role of physical therapy in fall prevention. Students are also introduced to the role of 3rd party payers in determining medical necessity for physical therapy services, and how documentation requirements differ across settings in geriatrics including acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, home health care, outpatient, and wellness. Additional laboratory activities are included in the course to enhance hands-on skills in physical assessment, outcome tool performance, and carrying out evidenced based interventions for both healthy elderly populations and older adults with medical comorbidities. Prerequisite: PT 431
XR 100 XR Practicum I 1 Credit Hour
This level one practicum is designed for XR majors to introduce students to the workings of the extended reality facility, projects, and related operations. Students perform hands-on extended reality (XR) support under the mentorship of faculty and upper level XR students. Tasks may include assisting active XR projects, organizing, repairing, and researching XR equipment, and studying principles and support functions for projects and labs.
XR 200 XR Practicum III 1 Credit Hour
This level three practicum is designed for XR majors to assist in leadership responsibilities in XR projects, while continuing to develop the student’s knowledge of the workings of the extended reality facility, projects, and related operations. Students perform hands-on extended reality (XR) support under the mentorship of faculty and upper level XR students. Tasks may include assisting active XR projects, organizing, repairing, and researching XR equipment, and studying principles and support functions for projects and labs. Prerequisite: XR 101