Proficiency Requirements

Each HCU student who filed a degree plan prior to Fall 2018 is expected to complete competencies in written and oral communication, computer literacy, mathematics, and reading. Each proficiency must be completed before reaching 64 credits and is mandatory for graduation.

HCU Proficiencies and Competencies

  • English Proficiency – Complete one (1) of the following:
    • Complete ENGL 1320 (or 1313) and ENGL 1330 (or 1323) at HCU with a grade of “C” or better.
    • Placement out of ENGL 1320 and/or ENGL 1330 by Advanced Placement (AP) exam or CLEP scores per HCU catalog.
    • Transfer credits for courses equivalent to ENGL 1320 (or 1313) and ENGL 1330 (or 1323) with a grade of “C” of better.
    • English proficiency should be completed before a student’s third semester of enrollment at HCU.
  • Reading Proficiency – Complete one (1) of the following:
    • SAT = 550 or higher on Verbal
    • ACT = 22 or higher on Reading
    • THEA = 230 or higher
    •  Pre-THEA = 17 or better
  • Mathematics Proficiency – Complete one (1) of the following:
    • Complete MATH 1305, 1313, or higher level math with a grade of “C” or better.
    • Placement out of MATH 1313 or higher level math by Advanced Placement (AP) exam or CLEP scores as outlined in the HCU catalog.
  •  Computer Proficiency – Complete one (1) of the following:
    • Complete CISM 1321 with a grade of “C” or better.
    • Successful completion of the Computer Proficiency Exam (CPE).
    • Transfer credit for a course equivalent to CISM 1321 with a grade of “C” or better.
    • Students under an older double-major Smith College degree plan that requires CISM 1321 may meet this proficiency with the CPE, but will be required to take an additional Humanities course in order to meet their Smith College total credit hours. The CPE fulfills the proficiency requirement, but does not award credit hours for completion.

If you have further questions, please contact the Office of the Academic Records.