The General Education Core

Area A: Communication

• A.A., A.S., A.F.A., A.A.T.: 9 semester hours

To facilitate development of these essential abilities, students take courses in the following areas:

The purpose of courses in writing and speaking is to foster the ability to communicate effectively with others, whether in speech or writing. The complexities of the modern world require the ability to think independently and express ideas clearly. Because these courses provide such important foundation skills, students should complete them early in the degree program so what they learn can improve their performance in other courses. Satisfactory completion of the required writing course sequence, ENG 101 Composition I  and ENG 102 Composition II , will mean a grade of “C” or better in both courses.

The following 3 courses (9 credit hours), including a two-course sequence in writing and one course in oral communication, are required:

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts

• A.A., A.A.T.: 9 credit hours
• A.S.: 6 credit hours
• A.F.A.: 6 credit hours from Humanities only

Study in the Humanities, Fine Arts, and Philosophy helps develop an understanding of what it means to be human. These courses expose students to great works of literature, art, music, and theater, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the arts. They also examine the religious traditions and cultural expressions of people in a variety of cultures who have struggled to understand the basic questions that confront human beings - questions about good and evil, identity, courage, love, truth, justice, and morality.

Select 2 or 3 courses (6 or 9 credit hours), with at least one course selected from fine arts and at least one course from the humanities:

Area C: Mathematics

(3-6 credit hours)

Mathematics focuses on quantitative reasoning as a basis for understanding the relationships found in both work and everyday life.

Mathematics provides the tools and skills necessary to organize thinking, apply problem-solving strategies and recognize patterns and processes across many different fields.

Mathematics is also used to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives and select optimal results.

Select 1 to 2 courses (3 to 6 credit hours) from:

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences

• A.A., A.S., A.F.A., A.A.T.: 7-8 semester hours

The study of science helps students learn how the scientific method is used to discover new truths and re-assess old ones. In science courses, students learn how scientists formulate and test hypotheses to investigate and understand phenomena in the natural world. By participating in laboratory sessions where they use the scientific method themselves, students get first hand experience in how scientists think. Students also become familiar with the physical and biological concepts developed through scientific study. Familiarity with these scientific principles promotes understanding of the natural world and enhances the ability to make informed decisions about environmental, health, and technological problems.

Select two courses (7-8 credit hours), with one course selected from the life sciences and one course from the physical sciences and including at least one laboratory course from:

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences

• A.A., A.A.T.: 9 credit hours
• A.S.: 6 credit hours
• A.F.A.: 6 credit hours

The Social Sciences focus on an appreciation of human continuity and change on both the personal and societal level. Through analysis of historical, political, cultural and economic institutions, students become better able to understand themselves and their own society. They also develop insights into contemporary life including a broader understanding of how society works and what good citizenship means. They also become more self-aware and more attuned to issues relating to the environment, diversity, and social justice. In these courses, students are encouraged to become more reflective and use their new insights to think about how to address contemporary problems.

Select two or three courses (6 or 9 credit hours), with courses selected from at least two disciplines, from: