Skip to Main Content

GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

General Education signifies a program of arts and sciences courses providing students with a broad educational experience. Rather than being focused on majors or academic/vocational specializations, General Education courses are universal and foundational. Typically introductory, they offer students fundamental skills and knowledge in mathematics, English, arts, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences. Completion of a General Education program is required for a degree. The General Education is comprised on at least one course in mathematics, natural science, social science, American history/western civilizations, civic learning and engagement, humanities, arts, and foreign cultures and language. The modules and the content are meant to meet the following outcomes that align with the American Association of Colleges & Universities, Liberal Education and America’s Promise initiative.

  • Oral & Written Communication: Students will be able to develop and express themselves clearly and appropriately both orally and in writing for a range of social, academic and professional contexts. In their writing students will be able to identify when there is a need for information and find and use appropriate sources.

  • Scientific & Quantitative Reasoning: Students will be able to reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of mathematical and scientific contexts. They will be able to create logical arguments and clearly communicate those arguments in a variety of formats.

  • Critical Analysis & Reasoning: Students will be able to systematically to gather, organize, refine, analyze, and evaluate critically information and ideas. Students will be able to draw informed conclusions and judgements on complex topics or issues to gain a better understanding of them.

  • Global Learning: Students will demonstrate understanding of local, national, and global communities by cultivating awareness of interdependence of different communities, issues within those communities, and organizations and skills that address such issues.

  • Integrative learning: Students will be able to make simple connections among ideas and experiences, synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus.

The General Education Core consists of 45 Total hours.

Specifically Required courses (21 hours)

  • EN 101 College Writing

  • EN 102 Writing in the Humanities

  • BLU 151 Public Speaking

  • BLU 101 Foundations Seminar

  • BLU 201 Service Learning & Civic Engagement

  • BLU 301Junior Symposium

  • Religious Studies Elective

Modules: (One course required in each) (27 hours)

  • Mathematics

  • Natural Science

  • Social Sciences

  • American History/Western Civilization

  • Civic Learning and Engagement

  • Humanities

  • Arts

  • Foreign Culture and Language

Elective chosen only from courses in modules above (3 hours)

Note: These requirements apply to all students who enrolled as freshmen in fall 2018 or later or as transfers in fall 2018 or later. Students who enrolled earlier should consult the prior catalog and their advisor for their General Education requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE MODULES


Effective for all students beginning Fall 2018

Students must take at least one (1) course from each of the following modules:

MATHEMATICS

Courses within this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop the foundations required for analytic and quantitative reasoning experiences that will enable them to make decisions, solve problems, and manipulate concepts within a mathematical framework or in courses where an understanding of mathematical and statistical systems is required.

NATURAL SCIENCE

Courses in this module will provide students with fundamental and foundational knowledge of the natural sciences as well as a basic understanding of the principles and applications of scientific inquiry. Such knowledge will enhance the student’s awareness and understanding of the role that the natural sciences play in our ever-evolving planet.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Courses in this module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in the study of various fundamental aspects of human behavior, the human condition, and the dynamics of social change and interaction.

AMERICAN HISTORY/WESTERN CIVILIZATION

Courses in this module will provide students with foundational historical knowledge of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, belief systems, and political systems of Western civilization, including American culture.

CIVIC LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT

Courses in this module will provide students with the knowledge, skills and values to effect positive change in their communities, whether that be defined locally or globally. It involves participating in activities that are both personally fulfilling and socially beneficial.

HUMANITIES

Courses in this module will provide students with knowledge of the fundamental modes of inquiry within the humanities and/or will foster a greater appreciation of broad creative cultural traditions and movements within these disciplines.

ARTS

Courses in this module will provide students with knowledge of forms of artistic expression and the opportunity for participation in the creative process.

FOREIGN CULTURE AND LANGUAGE

Courses in this module will provide students with knowledge of the distinctive features of foreign cultures and/or languages and will help students understand and appreciate diverse perspectives.

GENERAL ELECTIVE

To fulfill the requirement of this module, an elective will be chosen from one of the above mentioned modules. Students should consult with their academic advisor before choosing this elective as some programs/ departments/divisions may prescribe which module may fit best into an individual student’s academic program.