General Education Requirements
For all University Students, General education course requirements are classes taken by students enrolled in programs at accredited academic institutions. These courses are typically designed to teach diverse skills that every person should master in order to become a knowledgeable citizen, and communicate ideas as a useful member of society, regardless of her chosen course of study.
The course topics and number of mandatory credit hours vary, but most general education courses focus on:
- Analyzing cultural diversity in society
- Intellectual problem-solving that is effective in a society undergoing constant change
- Development of critical and analytical thinking skills
- Communication skills
- Evaluating data to expand knowledge of the natural sciences
- Research methods and the formation of logical arguments
- Appreciation for the arts, humanities, and social sciences
General Education Course Topics
Generally, students must complete a certain number of credit hours in each of these topics to meet general education requirements:
Natural Sciences - Mathematics
9 Credits
While most colleges and universities offer math and science majors to keep up with the demand for technologically advanced workers to fill positions in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and math – even students pursuing majors outside of STEM fields should possess basic math and science knowledge.
Earth Science (SCI 102)
This course introduces scientific investigations, methods, observations, and communication, along with common tools and methods used for understanding Earth and its environments. Students will also examine continental drift, seafloor spreading, plate tectonic movement, plate boundaries, landforms, volcanic activity, earthquakes, and mountains resulting from plate tectonic processes. It concludes with introducing the objects of our solar system and explorations beyond our solar system.
Concepts in Math and Quantitative Analysis (MAT 301)
This course is designed to develop students’ mathematical thinking and reasoning skills though problem-solving. Instruction covers many of the tools in the mathematical toolbox, including concepts in data sets, number systems, algebra, geometry, logic, graphing, probability and statistics. Other topics include: basics of arithmetic, algebra and geometry and related relevant concepts.
Introduction to Gerontology (SCI 205)
This course approaches the study of aging from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes psychological and social aspects on the process of aging. As the lifespan of many has increased, there is a need to better understand and engage with the complexity that is involved in becoming older human beings.
Social Sciences - History
9 Credits
These disciplines give students the ability to interact with others in society and develop meaningful relationships are two of the main ideas taught in the social sciences field and provide students with historical context to connect cultures from across the globe, through a broad range of history classes
American Government (HIS 301)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the American government, its historical foundations, institutions, and political processes. The purpose of this class is to teach about the institutions, practices, and history of politics and government in the United States.
<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">U.S. History 101 1877-Present (HIS 101)
Topics include the history of the United States from the post-Civil War era (roughly the 1860s) to the present day. The course will introduce major social, political, economic, and cultural events and it will address how those events affected the development of American society.
Microeconomics (ECO 101)
Microeconomics I is the first subject of the training cycle in Economic Theory. Its importance and complexity arise from the fact it is the first time the student becomes familiar with current economic models. During the course, the student will learn to formalize economic phenomena and gain an understanding of their workings.
Humanities
6 Credits
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of artistic and humanistic inquiry, broadly defined.
Introduction to Cultural Studies (HUM 101)
The learning experience provides a general introduction to Cultural Studies, emphasizing the historical, theoretical foundations, and disciplinary boundaries in the field in American iterations.
History of Culture and Cuisine in the South and Its Effect on Society (MCS 210)
This course will examine the history of bias, racism, culture and diversity in the culinary and hospitality industry and how regional cooking and food can meld two races and have them become harmonious in both business and existence.
Ethics
3 Credits
Ethics course requirements provide students the opportunity to engage in activities that encourage them to problem-see and problem-solve with an ethical lens; they expose students to discipline-specific (or general theoretical) ways to use ethical frameworks for ethical decision-making.
Social Ethics (SOC 104)
This course discusses the theory and practice of ethics from the basics of the nature of morality and the classic and more recent theories of morality to their applications in current issues of controversy. Major topics include: procedure for setting up a moral system, ethical issues related to the value of human life, where questions arise in matters such as abortion, suicide, and mercy death. Additional topics include: ethical issues in medicine, business, media, and environment by examining the moral dilemmas as well as the status of major questions in current dialogue and law.
Ethics for Health Professions (HCA 200)
Major topics include: an overview of the legalities and ethical behavior associated with a medical practice/facility, examination of laws, regulations and other legal considerations applicable to the healthcare profession, combined with exploration of ethical and bio-ethical issues.
English
6 Credits
The majority of higher education institutions require an English course to ensure that students are receiving an educational foundation that teaches them to write, appreciate world literature, and analyze written words to form educated opinions.
English 101
This course discusses the theory and practice of ethics from the basics of the nature of morality and the classic and more recent theories of morality to their applications in current issues of controversy. Major topics include: procedure for setting up a moral system, ethical issues related to the value of human life, where questions arise in matters such as abortion, suicide, and mercy death. Additional topics include: ethical issues in medicine, business, media, and environment by examining the moral dilemmas as well as the status of major questions in current dialogue and law.
Critical Thinking Foundations (ENG 203)
Critical thinking, identifying, analyzing and evaluating claims, overcoming preconceptions and biases and forming appropriate conclusions.
Information Literacy (ENG 103)
Information literacy in the modern world and defining the need for information as it relates to the research paper; evaluating authority; organizing information; and legal, ethical, and communication issues.
