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Core General Education Requirements
|
Requirement |
Number of credits |
|
Communication & Literacy |
6 |
|
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning |
6 |
|
Civics & Perspectives |
3 |
|
Natural Science & Wellness (with a laboratory) |
6 (one course must have a Lab attribute) |
|
Humanities & Arts |
6 |
|
Social & Behavioral Science |
3 |
|
Total |
30 credits |
Definitions
Math & Quantitative Reasoning (MQR)
Instruction focused on developing the ability to draw conclusions, make judgments, and form inferences from quantitative information. This instruction emphasizes the use of mathematics, logic, data, and quantitative models to interpret information, analyze problems, and support informed decision-making. MQR courses equip students with broad quantitative skills in mathematics, computer science, statistics, or formal logic that are applicable in various contexts beyond the classroom.
Communication & Literacy (CL)
Instruction designed to develop foundational competencies in writing, reading, speaking, listening, and critical thinking. This instruction emphasizes the ability to analyze, interpret, and produce effective communication across various forms, genres, and disciplines. Students will learn to research and present ideas and information clearly and logically, tailored to achieve specific purposes. Additionally, instruction is designed to foster the effective use of communicative forms that are appropriate for various disciplines and adapted to specific audiences.
Social & Behavioral Science (SBS)
Instruction focused on fostering critical thinking about individual and group behavior, as well as the dynamics of institutions and social systems within both local and global contexts. This instruction emphasizes empirical and analytical methods drawn from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science. Students will demonstrate knowledge of various methodologies and theoretical approaches, synthesize and apply social science concepts, and engage with issues from multiple perspectives.
Humanities & Arts (HA)
Instruction focused on examining human culture, expression, history, and values through various disciplines, including literature, philosophy, history, languages, music, and the visual arts. This instruction emphasizes critical inquiry and interpretive skills, enabling students to comprehend and utilize diverse approaches to interpreting and creating cultural artifacts, such as works of art, literature, music, architecture, philosophy, and film.
Natural Science & Wellness (NSW / NSWL)
Natural Science: Instruction focused on examining the physical and natural world through scientific observation, experimentation, and theory, including biological, chemical, physical, and earth sciences.
Wellness: Instruction that promotes and explores the foundations of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Natural Science & Wellness Laboratory (NSWL): Instruction that employs active or experiential learning techniques in which students apply course content in practical ways to deepen their conceptual understanding. This includes, but is not limited to group discussions, debates, case studies, problem-solving activities, writing and reflection exercises, and participating in disciplinary practices (e.g., experimental techniques, dance, meditation, mindfulness).
Civics & Perspectives (CP)
Instruction designed to increase understanding of the culture and contributions of persistently marginalized racial or ethnic groups in the United States and to equip students to respond constructively to issues connected with our pluralistic society and global community. Students in these courses learn to draw connections between historical and present-day circumstances and consider perceptions and cultural assumptions when examining questions and making decisions.