General Studies Requirements
for the Baccalaureate Degree

General Studies Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree

Certain General Education courses are required in each of the degree programs of the University. These courses provide students an opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of basic accumulated general knowledge. The courses are designed to assure that a wide range of viewpoints and philosophies, as well as classic literature, become familiar to students. General Education courses provide a common academic meeting ground for students and professors to interact. These shared studies afford the opportunity to explore generally accepted concepts and principles, develop critical thinking skills, and identify questions and issues requiring further study and research.

The following is a listing of the General Studies requirements for the baccalaureate degree:

Student Writing and Math Skills

The University has adopted a policy intended to identify students who have writing and/or math deficiencies that may impair their ability to progress through their course of study.

1. English and Math Skills Assessments are required for any undergraduate student who has not transferred acceptable credits for the following requirements: MAT 101, MAT 200, MAT 201, MAT 205, or ENG 101. These assessments must be completed prior to course registration and the results permit the University to place the student in the appropriate level math or English course. Specific cut scores for both assessments have been established and students are encouraged to meet with the appropriate advisor to determine their status. If a student is successful on the skills tests but still feels the need for review, he or she may elect to enroll in either MAT 095 (Math Review) or ENG 095 (English Review).
2. Students who score a 450 or above on either the English or Math section of the SAT are exempt from the skills assessment in that area.

MAT 110 Math Essentials and ENG 110 English Essentials

Credit for these courses applies toward graduation as an elective. The minimum grade needed to pass Math 110 (Math Essentials) or English 110 (English Essentials) is a "C".

Math 101 College Math I

The minimum grade needed to pass MAT 101 (College Math I) is a “C”.

Library Orientation

A basic library orientation project is required of all new undergraduate students as part of ENG 101 (English Composition I). An advanced library orientation should be completed by all undergraduate students as part of a course in the student’s major program.

First Year Experience Course (FYE 101)

This course introduces first year students to the University. It is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that will promote achievement in higher education. Students in this course will become a part of a learning community that will encourage academic and social success.