Rationale for General Education Courses in the Associate of Arts and Sciences

We Require Because We Expect Students To
ENG 111-ENG 112 (6 Credits) …evaluate information critically, incorporate writing skills and strategies, and construct coherent arguments.
General Mathematics (3 credits) …develop quantitative literacy, demonstrate effective quantitative methodology skills, and expand computational proficiency.
General Science (4 credits) …develop scientific literacy, apply scientific methodology to interpret data and draw appropriate conclusions, and build problem-solving skills.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) …apply scientific methodology and critical thinking to social science disciplines, evaluating personal, interpersonal, social, economic, and cultural thought processes and behaviors.
History (6 credits) …exercise critical inquiry to evaluate and gain perspective about cultural, economic, political and social systems; analyze progress of human thought and behaviors over time; and demonstrate the civic knowledge needed to be thoughtful participants in a democratic republic.
Literature/Humanities/Fine Arts (6 credits - at least 3 credits must be literature) …identify and engage in current and historical cultural values, thought, aesthetics, and creativity as expressed in art, literature, music, philosophy, and religion.

In addition to the General Education requirements above, the following are also required for this degree

We Require Because We Expect Students To
Student Development- SDV (1 credit) …navigate the college experience in a confident and comfortable manner.
CST 110 or CST 100 (3 Credits) …develop exceptional oral communication skills, increase knowledge of verbal and non-verbal language; become effective communicators in interpersonal situations for both small group and dyadic communication; orally articulate arguments for persuasive speaking and ideas for informative occasions.
OR
ITE 152 or CSC 110 or ITE 120 or EDU 280 (3 Credits) …understand the fundamental concepts and methodologies associated with information literacy, especially those necessary for the ethical and safe use of modern technology.

Rational For General Education Courses
Course content represents a broad body of general knowledge about one or more of the major social, cultural, historical, or scientific forces that have shaped human identity and the world. Content is not focused upon a particular occupation or on professional skills. While most courses transfer readily to senior institutions, it is the student’s responsibility to determine if particular courses transfer to a given school.