Black Hills State University is a regional comprehensive institution. As such, it’s General Education Program provides students with the opportunity to pursue a broad liberal arts education in addition to a specialized major and / or minor in an academic field. The general education program is designed to help students attain the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to produce new insights into humanity’s intellectual development and a deepened comprehension of our cultural roots.
Because BHSU is one of six Regental institutions, general education follows SD Board of Regents policy. Incoming freshmen must complete 30 credit hours of System General Education Requirements in their first 64 credit hours. The following 18 (21 recommended) of the System General Education Requirements must be completed in the first 48 hours.
Credit Hours |
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Course Requirement |
3
3
3
3
3
3 |
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Composition (Goal #1)
Oral Communication (Goal #2)
Social Science (Goal #3)
Humanities and Fine Arts (Goal #4)
Mathematics (Goal #5)
Natural Science (Goal #6)* |
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*6 hours recommended |
Transfer students with more than 18 credit hours entering from outside the Regental system must complete the above specified 18 credit hours of general education within the first 30 hours taken at a Regental institution
The General Education Component of all baccalaureate programs shall consist of the System (SD Board of Regents) General Education Requirements, Institutional (Black Hills State University) General Education & graduation requirements; including, Wellness, Global Issues, Writing Intensive Requirement, and Research or creative activity.
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General Education Requirements
GOAL #1: English
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written expression of others
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure;
- Write logically;
- Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative, descriptive);
- Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3, and #4 - Credit Hours: 6 hours
NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial English course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).
GOAL #2: Speech
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings;
- Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials, organizational pattern, language usage, presentational aids, and delivery;
- Demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content.
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes
Required: #1, #2, and #3 - Credit Hours: 3 hours
GOAL #3: Social Science
SDBOR requirement: Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human community through study of the social sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social science disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts.
- Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary issues;
- Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.
In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of at least one of the following:
- The origin and evolution of human institutions;
- The allocation of human or natural resources within societies;
- The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views;
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2 and #3 - At least one of the following: #4, #5, or #6 - Credit Hours: 6 hours (in 2 disciplines)
Additional BHSU requirement: Students will more fully understand the processes and perspectives of the human community through a broader study of the behavioral and social sciences
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, the student will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship and how to implement those responsibilities;
- Examine human behavior and mental processes in different multicultural, historical, biological, social, or environmental contexts;
- Demonstrate a more global perspective when viewing social issues;
- Explain how a value system of a person, or group, impacts decision-making.
Credit Hours: 3 hours
In addition to the System General Education Requirement courses for Social Science, student may also choose one of the following. If students use a course to meet the System General Education Requirement , students must select a different course to meet the Institutional General Education Requirement .
GOAL #4: Arts & Humanities
SDBOR requirement: Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience;
- Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.
In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:
- Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities;
- Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding;
- Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts;
- Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2 - At least one of the following: #3, #4, #5, or #6 - Credit Hours: 6 hours (in 2 disciplines or a sequence of foreign language courses)
Additional BHSU requirement: Students will more fully understand and appreciate the varieties of human experience and creativity through a broader study of the fine arts and humanities.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses in Art, Foreign Languages, History, Humanities, Music, Philosophy and Theater, students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret the formal and stylistic elements of the humanities and/or the arts;
- Demonstrate knowledge of various forms of arts and the societal contexts in which they arise;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the range of values, beliefs, and ideas that shape cultures and how they change over time.
Each course meeting this goal must include at least one of the above outcomes: #1, #2, or #3. - Credit Hours: 6 hours
In addition to the System General Education Requirement courses for Arts & Humanities, student may also choose one of the following. If students use a course to meet the System General Education Requirement, students must select a different course to meet the Institutional General Education Requirement.
GOAL #5: Mathematics
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world problems;
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and concepts;
- Demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable measurements of real world situations.
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2 and #3 - Credit Hours: 3 hours
NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial Mathematics course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).
GOAL #6: Natural Science
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience;
- Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;
- Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;
- Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3 and #4 - Credit Hours: 6 hours
GOAL #7
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will:
- Determine the extent of information needed;
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;
- Evaluate information and its sources critically;
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose;
- Use information in an ethical and legal manner.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 - Credit Hours: 0 hours
Black Hills State University
Additional Institutional General Education and Graduation Requirements; Wellness, Global Issues, Writing Intensive, and Research or Creative Activity.
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Wellness
GOAL: Students will attain the knowledge, assessment, and application skills necessary to develop and maintain physical and mental wellness.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will learn and understand facets of physical and mental wellness specifically addressing the following:
- knowledge of wellness content;
- assessment of wellness practices;
- application of knowledge and assessment.
Students will meet this requirement by taking a course in Wellness. This course meets this goal by including the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, & #3 - Credit Hours: 2 hours
The Wellness requirement can be satisfied with the submission of a “DD214” for prior military personnel to the Registrar’s Office, Woodburn 104.
Globalization/Global Issues
GOAL: Students will understand the interconnectedness of the human experience by investigating diverse international and cultural issues.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting the global issues requirement, students will:
- Demonstrate their awareness of international connections in issues such as ecology, business, aesthetics, politics, immigration, literature, technology, economics, etc.
- Relate non-western perspectives and experiences to those of the west so that both the awareness of their interrelatedness and the breaking down of barriers between them is evident.
- Identify and compare western knowledge with non-western paradigms to clarify the cultural constructs inherent in intellectual and aesthetic expressions.
Courses meeting this requirement must meet two of the three student learning outcomes listed above. Students will meet this requirement by taking an existing System General Education Course or a course that is already required in their major.
For the following majors:
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Applied Technical Science (BATS)
Biology
Chemistry
Composite Science Education
Environmental Physical Science
Exercise Science
Industrial Technology
Human Services
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Mathematics
Math & Science Education
Music
Outdoor Education
Physical Education
Psychology
Spanish
Speech Communication
Speech Communication-Theatre
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Students will be required to take one of the following System General Education courses: |
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The following majors utilize a course currently required in the major
American Indian Studies
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Art
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Business Majors |
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Graphic Design &
Communication
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Composite Social Science
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Elementary, Early Childhood, Middle School, & Special Education |
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English
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History
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Mass Communications |
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Political Science
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Professional Accountancy |
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Social Science |
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Sociology |
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Writing Intensive Requirement
GOAL: Students will learn and utilize the language of the discipline, use writing-to-learn techniques to develop ideas and learn content, and understand the audience for, and parameters of, writing done within the student’s specific major; departments which decide their students need a writing intensive course specific to the major should be allowed to develop such a course.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses identified as writing intensive, students will:
- Use writing to learn course content, understand the ideas and the language of a discipline, and discover their own ideas relative to the content of the course.
- Compose texts within the discipline/area of study of the course, through drafting, revising, and completing a finished product (applying appropriate style manuals), in order to comprehend more fully the unique nature of the knowledge within that discipline as well as potentially contribute to it.
- Develop critical thinking skills unique to the discipline and the subject matter of the course.
Students will meet this requirement by taking a course in their respective major which meets the criteria for a writing intensive course. Each writing intensive course must have in place a methodology by which students can draft and revise papers with the help and advice of both the professor and classmates.
Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3 - Credit Hours: 0 hours
American Indian Studies |
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Applied Technical Sci/BATS |
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Art |
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Biology |
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Business |
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Chemistry |
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Graphic Design &
Communication |
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Composite in Science Ed. |
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Composite Social Science |
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Education |
Students will be required to take one of the following: |
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English |
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Environmental Physical Science |
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Exercise Science
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History |
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Human Services |
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Mass Communications |
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Mathematics |
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Math and Science Education |
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Music |
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Outdoor Education |
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Physical Education |
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Political Science |
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Professional Accountancy |
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Psychology |
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Social Science |
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Sociology |
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Spanish |
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Speech Communication |
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Speech Comm. - Theatre |
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Technology |
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Experiential Learning (IGR #1)
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Experiential learning is an understanding and a disposition that a student builds across the curriculum and co-curriculum, from making simple connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus that occurs as a result of integrative learning opportunities across the disciplines. Such integrative learning experiences include: undergraduate research, creative expression, academic service learning, internships, practica, study abroad, and student employment as undergraduate research assistantship or undergraduate learning assistantship.
GOAL: Students will make connections among ideas and experiences to synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the academic classroom that occur as a result of experiential learning opportunities across the curriculum.
Student learning Outcomes:
As a result of completing an experiential learning activity, the student will:
- synthesize connections among experiences outside of formal instruction to deepen understanding of fields of study and to broaden one’s own point of view.
- adapt and apply skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies gained in one situation to new situations to solve difficult problems, engage in creative expression, or explore complex issues in original ways.
- demonstrate a developing sense of self as a reflective learner, building on prior knowledge to respond to new and challenging contexts; evaluating changes in one’s own learning over time recognizing complex contextual factors; and, articulating professional strengths and challenges to increase effectiveness in different contexts for professional development.
- choose a format and produce a poster presentation, a video, a multi-media presentation, a piece of art, a creative performance, a portfolio artifact, a faculty-mentored research project, or a culminating class project that clearly illustrates evidence of how experiential learning positively impacted degree achievement.
Credit Hours: 0-12 Hours
The following courses are applicable to all majors:
Am. Indian Studies
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Art
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Art show in conjunction with at least one of the following: |
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BATS
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Biology
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Business
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Chemistry
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Communication Arts
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Creative project in conjunction with at least one of the following: |
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Comp. Science Ed.
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Comp. Soc. Sci. |
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Education
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Students will be required to take one of the following: |
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English
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Environmental Physical Science
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Exercise Science |
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History
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Human Services
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Mass Communications
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Creative project in conjunction with at least one of the following: |
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Mathematics
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Math & Science Ed.
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Music
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Senior recital in conjunction with at least one of the following:
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Outdoor Education
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Physical Education
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Political Science
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Prof. Accountancy
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Psychology
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Social Science
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Sociology
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Spanish
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Speech Comm.
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Speech Communications-Theatre
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Theatrical production in conjunction with one of the following:
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Technology
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Associate of Arts Degree & Associate of Science Degree General Education Requirements
GOAL #1: Students will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written expression of others. Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure;
- Write logically;
- Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative, descriptive);
- Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.
6 credit hours
NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial English course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).
GOAL #2: Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking. Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings;
- Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials, organizational pattern, language usage, presentational aids, and delivery;
- Demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content.
Credit Hours: 3 hours
GOAL #3: Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human community through study of the social sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social science disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts.
- Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary issues;
- Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.
In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of at least one of the following:
- The origin and evolution of human institutions;
- The allocation of human or natural resources within societies;
- The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views;
Credit Hours: 9 hours (minimum 2 disciplines)
GOAL #4: Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience;
- Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.
In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:
- Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities;
- Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding;
- Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts;
- Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.
Credit Hours: 12 hours (minimum 2 disciplines)
GOAL #5: Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world problems;
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and concepts;
- Demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable measurements of real world situations.
Credit Hours: 3 hours
NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial Mathematics course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).
GOAL #6: Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience;
- Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;
- Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;
- Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.
Credit Hours: 6 hours
GOAL #7: Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will:
- Determine the extent of information needed;
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;
- Evaluate information and its sources critically;
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose;
- Use information in an ethical and legal manner.
Assessment: Students fulfill this requirement by demonstrating competency through an assessment designated by the university.
Associate of Science Degree
The general education component of all associate of science programs shall consist of a minimum of 18 credit hours from the following:
Credit Hours |
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Course Requirement |
3
3
3
3
3
3
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Composition (Goal #1)
Oral Communication (Goal #2)
Social Science (Goal #3)
Humanities and Fine Arts (Goal #4)
Mathematics (Goal #5)
Natural Science (Goal #6)* |
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*6 hours recommended |
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