Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Degrees General Education Requirements

All BA/BS degrees will be required to satisfy the following General Education requirements.

All BA/BS degrees will be required to have the same 40-43 hour General Education curriculum (specified below).
- Note: Prerequisite coursework may increase the total hours, depending on student placement in courses.
Course requirements in a major may be fulfilled in the General Education curriculum.
Some degree programs designate which course(s) students must take to fulfill the requirements in the General Education curriculum. If no such designation exists, students must take courses from the topic areas as defined below.
Each course taught as part of General Education will contribute to the General Education Learning Outcomes (ULO, see General Education Assessment section below). Learning Outcomes met by each course will be listed on the course syllabus.

General Education: 40-43 hours

Written Communication

3 hours: EN110 – College Composition I
- ACT English Subscore 24 or below
- EN110 introduces students to writing as a process, exploring genres and rhetorical situations, and using strategies to compose effective texts.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Written Communications credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students are articulate, able to speak and write clearly and effectively. (Communication 1)
  - Students are multimodal, able to interpret and express ideas through multiple modes of communication. (Communication 2)
3 hours: EN111 – College Composition II
- Students may place into EN111 with ACT score 25 and above or by portfolio credit for EN110.
- EN111 focuses on the development of inquiry and research methods, writing as a process, and the conventions of academic prose.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Written Communications credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students are articulate, able to speak and write clearly and effectively. (Communication 1)
  - Students are multimodal, able to interpret and express ideas through multiple modes of communication. (Communication 2)
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)

Oral Communication

3 hours: CT101 – Public Speaking
- Students study the theory of speech communication to develop skills in public-speaking situations. Topics include the speech-communication process, ethics, listening, intercultural considerations, speech-topic selection, audience analysis, research, use of evidence in a speech, speech organization, language usage, speech delivery, presentation aids, and the types of public speaking. Students present introductory, impromptu, commemorative, informative, and persuasive speeches as well as group presentations to improve their public-speaking skills Required of all students and must be taken during the first three semesters of enrollment at CMU.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Oral Communications credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students are articulate, able to speak and write clearly and effectively. (Communication 1)

Natural Sciences

7-8 hours: Science (defined below in Science Requirement)
- 4 hours: Science with Lab
- 3-4 hours: Science with or without Lab
- Science courses foreground scientific methods, analysis, and synthesis and help students use scientific theories/concepts to question and understand the natural world. Some courses in this section require a laboratory component, allowing students to experience applications of the scientific method.
- For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended that students take courses from at least two (2) different disciplines.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Natural Sciences credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)
  - Students can analyze, evaluate, interpret, and summarize data. (Curiosity 2)

Mathematical Sciences

3-5 hours: Mathematics, MA103 or higher (defined below in Mathematics Requirement)
- Only Early Childhood Education majors may use MA224 for the mathematics requirement in Foundations.
- This category could require 5-8 credit hours if taking MA090 also.
- Students with an ACT Math Subscore of 19 or lower are placed into MA090. Other students follow math placement guidelines.
- Mathematics courses emphasize analytical and mathematical thinking and help students develop these skills through applications in a variety of areas.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Mathematical Sciences credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)
  - Students can analyze, evaluate, interpret, and summarize data. (Curiosity 2)

Civics

3 hours: HI117, HI118, or PS101 (Fulfills state civics requirement.)
- Civics courses study the rights and duties of citizens through analysis of their political, legal, historical, social, and cultural contexts.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Social & Behavioral Sciences Civics credit.
- Out of state students who have completed American History or Government must take HI103 Missouri Civics.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)
  - Students can analyze, evaluate, interpret, and summarize data. (Curiosity 2)
  - Students will serve others and be ethical, informed citizens. (Community 1)
  - Students will understand and respect diversity, including others' viewpoints, positions, and beliefs. (Community 2)

Social Sciences

3/6 hours: Social Science (defined below in Social Science Requirement)
- For a BA degree, the requirement is
  - 3 hours: Social Science
  - For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended this course is from a different discipline than the course fulfilling the Civics Requirement.
- For a BS degree, the requirement is
  - 6 hours: Social Science
  - For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended at least one course is from a different discipline than the course fulfilling the Civics Requirement.
- Social Science courses involve the analysis of society, culture and the people who live in them, with an emphasis on diversity and ethical decision making.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Social & Behavioral Sciences credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)
  - Students can analyze, evaluate, interpret, and summarize data. (Curiosity 2)
  - Students will serve others and be ethical, informed citizens. (Community 1)
  - Students will understand and respect diversity, including others' viewpoints, positions, and beliefs. (Community 2)

Literature

3 hours: Literature Topics (defined below in Literature Topics Requirement)
- Courses in this area introduce students to the study of literature, developing essential skills in critical thinking, textual analysis, and composing in multiple modalities. Through an investigation of literary genres and/or movements, student will also explore a variety of cultural and/or historical contexts, expanding students’ engagement with, understanding of, and respect for the diverse human experience.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Humanities & Fine Arts credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students are multimodal, able to interpret and express ideas through multiple modes of communication. (Communication 2)
  - Students will understand and respect diversity, including others' viewpoints, positions, and beliefs. (Community 2)

Humanities and Fine Arts

9/12 hours: Humanities and Fine Arts
- 3 hours: RL122 – Religion and the Human Adventure
  - RL122 is an introduction to the ways in which religion provides meaning and purpose for human life. The course includes a study of variety of religious traditions, beliefs, and practices.
- For a BA degree, the additional requirement is
  - 9 hours: Humanities and Fine Arts (defined below in Humanities and Fine Arts Requirement)
- For a BS degree, the additional requirement is
  - 6 hours: Humanities and Fine Arts (defined below in Humanities and Fine Arts Requirement)
- For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended that students take courses from at least two (2) different disciplines.
- For transfer students, this requirement may be fulfilled by CORE 42 Humanities & Fine Arts credit.
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students are multimodal, able to interpret and express ideas through multiple modes of communication. (Communication 2)
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)
  - Students will serve others and be ethical, informed citizens. (Community 1)
  - Students will understand and respect diversity, including others' viewpoints, positions, and beliefs. (Community 2)

Science Requirement

Students must take one course with a lab and one course with or without a lab from courses with the AS (Astronomy), BI (Biology), CH (Chemistry), ES (Environmental Science), GL (Geology), PH (Physics) or SC (Science) prefix—excluding courses numbered 160/260/360/460. Students must have met all prerequisites for these courses. For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended that students take courses from at least two (2) different disciplines.

Transfer students may fulfill the Science requirement by taking CORE 42 approved Natural Sciences courses, one with a lab component and one with or without a lab component (see CORE 42 section below for more information). Out-of-state courses equivalent to CORE 42 approved courses may also fulfill this requirement. Other science courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by divisions.

Mathematics Requirement

Students must take courses with the MA (Mathematics) prefix, MA103 or higher. Only Early Childhood Education majors may use MA224 for the mathematics requirement in Foundations.

Transfer students may fulfill the Mathematics requirement by taking a CORE 42 approved Mathematical Sciences course (see CORE 42 section below for more information). Out-of-state courses equivalent to CORE 42 approved courses may also fulfill this requirement. Other mathematics courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by divisions.

Social Science Requirement

Students must take courses with the CJ (Criminal Justice), CT (Communication), EC (Economics), HI (History), PS (Political Science), PY (Psychology), or SO (Sociology) prefix — excluding any Social Science 160/260/360/460 and 268/368/468. For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended that students take courses from at least two (2) different disciplines.

Transfer students may fulfill the Social Science requirement by taking a CORE 42 approved Social & Behavioral Sciences course (see CORE 42 section below for more information). Out-of-state courses equivalent to CORE 42 approved courses may also fulfill this requirement. Other social science courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by divisions.

Literature Topics Requirement

Students will select a 200-level English literature course to fulfill the Literature Topics requirement in the General Education curriculum. Students will choose from the following courses: EN222, EN224, EN236, or EN238.

Transfer students may fulfill the Literature Topics requirement by taking a CORE 42 approved Humanities and Finer Arts course (see CORE 42 section below for more information). Out-of-state courses equivalent to CORE 42 approved courses may also fulfill this requirement. Other literature courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by divisions.

Humanities and Fine Arts Requirement

In addition to RL122, students must take courses in Humanities or Fine Arts from the following lists. For CORE 42 compatibility, it is recommended that students take courses from at least two (2) different disciplines. (Note: this requirement would be met by taking RL122 and a Literature Topics course.)

Fine Arts (excluding any Fine Arts 160/260/360/460 and 268/368/468)

Courses with the AR (Art) prefix
Courses (numbered TA101 and above) with the TA (Theatre Arts) prefix
Courses with the MU (Music) or ML (Music Lesson) prefixes that don’t have a pre-requisite. This includes lessons and ensembles.
- Courses taken for zero (0) credit hours will not count toward the Humanities and Fine Arts Requirement.
- A maximum of three (3) credit hours from lessons and ensembles may be counted toward the Humanities and Fine Arts Requirement.
EN212 – Introduction to Cinema (3)

Humanities (excluding any Humanities 160/260/360/460 and 268/368/468)

Courses with the EN (English) prefix, numbered EN190 or higher.
- Note EN212 can count as a Humanities or Fine Arts course.
Courses with the PL (Philosophy) prefix
Courses with the RL (Religion) prefix numbered RL190 or higher.
Courses with the SP (Spanish) or FL (Foreign Language) prefix
TA388

Transfer students may fulfill the Fine Arts requirement by taking a CORE 42 approved Humanities and Fine Arts course (see CORE 42 section below for more information). Out-of-state courses equivalent to CORE 42 approved courses may also fulfill this requirement. Other humanities or fine arts courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by divisions.

Additional University Requirements

1 hour: CMU 103 Orientation to CMU
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)

3 hours: Upper-Level Writing Requirement.
- Students must take courses from the following list:
  - Advanced Research Writing (EN305)
  - Technical Writing (EN306)
  - Topics in Writing (EN350)
- Upper-level writing courses will be writing-intensive and will include many of the following elements:
  - Written and spoken feedback, including conferences between student and instructor
  - A minimum of 20 pages of original written work (revisions don’t double-count)
  - Foreground the writing process, including research, drafting, rethinking & revisioning, rewriting, and editing
  - Sequenced writing assignments, including low stakes and write-to-learn assignments, short writing assignments, and staged drafting assignments
  - Some class time should be dedicated to writing instruction
  - Limit of 15 students per class
  - Portfolio grading or labor-based grading contracts recommended
- University Learning Outcomes:
  - Students are articulate, able to speak and write clearly and effectively. (Communication 1)
  - Students are multimodal, able to interpret and express ideas through multiple modes of communication. (Communication 2)
  - Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research. (Curiosity 1)
- Students who are earning a second baccalaureate degree do not have to take the university requirements (e.g. CMU110 and EN305, 306 or 350).

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Core Requirements Summary

BA/BS Degree Core Requirements	Hours	ULO
University Requirements (6 hrs.)
CMU103 Orientation to CMU	1	4
Upper Division Writing: EN305, EN306, or EN350	3	1, 2, 4

Written Communication (6 hrs.)
EN110 - College Composition I	3	1, 2
EN111 - College Composition II	3	1, 2, 4

Oral Communication (3 hrs)
CT101 - Public Speaking	3	1

Science (7-8 hrs)
Approved Science with a lab	4	4, 5
Approved Science with or without a lab	3-4	4, 5

Mathematics (3-5 hrs)
Approved Mathematics courses	3-5	4, 5

Civics (3 hrs)
HI117, HI118, or PS101	3	4, 5, 7, 8

Social Science (3 hrs BA, 6 hrs BS)
Approved Social Science course	3	4, 5, 7, 8
Approved Social Science course (BS)	3	4, 5, 7, 8

Literature Topics (3 hrs)
Approved Literature course	3	2, 8

Humanities and Fine Arts (12 hrs BA, 9 hrs BS)
RL122 - Religion and the Human Adventure	3	2, 4, 7, 8
Approved Humanities or Fine Arts course	3	2, 4, 7, 8
Approved Humanities or Fine Arts course	3	2, 4, 7, 8
Approved Humanities or Fine Arts course (BA)	3	2, 4, 7, 8

Total General Education Hours	44-47

General Education Transfer Policies

Transfer credit will be accepted for courses generally equivalent to those in the CMU General Education program.

Transfer students who have completed coursework from a non-Missouri institution in American Government, a survey of American History I, or an equivalent course which covers the U.S. Constitution are required to take one of the following courses to meet the Missouri State Civics requirement.

1 hour: HI103 – Introduction to Missouri Civics
3 hours: HI117, HI118, or PS101
3 hours: HI307 – The History and Politics of Missouri

Students transferring in courses from Missouri institutions should verify the course satisfies the Missouri State Civics requirement.