Descriptions of General Studies Designations

Literacy & Critical Inquiry (L)

These courses have a strong focus on the mastery of (a) written and oral communication skills and (b) critical thinking skills, especially those that involve the gathering, interpretation, and evaluation of evidence in support of a thesis.

Mathematics (MA)

These courses have a strong focus on developing fundamental mathematical skills at the level of at least college mathematics or a course with a college-algebra prerequisite.

Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications (CS)

These courses have a strong focus on applying significant mathematical reasoning to either statistics/quantitative analyses or the use of computers to perform in-depth analyses (i.e., beyond simply learning how to use software).

Humanities, Fine Arts & Design (HU)

These courses have a strong focus on developing a deep appreciation of the arts and humanities. Humanities courses focus on broadening awareness of and knowledge about topics, issues, and concerns within the arts as well as within disciplines such as philosophy, history, and religious studies. Courses in fine arts and design focus on the study of aesthetic experiences and artistic creation.

Social-Behavioral Sciences (SB)

These courses have a strong focus on acquiring a basic knowledge about major concepts, theories, and methods of scientific inquiry within disciplines such as anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Natural Sciences (SG/SQ)

These courses have a strong focus on developing a fundamental knowledge about major concepts, theories, and methods of scientific inquiry within natural-science disciplines, as well as acquiring basic skills needed to perform laboratory and/or field research within these disciplines. SG courses provide a foundational introduction to a scientific discipline which involves primarily a qualitative or descriptive discussion of main topic areas, whereas SQ courses provide a substantial introduction to the fundamental behavior of matter and energy in physical/biological systems.

Cultural Diversity in the United States (C)

These courses have a strong focus on developing a significant awareness and in-depth appreciation of cultural diversity within the contemporary United States by examining the experiences and contributions (cultural, social, and/or scientific) of ethnic, gender-based, racial, and/or linguistic minority groups.

Global Awareness (G)

These courses have a strong focus on developing a significant awareness and in-depth appreciation of cultural diversity outside of the United States by examining the experiences, values, elements, contributions, and social processes of cultural groups around the world.

Historical Awareness (H)

These courses have a strong focus on developing a significant awareness and in-depth appreciation of the historical development of groups, nations, or societies by examining the development over time of ideas and events within broad sociocultural contexts.