UMSL Core and Explore
General Education Program
Students must successfully complete the requirements of the University, the school or college in which they are enrolled, and the specific requirements of their area of specialization. Described below are the General Education requirements for all degrees. Students may consult the University Bulletin or their degree audit (DARS) report for recommended general education courses in their major.
At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, General Education affords both freshmen and transfer students the opportunity to develop and apply intellectual tools and to acquire a breadth of knowledge necessary in our challenging, technological, and diverse world. This curriculum also challenges students to investigate various disciplines as potential majors, and it prepares them for success in major fields of study. The program complies fully with the Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education Guidelines on Transfer and Articulation (June 2000).
Application of Policy to Freshmen
All students in Missouri public universities must complete the requirements of a General Education Plan totaling 42 credit hours in order to earn a baccalaureate degree.
Application of Policy to Transfer Students
Transfer policies describe which courses may apply to UMSL’s General Education requirements. In general, students who transfer to UMSL with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from an accredited Missouri institution and other approved institutions are considered to have completed all General Education requirements.
Students transferring with fewer than 42 hours or from a non-participating institution and not participating in the Missouri Transfer CORE 42 program will have their transcripts evaluated on a course-by-course basis. All students must earn a C- or higher in their First Year Writing and Math Proficiency coursework to be eligible to graduate from UMSL. Additionally, UMSL has a Junior-Level Writing requirement beyond the General Education requirement and the school or college in which they are enrolled may also have a Cultural Diversity requirement.
Transfer courses that meet the requirements of the Core courses or courses that are designated as General Education courses in the Humanities and Fine Arts, the Social Sciences, and the Math and Life/Natural Sciences areas at peer institutions and institutions with whom UMSL has an articulation agreement are considered transferable to UMSL's General Education requirements.
Credit associated with developmental/remedial coursework are not considered transferable to UMSL’s General Education requirements.
Application of Policy to Students Who Started Prior to Fall 2015
Students who earned 24 or more semester hours of credit* at any accredited post-secondary institutions(s) before the start of the fall 2015 semester may meet the General Education requirements stipulated in the UMSL 2014-2015 Bulletin or elect to complete the current General Education Plan described below. Students who earned 24 or more semester hours of credit* at any accredited post-secondary institutions(s) before the start of the fall 2002 semester may also meet the General Education requirements stipulated in the UMSL 2001-2002 Bulletin.
*Only credit that is transferable to UMSL is applicable
General Education Requirements
General Education at UMSL is comprised of 1000-2000 level courses that provide foundational knowledge in a broad range of subjects critical to the future success of our students. It is divided into two categories: General Education Core courses, which are applicable in all disciplines, and General Education Explore courses, which emphasize breadth of study. The following definitions clarify what is required for a course to be considered for listing as either a core or explore option in the General Education curriculum.
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Areas: | ||
First Year Writing | ||
Math Proficiency | ||
Communication Proficiency | ||
Information Literacy | ||
American History or Government | ||
| Explore Areas: | ||
Humanities and Fine Arts | ||
Social Sciences | ||
Math and Life/Natural Sciences | ||
Core Area Descriptions
First Year Writing (3 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition
First Year Writing courses develop college-level rhetorical knowledge and critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, including process skills and knowledge of conventions. Helping students gain access to rhetorical practices begins a process of sharing and making knowledge within the classroom and applying the foundations of effective writing leads to college and career success.
Student Outcomes
After successfully completing the First-Year Writing requirement, students will be able to:
- analyze contexts and audiences and then act on that analysis in comprehending and creating texts
- analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas, information, situations, and texts
- use multiple strategies, or composing processes, to conceptualize, develop, and finalize projects
- analyze and negotiate conventions (usage, spelling, citation as well as organizational frameworks, content, document design, and style) for purpose, audience, and genre, understanding that genres evolve in response to changes in material conditions and composing technologies and attending carefully to emergent conventions
Requirements
The First Year Writing requirement must be satisfied before the student completes 24 hours of course work. Students should be able to write with thoughtfulness, clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness (CBHE General Education, June 2000). Proficiency can be met through earning a C- or higher in one of the following courses:
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1100 | First-Year Writing (MOTR ENGL 200) | 3 |
| ENGL 1110 | First-Year Writing for International Students | 3 |
| FGN LANG 1111 | Reacting to the Past: Language, Immigration, and Social Change | 4 |
| HONORS 1100 | Honors First-Year Writing | 3 |
Mathematics (3 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition
Mathematics Core courses develop an understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and their applications. A solid foundation in mathematics is very useful in appreciating the role that mathematics plays in disparate contexts such as securing financial transactions (credit card encryption) to a description of more ethereal things such as music and the structure of the universe.
A solid foundation in mathematics is necessary for numeric and financial literacy and mathematical reasoning. Mathematics as a symbolic quantitative language appears in a broad variety of disciplines.
Student Outcomes
After successful completion of the Mathematics requirement, students will be able to:
- discuss the ways in which mathematics occurs broadly in various fields (e.g., art, architecture, botany and music).
-
evaluate in an informed manner various mathematical aspects of everyday life (e.g., financial matters, consumerism, quantitative literacy)
-
organize, analyze and interpret data arising in multiple formats (e.g., graphs, charts, diagrams as they arise within various contexts).
- make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions checking for logical consistency, while recognizing the limits of this analysis.
Requirements
Proficiency in the basic mathematical skills area must be satisfied before the student completes 24 hours of course work. Proficiency can be obtained by completing, with a grade of C- or higher, a college degree credit mathematics course, or by earning a score of at least 67% on the proctored College Algebra placement test. Students who fulfill their math proficiency requirement in this manner must take an additional General Education course in order to have a total of 42 credit hours of General Education courses.
Mathematics courses that the University offers that satisfy mathematics proficiency are courses at the 1000 level or above. Proficiency can be met through earning a C- or better in one of the following (or higher level) courses:
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1020 | Contemporary Mathematics (MOTR MATH 120) | 3 |
| MATH/PHIL 1021 | Choice and Chance | 3 |
| MATH 1025 | Geometry in the Real World | 3 |
| MATH 1026 | The Music of Math | 3 |
| MATH 1030 | College Algebra (MOTR MATH 130) | 3 |
| MATH 1045 | PreCalculus (MOTR MATH 150) | 5 |
Math courses at the 1000 level below MATH 1030 are designed as terminal mathematics courses for students who do not plan to take calculus.
MATH 1030 or MATH 1045 is required for all students who want to go on to calculus. (Note: MATH 1035 is also required for students who take MATH 1030 and want to take MATH 1800.)
UMSL Math Placement Test scores used to satisfy prerequisites are valid for one year. Placement test scores that are used to satisfy prerequisites for courses MATH 1045 as well as MATH 1030 and below do not need to be obtained in a proctored environment.
Information about the UMSL Math Placement Test is available on the University's homepage at https://www.umsl.edu/~campustesting/mathplacement.html.
Communication (3 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition
Communication Core courses develop effective use of the spoken English language essential to academic success. A solid foundation in verbal communication promotes the ability to speak and listen to others fostering the ability to secure a job, maintain healthy relationships, and promote healthy self expression.
Student Outcomes
After successful completion of the Communication requirement students will be able to:
- analyze and evaluate their own and others' oral expression
- create and clearly deliver oral presentations to targeted audiences employing effective syntax, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics
- tailor messaging to diverse audiences to achieve a given purpose
- communicate effectively in groups by listening, reflecting, and responding appropriately and in context
The Communication Proficiency requirement may be met through one of the following courses:
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 1030 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 |
| COMM 1040 | Introduction to Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | 3 |
| COMM 2230 | Building Community in Groups (MOTR COMM 125) | 3 |
| EDUC 2222 | Interpretation: Connecting Audiences and Meaning | 3 |
| HONORS 2001 | Topics in Communication Proficiency | 3 |
| HONORS 2010 | Inquiries in The Humanities (Public Speaking or Storytelling: The Oral Tradition only) | 3 |
| NURSE 1050 | Communication for the Healthcare Professional | 3 |
Additional courses that may meet this requirement:
-
A Course designated as a Verbal Communication course in transfer
-
Future courses, or specific sections of future topics courses, as approved by the General Education Committee
Information Literacy (3 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition
Information Literacy Core courses consider what it means for information to be accurate and used appropriately. Courses in this area center around access and analysis of written, oral, visual, or numerical information. Students analyze their own and others’ biases and carefully evaluate contextual factors surrounding information. These foundational courses prepare students to further their use of information literacy as participants within our interconnected global community.
Student Outcomes
After successfully completing the Information Literacy requirement, students will be able to:
- effectively define the scope and purpose of a project
- use appropriate tools and contemporary technologies to access information through effective, well-designed search strategies
- identify relevant, reliable sources of information
- critically analyze and evaluate the accuracy, validity and potential bias of information
- organize, synthesize and communicate information from a variety of sources with clarity and depth
The Information Literacy requirement may be met through one of the following courses:
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ATM SCI 1002 | Earth Climate Studies | 3 |
| CMP SCI 1250 | Introduction to Computing | 3 |
| CHEM 2223 | Quantitative Analysis in Chemistry | 4 |
| CRIMIN 2210 | Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIMIN 2220 | Statistical Analysis in Criminology and Criminal Justice | 4 |
| ED TECH 2230 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| EDUC 2002 | Social Innovation in Educational Settings | 3 |
| ENGL 2110 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| GIS 1000 | Exploring Geospatial Thinking and Technology | 3 |
| HIST 2199 | Real History and Fake News | 3 |
| HONORS 1130 | Western Traditions: Social and Behavioral Sciences (Science Vs Pseudo-science in Archaeology only) | 3 |
| HONORS 2002 | Topics in Information Literacy | 3 |
| HONORS 2010 | Inquiries in The Humanities (Media Literacy only) | 3 |
| HONORS 2030 | Inquiries in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Evaluating the Media: A Theoretical Approach only) | 3 |
| INFSYS 1800 | Computers and Information Systems 1 | 3 |
| INFSYS 2800 | Information Systems Concepts and Applications | 3 |
| MATH 1105 | Basic Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 1320 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MEDIA ST 1065 | Internet Media | 3 |
| PHIL 2280 | Minds, Brains, and Machines | 3 |
| PSYCH 2201 | Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| PSYCH 2219 | Research Methods in Psychological Science | 3 |
| SOC 2280 | Technology and Society | 3 |
- 1
Proficiency may be earned through placement test. Students who fulfill their information literacy through a placement test must take an additional General Education course in order to have a total of 42 credit hours of General Education courses.
Additional courses that may meet this requirement:
-
A course designated as an Information Literacy course in Transfer
-
Future courses, or specific sections of future topics courses, as approved by the General Education Committee
American History and Government (3 hours)
Value Statement
American History and Government courses delve into the foundational aspects of American society. The United States offers a multitude of diverse aspects to study. The further comprehension of the roots of current society enlighten and enhance understanding of events in today’s world.
Courses offered here fulfill Section 170.011.1 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, 2015, which states that all candidates for a degree issued by a college or university in the state of Missouri must have “satisfactorily passed an examination on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and in American history and American institutions.”
Outcomes
After successfully completing the American History and Government requirement, students will be able to:
- describe how the underlying principles of the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Missouri shape American society
- identify the various structures of American government
- examine events and social movements and the ways they impact interpretation of American history
The American History and Government Requirement may be met through one of the following courses:
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CRIMIN 1100 | Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIMIN 2130 | Criminal Justice Policy | 3 |
| ECON 2800 | History of American Economic Development | 3 |
| HIST 1001 | American Civilization to 1865 (MOTR HIST 101) | 3 |
| HIST 1002 | American Civilization 1865 to Present (MOTR HIST 102) | 3 |
| HIST 1003 | African American History | 3 |
| HIST 2004 | The Civil War Era: Slavery, Emancipation, and the Greater Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIST 2800 | History of American Economic Development | 3 |
| HONORS 1230 | American Traditions: Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| HONORS 2003 | Topics in American History and Government | 3 |
| PHIL 1030 | Present Moral Problems | 3 |
| POL SCI 1100 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) | 3 |
| POL SCI 2260 | Law, Politics and Society | 3 |
| POL SCI 2280 | Judicial Politics | 3 |
| POL SCI 2290 | Gender and the Law | 3 |
| POL SCI 2300 | State Politics | 3 |
| POL SCI 2320 | African Americans and the Political System | 3 |
Explore Area Descriptions
Courses used to fulfill core area requirements may not be applied to the explore area requirements.
Humanities and Fine Arts (9 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition
Critical thinking in humanities and arts disciplines often goes beyond the purely pragmatic and involves encountering and actively participating in the complexity of the human condition. Creative, expressive and evaluative ways of thinking and design lead to meaningful understanding of the past, present and future of the world in which we live.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the required credit hours in this category, students will be able to:
- explain the ways in which humanistic and/or creative expression throughout the ages reflect the culture and values of its time and place
- analyze the ways in which both change and continuity have affected human experience
- identify the relationships among ideas, text, and/or creative works and their cultural and historical contexts
- frame a comparative context to critically assess the ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern world
Requirements
This requirement is satisfied by completing 9 hours of coursework at the 1000 or 2000 level selected from at least two of the following areas: Art, Art History, English, Foreign Languages (FGN LANG), History, Music (EN PER and M H L T), Philosophy, Theater; and Entrepreneurship, Interdisciplinary, Gender Studies and Honors courses with the Humanities or Fine Arts designation; and transfer courses designated as Humanities and Fine Arts general education courses at peer institutions and institutions with whom UMSL has an articulation agreement.
Social Sciences (9 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition
Using scientific methods and evidence-based approaches to focus on individual, social, and cultural aspects of behavior, social and behavioral science courses examine and explain human beings and their varied behaviors.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the required credit hours in this category, students will be able to:
- critically analyze how individuals are influenced by social institutions, structures, and processes and how these may contribute to diverse perspectives
- identify theory and qualitative or quantitative evidence to examine individual, social, and/or cultural phenomena
- identify and critique ethical positions or arguments based on research in the social and behavioral sciences
Requirements
This requirement is satisfied by completing 9 hours of coursework at the 1000 or 2000 level selected from at least two of the following areas: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Administration, Communication, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Economics, Educational Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Geography, Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Sport Management; and Interdisciplinary, Gender Studies, and Honors courses with the Social Sciences designation; and transfer courses designated as Social Sciences general education courses at peer institutions and institutions with whom UMSL has an articulation agreement.
Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences (9 hours)
Value Statement/Area Definition:
Courses in this area will inform and engage students in the practice of the scientific and computational approaches needed in order to appreciate and interpret the physical, natural and quantitative world around them. These approaches will enable students to grasp basic aspects of the workings of the universe, of nature and living systems, and/or of the quantitative and abstract reasoning needed to discuss and evaluate from a rational perspective many of the issues and phenomena they will encounter throughout their lives.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the required credit hours in this category, students will be able to:
- analyze and evaluate a scientific hypothesis or technical process
- use basic scientific language and processes and be able to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific explanations
- use mathematical concepts and/or symbolic representations together with scientific methods to understand the physical or natural world
- solve problems using mathematical, statistical, computational or symbolic methods
This requirement is satisfied by completing 9 hours of coursework at the 1000 or 2000 level selected from at least two of the following areas: Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Geographic Information Systems, Information Systems and Technology, Mathematics, Physics; and Interdisciplinary and Honors courses with the Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences designation; and transfer courses designated as Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences general education courses at peer institutions and institutions with whom UMSL has an articulation agreement. ANTHRO 1005 and BUS AD 1107 may also fulfill this requirement.
Learning Outcomes
CORE
First Year Writing
After successfully completing the First-Year Writing requirement, students will be able to:
- analyze contexts and audiences and then act on that analysis in comprehending and creating texts
- analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas, information, situations, and texts
- use multiple strategies, or composing processes, to conceptualize, develop, and finalize projects
- analyze and negotiate conventions (usage, spelling, citation as well as organizational frameworks, content, document design, and style) for purpose, audience, and genre, understanding that genres evolve in response to changes in material conditions and composing technologies and attending carefully to emergent conventions
Mathematics Proficiency
After successfully completing the Mathematics requirement, students will be able to:
- discuss the ways in which mathematics occurs broadly in various fields (e.g., art, architecture, botany and music).
- evaluate in an informed manner various mathematical aspects of everyday life (e.g., financial matters, consumerism, quantitative literacy).
- organize, analyze and interpret data arising in multiple formats (e.g., graphs, charts, diagrams as they arise within various contexts).
- make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions checking for logical consistency, while recognizing the limits of this analysis.
Communication Proficiency
After successfully completing the Communication requirement students will be able to:
- analyze and evaluate their own and others' oral expression
- create and clearly deliver oral presentations to targeted audiences employing effective syntax, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics
- tailor messaging to diverse audiences to achieve a given purpose
- communicate effectively in groups by listening, reflecting, and responding appropriately and in context
Information Literacy
After successfully completing the Information Literacy requirement, students will be able to:
- effectively define the scope and purpose of a project
- use appropriate tools and contemporary technologies to access information through effective, well-designed search strategies
- identify relevant, reliable sources of information
- critically analyze and evaluate the accuracy, validity and potential bias of information
- organize, synthesize and communicate information from a variety of sources with clarity and depth
American History and Government
After successfully completing the American History and Government requirement, students will be able to:
- describe how the underlying principles of the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Missouri shape American society
- identify the various structures of American government
- examine events and social movements and the ways they impact interpretation of American history
EXPLORE
Fine Arts and Humanities
Upon completion of the required credit hours in this category, students will be able to:
- explain the ways in which humanistic and/or creative expression throughout the ages reflect the culture and values of its time and place
- analyze the ways in which both change and continuity have affected human experience
- identify the relationships among ideas, text, and/or creative works and their cultural and historical contexts
- frame a comparative context to critically assess the ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern world
Social Sciences
Upon completion of the required credit hours in this category, students will be able to:
- critically analyze how individuals are influenced by social institutions, structures, and processes and how these may contribute to diverse perspectives
- identify theory and qualitative or quantitative evidence to examine individual, social, and/or cultural phenomena
- identify and critique ethical positions or arguments based on research in the social and behavioral sciences
Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences
Upon completion of the required credit hours in this category, students will be able to:
- analyze and evaluate a scientific hypothesis or technical process
- use basic scientific language and processes and be able to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific explanations
- use mathematical concepts and/or symbolic representations together with scientific methods to understand the physical or natural world
- solve problems using mathematical, statistical, computational or symbolic methods