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.
Core Area Descriptions
First Year Writing (3 hours): Students will develop college-level rhetorical knowledge and critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, including process skills and knowledge of conventions.
First-Year Writing courses are defined as those which develop students’ ability 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
- involve multiple assessments of writing in multiple formats
- understand, 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
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:
Mathematics (3 hours): Students will gain critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills, and the use of symbolic systems to understand the properties and relationships of relevant quantifiable concepts.
Pathways mathematics courses are defined as those which:
- Involve sets and logic which is essential to critical thinking and process learning
- Treat aspects of financial mathematics as it is both exemplary of mathematical thinking and immediately relevant to students
- Discuss concepts of probability and statistics which involves important interpretive critical reasoning skills
- Consider geometric concepts which involve abstract reasoning and spatial skills
- Proficiency in the basic mathematical skills
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 51% on the ALEKS Exam in a proctored environment. 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:
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 that take MATH 1030 and want to take MATH 1800.)
ALEKS math placement scores used to satisfy prerequisites are valid for approximately 11 months. For exact dates, go to http://www.umsl.edu/~campustesting/mathplacement.html. Also, ALEKS math placement scores that are used to satisfy prerequisites for courses below MATH 1800 do not need to be obtained in a proctored environment.
Information about the ALEKS math placement test is available on the University’s homepage at http://www.umsl.edu/~campustesting/mathplacement.html.
Communication (3 hours): Students will become proficient in verbal communication, enhance their ability to analyze and use communication effectively, and engage with others constructively across contexts.
Communication courses are defined as those which:
- are based in the English language and assume conversational fluency
- emphasize verbal communication over other forms
- involve analytical and practical skill-building in oral communication
- require multiple assessments or evaluations of oral communication skills
The Communication Proficiency requirement may be met through one of the following courses:
| COMM 1030 | Interpersonal Communication I (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 |
| COMM 1040 | Introduction to Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | 3 |
| COMM 1042 | Reacting to the Past: Communication | 3 |
| COMM 2230 | Small Group Communication (MOTR COMM 125) | 3 |
| COMM 2240 | Persuasive Communication | 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 |
| NURSE 2105 | Communication in the Nursing Profession | 3 |
| THEATR 2241 | Argumentation and Debate | 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): Students will become literate in accessing and analyzing information to further learning inside and outside the classroom and to become fully aware participants in the inter-connected global community.
Information Literacy courses are defined as those which:
- focus on the analysis and evaluation of information for objective accuracy, valid use, or appropriate construction
- use contemporary technologies to research, retrieve, synthesize, construct, or present information as needed for academic disciplines
- provide foundational skills that can be applied to any major or discipline
- require multiple assessments and evaluations of information sources for objectivity, accuracy, validity, etc.
The Information Literacy requirement may be met through one of the following 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): Students will understand important facets of American history and its governmental structures from colonization to present day.
American History and Government courses are defined as those which:
- explore significant events in the history of American civilization from colonization to present day
- delineate major social movements in American history (e.g., suffrage, prohibition, civil rights)
- emphasize the structures of American government such as criminal, economic, legal, political, social, and military policies
- require multiple assessments and evaluations to demonstrate knowledge of specific events or policies and their consequences potential implications
Students must satisfactorily complete a course or courses in American history or government taken at UMSL or at other colleges or universities in Missouri. Transfer students should check with the Dean's Office of their division to determine if they have fulfilled this requirement.
The American History and Government Requirement may be met through one of the following courses:
| CRIMIN 1100 | Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| ECON 2800 | History of American Economic Development | 3 |
| GS 2020 | Women and Social Movements in U.S. History | 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 2005 | Becoming Modern America: From the Gilded Age to the Great Depression | 3 |
| HIST 2020 | Women and Social Movements in U.S. History | 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 |
| 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): Students will have a deeper knowledge of the human experience and creative expression through visual and performing arts.
Humanities and Fine Arts Explore courses are defined as those which:
- focus on helping students understand, analyze, and explore human thought/actions and creation.
- provide critical/foundational discipline-specific skills that contribute to personal growth and well-being
- encourage a sense of connection to our shared and diverse pasts and to our contemporaries
- promote living in and contributing to various communities
These criteria must be evident in syllabus, assignments, and/or grading rubrics if the department/discipline is not identified as a Fine Art or as Humanities/Humanistic Studies in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP).
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): Students will understand and have the ability to view individual and social behavior/society from a variety of perspectives utilizing scientific methods.
Social Sciences Explore courses are defined as those which:
- the principle focus is on human society, including individual behavior and social relationships based on scientific principles
- reflect foundational, discipline specific knowledge that informs the human condition
- use multiple assessments of content knowledge within the social science framework
These criteria must be evident in syllabus, assignments, and/or grading rubrics if the department/discipline is not identified as a Social Science in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP).
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): Students will expand mathematical abilities and have an understanding of the branches of science that deal with living things and the physical world.
Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences Explore courses are defined as those which:
- emphasize mathematical concepts and/or use scientific methods to understand the physical world
- use multiple assessments of computational and/or content knowledge within the mathematical and life/natural sciences framework
These criteria must be evident in syllabus, assignments, and/or grading rubrics if the department/discipline is not identified as a Mathematics and Statistics, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, or Physical Sciences in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP).
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, 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.
Note: Gender Studies and Military and Veterans Studies courses that are cross-listed with disciplinary designations at the 1000 and 2000 levels may also be used to fulfill the explore area requirements.
Learning Outcomes
CORE
First Year Writing
After successfully completing the First-Year Writing requirement:
- 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:
- identify the ways in which mathematics occurs broadly in various fields (e.g., art, architecture, botany and music)
- evaluate in an informed manner various aspects of financial matters (e.g., mortgages, loans and investments)
- 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
