Why Focus on Liberal Arts?
Today's college students need an education that will help them succeed in their work, in democracy, and in a globally diverse world. While higher education should prepare students for the workplace, it is also important that all students get a general background in a variety of disciplines that will allow them to communicate more effectively, think critically and analytically, and be more informed and engaged citizens. Narrow learning does not meet the needs of the new global economy.
Course Distribution for Liberal Arts Core
The liberal arts core requirements in Writing, Speech, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Science, Arts and Humanities, Multicultural Diversity, and Computer and Information Literacy are met through successfully completing classes within these different content areas. Critical thinking is incorporated into the classes in each of these content areas and does not require any additional classwork.
Course Distribution Requirements
Associate degree students must complete courses from each of the liberal arts content areas. The requirements vary depending on which degree is being earned. The number of general education credit hours required for each degree are as follows.
Associate of Arts Associate of Science Associate of Applied Science
Writing 6 credits 6 credits 3 credits
Speech 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Mathematics 4 credits 8 credits 4 credits
Natural Sciences 8 credits 12 credits 4 credits
Social & Behavioral Science 9 credits 9 credits 3 credits
Arts and Humanities 9 credits 9 credits 3 credits
World Cultures 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Multicultural Diversity 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Critical Thinking ** ** **
Computer & Information Literacy 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
** Critical thinking skills will be taught in all courses.
Due to the computer intensive nature of many courses, students are encouraged to complete the Computer and Information Literacy requirement as early in their academic career as possible.
Along with completing the liberal arts core, students will also complete specialized coursework for their degree that will provide hands-on learning experience in their intended occupation/vocation.
Course Distribution Requirements
Associate degree students must complete courses from each of the liberal arts content areas. The requirements vary depending on which degree is being earned. The number of general education credit hours required for each degree are as follows.
Associate of Arts Associate of Science Associate of Applied Science
Writing 6 credits 6 credits 3 credits
Speech 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Mathematics 4 credits 8 credits 4 credits
Natural Sciences 8 credits 12 credits 4 credits
Social & Behavioral Science 9 credits 9 credits 3 credits
Arts and Humanities 9 credits 9 credits 3 credits
World Cultures 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Multicultural Diversity 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Critical Thinking ** ** **
Computer & Information Literacy 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
** Critical thinking skills will be taught in all courses.
Due to the computer intensive nature of many courses, students are encouraged to complete the Computer and Information Literacy requirement as early in their academic career as possible.
Along with completing the liberal arts core, students will also complete specialized coursework for their degree that will provide hands-on learning experience in their intended occupation/vocation.