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Learn more about General Education Courses

 

Course Finder (search by Gen Ed category, find offerings for specific terms, review course descriptions)

Undergraduate Catalog

 

Building the Foundation of Your Undergraduate Education

The skills and abilities developed through the General Education Program provide an essential foundation for work in your major. While some specific courses are important to take as part of preparation for a major (such as certain mathematics or science courses), the choices of which courses to take in each category are your decisions. Most students complete the majority of General Education courses during their freshman and sophomore years, along with other courses in their major or other elective courses.

The General Education Program consists of an integrated set of courses (14 total) including:

• Inner Core (IC) (5 courses)
  • During your first-year you will complete a 2-course sequence integrating composition, communication, critical thinking, and information literacy (the ability to know, evaluate, use (ethically and legally), and remember information).
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences (or Natural Science Alternatives)
• Middle Core (MC) (5 courses in 5 course categories)
  • Quantitative Reasoning (see note below for students pursuing B.A. degree versus a B.S. degree)
  • Language in the Humanities
  • United States Traditions
  • Individuals and Civic Life
  • Individuals and Societies
• Outer Core (OC) (4 courses in 4 course categories)
  *See note below regarding the Global Studies graduation requirement.
  • Science, Mathematics, and Technology
  • Fine Arts
  • Humanities
  • Social Sciences

Notes:

• Beginning freshman must complete Illinois State University's General Education Program. See definition of "Beginning Freshman" in the Admissions section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
  
• Transfer students should refer to the General Education section of the Undergraduate Catalog (and consult with their academic advisor) to determine remaining general education requirements and which general education program they should complete to satisfy these requirements.
  
• Complete the (ISU) General Education Program through completion of at least 14 courses (42 semester hours), as designated in the program description.
  
• Students may count one General Education Middle- or Outer-Core course from their first major department or school toward the total of 14 courses.
  
• Additionally, depending on their major, students may be exempt from one General Education category (maximum of one course) because of disciplinary expertise gained in their major. For more information refer to the Undergraduate Catalog - General Education Section or consult with your academic advisor.
  
• For a complete list of all General Education Program policies and requirements please consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
  
• Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree must complete the equivalent of Language (LAN) 115 or higher rather than one of the Middle Core Quantitative Reasoning [MC-QR] courses. Not sure what type of degree you are pursuing? Refer to your Department/School section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
  
• Global Studies Graduation Requirement: Students not satisfying the Global Studies graduation requirement through a major course should choose an outer-core course designated as a Global Studies course. Search the Course Finder for Gen Ed, OC, Global Studies for Global Studies courses or refer to the list in the Undergraduate Catalog.