General education focus areas
General education is split up into four distinct focus areas that you must complete. Each focus area is a category containing specific classes. Some focus areas have further sub-categories within them.
- First-Year Focus (3 credits): The First-Year Focus is a single class where you will get to learn about a unique topic of your choosing and build the skills you will need throughout college.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences Focus (18–19 credits): The Liberal Arts and Sciences Focus introduces you to a variety of fields within the arts, humanities and sciences.
- Global Focus (12–18 credits): The Global Focus consists of language classes and other classes themed around global citizenship.
- Exploration Focus (12 credits minimum): The Exploration Focus gives you the opportunity to explore areas of interest outside your major through avenues such as a double major or a minor.
Sharing general education classes
GE classes may be shared in the following ways:
- Up to 9 credits in your major or major discipline* may be shared with the GE program.
- Up to 6 credits in a minor or minor discipline* may be shared with the GE program.
- Additional majors and minors are held to the same sharing restrictions as those listed above.
- No class that fulfills a GE category may be used to complete another GE category.
- No class in a Themed Inquiry may be shared with GE or with classes in the discipline* of the major.
It is important to review your major and minor program plans and advising sheets to see which classes in your major or minor program may already fulfill GE categories. Many major advising sheets provided by your major department or division will identify those courses that fulfill GE requirements. Otherwise you should ask your advisor.
