General Education Requirements

General Education

South University faculty and staff recognize that citizens of the future need to be flexible and broadly knowledgeable in order to adapt to continuously changing technologies, growing diversity across peoples and value systems, and rapid social and cultural change. With this in mind, the University has developed general education requirements that expose students to knowledge from a variety of areas, each framed through the lens of its own history and methodology. Through these required courses, students delve into the worlds of math and science, the humanities and the arts, and the social and behavioral sciences. Students have the opportunity to develop competencies in these areas while also gaining exposure to a range of human knowledge.

South University's general education curriculum challenges the individual to develop a deep and meaningful set of personal values and high ethical standards, along with a commitment to lifelong learning. The curriculum is designed to enhance critical and analytical thinking skills, encourage creativity, and build oral and written communication skills. For South University students, using technology in coursework and developing skills in assessing the merits of various sources of online information is also an important part of the general education experience.

The General Education curriculum at South University seeks to develop in students competencies that will support them as they progress through their programs. These competencies include the following:

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to: 

  1. Communicate clearly, effectively, and sensitively in written, graphic, and oral modes appropriate to their fields.
  2. Demonstrate basic skills and abilities in mathematical reasoning and the basic sciences.
  3. Identify, locate, evaluate, and ethically utilize reliable information from a variety of sources.
  4. Illustrate the capacity to think critically, analytically, and logically across multiple fields of inquiry.
  5. Interpret and evaluate diverse historical, social, and cultural artifacts, systems, and events as products of the human experience.

Areas of Study

The general education requirements for South University comprise six areas. Each area represents a set of requirements designed to build basic skills and insights and to assure that each student experiences coursework in each of the areas of knowledge that together comprise the General Education curriculum. It is our belief that these components are directly associated with the qualities defining an educated professional and are necessary to seek entry-level employment in a fast-paced, changing world. The components are designed to reflect the needs and expectations expressed by many employers of college graduates. 

The framework shown below reflects minimum requirements to be met by all South University students at either the associate's or bachelor's degree levels. Programs may identify specific courses needed in that field as a part of the general education program while others may leave choices open to the interests and abilities of the student. The specific areas and course requirements will include the following, but students must check their program for specific courses needed to satisfy general education requirements.

General Education Areas and Approved Courses

Professional Development

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Credits : 4

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Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Credits : 4

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Explore the dynamic world of healthcare professions and enhance cultural competence in this comprehensive course. Gain insights into diverse health roles, understand and apply sensitive communication strategies, and develop collaborative and ethical practices crucial for modern healthcare.

Credits : 4

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Designed to help pending graduates develop an effective approach to the job search, this course emphasizes the understanding of industry expectations and job trends, assessing and developing skills for the work place, developing a professional portfolio with cover letters and resumes, projecting professionalism, and the practical applications of networking, self-promotion, successful interviewing, salary negotiations, and overcoming rejection.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
16

Basic Communications

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Credits : 4

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Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, researching and writing essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, types of essay and on effective writing procedures. Selected readings supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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In this course students write analytical and critical essays about fiction, drama, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on literal and figurative interpretations, structural analysis, and variations in thematic and critical reading approaches. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
20

Mathematics and Statistics

Course Code
Title
Credits
The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
16

Natural Sciences

Course Code
Title
Credits
Anatomy and Physiology I is an introduction to the structures and functions of the human body including the characteristics of life, homeostasis, organizational levels, basic metabolism, the cell, tissues, organs, organ systems, the organism, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and the special senses.

Credits : 4

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Anatomy and Physiology I Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO 1011 through demonstration and exercises utilizing charts, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely

Credits : 2

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Anatomy and Physiology II is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. BIO1013 is an introduction to the structure and functions of the human body including the endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory system, GI system, urinary system, reproductive system, and genetics.

Credits : 4

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Anatomy and Physiology II Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO 1013 through demonstration and exercises utilizing chart, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. The second part of the term will include a whole specimen dissection, which will assist the comprehensive review of both BIO1011 and BIO1013. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Credits : 2

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Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.

Credits : 4

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Principles of Biology II is the second course in a two course sequence in biology. This course continues the study of human biology with the role of endocrine and nervous systems in homeostatic regulation. Other topics covered are human reproduction, development, evolution, and advanced genetics. Ecological concepts are also discussed. The student will complete writing assignments that serve to increase knowledge of the scientific literature.

Credits : 4

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CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem-solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
24

Arts and Humanities

Course Code
Title
Credits

Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores global viewpoints as expressed in novels, poems, plays, short fiction, and philosophical and theological works from the period of the late 17th century to the present day. Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between cultures and across time.

Credits : 4

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Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores contemporary viewpoints as expressed by select film screenings from the Criterion Collection through Alexander Street Press (subscription held by South University), which can range from the crusading pastiche by Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal (1957) to the sardonic humor of Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) and even the postmodern and magical realism of Being John Malkovich (1999). Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between intellectual history and cultures across flexible time stamps. Further, this course is designed to provide a foundation for future film study; exposure to a wide range of cinematic styles and approaches; and to move the student from a passive observer toward a critical, active "reader" of film. Students will learn the elements of cinematic language (including narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, acting, editing, and sound) and will use that knowledge to analyze the way filmmakers convey information, story, and meaning, develop style, and elicit audience response within a single scene and over the course of an entire feature film. Students should be aware that that the films they will watch will hold a variety of ratings, from G to R, and that some films will contain scenes with sexual and violent content.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the reconstruction period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from reconstruction to the present day. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the historical, social, and cultural influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to present day. The concepts, historical themes, and social/cultural influences on the art and architecture of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from prehistoric times to 1500. The course will focus on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course will provide students with the theoretical and practical overview of traditional and contemporary philosophical approaches to ethics. Students will reflect upon the role of ethics in their personal and professional lives.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their personal and professional lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world.

Credits : 4

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This course surveys historical and contemporary world religions and religious movements from ancient to modern times. It will present the basic tenets of the belief systems of major religions and religious movements. The course will further ground the study of world religions in a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that influenced religious thought. This course retains a commitment to teaching religious studies as the secular study of beliefs, behaviors, and institutions in a manner that emphasizes systematic inquiry and cross-cultural perspectives.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
56

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course Code
Title
Credits
Microeconomics is the study of how individuals, households and firms make decisions about consumption and production which affect the supply and demand of goods and services. Other topics include the costs of production, behavior of firms, organization of industries, economics of labor markets, and theories of consumer choice.

Credits : 4

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The study of macroeconomics includes the basic aspects of economic analysis of the business world. Students will develop an understanding of the monetary system, recession, inflation, and the main cycles of business activity

Credits : 4

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The course explores a series of public policy topics ranging from the economy, defense and security, individual rights, health care, immigration, energy and the environment. Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain an in-depth understanding of the historical background of selected policy topics. Students will develop the skills necessary for viewing and grasping policy topics from multiple perspectives, learn how to evaluate, synthesize, and debate policy issues, and become civically engaged and informed citizens.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to the American Government. By examining the struggle for power-the participants, the stakes, the processes, and the institutional arenas — this course introduces the students to the political struggles that drive democracy.

Credits : 4

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An introduction and overview of the major principles in the field of Psychology including: mental disorders, personality, social understanding, stress and coping, learning, memory, neuroscience, and consciousness. Students will also gain a broad understanding of how these areas are interconnected from a theoretical and practical worldview in addition to scientific modes of thought about behavior. This course contains a component of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative, "Keeping it Real: Classroom to Career," whose overarching goals are student success and early career engagement.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development and social organizations and social institutions. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine topics such as the development of self-concept, group dynamics, social deviance, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education.

Credits : 4

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This course exposes the student to social problems in the United States and globally. The student will learn the structural causes of social problems, the role that race/ethnicity, gender, and class play in social inequalities and the position the United States holds with respect to global social problems. Topics may include economic problems, environmental issues, problems of social inequality, deviance, and institutional problems. The student will also learn how to develop solutions to social problems.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
28
Total Credits
160