College of Arts and Science

Degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences are developed around a set of standards that offer students broad exposure to an area of study along with deep grounding in the student's chosen career field. Students may select a number of free electives to explore their interests, and they are offered elective options directly related to their chosen field. During the program, students explore the basic theories and concepts of their field, related applications, and current research in that field. The College of Arts and Sciences requires all students to complete courses related to research methods and data analysis as part of employment preparation, and to strengthen critical thinking skills and increase information literacy.

General Education

Overview 

South University recognizes the importance for its graduates to be flexible and broadly knowledgeable

, possessing the adaptability and understanding needed to navigate continuously changing technologies, growing diversity, and the rapid pace of social and cultural transformations.   With this in mind, the University has developed general education requirements in communication, mathematics, science, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences, exposing students to a broad spectrum of human knowledge.

South University's general education curriculum seeks to connect a diverse group of students across disciplines to cultivate skills in critical and analytical thinking, information literacy, communication, and ethical standards in diverse contexts.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate effective communication in written, graphic, and oral modes.
  2. Apply analytical reasoning skills in foundational courses. 
  3. Demonstrate effective research skills. 
  4. Demonstrate the capacity to think critically.
  5. Recognize the importance of ethics, diversity, and cultural competency.

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 

  1. Professional Development
    • ITS1000 Computer and Internet Literacy 4 credit hours
    • UVC1000 Strategies for Success 4 credit hours
    • UVC2001 Introduction to Health Professions 4 credit hours
    • UVC4000 Career Exploration Seminar 4 credit hours
  2. Basic Communications
    • COM2006 Interpersonal Communication 4 credit hours
    • COM2026 Professional Communications for Diverse Populations 4 credit hours
    • ENG1100 Composition I 4 credit hours
    • ENG1200 Composition II 4 credit hours
    • ENG1300 Composition III 4 credit hours
    • SPC1026 Public Speaking 4 credit hours
  3. Mathematics and Statistics
    • MAT1001 College Algebra I 4 credit hours
    • MAT1005 College Algebra II 4 credit hours
    • MAT1500 College Mathematics 4 credit hours
    • MAT2058 Statistics 4 credit hours
  4. Natural Sciences
    • BIO1010 Environmental Biology 4 credit hours
    • BIO1011 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credit hours
    • BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 2 credit hours
    • BIO1013 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credit hours
    • BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 2 credit hours
    • BIO1020 Biology I 4 credit hours
    • BIO1021 Biology II 4 credit hours
    • CHM1010 General Chemistry 4 credit hours
  5. Arts and Humanities
    • ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages 4 credit hours
    • ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity 4 credit hours
    • ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present 4 credit hours
    • ENG2020 Introduction to Film Studies 4 credit hours
    • HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865 4 credit hours
    • HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present 4 credit hours
    • HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages 4 credit hours
    • HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times 4 credit hours
    • HUM1200 Introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 4 credit hours
    • HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E. 4 credit hours
    • HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present 4 credit hours 
    • PHI1001 Introduction to Ethics 4 credit hours
    • PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy 4 credit hours
    • REL1001 World Religions 4 credit hours 
  6. Social and Behavioral Sciences
    • ECO2071 Principles of Microeconomics 4 credit hours
    • ECO2072 Principles of Macroeconomics 4 credit hours
    • POL1150 Contemporary Issues 4 credit hours
    • POL2076 American Government 4 credit hours
    • PSY1001 General Psychology 4 credit hours
    • SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology 4 credit hours
    • SOC2010 Social Problems 4 credit hours

Degrees and Certificates