General Education Requirements

OVERVIEW

Catalog of Entry

Students may follow the General Education Requirements outlined in either:

  1. The Undergraduate Academic Catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment, or
  2. Any subsequent catalog of their choice.

Grades

Unless otherwise stated in a course description, a student must earn a grade of D or better to receive general education credit for a course. In some cases, programs will require a grade of C or better for general education courses such as when a general education course is also part of the major. In addition, certain general education courses serve as prerequisites for higher-level courses. Those higher-level courses may require a grade of C or better in the prerequisite course general education course. In both cases, a course completed with a D will still count toward a student's general education requirements, but the student will need to retake the course and earn a C or better to meet the program or prerequisite requirements. Students should check with their advisor and the course catalog to determine the requirements.

Goals

Building on YSU’s University-Wide Learning Outcomes, the General Education program has four specific goals:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to write and speak effectively, reason quantitatively, and think critically so they are prepared to perform appropriately in their professions upon graduation. 
  •  Students will demonstrate understanding of the basic facts, principles, theories, and methods of science. Students will demonstrate the interdependence of science and technology and the influence of science and technology on society.
  •  Students will interpret significant writings and works of art, with a focus on aesthetics, historical responses, and the nature of the human condition.
  •  Students will demonstrate understanding of the development, diversity, and complexity of human behavior, institutions, and culture.

Learning Outcomes

To assist students in achieving the goals above, the courses included in the General Education program incorporate some combination of the learning outcomes.  The outcomes as they relate to the goals for the various types of General Education courses are listed below:

Core Competencies Learning Outcomes:

GOAL: Students will demonstrate the ability to write and speak effectively, reason quantitatively, and think critically so they are prepared to perform appropriately in their professions upon graduation. 
  •  Students will demonstrate the ability to write and speak effectively, develop sound arguments, and derive justified conclusions.
  •  Students will demonstrate the ability to reason using quantitative data, and students will demonstrate use of mathematical methods and concepts in both abstract and concrete contexts.
  •  Students will demonstrate the ability to reason critically and identify credible sources.

Knowledge Domain Learning Outcomes:

ARTS AND HUMANITIES

GOAL: Students will interpret significant writings and works of art, with a focus on aesthetics, historical responses, and the nature of the human condition.
  • Students will analyze and evaluate the elements and the personal and societal impact of multiple types of literary and artistic expressions.
  • Students will demonstrate awareness of ethical or cultural values in shaping the human experience.

NATURAL SCIENCES

GOAL: Students will demonstrate understanding of the basic facts, principles, theories, and methods of science. Students will demonstrate the interdependence of science and technology and the influence of science and technology on society.
  •  Students will successfully perform an experiment to test a hypothesis including the collection and analysis of data.
  •  Students will demonstrate the knowledge and application of scientific principles.
  •  Students will use and interpret formulas, graphs, and tables.
  •  Students will demonstrate understanding of the interactions of science, technology and society.

SOCIAL and behavioral SCIENCES

GOAL: Students will demonstrate understanding of the development, diversity, and complexity of human behavior, institutions, and culture.
  •  Students will demonstrate understanding of the contexts and development of human cultures and institutions.
  •  Students will demonstrate understanding of individual and social behavior.
  •  Students will demonstrate an understanding of methodologies used in the social sciences.

Baccalaureate Degree General Education Requirements

A. Core Competencies

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

To learn the skills of effective writing, students will:

  • Take two courses:
    • ENGL 1550 Writing 1 or ENGL 1549 Writing 1 with Support– the standard introductory writing course
    • ENGL 1551 Writing 2– a course in which students investigate a thematic topic (students with ACT scores at or above 28 will only need to take ENGL 1551 Writing 2)
  • Gather evidence from the library, Internet, or other appropriate sources
  • Write a research paper using a computer

MATHEMATICS

Students must take at least one approved course that teaches mathematical and statistical skills. A student may satisfy this requirement by passing an approved course or by passing a higher-level mathematics course.

B. Knowledge Domains: Arts and HumanitiesNatural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences,

To become more well-rounded members of the community, students are required to take a total of nine courses from the knowledge domains. The coursework gives students exposure to fields of study outside their majors. Three of those nine courses are considered “elective” courses. Electives must be distributed among two or more domains. Students are encouraged to complete an Oral Communication domain course, CMST 1545 or CMST 2620 as an elective course. Completion of an Oral Communication course is required for some programs.

Baccalaureate Degree General Education Requirements Summary

Core Competencies
Writing 2 courses
Mathematics 1 course
Arts and Humanities 2 courses
Natural Sciences 2 courses (1 must include a lab)
Social and Behavioral Sciences 2 courses
Electives 3 courses from any domain (recommended elective: CMST 1545 or CMST 2620)
*Per Ohio Senate Bill 1, additional requirements maybe needed for students graduating in 2028-2029. More information will be added at a later date.
*total* *12 courses*

Academic Associates Degree General Education Requirements Summary

Students in the Associates of Arts Program must fulfill the same General Education requirements as required for Baccalaureate Programs. To ensure transferability of an Associates Degree within the State of Ohio, students should only take Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36) Approved Courses. Specific program requirements for each associate degree are listed in the appropriate college section.

Core Competencies
Writing 2 Courses
Mathematics 1 course
Arts and Humanities 2 courses
Natural Sciences 2 courses (1 must include a lab)
Social and Behavioral Science 2 courses
Electives 3 courses from any domain (recommended elective: CMST 1545 or CMST 2620)
*total* *12 courses*

Applied Associate Degrees General Education Requirements Summary

Students in Applied Associates Degree Programs must take a minimum of five general-education courses, including Writing I and Writing II, one course in mathematics, two courses representing two of the following domains: social and behavioral science, arts and humanities, and natural science.  To ensure transferability of an Associates Degree within the State of Ohio, students should take only Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36) Approved Courses in arts and humanities and social science. 

COURSE TITLE S.H.
ENGL 1550Writing 13
ENGL 1551Writing 23
Mathematics (no more than one course)
Select two courses from the following domains:
Natural Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education and Transfer Students

Transfer students with a bachelor's degree

Students with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or from an approved international institution (as determined by the International Programs Office) seeking an additional baccalaureate degree do not have to complete the YSU general education requirements. Students will need to take general education courses required for their major. Refer to the program curriculum in the catalog for specific requirements.


Transfer students without a bachelor's degree

All transfer students without a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States must complete the general education requirements. Students should consult with an academic advisor to discuss the coursework they need to complete the YSU general education requirements. See the Transfer Credit section of this catalog for additional information.


General Education Microcredential

Students have an opportunity to earn microcredentials when completing general education courses. Four microcredentials are available for the 2025-26 academic year. They include creative thinking, critical thinking, personal and social well-being, and quantitative and scientific reasoning. To earn a microcredential, a student must complete three of the six courses identified in the credential description.

Creative Thinking

Creative Thinking: apply and present knowledge associated with artistic, creative, and intuitive understanding to develop questions; examine problems from different perspectives, and present potential solutions.

LO: Analyze and synthesize information from diverse sources to formulate unique perspectives and create original concepts, demonstrating the capacity to think beyond conventional boundaries and challenge existing paradigms.

Aligns with UWLO 1 YSU graduates are critical, creative, and integrative thinkers who incorporate a range of interdisciplinary knowledge (1.5) and UWLO 4 YSU graduates connect scholarly research, academic inquiry, and/or artistic expression to actions that inspire a civically engaged mindset and contribute to society through service to their community (4.5).

Possible Courses (pick 3)

COURSE TITLE S.H.
AFST 2601Introduction to Africana Studies 23
ART 1591Idea Development and Creativity in Cultural Context3
CMST 1545Communication Foundations3
or CMST 2620 Science Communication
ENGL 2618American Literature and Diversity3
MUHL 2622Popular Music in America3
THTR 1590History of Motion Pictures3

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking: develop and enhance abilities to analyze information, evaluate arguments, identify biases, and make informed decisions across various academic disciplines.

LO: Apply logical reasoning and evidence-based methodologies to construct well-supported arguments and counterarguments, demonstrating the ability to critically assess and challenge ideas in academic and professional contexts.

Aligns with UWLO 1 YSU graduates are critical, creative, and integrative thinkers who incorporate a range of interdisciplinary knowledge (1.3, 1.4)

Possible Courses (pick 3)

COURSE TITLE S.H.
ANTH 1503The Rise and Fall of Civilizations3
ART 1544Survey of Art History: Body, Gender, and Self3
CMST 1545Communication Foundations3
or CMST 2620 Science Communication
HIST 1501Discovering American History3
MCOM 1595Media Literacy and Culture3
PHIL 1565Critical Thinking3

Personal and Social Well-Being

Personal and Social Well-Being: strategies for stress management, self-awareness, and resilience through mindfulness and emotion regulation. It addresses the impact of financial resources on mental and physical health, stress levels, and healthcare access, while fostering healthy relationships and effective personal finance management.

LO: Students will develop and apply strategies for personal well-being, social interaction, and financial literacy to enhance their overall quality of life and resilience.

Aligns with UWLO 2 YSU graduates will recognize the impacts of different dimensions of health which include: physical health, emotional well-being, social support, economic stability, environmental quality, educational opportunity, and health-care accessibility (2.2-2.5).

Possible Courses (pick 3)

COURSE TITLE S.H.
ECON 1505Personal Financial Literacy3
ENST 1500Introduction to Environmental Science3
FNUT 1551Normal Nutrition3
PHLT 1568Healthy Lifestyles3
PSYC 2607Psychology of Intimate Relationships3
SOC 2601Social Problems3

Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning: introduction to the use of logical, mathematical, statistical, and scientific concepts and data to help ground solutions to real world problems.
LO: Students will apply logical, mathematical, statistical, and scientific concepts to analyze real-world problems and develop evidence-based solutions.

Aligns with UWLO 1 YSU graduates are critical, creative, and integrative thinkers who incorporate a range of interdisciplinary knowledge (1.2) and UWLO 4 YSU graduates connect scholarly research, academic inquiry, and/or artistic expression to actions that inspire a civically engaged mindset and contribute to society through service to their community (4.1)

Possible Courses (pick 3)

COURSE TITLE S.H.
BIOL 1505Biology and the Modern World3
CHEM 1500Chemistry in Modern Living3
GEOL 1500Environmental Geology4
HIST 1512World Civilization from 15003
MATH 2623Quantitative Reasoning3
PHIL 2619Introduction to Logic3

Core Competencies

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete the following two courses:

COURSE TITLE S.H.
ENGL 1549Writing 1 with Support4
ENGL 1550Writing 1 13
or ENGL 1550H Honors Writing 1
ENGL 1551Writing 2 (Students with ACT scores at or above 28 will only need to take ENGL 1551) 13
or ENGL 1551H Honors Writing 2

MATHEMATICS

Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete one of the following courses:

COURSE TITLE S.H.
MATH 1510College Algebra 14
MATH 1510CCollege Algebra with Co-requisite Support6
MATH 1511Trigonometry3
MATH 1511CTrigonometry with Co-requisite Support4
MATH 1513Algebra and Transcendental Function 15
MATH 1552Applied Business Calculus 14
MATH 1570Applied Calculus 1 14
MATH 1571Calculus 1 14
MATH 1572Calculus 2 14
MATH 1581Calculus for the Health Sciences 14
MATH 1581HHonors Calculus for the Health Sciences 14
MATH 1582Calculus for the Health Sciences 24
MATH 1585HHonors Accelerated Calculus 15
MATH 2623Quantitative Reasoning3
MATH 2623CQuantitative Reasoning with Co-Requisite Support5
MATH 2661Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 14
MATH 2661CMathematics for Elementary Teachers I with Co-Requisite Support6
MATH 2662Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 24
MATH 2665Foundations of Middle School Mathematics 24
MATH 2670Applied Calculus 25
MATH 2686HHonors Accelerated Calculus 25
STAT 2601Introductory Statistics 13
STAT 2625Statistical Literacy and Critical Reasoning 14
STAT 2625CStatistical Literacy and Critical Reasoning with Co-Requisite Support6
PHIL 2619Introduction to Logic3
1

Courses are part of the Ohio Transfer 36 and are guaranteed to transfer to any of Ohio's public institutions of higher education as a subject area general education credit. Ohio's Department of Higher Education maintains an up-to-date list of OT36 approved courses through the OT36 reporting system.

Natural Sciences

Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete two of the following (one must include a lab):

Natural Science Courses without a lab

COURSE TITLE S.H.
ASTR 1504Descriptive Astronomy 13
BIOL 1505Biology and the Modern World 13
BIOL 1551Anatomy and Physiology 1 1, 33
CHEM 1500Chemistry in Modern Living 13
CHEM 1520Allied Health Chemistry for Online Programs3
ENST 1500Introduction to Environmental Science 13
FSCI 1510Survey of Forensic Science3
GEOG 1503Physical Geography 13
GEOG 2630Weather 13
GEOL 1504The Dynamic Earth3
GEOL 2602Introduction to Oceanography 13
PHYS 1500Conceptual Physics 13
PHYS 1501Fundamentals of Physics 1 1, 34
PHYS 1502Fundamentals of Physics 2 1, 33
PHYS 2607Physical Science for Middle and Secondary Education 34
PHYS 2608Sound3
PHYS 2610General Physics 1 1, 34
PHYS 2611General Physics 2 1, 34

Natural Science Courses with a lab

Labs must be taken with the associated course in order to count for Natural Science Lab credit.

COURSE TITLE S.H.
ASTR 1504
1504L
Descriptive Astronomy
and Astronomy Laboratory 1
4
BIOL 1505
1505L
Biology and the Modern World
and Biology and the Modern World Laboratory 2
4
BIOL 1545
1545L
Allied Health Anatomy and Physiology
and Allied Health Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 2, 3
5
BIOL 1551
1551L
Anatomy and Physiology 1
and Anatomy and Physiology 1 Laboratory 2, 3
4
BIOL 1552
1552L
Anatomy and Physiology 2
and Anatomy and Physiology 2 Laboratory 2 ,3
4
BIOL 2601
2601L
General Biology 1: Molecules and Cells
and General Biology I: Molecules and Cells Laboratory 2, 3
4
BIOL 2602
2602L
General Biology 2: Organisms and Ecology
and General Biology: Organisms and Ecology Laboratory 2, 3
4
BIOL 2602H
BIOL 2602L
Honors General Biology 2: Organisms and Ecology
and General Biology: Organisms and Ecology Laboratory 3
4
CHEM 1500
1500L
Chemistry in Modern Living
and Chemistry in Modern Living Laboratory 2
4
CHEM 1510
1510L
Chemistry for the Allied Health Sciences
and Chemistry for the Allied Health Sciences Laboratory
4
CHEM 1515
1515L
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory 2, 3
4
CHEM 1516
1516L
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory 2, 3
4
ENST 1500
1500L
Introduction to Environmental Science
and Introduction to Environmental Science Lab 2
4
GEOG 1503
1503L
Physical Geography
and Physical Geography Laboratory 1
4
GEOG 2630
2630L
Weather
and Weather Lab 1
4
GEOL 1500Environmental Geology4
GEOL 1503Rock Studio: Understanding Geology Through Lapidary Experiences4
GEOL 1505
1505L
Physical Geology
and Physical Geology Laboratory
4
GEOL 2611Geology for Engineers 2, 33
PHYS 1500
1500L
Conceptual Physics
and Conceptual Physics Laboratory 1
4
PHYS 1501
1501L
Fundamentals of Physics 1
and Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory 1 3
5
PHYS 1502
1502L
Fundamentals of Physics 2
and Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory 2 1, 3
4
PHYS 2610
2610L
General Physics 1
and General Physics Laboratory 1 1, 3
5
PHYS 2611
2611L
General Physics 2
and General Physics laboratory 2 1, 3
5
1

Courses are part of the Ohio Transfer 36 and are guaranteed to transfer to any of Ohio's public institutions of higher education as a subject area general education credit. Ohio's Department of Higher Education maintains an up-to-date list of OT36 approved courses through the OT36 reporting system.

2

Lecture component of the course is OTM approved, however, the lab component is not OTM approved. 

3

Courses are designed for science, engineering, and health science majors. Students should consult their advisor before selecting them.

Arts and Humanities

Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete two of the following:

COURSE TITLE S.H.
AFST 2601Introduction to Africana Studies 2 13
ART 1541Survey of Art History 1 13
ART 1542Global Art since 1400 13
ART 1543Survey of Art History: Gods and Monsters--Religion, Myth, and the Supernatural3
ART 1544Survey of Art History: Body, Gender, and Self3
ART 1545Survey of Art History: Power, Propaganda, and the Public Realm3
ART 2648Experience Art: Social and Behavioral Perspectives3
DNCE 2698Survey of Dance 13
ENGL 1590Introduction to Literature3
ENGL 2610World Literature 13
ENGL 2615Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature3
ENGL 2617Women in Literature 13
ENGL 2618American Literature and Diversity 13
ENGL 2620African Literature3
ENGL 2630LGBTQIA Literature3
ENGL 2631Mythology in Literature 13
ENGL 2665Introduction to Film Study 13
FNLG 2610International Cinema 23
HIST 1500Discovering World History 13
HIST 1501Discovering American History 13
HIST 1511World Civilization to 1500 13
HIST 1512World Civilization from 1500 13
HIST 2600Introduction to Jewish Studies3
HIST 2605Turning Points in United States History 1 13
HIST 2606Turning Points in United States History 2 13
JOUR 2603Media Ethics and Social Responsibilities 13
JOUR 2605Journalism as Literature3
MUHL 2616Survey of Jazz 13
MUHL 2617Film Music 13
MUHL 2618Rock n' Roll to Rock3
MUHL 2619Music of Non-Western Societies3
MUHL 2620Music and the African-American Experience3
MUHL 2621Music Literature and Appreciation3
MUHL 2622Popular Music in America3
MUHL 2624Survey of Hip Hop3
MUHL 3772Music History and Literature 23
MUHL 3773Music History and Literature 33
MUHL 3774Music History and Literature 43
PHIL 1560Introduction to Philosophy3
PHIL 1561Technology and Human Values3
PHIL 1565Critical Thinking3
PHIL 2610Global Ethics3
PHIL 2625Introduction to Professional Ethics3
PHIL 2626Engineering Ethics3
PHIL 2627Law and Criminal Justice Ethics3
PHIL 2628Business Ethics3
PHIL 2635Ethics of War and Peace3
PHIL 3711General Ethics3
REL 2601Introduction to World Religions3
REL 2605Myth, Symbol, and Ritual 13
REL 2610Global Ethics3
REL 2617Introduction to Asian Religions3
REL 2621Religion and Moral Issues 13
THTR 1512Survey of Broadway: The American Musical 13
THTR 1560Introduction to Theatre 13
THTR 1590History of Motion Pictures 13
THTR 2690The Art of Motion Pictures 13
1

Courses are part of the Ohio Transfer 36 and are guaranteed to transfer to any of Ohio's public institutions of higher education as a subject area general education credit. Ohio's Department of Higher Education maintains an up-to-date list of OT36 approved courses through the OT36 reporting system.

2

Only one of the following courses will count as an Arts and Humanities Domain or General Education Elective course: PHIL 2625, PHIL 2626, PHIL 2627, PHIL 2628.

Social Sciences

Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete two of the following:

COURSE TITLE S.H.
AFST 2600Introduction to Africana Studies 13
ANTH 1500Introduction to Anthropology 13
ANTH 1503The Rise and Fall of Civilizations3
CMST 2600Communication Theory3
CMST 2610Intercultural Communication3
CRJS 1500Introduction to Criminal Justice3
ECON 1501Economics in Action 1, 23
ECON 1503Rich and Poor: Diversity and Disparity in the United States Workplace 13
ECON 1505Personal Financial Literacy3
ECON 2610Principles 1: Microeconomics 1, 23
ECON 2630Principles 2: Macroeconomics 13
ENGL 2651Introduction to Language3
FNLG 2660Women in the Ancient World3
FNUT 1551Normal Nutrition3
GEOG 26113
GEOG 2626World Geography 13
GEOG 2640Human Geography 13
GERO 3703Aging and Society3
MCOM 1595Media Literacy and Culture 13
MGT 2604Legal and Social Responsibilities of Business3
PHLT 1513Introduction to Environmental Health and Safety3
PHLT 1531Fundamentals of Public Health3
PHLT 1568Healthy Lifestyles3
PHLT 2692Human Sexuality3
POL 1550Introduction to Political Science 13
POL 1560American Government 13
POL 2640Contemporary World Governments 13
POL 2660International Relations3
PSYC 1560General Psychology 13
PSYC 2600Social Psychology3
PSYC 2607Psychology of Intimate Relationships3
PSYC 2655Child Development3
PSYC 3758Lifespan Development3
PSYC 2692Human Sexuality3
SOC 1500Introduction to Sociology 13
SOC 2601Social Problems 13
SOC 2650Human Trafficking3
WMST 2601Introduction to Women's Studies 13
1

Courses are part of the Ohio Transfer 36 and are guaranteed to transfer to any of Ohio's public institutions of higher education as a subject area general education credit. Ohio's Department of Higher Education maintains an up-to-date list of OT36 approved courses through the OT36 reporting system.

2

Only one of the following courses may count as a Social Science Domain or General Education Elective course: ECON 1501, ECON 2610.

Communication

If not required by a specific program, it is recommended that bachelor's degree seeking students choose one of the following as a general education elective course:

COURSE TITLE S.H.
CMST 1545Communication Foundations 13
CMST 2620Science Communication3
1

Courses are part of the Ohio Transfer 36 and are guaranteed to transfer to any of Ohio's public institutions of higher education as a subject area general education credit. Ohio's Department of Higher Education maintains an up-to-date list of OT36 approved courses through the OT36 reporting system.