OVERVIEW
Catalog of Entry
Students may follow the General Education Requirements outlined in either:
- The Undergraduate Academic Catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment, or
- 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:
- 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 Humanities, Natural 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 1550 | Writing 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| 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 2601 | Introduction to Africana Studies 2 | 3 |
| ART 1591 | Idea Development and Creativity in Cultural Context | 3 |
| CMST 1545 | Communication Foundations | 3 |
| or CMST 2620 | Science Communication | |
| ENGL 2618 | American Literature and Diversity | 3 |
| MUHL 2622 | Popular Music in America | 3 |
| THTR 1590 | History of Motion Pictures | 3 |
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 1503 | The Rise and Fall of Civilizations | 3 |
| ART 1544 | Survey of Art History: Body, Gender, and Self | 3 |
| CMST 1545 | Communication Foundations | 3 |
| or CMST 2620 | Science Communication | |
| HIST 1501 | Discovering American History | 3 |
| MCOM 1595 | Media Literacy and Culture | 3 |
| PHIL 1565 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
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 1505 | Personal Financial Literacy | 3 |
| ENST 1500 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| FNUT 1551 | Normal Nutrition | 3 |
| PHLT 1568 | Healthy Lifestyles | 3 |
| PSYC 2607 | Psychology of Intimate Relationships | 3 |
| SOC 2601 | Social Problems | 3 |
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 1505 | Biology and the Modern World | 3 |
| CHEM 1500 | Chemistry in Modern Living | 3 |
| GEOL 1500 | Environmental Geology | 4 |
| HIST 1512 | World Civilization from 1500 | 3 |
| MATH 2623 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| PHIL 2619 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
Core Competencies
ENGLISH COMPOSITION
Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete the following two courses:
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | 4 |
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 1 | 3 |
| or ENGL 1550H | Honors Writing 1 | |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 (Students with ACT scores at or above 28 will only need to take ENGL 1551) 1 | 3 |
| or ENGL 1551H | Honors Writing 2 | |
MATHEMATICS
Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete one of the following courses:
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1510 | College Algebra 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1510C | College Algebra with Co-requisite Support | 6 |
| MATH 1511 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| MATH 1511C | Trigonometry with Co-requisite Support | 4 |
| MATH 1513 | Algebra and Transcendental Function 1 | 5 |
| MATH 1552 | Applied Business Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1570 | Applied Calculus 1 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1571 | Calculus 1 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1572 | Calculus 2 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1581 | Calculus for the Health Sciences 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1581H | Honors Calculus for the Health Sciences 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1582 | Calculus for the Health Sciences 2 | 4 |
| MATH 1585H | Honors Accelerated Calculus 1 | 5 |
| MATH 2623 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MATH 2623C | Quantitative Reasoning with Co-Requisite Support | 5 |
| MATH 2661 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 1 | 4 |
| MATH 2661C | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I with Co-Requisite Support | 6 |
| MATH 2662 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 2 | 4 |
| MATH 2665 | Foundations of Middle School Mathematics 2 | 4 |
| MATH 2670 | Applied Calculus 2 | 5 |
| MATH 2686H | Honors Accelerated Calculus 2 | 5 |
| STAT 2601 | Introductory Statistics 1 | 3 |
| STAT 2625 | Statistical Literacy and Critical Reasoning 1 | 4 |
| STAT 2625C | Statistical Literacy and Critical Reasoning with Co-Requisite Support | 6 |
| PHIL 2619 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
- 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 1504 | Descriptive Astronomy 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 1505 | Biology and the Modern World 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 1551 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 1, 3 | 3 |
| CHEM 1500 | Chemistry in Modern Living 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 1520 | Allied Health Chemistry for Online Programs | 3 |
| ENST 1500 | Introduction to Environmental Science 1 | 3 |
| FSCI 1510 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
| GEOG 1503 | Physical Geography 1 | 3 |
| GEOG 2630 | Weather 1 | 3 |
| GEOL 1504 | The Dynamic Earth | 3 |
| GEOL 2602 | Introduction to Oceanography 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1500 | Conceptual Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1501 | Fundamentals of Physics 1 1, 3 | 4 |
| PHYS 1502 | Fundamentals of Physics 2 1, 3 | 3 |
| PHYS 2607 | Physical Science for Middle and Secondary Education 3 | 4 |
| PHYS 2608 | Sound | 3 |
| PHYS 2610 | General Physics 1 1, 3 | 4 |
| PHYS 2611 | General Physics 2 1, 3 | 4 |
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 1500 | Environmental Geology | 4 |
| GEOL 1503 | Rock Studio: Understanding Geology Through Lapidary Experiences | 4 |
| GEOL 1505 & 1505L | Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory | 4 |
| GEOL 2611 | Geology for Engineers 2, 3 | 3 |
| 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 2601 | Introduction to Africana Studies 2 1 | 3 |
| ART 1541 | Survey of Art History 1 1 | 3 |
| ART 1542 | Global Art since 1400 1 | 3 |
| ART 1543 | Survey of Art History: Gods and Monsters--Religion, Myth, and the Supernatural | 3 |
| ART 1544 | Survey of Art History: Body, Gender, and Self | 3 |
| ART 1545 | Survey of Art History: Power, Propaganda, and the Public Realm | 3 |
| ART 2648 | Experience Art: Social and Behavioral Perspectives | 3 |
| DNCE 2698 | Survey of Dance 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 1590 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 2610 | World Literature 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 2615 | Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 2617 | Women in Literature 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 2618 | American Literature and Diversity 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 2620 | African Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 2630 | LGBTQIA Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 2631 | Mythology in Literature 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 2665 | Introduction to Film Study 1 | 3 |
| FNLG 2610 | International Cinema 2 | 3 |
| HIST 1500 | Discovering World History 1 | 3 |
| HIST 1501 | Discovering American History 1 | 3 |
| HIST 1511 | World Civilization to 1500 1 | 3 |
| HIST 1512 | World Civilization from 1500 1 | 3 |
| HIST 2600 | Introduction to Jewish Studies | 3 |
| HIST 2605 | Turning Points in United States History 1 1 | 3 |
| HIST 2606 | Turning Points in United States History 2 1 | 3 |
| JOUR 2603 | Media Ethics and Social Responsibilities 1 | 3 |
| JOUR 2605 | Journalism as Literature | 3 |
| MUHL 2616 | Survey of Jazz 1 | 3 |
| MUHL 2617 | Film Music 1 | 3 |
| MUHL 2618 | Rock n' Roll to Rock | 3 |
| MUHL 2619 | Music of Non-Western Societies | 3 |
| MUHL 2620 | Music and the African-American Experience | 3 |
| MUHL 2621 | Music Literature and Appreciation | 3 |
| MUHL 2622 | Popular Music in America | 3 |
| MUHL 2624 | Survey of Hip Hop | 3 |
| MUHL 3772 | Music History and Literature 2 | 3 |
| MUHL 3773 | Music History and Literature 3 | 3 |
| MUHL 3774 | Music History and Literature 4 | 3 |
| PHIL 1560 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 1561 | Technology and Human Values | 3 |
| PHIL 1565 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| PHIL 2610 | Global Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 2625 | Introduction to Professional Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 2626 | Engineering Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 2627 | Law and Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 2628 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 2635 | Ethics of War and Peace | 3 |
| PHIL 3711 | General Ethics | 3 |
| REL 2601 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| REL 2605 | Myth, Symbol, and Ritual 1 | 3 |
| REL 2610 | Global Ethics | 3 |
| REL 2617 | Introduction to Asian Religions | 3 |
| REL 2621 | Religion and Moral Issues 1 | 3 |
| THTR 1512 | Survey of Broadway: The American Musical 1 | 3 |
| THTR 1560 | Introduction to Theatre 1 | 3 |
| THTR 1590 | History of Motion Pictures 1 | 3 |
| THTR 2690 | The Art of Motion Pictures 1 | 3 |
- 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.
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 1545 | Communication Foundations 1 | 3 |
| CMST 2620 | Science Communication | 3 |
- 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.
Social Sciences
Bachelor's degree seeking students must complete two of the following:
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.
Only one of the following courses may count as a Social Science Domain or General Education Elective course: ECON 1501, ECON 2610.