The systemwide GE program framework is below and is comprised of 34-35 credit hours organized in six discipline-based “buckets” and an institutionally designated bucket. A student who satisfies all seven buckets will complete the systemwide GE program.
Bucket 1: English Discipline Area
6 hours of English Courses
Bucket 2: Communications Discipline Area
3 hours of Communications Courses
Bucket 3: Mathematics and Statistics Discipline Area
3 hours of Math or Statistics Courses
- College Algebra
- Contemporary/Essential Math
- Elementary Statistics
Bucket 4: Natural and Physical Sciences Discipline Area
4-5 hours from one subject and must include a lab
- Anatomy
- Astronomy
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Physical Geography
- Physical Sciences
- Physics
- Physiology
- Zoology
- Other subjects that the offering institution determines fit within the area
Bucket 5: Social and Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area
6 hours in at least two courses from two subject areas
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Ethnic and/or Gender Studies
- Geography
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Other subjects that the offering institution determines fit within the area
Bucket 6: Arts and Humanities Discipline Area
6 hours in at least two courses from two subject areas
- Art*
- Communications
- Cultural Studies
- Dance*
- English
- General Humanities
- History
- Literature
- Modern and Classical Languages
- Music*
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Theater*
*The application of performance courses in this subject area is at the discretion of the institution.
Bucket 7: Institutionally Designated Area
6 hours determined by the institution. This area provides flexibility for each institution to define requirements to account for societal issues, local needs and institutional priorities (intermediate algebra shall not be applied toward meeting this area).
