PortalGeneral Education Program
General Education at YSU
General Education Requirements
YSU's Approach to General Education
Our general education program builds on university-wide learning outcomes with four specific goals:
- Develop effective communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking skills essential for professional success
- Build understanding of scientific principles, methods, and the relationship between science, technology, and society
- Cultivate appreciation for significant writings and artistic works, with attention to aesthetics and the human condition;
- Foster understanding of human behavior, institutions, and cultural development and diversity.
WHAT'S REQUIRED?
-- For Baccalaureate Degrees
Students complete a total of 12 courses across:
Core Competencies:
- English Composition (2 courses)
- Mathematics (1 course)
Knowledge Domains:
- Arts and Humanities (2 courses)
- Natural Sciences (2 courses, one with lab component)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses)
- Electives
- 3 courses distributed among at least two domains
- Recommended elective: CMST 1545 Communication Foundations or CMST 2620 Science Communication
-- For Associate Degrees
Applied Associate Degrees:
- English Composition (2 courses)
- Mathematics (1 course)
- Two additional courses from: Communication, Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, or Social Sciences
Academic Associate Degrees:
- Follow the same requirements as Baccalaureate programs.
Transfer Students
- Students with a bachelor's degree from accredited institutions are exempt from general education requirements but must complete major-specific requirements
- Students without a bachelor's degree must complete general education requirements (consult with an academic advisor)
Catalog of Entry
Students may follow general education requirements from either:
- The catalog in effect at initial enrollment
- Any subsequent catalog of their choice
Grade Requirements
A grade of D or better is required for general education credit, though some programs and prerequisites may require C or better. Consult with your advisor for specific requirements.
Ohio's Transfer 36 Model (OT36), the Ohio Articulation and Transfer Policy update (July 2021) is linked here to provide additional guidance on how YSU meets State standards: