Purpose: General education is the foundational core of an undergraduate education. It provides students with a comprehensive educational experience and prepares them for study within their major. The foundational coursework teaches students to think critically and communicate effectively, solve problems, generate new ideas and create knowledge, make connections between academic disciplines, respect and understand differences, and develop intellectual curiosity and love of learning as citizens and leaders.
BOR policy 2.7 identifies: (a) the purpose of the requirement, (b) the skills to be developed in each course that satisfies the requirement, and (c) the number of credits required for each general education goal. Students may only select general education courses from the approved list included in Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.3.4.A(A-1). Students may only select general education courses from the approved list included in this policy.
Baccalaureate Degree General Education Requirements ^TOP
Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree must meet the System-wide Graduation Requirements (SGR) goal of 30 credit hours as specified in BOR policy 2.7.
Associate Degree General Education Requirements ^TOP
Associate of Arts Degree and Associate of Science Degree
Students pursuing an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree must meet the System-wide Graduation Requirements (SGR) goal of 24 credit hours as specified in BOR policy 2.7.
System General Education Requirements (SGR) ^TOP
The System General Education Requirements (SGRs) are common across the entire South Dakota Regental System and are designed to achieve these six goals.
SGR #1
Written Communication (6 credit hours)
Students will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written expression of others.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure,
- Write logically,
- Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative, descriptive), and
- Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3, and #4
Note:
NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial English course is determined by the Board of Regents/Academic Affairs English Placement Guidelines (2.2.1.B). ^TOP
SGR #2
Oral Communication (3 credit hours)
Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to speak thoughtfully, clearly, and effectively in a variety of contexts.
- Demonstrate active listening skills in a variety of contexts.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1 and #2
^TOP
SGR #3
Social Sciences (6 credit hours in 2 disciplines/prefixes)
Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human community through study of the social sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology, theories, and systems of inquiry of the selected social science disciplines,
- Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary or historical issues from different behavioral, cultural, institutional, temporal, or spatial contexts, and
- Analyze the extent and impact of diversity among individuals, cultures, or societies in contemporary or historical contexts using social science methods and concepts.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, and #3
Courses:
- AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (C) [SGR #3]
- ANTH 210 - Cultural Anthropology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- ANTH 220 - Biological Anthropology [SGR #3, HSDC]
- ANTH 230 - Introduction to Archaeology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- CJUS 201 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- CMST 201 - Interpersonal Communication (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- EPSY 210 - Lifespan Development (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- GEOG 210 - World Regional Geography (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- HIST 151 - United States History I (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- HIST 152 - United States History II (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- INED 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- NATV 110 - Intro to Native American Studies [SGR #3, HSDC]
- NATV 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- POLS 100 - American Government (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- POLS 141 - Governments of the World (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- POLS 210 - State & Local Government (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- POLS 250 - Introduction to International Relations (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- PSYC 101 - General Psychology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- SOC 150 - Social Problems (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- SOC 250 - Courtship and Marriage (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
- SUST 111 - Sustainable Society [SGR #3, HSDC]
- UHON 111 - Ideas in History [SGR #3]
- UHON 210 - Interdisciplinary Civilization I [SGR #3]
- WMST 247 - Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies [SGR #3, HSDC]
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SGR #4
Fine Arts and Humanities (6 credit hours total within 2 disciplines)
Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, practices, or ideas embodied in the human experience, and
- Demonstrate basic understanding of concepts of the selected discipline within the arts and humanities.
In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:
- Demonstrate ability to express creative, aesthetic, formal or stylistic elements of the disciplines.
- Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.
- Identify and explain cultural contributions from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1 and #2
At least one of the following: #3, #4, or #5
*Students must complete 3 credit hours in Humanities and 3 credit hours in Fine Arts.
Courses:
Fine Arts Courses: - ART 101 - Introduction to Fine Arts [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ART 111 - Drawing I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ART 112 - Drawing II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ART 121 - Design I: 2D (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ART 123 - Three Dimensional Design (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ARTH 100 - Art Appreciation (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ARTH 211 - History of World Art I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HIST 211 - History of World Art I [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ARTH 212 - History of World Art II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HIST 212 - History of World Art II [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ARTH 251 - American Indian Art History (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- NATV 251 - American Indian Art History (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- MUS 100 - Music Appreciation (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- MUS 117 - Music in Performance I [SGR #4, HSDC]
- MUS 240 - Music Cultures of the World (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- THEA 100 - Introduction to Theatre (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- THEA 131 - Introduction to Acting (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- THEA 201 - Film Appreciation (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- THEA 231 - Acting I [SGR #4, HSDC]
Humanities Courses: - ARAB 101 - Introductory Arabic I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ARAB 102 - Introductory Arabic II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- CHIN 101 - Introductory Chinese I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- CHIN 102 - Introductory Chinese II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- DCOM 101 - American Sign Language I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- DCOM 102 - American Sign Language II [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 210 - Introduction to Literature (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 212 - World Literature II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 214 - Introduction to American Indian Literature (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 221 - British Literature I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 222 - British Literature II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 241 - American Literature I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- ENGL 242 - American Literature II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- FREN 101 - Introductory French I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- FREN 102 - Introductory French II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- FREN 201 - Intermediate French I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- FREN 202 - Intermediate French II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- GER 101 - Introductory German I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- GER 102 - Introductory German II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- GER 201 - Intermediate German I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- GER 202 - Intermediate German II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- GREE 101 - Elementary Greek (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- GREE 102 - Advanced Elementary Greek [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HIST 111 - World Civilizations I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HIST 112 - World Civilizations II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HIST 121 - Western Civilization I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HIST 122 - Western Civilization II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- HUM 100 - Introduction to Humanities (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- LAKL 101 - Introductory Lakota I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- LAKL 102 - Introductory Lakota II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- LAKL 201 - Intermediate Lakota I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- LAKL 202 - Intermediate Lakota II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- LATI 101 - Elementary Latin (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- LATI 102 - Advanced Elementary Latin [SGR #4, HSDC]
- MCOM 151 - Introduction to Mass Communication (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- MFL 101 - Intro Foreign Language & Culture I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- MFL 102 - Intro to Foreign Language and Culture II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 100 - Introduction to Philosophy (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- CLHU 100 - Introduction to Philosophy [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 200 - Introduction to Logic (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 215 - Introduction to Social-Political Philosophy (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 220 - Introduction to Ethics (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 233 - Philosophy & Literature (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 240 - Introduction to Ethics, Law, and Society [SGR #4, HSDC]
- PHIL 242 - Ethics, Law, and Literature [SGR #4, HSDC]
- REL 225 - New Testament (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- REL 250 - World Religions (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- RUSS 101 - Introductory Russian I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- RUSS 102 - Introductory Russian II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- SPAN 101 - Introductory Spanish I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- SPAN 102 - Introductory Spanish II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- SPAN 201 - Intermediate Spanish I (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
- SPAN 202 - Intermediate Spanish II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
^TOP
SGR #5
Mathematics (3 credit hours)
Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world problems, and
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and concepts.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1 and #2.
Courses:
- MATH 103 - Mathematical Reasoning (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 103L - Mathematical Reasoning Lab (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 104 - Finite Mathematics (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 114 - College Algebra (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 115 - Precalculus (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 120 - Trigonometry (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 121 - Survey of Calculus (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 123 - Calculus I (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 125 - Calculus II (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 216 - Discrete Structures [SGR #5, HSDC]
- MATH 225 - Calculus III (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
- STAT 281 - Introduction to Statistics (C) [SGR #5, HSDC]
Note:
Student enrollment in the initial Mathematics course is determined by the Board of Regents/Academic Affairs Mathematics Placement Guideline (2.2.1.A). ^TOP
SGR #6
Natural Sciences (6 credit hours)
Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
- Explain the nature of science, including how scientific explanations are formulated, tested, and modified or validated,
- Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific evidence and explanations, and use scientific evidence to construct arguments related to contemporary issues,
- Apply basic observational, quantitative, or technological methods to gather and analyze data and generate evidence-based conclusions in a laboratory setting, and
- Understand and apply foundational knowledge and discipline-specific concepts to address issues, solve problems, or predict natural phenomena.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3, and #4
Courses:
- BIOL 101 - Biology Survey I (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 101L - Biology Survey I Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 103 - Biology Survey II (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 103L - Biology Survey II Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 104 - Foundations of Biology for Educators [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 104L - Foundations of Biology for Educators Lab [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 151 - General Biology I (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 151L - General Biology I Lab (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 153 - General Biology II (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- BIOL 153L - General Biology II Lab (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 104 - Foundations of Chemistry for Educators [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 104L - Foundations of Chemistry for Educators Lab [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 106 - Chemistry Survey (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 106L - Chemistry Survey Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 107 - Organic and Biochemistry Survey (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 107L - Organic and Biochemistry Survey Laboratory (C) [SGR#6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 112 - General Chemistry I (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 112L - General Chemistry I Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 114 - General Chemistry II (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 114L - General Chemistry II Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 116 - Honors Principles of Chemistry [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- CHEM 116L - Honors Principles of Chemistry Laboratory [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- ESCI 101 - Dynamic Earth [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- ESCI 101L - Dynamic Earth Laboratory [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- ESCI 103 - Earth and Life Through Time [SGR #6, HSDC]
- ESCI 103L - Earth and Life Through Time Laboratory [SGR #6, HSDC]
- ESCI 104 - Foundations of Earth Sciences for Educators [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- ESCI 104L - Foundations of Earth Sciences for Educators Lab [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- HSC 280 - Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology [SGR #6, HSDC]
- HSC 280L - Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab [SGR #6, HSDC]
- ISCI 151 - Integrated Science I [SGR #6, HSDC]
- ISCI 151L - Integrated Science I Laboratory [SGR #6, HSDC]
- ISCI 153 - Integrated Science II [SGR #6, HSDC]
- ISCI 153L - Integrated Science II Lab [SGR #6, HSDC]
- MTRO 101 - Meteorology [SGR #6, HSDC]
- MTRO 101L - Meteorology Lab [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHGY 220 - Human Anatomy and Integrated Physiology I [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHGY 220L - Human Anatomy and Integrated Physiology Laboratory I [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHGY 230 - Human Anatomy and Integrated Physiology II [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHGY 230L - Human Anatomy and Integrated Physiology II Laboratory [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHYS 104 - Foundations of Physics for Educators [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 104L - Foundations of Physics for Educators Lab [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 111 - Introduction to Physics I (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 111L - Introduction to Physics I Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 113 - Introduction to Physics II (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 113L - Introduction to Physics II Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 185 - Solar System Astronomy (C) [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHYS 185L - Solar System Astronomy Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHYS 187 - Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (C) [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHYS 187L - Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC]
- PHYS 211 - University Physics I (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 211L - University Physics I Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 213 - University Physics II (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- PHYS 213L - University Physics II Laboratory (C) [SGR #6, HSDC] *
- SUST 113 - Sustainable Environment [SGR #6, HSDC]
- SUST 113L - Sustainable Environment Lab [SGR #6, HSDC]
Note:
* Combinations not permitted because of excessive duplication | BIOL 104 | with | BIOL 101/103/151/153 | BIOL 151 | with | BIOL 101 | BIOL 153 | with | BIOL 103 | CHEM 104 | with | CHEM 106/107/112/114/116 | CHEM 112 | with | CHEM 106 | CHEM 116 | with | CHEM 106/114 | ESCI 104 | with | ESCI 101 | ISCI 151/153 | with | CHEM 106/112 | PHYS 104 | with | PHYS 111/113/211/213 | PHYS 211 | with | PHYS 111 | PHYS 213 | with | PHYS 113 | ^TOP
Policies Applicable to System General Education Requirements ^TOP
Guidelines for Baccalaureate & Associate Degrees
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.1, SDBOR Policy 2.7, SDBOR Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.3.7.B, SDBOR Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.3.4.A(A-1))
- The System General Education Requirements will be effective for students.
- Only 100/200 level courses will be included. Exceptions based on student background may be made utilizing the established university academic appeal process.
- Honors courses equivalent to identified System General Education courses will meet the System requirements.
- Students who complete the System General Education Requirements at any SD Board of Regents institution and then transfer to another SD Board of Regents institution even if the receiving institution has different credit/course distribution and approved course lists. All prerequisites for associate and baccalaureate programs must be completed as determined by the student’s degree plan. See SDBOR policy 2.2.2.1 for additional guidance on transfer of general education credits and Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.3.4.A(A-1).
- A student who has not completed all general education requirements at the sending institution will be required to complete additional coursework consistent with the course requirements at the receiving South Dakota Regental institution.
- Students who have successfully earned an A.A. or A.S. degree at an institution approved by the Academic Affairs Council General Education Block Transfer process have met the specified general education requirements at the University of South Dakota. See Academic Affairs Council Transfer of General Education Block Credit.
- USD participates in the Interstate Passport Network, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a network of accredited institutions that agree to transfer completed general education requirements as a block in a seamless and efficient process among its members. Students who transfer into USD with a Passport from another Network-member institution will not have to repeat or take additional courses to satisfy general education requirements. Earning a Passport recognizes that a student has achieved learning outcomes in the following nine knowledge and skill areas, which all Network member institutions agree are consistent with their own general education learning outcomes:
- Foundational Skills: oral communication, written communication, quantitative literacy
- Knowledge of Concepts: natural sciences, human cultures, creative expression, human society and the individual
- Cross-cutting Skills: critical thinking and teamwork/value systems.
More specific information may be found at: https://www.sdbor.edu/administrative-offices/academics/Passport/Pages/default.aspx. A list of all approved schools may be found at: https://interstatepassport.wiche.edu/members/member-profiles/. If you are a transfer student interested in learning how this can help you, please email at registrar@usd.edu or call the Registrar’s Office at 605-658-3880 so that we may answer your questions.
Placement into Initial Math & English Courses ^TOP
(SDBOR- Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.2.1.A and 2.2.1.B, SDBOR Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.3.4.A(A-1))
The Board of Regents has developed a standardized placement process to ensure that entering students are placed into Math and English courses most appropriate for their ability and background.
Entering students must show evidence of their level of academic preparation prior into their enrollment into their initial mathematics and English courses. All entering students seeking an associate or baccalaureate degree must provide valid Enhanced ACT scores or SAT score (within the last five years), 11th grade Smarter Balanced test scores, or must take the College Board ACCUPLACER examination in the areas of writing skills and mathematics. All non-degree seeking students enrolling in English and/or mathematics courses must provide Enhanced ACT scores or must take the College Board ACCUPLACER examination in the areas of writing skills and mathematics.
In addition to scores on these assessments, other information may also be considered as placement decisions are made.
Transfer students who have completed equivalent general education coursework in English and mathematics are exempt from this requirement.
Students transferring will be allowed to transfer their placement test scores and/or relevant course credits and continue their sequence of courses in English and/or mathematics.
Each institution shall give students prior notice that it will provide reasonable accommodations for test takers in keeping with institutional practices implementing the South Dakota Human Relations Act of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (refer to Board Policy 1.4.4).
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