Core (34-55 credits)
The program seeks to provide students with educational experiences that will develop their ability to think clearly and critically, to express themselves accurately, and to become aware of the rich and varied areas of knowledge. Concepts introduced in the Core will be reinforced and developed through each student’s chosen course of study.
ABSN and most transfer students are not required to complete core. Students must consult the Office of Admission and review the catalog section on Transfer Student Admissions.
The faculty has identified 10 goals of the core program. These goals will be introduced at a foundational level in the Core but are intended to be reinforced and assessed throughout the curriculum. Three of the goals will be addressed specifically in major and major-related course work.
The following list outlines the academic groups from which students may select courses to fulfill the requirements, and the numbers of all courses that have been approved as Core courses. For descriptions of each of these courses, see the “” section of this catalog. Some Core courses satisfy major and major-related courses or prerequisites for those courses.
Core Exemption Criteria
For details about exemption procedures, consult with the coordinator of the relevant department.
Goal 1 - Written Communication
: For exemption from , students must provide the Basic Studies Committee with three college-level essays and an impromptu piece of writing that demonstrate the student’s ability to write clearly-organized, thesis oriented essays. Essays will be judged on their clarity, organization, development, focus, coherence, thesis, and mechanics.
: For exemption from , students must provide the Basic Studies Committee with four well-organized, thesis-oriented essays, including an impromptu piece of writing and three college-level essays, at least one of which demonstrates the student’s ability to write an organized, coherent research paper which correctly utilizes the conventions of one of the standard methods of documentation. Essays will be judged on their clarity, organization, development, focus, coherence, thesis, mechanics, research, and documentation.
Goal II - Oral Communication
Exemption from the oral communication requirement shall be granted by providing demonstrated competence in one or more of the following ways:
- Proof of coursework or other significant structured learning that provided both experience in oral communication (skill development) and in the theoretical foundations of the field;
- Written testimony by qualified persons acquainted with the applicant’s experience in both the performance and theoretical aspects of the field;
- Other forms of proof (portfolio, taped performance, etc.) that attest to the applicant’s experiences in, and knowledge of, the field.
At the discretion of the faculty, some form of presentation may be required in addition to the above criteria.
Goal III - Foreign Languages
Students who have achieved at least a B average with 3 or 4 years of high school language (Grades 9 -12) are placed in the 102 section of the language studied in high school. Two or fewer years with up to a B average are placed in the 101 section of the language studied in high school. Students are exempt from the language requirement if they score a 3 or higher on the appropriate AP examination or if they transfer a college level course (102 level or higher). International students from a non-English speaking country are also exempt.
Goal IV - Quantitative Reasoning
Students who are placed into the top score category on the Math Placement Test are exempt from 3 credits in Goal 4: Quantitative Reasoning. Exempted students may not take or for credit.
Goal V - Computer Use
Any student who wishes to be exempt from Goal V - Computer Use must achieve a passing grade on the computer proficiency assessment test or show evidence of computer proficiency.
