Top of Page
Skip main navigation

General Education

The General Education Program is designed to foster critical skills by helping students develop the ability to solve problems, think analytically, and communicate clearly. The program provides a common connection among all NSU undergraduates through a rigorous set of writing; mathematics; arts and humanities; and social, biological, and physical science requirements. As a result of the General Education Program, students develop effective communication skills in speaking, listening, writing, reading, and critical interpretation. The program also helps students place ideas in their proper context and appreciate the role of different cultural traditions.

Mission Statement

The NSU undergraduate General Education Program prepares students to be responsible citizens in a dynamic, global environment and fosters intellectual curiosity, and knowledge about diverse ideas and cultures by helping students develop the ability to solve problems effectively, think analytically, and communicate clearly. The program provides a common connection among all NSU undergraduates through a rigorous set of writing; mathematics; arts and humanities; social and behavioral science, and biological, and physical science requirements.

This content reflects the General Education Program section of the Undergraduate Student Catalog.

All students are required to complete general education requirements. Students normally complete general education requirements by the end of their junior year through a series of courses in the areas of written communication (including written communication and oral communication); mathematics; arts and humanities (including literature, history, ethics, and general humanities the performing arts); social and behavioral sciences; and biological and physical sciences.

Using Credits for Major and Minor Requirements

Most courses may count toward both general education and major/minor requirements. Students should refer to their program curriculum and consult their academic advisor to determine which courses serve both sets of requirements.

The General Education program learning outcomes are based on three (3) pillars (categories), aligned with the mission of NSU and the Gen Ed program: Foundation, Critical Thinking, and Communication. The pillars and their respective General Education Program Learning Outcomes are as follows:

Category

Description

Learning Outcomes

Foundation

Knowledge and comprehension of the terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used within the subject area.

Students will state and explain the terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used within the subject area.

Critical thinking

Analysis of problems, issues, ideas, and evidence before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.

Students will locate, define, and critically evaluate problems or information from multiple perspectives and develop reasoned solutions within the subject area.

Communication

Development and expression of ideas in different forms.

Students will clearly and effectively communicate knowledge and ideas in forms appropriate to the subject area.

 

Nova Southeastern University requires that undergraduate students complete 30 credit hours as part of the General Education Program. Some majors have determined specific courses to be used to satisfy general education requirements. Students should consult the following curriculum requirements of their college or school and contact their academic advisor to determine their major's specific general education requirement list. Honors courses (with the HONR prefix) may be used to satisfy general education requirements of the appropriate general education section.

Students should refer to Course Descriptions for specific course prerequisites. Additionally, students should read the Academic Requirements—New Students section of the Undergraduate Student Catalog for information on eligibility to take college-level written composition and mathematics courses, which are required as part of the General Education Program.

Equivalent courses taken prior to NSU enrollment at an accredited community college, or another university may be considered for a transfer of credit to fulfill a program's general education requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION

CREDITS

Written Composition – 6 COMP credits at above COMP 1500

6

Mathematics – 6 MATH credits at or above MATH 1040

6

Arts and Humanities – 6 credits in any courses with a prefix of ARTS, HIST, HUMN, LITR, PHIL, SPAN, THEA, FILM, MUSC, DANC, or WRIT, or in a foreign language

6

Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 credits in any courses with a prefix of ANTH, COMM, ECN, GEOG, GEST, INST, POLS, PSYC, or SOCL

6

Science – 6 credits in any courses with a prefix of BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, MBIO, SCIE, or PHYS

6

Total General Education Credits

30

General Education Task Force

Committee Member

Email

College

Department

Aya Shigeto

As1959@nova.edu

College of Psychology

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Blondel Martin

Bmartin2@nova.edu

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing

Department of Nursing Administration

David Griffin

griffida@nova.edu

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Department of Teaching and Learning

Eric Samansky

Es794@nova.edu

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Mathematics

Gregory Simco

greg@nova.edu

College of Computing and Engineering

Department of Computing

Hyungkee Baek

 

hybaek@nova.edu

H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship

Finance and Economics

Kelly Concannon

Km1319@nova.edu

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts

Lori Pantaleao

pantalea@nova.edu

Academic Affairs

 

Maria Ballester – Chair

mballest@nova.edu

Halmos College of Arts and Science

Department of Chemistry and Physics

Meline Kevorkian

melinek@nova.edu

Academic Affairs

 

Melissa Boguslawski

mbogusla@nova.edu

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

Department of Internal Medicine

Ramina Benjamin

rbenjami@nova.edu

H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship

Marketing and Accreditation

Victor Castro

castvict@nova.edu

Halmos College of Arts and Science

Department of Chemistry and Physics

Yvette Fuentes

Yf60@nova.edu

Halmos College of Arts and Science

Department of Humanities and politics

Return to top of page