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Requirements

Foundation Skills

All first-time, degree seeking students must enroll in a course satisfying the First Year Experience requirement during their first semester at USI. This applies to both full-time and part-time students. This does not include dual credit or AP credit.

USI 101 - Soar to Success

Students must successfully complete one of the courses listed below

Students must successfully complete one of the courses listed below

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Natural Science with Lab (4 hours)

World Languages and Cultures (9 hours)

Click here for a list of approved courses

  • No more than 9 hours of courses with the same prefix can satisfy the BA requirements.
  • Students earning a BA must successfully complete a four- course sequence in the same language through Language 204 or higher.
  • Natural Science must be a lab course. If Natural Science 108 is selected, then two Natural Science 108 courses must be taken to satisfy the lab requirement.
  • Students earning a bachelor’s degree which is not designated as a BA or BS must choose either the BA or BS track for the purposes of Core 39 requirements.
  • With the exception of world languages courses (ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JPN, LATN, SPAN), courses used to satisfy the Ways of Knowing requirements must have a different prefix than any course used to satisfy the BA/BS Skills requirements.

For the following similar courses, students can receive Core 39 credit for only one of the two courses:

CHEM 103 or CHEM 107 • GEOL 151 or GEOL 161

Natural Science including 1 Lab (7 hours)

Social Science (3 hours)

World Languages and Culture (3 hours)

Click here for a list of approved courses

  • No more than 9 hours of courses with the same prefix can satisfy the BA/BS core requirements.
  • If Natural Science 108 is selected, then two Natural Science 108 courses must be taken to satisfy the lab requirement.
  • With the exception of world languages courses (ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JPN, LATN, SPAN), courses used to satisfy the Ways of Knowing requirements must have a different prefix than any course used to satisfy the BA/BS Skills requirements.

For the following similar courses, students can receive Core 39 credit for only one of the two courses:

CHEM 103 or CHEM 107 • GEOL 151 or GEOL 161

Ways of Knowing

  • Select one course from four out of the six categories. No two courses may have the same prefix.
  • With the exception of world languages courses (ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JPN, LATN, SPAN), courses used to satisfy the Ways of Knowing requirements must have a different prefix than any course used to satisfy the BA/BS Skills requirements.

Course

Category

ART 104: Three-Dimensional Design

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

ART 201: Introduction to Visual Arts

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

ARTH 222: Art History II

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Diversity

ARTP 221: Introduction to Digital Photo Imaging

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

ENG 105: Introduction to Literature

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

ENG 185: Introduction to Film

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Diversity

ENG 227: Literature and Popular Culture

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Writing Intensive

ENG 302: Creative Writing

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

ENG 344: Adolescent & Young Adult Literature

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Writing Intensive

ENG 361: Playwriting

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

FREN 275: The French Film

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Global, Embedded: Writing Intensive

GERM 275: The German Film

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Global

KIN 201: Sport, Exercise & Culture in Film

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

MUS 202: Intro to Music

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

SPAN 275: The Hispanic Film

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Global, Embedded: Writing Intensive

THTR 101: Intro to Theatre

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

THTR 251: Fundamentals of Acting

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Diversity

THTR 256: Fundamentals of Character Development

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression, Embedded: Diversity

THTR 361: Playwriting

Ways of Knowing: Creative and Aesthetic Expression

Course

Category

ANTH 121: Introduction to Archaeology

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry

ARTH 221: Art History I

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry

HIST 101: U.S. to 1877

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry

HIST 102: U.S. Since 1877

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry

HIST 108: What is History

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry

HIST 111: World Civilizations I, Beginnings to 1500

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry, Embedded: Global

HIST 112: World Civilizations II, 1500-Present

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry, Embedded: Global

HIST 203: History for Educators

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry, BS: Social Science, Embedded Experience: Diversity, Embedded Experience: Global

PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

SPTM 223: Principles of Recreation

Ways of Knowing: Historical Inquiry, Embedded: Writing Intensive

Course

Category

COMM 494: Mass Communication Law and Ethics

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning

ENG 222: Concepts of Good and Evil in Literature

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning, Embedded: Diversity

ENG 224: Social Change in American Culture

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning

IPH 356: Ethics and Healthcare in a Pluralistic Society

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning, Embedded: Diversity

PET 402: Controversial Issues in Health Education

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning, Embedded: Writing Intensive

PHIL 201: Introduction to Ethics

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning, Embedded: Diversity

PRFS 301: The Ethics of Global Engagement

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning, Embedded: Global, Embedded: Writing Intensive

SPTM 336: Governance & Ethics in Sport

Ways of Knowing: Moral and Ethical Reasoning

Course

Category

ANTH 131: Introduction to Physical Anthropology

BS: Natural Science., Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

ASTR 201: General Astronomy (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

BIOL 108: Biology for Educators (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

BIOL 141: Principles of Biology (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

CHEM 108: Chemistry for Educators (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

CHEM 141: Principles of Chemistry (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

CHEM 143: Survey of Organic and Biochemistry

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

CHEM 262: General Chemistry II (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

ENGR 305: Engineering Statistics

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

GEOG 112: Earth System Science

BS: Natural Science., Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

GEOG 123: Physical Geography & Landscape Analysis of U.S.

BS: Natural Science., Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

GEOL 108: Earth-Space Science for Educators (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

HP 302: Biostatistics

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

MATH 203: Math for Elementary Teachers II

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

MATH 233: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers III

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

MATH 253: Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

PHYS 101: Introduction to Physical Sciences

BS: Natural Science., Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

PHYS 108: Physics for Educators (L)

BA/BS: Natural Science with Lab, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

PHYS 361: Modern Physics

BS: Natural Science., Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

PHYS 371: Analytical Mechanics

BS: Natural Science, Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

STAT 241: Principles of Statistics

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

STAT 265: Applied Regression Analysis

Ways of Knowing: Scientific and Mathematical Inquiry

Course

Category

AFRC 111: Introduction to Africana Studies

Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, BS: Social Science, Embedded: Global

CMST 201: Introduction to Communication Studies

Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Writing Intensive

CRIM 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry

ECON 208: Principles of Microeconomics

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry

EDUC 221: Access and Opportunity in Education

Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity, Embedded: Writing Intensive

GLST 101: Introduction to Global Studies

Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Global

GNDR 111: Introduction to Gender Studies

Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

HP 211: The Healthcare Delivery System and Healthcare Policy

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

PHIL 377: Introduction to Cognitive Science

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry

POLS 102: Introduction to American Politics

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry

POLS 271: International Politics

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Global

POLS 281: Comparative Politics

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Global

POLS 302: The Politics of the Civil Rights Movement

Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, BS: Social Science, Embedded: Diversity

POLS 316 - Religion and Politics

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

POLS 427 - Urban Politics and Governance

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Writing Intensive

PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry

SOC 121: Principles of Sociology

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

SOC 231: Social Problems

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry

SOC 261: Marriage and Family

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

SPTM 453: Diversity in Sport

BS: Social Science, Ways of Knowing: Social Inquiry, Embedded: Diversity

Course

Category

ANTH 111: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Diversity

ENG 286: Classical Mythology

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture

ENG 386: World Mythology

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture

FREN 204: Intermediate French II

BA/BS: World Languages., BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

FREN 308: Francophone Cultures

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

GEOG 330: World Geography

BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

GERM 204: Intermediate German II

BA/BS: World Languages, BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

GERM 308: Germanic Cultures

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

GERO 215: Introduction to Global Aging and Health Care

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

GNDR 222: The Body in Art and Culture

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Writing Intensive

HP 236: Eastern Medicine and Alternative/Complimentary Healthcare

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture

HUM 203: Introduction to Humanities

BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture

HUM 303: Business Humanities

BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Writing Intensive

HUM 304: Medical Humanities

BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Writing Intensive

JPN 204: Intermediate Japanese II

BA/BS: World Languages., BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

JPN 306: Advanced Japanese I

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Diversity

LATN 204: Intermediate Latin II

BA/BS: World Languages., BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

PHIL 251: Introduction to the Study of Religions

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture

SPAN 204: Intermediate Spanish II

BA/BS: World Languages, BS: World Languages and Culture, Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

SPAN 308: Hispanic Cultures

Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture, Embedded: Global

Embedded Experience

  • Embedded experiences may be courses found in other areas of Core 39, a major-specific course or an elective course.
  • Foundation courses should be completed before the embedded experiences.
  • Students complete two writing intensive experiences.
    One has to be at 200+ level and one has to be at 300+ level.
  • ENG 201 is a pre-requisite for all embedded writing intensive courses.

Click here for a list of approved courses

Connect With
University Core Curriculum (Core 39)