General Education Requirements
At the heart of the General Education Program of Excellence (GEPE) at Southern University and A&M College is the definition of its audience – an educated person who has knowledge, the ability to think, the ability to learn, and the ability to use language. A Southern University-educated person is one who has undergone a process of learning that results in an enhanced mental capability to function effectively in familiar and novel situations in one’s personal and intellectual life. Southern University’s GEPE pro- vides students with general knowledge and reasoning abilities that when integrated with the specialized knowledge and specific skills from their professional/technical study in academic majors comprise a quality undergraduate education.
The GEPE contains core and foundation courses that are consistent with the University’s educational philosophy and are purposeful, coherent, engaging, and rigorous. The knowledge and reasoning abilities are taught as part of the core and foundation courses as well as part of courses in academic fields of specialization. The GEPE incorporates essential knowledge, cognitive abilities, an understanding of values and ethics, and the enhancement of students’ intellectual growth to develop strong, competent graduates. Additionally, the GEPE draws students into new areas of intellectual experience, expands their cultural and global awareness and sensibilities, and prepares them to make enlightened and informed judgments outside of as well as within their academic specialty.
Students must complete 60 credits of general education requirements contained within the core and foundation courses prior to graduation from Southern University-Baton Rouge.
College-level competencies and learning outcomes that characterize a Southern University- educated person are identified within the GEPE as standards with associated learning outcomes that address specific outcomes of every graduate in undergraduate programs, regardless of discipline. All students entering Southern University must complete a general education component in the following major area:
Areas/Courses Semester Hours
| English Composition |
6 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
(Two courses in a biological or physical science sequence with a lab +1 course in the other area) [Six hours shall be earned in a single life or physical science; the remaining three hours must be earned in a natural science area other than that previously selected (both life and physical sciences must be taken to fulfill this requirement).]
(Three courses, including one in Literature, Beginning or Intermediate Courses in any Language)
Subjects include:
- Argumentation and Debate Old Testament
- Cultural History (any survey) Performing Literature Fundamentals of Speech
- Philosophy (any survey)
- History (any survey) Public Speaking
- Interpersonal Communication Religious Studies (any survey)
- Language Literature (any survey)
- Rome Mass Media
- Shakespeare New Testament
- Women’s and Gender Studies
Areas/Courses Semester Hours
(Two courses, including one at sophomore level)
Subjects include:
- American Government International Politics
- Archeology Macroeconomics
- Comparative Politics Microeconomics
- Contemporary Global Issues Physical Anthropology
- Cultural and Social Anthropology Political Theory
- Economic Principles Psychology
- Entertainment and Media Sociology
- Fundamental Issues of Politics State and Local Government
- Gender, Race, and Nation World Archeology
- Geography World Ethnography
- Human Societies
Subjects include:
- Architecture Landscape Architecture
- Cinema and Film Music Appreciation
- Dance Appreciation Music Fundamentals and Theory
- Fine Arts Music History Survey (any survey)
- History of Art (any survey) Philosophy of Art
- History of Interior Design Structure of Art
- History of Musical Forms Theater and Dramatic Arts (e.g., jazz, classical, folk)
| Foundation |
21 Hours |
| Determined by intended discipline of study |
|