What Makes Up an Academic Program?
Courses a student takes during their SRU experience can be broadly divided into three types: Liberal Studies, Major and Electives. Beyond this, individual students may also take courses in a minor field or for a certificate.

Liberal Studies
Approximately one-half of a student’s courses will be credited toward completing liberal studies requirements. The liberal studies program is designed to provide students with the breadth of knowledge expected of an educated person in our society. These courses compliment the depth of specialty acquired in a student’s major. While completing the liberal studies program, students are given the opportunity to explore different ideas and to gain appreciation for several ways of knowing. Students develop the intellectual insights and skills that will enable a lifetime of learning.

The program contains seven critical goals or areas of study. For each area, students select one or two classes from a selection of “goal courses.” In addition, in some areas of study, students select a course from a wide class selection identified as “enrichment courses.” These courses provide the opportunity to broaden and deepen knowledge in the goal area. Lastly, co-curricular “Supporting Experiences,” are identified. These activities and programs available to all students and encompass working on student publications, belonging to honorary societies or working with various special on-campus special interest groups. These activities show that the university experience is not and ought not be contained wholly in the classroom.

Goal I: Basic Competencies
The educated person must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written modes. In addition, we embrace the ancient value of a sound mind in a sound body and believe, therefore, that a university education should give attention to encouraging intellectual and physical fitness levels that will equip the individual for an energetic and productive life.

Goal Courses (0-11/13 credits)
Some students may be exempted from one or more of the required courses based on entrance examination and/or pertinent experience. If students are exempted from a required goal course, no credit will be awarded, but the total required credits in the liberal studies program will be reduced accordingly. Some students may be required to take additional courses to develop basic academic competencies in reading and study skills and mathematics. However, credits earned in those courses may not be applicable toward the credits required for a baccalaureate degree.
Goal courses in this category will be graded as A, B, C, or NC (no credit). When goal courses are repeated, they will be graded A, B, C, or F.

The basic competency courses, with the exception of physical education/dance activity courses, are subject to continuous registration. Students during the first semester of enrollment will be placed into the appropriate basic competency course(s). Students who receive an “NC” or “F” in these courses must repeat the course(s) the following semester. Once enrolled, students are not permitted to drop a basic competency course, with the exception of physical education and dance courses.

Goal II: The Arts
Through the creative process, the artist expresses, challenges, and extends societal values. To understand our own and other cultures, one must come to terms with the artist’s effort. Ideally, such understanding will lead to experiences in which the individual seeks to be a participant in the arts, finding creative ways to express feelings and insights.

Goal Courses (6 credits)
Enrichment Courses (3 credits)
It is strongly recommended that all students enrolled in arts goal courses attend a minimum of two arts events.

Goal III: Cultural Diversity and Global Perspective
The educated person is aware of other people, places and values. He or she has a wide perspective and values cultural diversity. The university must assist in developing insights and skills, which will enable every student to value humanity’s worth, dignity and contributions.

Goal Courses (6 credits)
Enrichment Courses (3 credits)
Any credit course (regardless of the number of credits) taken in an international setting will meet the enrichment requirement.

The modern language courses used to satisfy the B.A. requirement may not be used in the enrichment portion of the cultural diversity-global perspective block.

Goal IV: Human Institutions and Interpersonal Relationships
John Donne’s declaration that “no man is an island…” speaks eloquently to our time. To do our work and operate our society, we depend heavily upon organizations and institutions. The educated person learns to understand those institutions and to work effectively with other persons to achieve shared goals.

Goal Courses (3 credits)
Enrichment Courses (3 credits)

Goal V: Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The educated person studies science and mathematics not only to master specific disciplinary content, but also to understand the modes of thought and methods of inquiry of the scientist.

Rigorous, disciplined inquiry enables us to access information and process that enhance physical well being and our natural resource use.

Goal Courses (9-10 credits)
Enrichment Courses (3 credits)
Students are required to have one laboratory experience in either the goal or enrichment areas of biology, chemistry, geology, or physics.

Goal VI: Our National Experience
Good citizenship demands an understanding of our political, economic and social heritage. The educated person has a sense of historical perspective and a keen perception of the values and forces, which have formed the American experience.

Goal Courses (3 credits)

Goal VII: Challenges of the Modern Age
The essential characteristic of the educated person is the ability to weigh alternatives and make thoughtful choices. The rapidly changing world in which we live demands that we all make enormously difficult decisions, choosing wisely and responsibly in an area of competing persuasions. Courses in Goal VII will have a minimum prerequisite of “Advanced Standing.”

Goal Courses (3 credits)
The liberal studies program requires 42-53/55 semester hours of study. The exact total differs for each student depending upon placement in the Basic Competencies area. Course work must be selected according to the requirements listed below. If a student is exempt from a Basic Competencies Goal course, no credit will be awarded, but the total required semester hour number in the liberal studies program for that student will be reduced accordingly. Other students may be required to take additional courses to develop basic academic competencies in reading and study skills and mathematics. However, credit received in those courses will not be applied toward a degree program.