General Education RequirementsThe University's general education requirements for graduation apply to all students, regardless of their majors.These requirements allow a wide range of choice in courses that may be taken to fulfill general education graduation requirements. Most of Ferris' degree programs, however, require students to complete specific general education courses selected for their special relevance to that particular major. Consequently, the specific general education courses that a student must take depend on the student's particular program of study and the degree sought. These specific general education requirements are indicated in the individual program descriptions, which appear later. In order to make proper course selections that fulfill the program requirements; students must see their academic advisor before registering for classes. Outcomes Ferris State University's general education requirements and curriculum are designed to produce graduates with the skills, flexibility, and knowledge needed for personal competence, responsible citizenship, and continuing career development and advancement. The following general education outcomes should be shared by all Ferris graduates, regardless of their major program of study. Communication Competence Graduates of Ferris should be able to read, write, speak, and listen effectively in a variety of professional and community situations where complex issues are at stake. These competencies are developed through required English (ENGL) and communication (COMM) courses. Reasoning Ability Graduates should demonstrate competence in problem-solving, critical thinking and independent decision-making with respect to both personal and professional issues. Graduates should also be able to apply principles of ethical decision-making, valuing, and civic responsibility in both their personal and professional lives. Lifelong Learning and Organizational Skills Graduates should demonstrate skills, which are critical not only for success in college coursework, but also for lifelong learning and effective performance of personal and professional responsibilities. These include:
Quantitative Skills Because of the increasing importance of math and statistics in everyday life and the professions, graduates of Ferris should demonstrate functional mathematical competence (e.g., in computations and problem solving), the ability to employ quantitative reasoning, and understanding of elementary statistics and their use. These competencies are developed through required mathematics (MATH) courses. Scientific Understanding In light of the pervasive relevance of science and technology to both everyday life and the professions, graduates should have a basic understanding of scientific concepts, scientific methods, and contemporary issues in science and technology. They should also be able to read, understand, and assess medical and environmental issues they may encounter as well as community or political issues involving science, technology, and medicine. These competencies are developed through courses in the following scientific areas.
Social Awareness In a culturally diverse nation and a changing world, social awareness is essential to graduates' interpersonal relationships, professional competence, and responsible citizenship. Therefore, graduates should be able to understand and address issues involving social institutions, interpersonal and group dynamics, social tradition and change, cultural diversity, and human development and behavior. These competencies are developed through courses in the following social science areas.
Cultural Enrichment Graduates should be able, through the humanities, arts and literature, to enrich their own lives, to increase their understanding of themselves and their culture, and to expand their understanding of others' experience and cultures, including the experience and cultures of other nations and cultural traditions. These competencies are developed through courses in the following areas.
Selected other courses also count in this category. See the outline of "General Education Requirements for Specific Degrees." Global Consciousness In an increasingly interdependent world and global economy, graduates should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the world, its diverse cultures, and the geographic, economic, cultural, and historical interrelationships of nations and peoples. See "Courses Meeting General Education Category Requirements." |