I was browsing through SDSU's website and couldn't quite get a hold of what their general education requirements look like? Can anyone help break down what they are, or how many of my high school courses can count towards these?
San Diego State University (SDSU) has a clear set of General Education (GE) requirements that students must complete as part of their undergraduate experience. These requirements are designed to ensure that every student has a broad educational foundation and exposure to a variety of academic disciplines.
Broadly speaking, the GE requirements consist of three main sections:
1. Communication and Critical Thinking: These courses are designed to develop students' reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
2. Foundations: This houses 4 categories -
a. Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning: These courses focus on math and natural sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics.
b. Social and Behavioral Sciences: These include courses in fields like psychology, sociology, and political science.
c. Humanities: Courses in this category delve into subjects like literature, philosophy, and international languages.
d. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development: These courses promote holistic individual well-being and work-life balance.
3. Explorations: This includes advanced courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These classes are designed to be taken after students have completed the majority of their Foundations courses.
Now, regarding your high school courses, typically, they do not count towards your college GE courses. While your AP classes, if you scored a 3 or higher, can earn you college credit that can help you be placed in more advanced classes, they typically do not fulfill the GE requirements at most colleges, including SDSU.
These requirements are an integral part of your college education, exposing you to various disciplines, promoting intellectual curiosity, and equipping you with a broad set of skills that would be beneficial in your future career. It's best to confirm school-specific policies with an SDSU academic counselor to ensure you're on the right track.
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