General Education Learning Communities

WHAT IS GEN ED?

The General Education program provides students with invaluable learning experiences across a wide range of academic fields on topics of general interest. While major and minor programs focus on specific disciplines, the Gen Ed program ensures that all students, regardless of major, explore a range of scholarly approaches in a variety of fields. While its scope is broad, Gen Ed prioritizes in-depth, active learning and emphasizes essential skills building for success in college and beyond. y In the Gen Ed Learning Communities, students take two or more thematically linked courses together, learning about fascinating topics from diverse disciplinary perspectives. y Students gain knowledge through study and experience; they discover and pursue their chosen areas of interest in courses that explore distinct approaches to intellectual inquiry. y Academic study becomes an integrative exploration of oneself and the world.

Gen Ed: How It Works

Students complete the Gen Ed program by moving through the Tiers in order—first Tier 1, then Tier 2, and finally Tier 3—though some overlap may be necessary in some semesters. y Tier 1 consists of a required English Composition and Math course plus four seminar courses in the Modes of Inquiry. y Tier 2 consists of English Composition and six seminar courses in the Modes of Inquiry. y All Gen Ed students take at least two seminars (at least 6 credits) in each of the four Modes of Inquiry for a total of ten seminar courses (at least 30 credits) across Tiers 1 and 2. y All students take one Tier 3 capstone course (3 credits) in the final semester of Gen Ed. y Intermodal courses count toward the distribution requirements in two Modes of Inquiry; they provide greater flexibility in selecting future seminars but count only once toward the ten seminar courses (at least 30 credits) required across Tiers 1 and 2. y The seminars that count toward the distribution requirements in the Modes of Inquiry are listed in the Master Course List. If you have questions about the Gen Ed requirements, or about which Academic Planning Sheet to use, please see your academic advisor. For more information, email GenEd@njcu.edu.