Core Curriculum - Bachelor's Degree

I. English Composition

Courses in English composition will emphasize the practice of critical reading and effective writing.

Select two courses:     (6 hours)

• ENGL 121              Freshman Composition
• ENGL 220              Research Writing

II. Mathematics

Courses in mathematics will emphasize quantitative and deductive reasoning, problem solving and logical thinking, organizational and systematic thinking, and the application of mathematics to various life situations.

Select one course:      (3 hours)

• MATH 110             College Algebra
• MATH 121             Precalculus
• MATH 131             Applied Mathematics
• MATH 141             Intro to Probability & Statistics
• MATH 181             Calculus I

III. Whole-Person Wellness

Courses in fitness activity will emphasize practical knowledge and practices that will promote life-long whole-person wellness.

Select two courses:    (2 hours)                                    

• Kinesiology (KINA) Electives

IV. Humanities

Courses in the humanities will emphasize a reflection on the human experience and human condition through literary texts and artistic forms.

A. Literature

Select one course:       (3 hours)

• ENGL 221, 222      World Masterpieces I or II
• ENGL 224              Survey of English Literature
• ENGL 231, 232      American Literature I or II
• ENGL 322              Literary Perspectives

B. Fine Arts

Select one course:        (3 hours)

• ARTS 222              Art Appreciation
• ENGL 272              Introduction to Drama
• HIST 221/ARTS 221   History of Western Art
• MUHL 221             Survey of Music
• MUHL 355             Survey of Christian Worship

V. Life and Physical Science

Courses in science will emphasize understanding and application of everyday phenomena. Laboratories will be discovery based and emphasize the development and testing of hypotheses, or they may expose students to

observational experiences that enhance scientific understanding.

A. Life Science

Select one course:  (4 hours)                                                    

• BIOL 101 or 102      Anatomy and Physiology I or II
• BIOL 103                  Human Biology 
• BIOL 111 or 112      General Biology I or II
• BIOL 220                  Microbiology and Immunology
• BIOL 225                  Field Biology
• BIOL 345                  Environment & Mankind

B. Physical Science                                                                                  

Select one course:   (4 hours)                                       

• CHEM 105             Survey of Chemistry
• CHEM 111             General Chemistry I
• GEOL 240              The Dinosaurs
• PHYS 101               Introductory Physics
• PHYS 114               Physical Science
• PHYS 121               General Physics I

VI. History and Social Science

Courses in history and social science are designed to give students a broad understanding of the sweep of world historical, governmental, and cultural events. Through reading, lectures, discussions, and writing, these courses will enhance the critical abilities of students by providing tools and practice that are universal in application.  Ultimately, students should be better able to understand contemporary events by grasping how historical, political, and cultural events have combined to create the world in which they live.

A. History                                                                                                       

Select two courses:      (6 hours)

• HIST 111               American History, 1492-1865

• HIST 112               American History, 1866 - Present

• HIST 225               World Civilizations I
• HIST 226               World Civilizations II

B. Social Science

Select one course:       (3 hours)

• ECON 211              Macroeconomics
• ECON 212              Microeconomics
• HIST 242                Historial and Political Geography
• POLS 211               National and Texas Constitutions
• PSYC 212               General Psychology
• PSYC 220               Human Growth & Development
• SOCI 111                Introduction to Sociology

VII. Religion

Courses in biblical studies will introduce the student to practical methods of Bible study, critical evaluation of scholarship and interpretation, and the richness and depth of the biblical text. Courses in theology will engage the student in a systematic approach to biblical matters, will have students explore different perspectives and relevant issues, and guide students to formulate personal viewpoints and positions. Courses in historical studies trace the origin and development of the Bible, Christianity, Seventh-day Adventism, and other religions.

Select four courses:   (12 hours)

A maximum of 2 courses can be taken in any one area.

One course must be numbered 300 and above.

Transfer students from a non-SDA college must complete one course for each academic year in attendance, with a minimum of 2 courses (one in Biblical Studies).

A. Biblical Studies             

• RELB 211                  Life and Teachings of Jesus
• RELB 313                  Prophetic Studies
• RELB 315 or 316      Old Testament I or II
• RELB 339                  New Testament I:  Gospels
• RELB 340                  New Testament II:  Letters

B. Theological Studies

• RELT 101                   Christian Beliefs
• RELT 212                   Christian Ethics
• RELT 325                   World Religions
• RELT 327                   Integrated Wellness Connections
• RELT 360                   Philosophy & the Christian                                                Worldview
• RELT 419                   Philosophy of Science

C. Historical Studies

• RELH 230                   History of the SDA Church
• RELH 233                  Biblical Archaeology
• RELH 314                  Origin and Development of the Bible 
• RELH 320                  Ellen White Writings
• RELH 331 or 332      History of Christianity I or II

VIII. Competence in Computer Applications

Students completing a degree must be proficient in the use of general computer applications and important software in the field of the student's major. Proficiency will be determined by the completion of a department-designated course or courses.

Academic Departments must submit prospective courses designed to meet the Computer Applications Competency to the General Education Committee for approval.  The Bulletin description of approved courses should include the statement “This course fulfills the Computer Competency requirement as specified in the Core Curriculum.” Unless specified in the major, the following courses meet the proficiency requirement.

• CSIS 102           Computer Literacy and Applications
• CSIS 104           Spreadsheet and Database Applications
• CSIS 106           Comprehensive Spreadsheets

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IX. Competence in Communication

Students completing a degree must be proficient in the application of the principles of effective oral communication including discussion techniques and public presentations. Proficiency will be determined by the completion of a department designated course or courses.      

Academic Departments must submit prospective courses designed to meet the Communication Competency to the General Education Committee for approval. The Bulletin description of approved courses should include the statement “This course fulfills the Communication Competency requirement as specified in the Core Curriculum.” Unless specified in the major, the following courses meet the proficiency requirement:

• COMM 111            Speech
• COMM 113            Oral Interpretation
• COMM 115            Discussion Techniques

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Total GE Credit Hours: 46