2.7.3 The institution requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency.
JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Compliance.
NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE
All undergraduate degree programs must include a core curriculum of 42 semester credit hours which represents one-third of the total semester hours required for most degrees. The core curriculum provides a breadth of knowledge (Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations-Undergraduate, Core Curriculum) as follows:| Communication | 9 sch |
| Mathematics | 3 sch |
| Natural Science | 8 sch |
| Humanities | 3 sch |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 3 sch |
| History | 6 sch |
| Political Science | 6 sch |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 sch |
| Institutional Option (activity or wellness course) |
1 sch |
The core curriculum is based on a coherent rationale. The core curriculum mission
statement is as follows:
At Texas A&M International University, the core curriculum introduces students to academic disciplines which form the foundation of human thought: mathematics, science, history, language, literature, the arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Our core is conceived to open new areas of learning for our students and to foster skills necessary for success in higher education.
As they move through this course of study, students are encouraged, as their knowledge increases, to develop the capacity to articulate and to support a thesis, to think critically, to synthesize their observations and to perceive analogies and relationships between seemingly diverse ideas and intellectual pursuits. (Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations - Undergraduate, Core Curriculum Mission Statement)
A common core curriculum for all colleges and universities in Texas was implemented in Fall 1999 in accordance with Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter S. The core can be transferred whole or in part among all institutions in the State of Texas in order facilitate student completion of degrees. (Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations - Undergraduate, Transfer of the Core Curriculum)
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
| SOURCE |
LOCATION/Special Instructions |
| Catalog 2004-2005, Core Curriculum |
http://www.tamiu.edu/catalog/current/acadreg-und.shtml#genreq |
| Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations - Undergraduate, Core Curriculum Mission Statement | http://www.tamiu.edu/catalog/current/acadreg-und.shtml#ccms |
| Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter S | http://www.tamiu.edu/archives/ed.003.00.000061.00.htm#61.821.00 |
| Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations - Undergraduate, Transfer of the Core Curriculum | http://www.tamiu.edu/catalog/current/acadreg-und.shtml#tcc |