Core Requirements
NOTE: The "Core" Curriculum applies to all "first-year"
students that entered USP prior to Fall 2007 and students that entered
in Fall 2007 with at least one year of transfer credit. Students
who entered in Fall 2007 as "first-year" students will
need to follow the GenEd Curriculum.
Students should consult with their advisor or the Chairperson of
the Department if any questions should arise.
The Core enables student to develop basic skills, prepare for advanced
course work, and explore varied areas of inquiry. In addition to
the specific courses required by the Core Curriculum, students also
have the opportunity to direct their intellectual development through
a combination of distribution requirements and free electives.
Fundamental Requirements
(38 credits)
- Natural Sciences - 16 credits
- Mathematics - 6 credits
- Social Sciences - 6 credits
- Communication - 6 credits
- Physical Education - 1 credit
- Writing in Literature - 3 credits
- Ethics/Moral Reasoning
- Proficiencies and Skills*
Interdisciplinary
Requirement
(6 credits)
- Intellectual Heritage Sequence
Core Distribution
Requirements
(9 credits)
- World Cultures - 3 credits
- Advanced Social Sciences - 3 credits
- History/Literature - 3 credits
Core Elective
(3 credits)
- Social Sciences
- Communication
- Literature
- Fine Arts
- Biology
- Chemistry
- World Cultures
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Foreign Culture
- Undergraduate Independent/Directed Study or Research
- History
Proficiencies and
Skills
Writing Proficiency - All students are expected to demonstrate
college-level writing skills prior to graduation by taking the Writing
Proficiency Exam (taken in the Spring semester of the second year).
However, students for whom English is a second language, or who did
poorly on the English Diagnostic Exam (given upon first entering the
University), should schedule an appointment with the Writing Center
and take advantage of the services provided there. Transfer students
for whom English is a second language, or those with difficulties
in English MUST enroll with the Writing Center during
their first semester at USP.
[Note: Neither AP credit, or transfer credit, or
completion of EN 101 (English Composition) at USP is a substitute
for taking and passing the Writing Proficiency exam.]
Computer
Proficiency - All students must demonstrate proficiency in word
processing and spreadsheet applications, as well as appropriate internet
skills, prior to enrolling in second-year courses. There are several
ways in which students can demonstrate this proficiency, both by exam
and course (CH 110/111). Details are provided at the above link.
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