Navigating General Education Requirements at OSU

General education requirements are a cornerstone of undergraduate education at many universities, including Oklahoma State University (OSU) and The Ohio State University (Ohio State). These requirements aim to provide a broad foundation of knowledge and skills, complementing the specialized training students receive in their chosen majors. This article will delve into the specifics of general education requirements at OSU and other institutions, examining their purpose, structure, and how students can effectively navigate them.

Understanding General Education

General education requirements are designed to ensure that all graduates possess a common core of knowledge and abilities, regardless of their chosen field of study. This core typically includes courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. The goal is to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are critical thinkers, effective communicators, and informed citizens.

General Education Requirements at Oklahoma State University (OSU)

Every OSU undergraduate degree includes a 40-credit-hour general education core that meets the requirements specified in the following table. Degree requirements may exceed the minimum criteria stated below. Courses that carry general education designations are identified in the student information system and the Courses section of the Catalog.

In keeping with State Regents policy, every OSU undergraduate degree includes a 40-credit-hour general education core. Degree requirements may exceed the minimum criteria stated. Courses that carry general education designations are identified in the student information system and the Courses section of the Catalog. When HIST 1483 (H) or HIST 1493 (DH) are used to meet the American History requirement, they cannot also be used for H general education credit hours.

A minimum of 15 hours of the requirements below should be unspecified on degree plans. Courses with N designation. An additional 4-10 hours of general education are required to meet the total 40 credit hour minimum. OSU degree plans are designed to allow maximum flexibility within general education areas Q, H, S, N, L, D, and G, so students may select a Cowboy Compass trail leading to a certificate to fulfill these requirements. A minimum of 15 credit hours in these general education areas should be unspecified on a degree plan. An additional 4-10 hours of general education courses are required to meet the total 40 credit hour minimum. If courses used to meet the D and G requirements do not carry other general education designations, only 4 additional hours will be required.

Core Components

OSU's general education program encompasses a range of disciplines, ensuring students gain exposure to diverse perspectives and modes of inquiry. These areas typically include:

Quantitative Thought and Logical Reasoning (Q): Developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Humanities (H): Exploring literature, philosophy, history, and the arts.
Social Sciences (S): Examining human behavior, social structures, and institutions.
Natural Sciences (N): Understanding the principles of the physical and biological world.
Arts (L): Appreciating and engaging in creative expression.
Diversity (D): Fostering awareness and understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Global (G): Examining global issues and interconnections.
American History: Understanding the history of the United States.
English Composition: Developing effective writing skills.

Flexibility and Customization

OSU degree plans are designed to allow maximum flexibility within general education areas Q, H, S, N, L, D, and G, so students may select a Cowboy Compass trail leading to a certificate to fulfill these requirements. A minimum of 15 credit hours in these general education areas should be unspecified on a degree plan. An additional 4-10 hours of general education courses are required to meet the total 40 credit hour minimum. If courses used to meet the D and G requirements do not carry other general education designations, only 4 additional hours will be required.

Course Substitutions and Waivers

Substitution of general education courses is allowed when background for the major demands greater depth in an area in which a general education requirement is stated. Only in the Quantitative Thought and Logical Reasoning (Q) and Reasoning in the Natural Sciences (N) areas is substitution of the more advanced lower-division course permitted. Such a substitution requires the recommendation of the student’s academic advisor and dean and the approval of the Office of Academic Affairs.

A course substitution is a specific course that takes the place of a required course on a degree plan because it meets the content and/or spirit of the requirement. A course waiver excuses a student from completing a required course on a degree plan because the student has fulfilled the content requirement of the course by completing other courses or academic experiences. A course waiver does not result in awarding credit hours and consequently does not reduce the number of semester credit hours required for the degree or for any other degree-related requirements. A maximum of six semester credit hours may be waived, and waiver approval is granted only in special circumstances. Required courses in English, American history and American government cannot be waived. Waivers must be approved by the student’s advisor, the head of the student’s major department and the dean of the college.

English Composition Requirement at OSU

The University requires a minimum of six semester credit hours in English composition for a baccalaureate degree. The required sequence of courses is ENGL 1113 Composition I and ENGL 1213 Composition II. For those who qualify, ENGL 1123 International Freshman Composition I or ENGL 1313 Critical Analysis and Writing I may be substituted for ENGL 1113 Composition I. Students who earn an "A" or "B" in ENGL 1113 Composition I (or ENGL 1123 International Freshman Composition I or ENGL 1313 Critical Analysis and Writing I) or who earn three semester credit hours in English composition through credit by exam, and who have the consent of their college, may substitute ENGL 3323 Technical Writing for ENGL 1213 Composition II. Students who qualify may substitute ENGL 1223 International Freshman Composition II or ENGL 1413 Critical Analysis and Writing II for ENGL 1213 Composition II.

Read also: Navigating Gen Ed Requirements

Transfer Students

For students who earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from another college or university within the Oklahoma State System, the lower-division general education requirement of the baccalaureate degree shall be the responsibility of the institution awarding the associate degree, providing the general education requirements specified by the State Regents are met.

General Education at The Ohio State University (Ohio State)

The Ohio State University is committed to educating students for life as well as for their future careers. The university's General Education (GE) requirements are a vital piece of their education that every undergraduate student at Ohio State shares, regardless of major. It is designed to enhance a student's technical training for a career in a specific field with other skills that will make them a well-rounded person.

The Ohio State University's General Education (GE) program allows students to steer their education, offering unparalleled freedom in shaping an educational journey that aligns with individual aspirations and goals. The GE empowers students to take control of their unique and intentional academic experience, allowing them to choose courses that not only serve their interests but also support their future ambitions. With a focus on simplicity and customization, the GE outlines a streamlined yet flexible pathway to a degree, enabling students to craft an education that is as distinctive as they are.

Beginning in Autumn 2022, the university implemented a new set of GE requirements for most new students.

Key Components of Ohio State's GE Program

The GE program at Ohio State is structured around several key components:

Bookend Courses: Students will take a launch seminar and a concluding reflection seminar to begin and end the GE program. Transfer students who have been working toward transitioning to Ohio State and will enter between the Autumn 2022 and Summer 2024 sessions may petition to participate in the Legacy (college-specific) GE.
Foundation Courses: Introduce students to a variety of academic disciplines to better understand different ways of analyzing and understanding the world. Students take one course in each of the seven distinct categories.
Themes Courses: Help students develop a deeper understanding of complex topics that are vital to addressing major 21st-century questions. All students are required to take Citizenship for a Diverse and Just World plus additional coursework in a theme of their choosing. Students will take one 4-credit course per theme or two 3-credit courses (courses must be from a different subject area). One course from each theme can overlap with the major (if applicable).
Embedded Literacies: Some of the key competencies previously in the GE have been shifted to the major program as embedded literacies. These competencies advanced writing, data analysis and technology are now embedded in courses within the major program, providing opportunities for students to develop specific communication, statistical and technological skills relevant to their academic discipline.

Structure of the GE Program

Most Buckeyes start and finish with Bookend courses, a "Launch" seminar to prepare for success and a "Reflection" seminar to review academic and personal growth. Transfer students experience a "Connection" seminar to ease transition into the Scarlet and Gray life.

Opening Bookends
- Launch Seminar (GenEd 1201) for first-year students Introduces students to the broad goals of the GE and the skills needed to succeed.
- Connection Seminar (GenEd 2601) for transfer students Connects prior experiences with current and future goals and plans in a customized course for transfer students.
Foundation Courses Introduce students to a variety of academic disciplines to better understand different ways of analyzing and understanding the world. Students take one course in each of the seven distinct categories.
Themes Courses Help students develop a deeper understanding of complex topics that are vital to addressing major 21st-century questions. All students are required to take Citizenship for a Diverse and Just World plus additional coursework in a theme of their choosing. Students will take one 4-credit course per theme or two 3-credit courses (courses must be from a different subject area). One course from each theme can overlap with the major (if applicable).
Closing Bookend Reflection Seminar (GenEd 4001) Students document and reflect on their academic and personal growth. Also prepares students to explain to potential employers what skills and knowledge they gained from college.
GE Information for Advisors

Considerations for Transfer Students at OSU

General education requirements are changing at OSU. Starting summer 2025, OSU’s general education curriculum is changing. Students will need to fulfill the new Core Education requirements. If you have an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) at LBCC, you don’t have anything to worry about. It will satisfy the lower division general education requirements at OSU.

It's important to connect with an OSU student advisor before the end of fall term to determine which general education requirements will apply to you and how to choose classes accordingly. This is your transfer plan.

If you have a 2.25+ GPA by the end of fall term, you will likely benefit from applying to OSU for winter or spring term 2025. Students with 3.75+ college GPA may be eligible for OSU transfer scholarships, which are awarded only for students applying for fall term. It is important to think about the timing of your application to OSU and how it relates to the new Core Education at OSU.

Courses that do not count towards the new Core Education requirements can still transfer as elective credits. That’s okay! This gives you a few terms before you need to take any classes at OSU.

If you are transfer eligible, but you think you prefer the new Core Education requirements, you can choose to apply to OSU for summer 2025 or later.

Additional Academic Regulations at OSU

Beyond general education requirements, OSU has a comprehensive set of academic regulations that govern student enrollment, academic standing, and degree completion. These regulations are designed to ensure academic integrity and student success.

Admission and Enrollment

Policies and procedures governing the admission of new freshmen and transfer students are detailed in the Catalog. Admission to certain programs as approved by the University may be restricted. As a condition of admission to undergraduate study at OSU, all persons for whom English is a second language shall be required to present evidence of English proficiency.

Enrollment cancellation occurs when a student drops all classes before classes begin and must be received by the Office of the Registrar before the first day of classes for the term. Withdrawing from the University occurs when a student drops all classes after classes begin. The withdrawal process is initiated with the student’s academic advisor or in the student’s academic student services office. International students must also consult with International Students and Scholars (ISS) before dropping courses or withdrawing for the semester.

Academic Standing and Probation

Students not under academic suspension from the University are judged to be making satisfactory progress toward their educational objectives. They are eligible to enroll in any of the undergraduate colleges except as may be restricted. Undergraduate students must meet the GPA requirements below to be in good academic standing. Any student not maintaining an overall GPA as indicated above will be placed on probation for one semester. First year students (30 or fewer credit hours, as defined by OSRHE policy) with an overall GPA of 1.70 to less than 2.00 will be placed on academic notice.

A student on probation will be suspended when he or she earns a current term (semester) GPA of less than a 2.00 in regularly-graded course work not including physical education activity (leisure) or developmental courses, and the overall grade-point average falls below the specified threshold.

Suspension and Readmission

A student who has been suspended from the University for academic reasons may not be readmitted until one regular semester (fall or spring) has elapsed (unless the faculty appeals committee grants immediate reinstatement). Students who wish to appeal suspension status should inquire about procedures and deadlines from their advisor or the Office of Academic Affairs. Students who were concurrently enrolled in another college or university during the semester may appeal the suspension by submitting an official transcript from the institution.

Readmission after one regular semester (fall or spring) has elapsed will be considered on the merits of the individual case. Suspended students can be readmitted only one time. A student with 90 or more hours in a specified degree program who has been academically suspended may enroll, at the discretion of the institution, in up to 15 additional credit hours in a further attempt to achieve the requirements for retention. During these 15 hours of enrollment, the student must achieve a minimum 2.00 current term (semester) GPA at the end of each term or must raise the overall (retention) GPA to 2.00 or above to avoid suspension. This senior suspension exception must be approved by the Director of Student Academic Services or Associate Dean for Instruction in the student's college in the form of a letter to the Registrar.

A student suspended from OSU at the end of the spring semester may continue in the summer semester at OSU if this spring suspension was the student's first suspension. The student must complete a minimum of six hours and must achieve a 2.00 current term (summer semester) GPA, or raise the overall (retention/graduation) GPA to the OSRHE standard, in order to continue in the subsequent fall semester. The student should contact his or her dean's office for additional information and restrictions.

Matriculation and Degree Requirements

A student's matriculation date is associated with his or her first term after high school graduation as an admitted student in an accredited institution of higher education. A student generally follows the degree requirements associated with his or her matriculation year. Although the curriculum may be revised before a student graduates, students will be held responsible for the degree requirements in effect at the time of matriculation and any changes that are made, so long as these changes do not result in semester credit hours being added or do not delay graduation. A student has the option of adopting the new degree requirements that have been established since matriculation. The time limit for following a given undergraduate degree program is six years.

Degrees are conferred only on specific commencement dates. If a student completes requirements for a degree after a commencement date, the degree will be granted at the next scheduled commencement after the student files a graduation application.

Student Status and Enrollment Load

Undergraduate students who are enrolled in 12 or more semester credit hours (six or more for the summer session) are classified as "full-time" students. A student holding a 0.50 FTE Graduate Teaching/Research Associate/Assistant (GTA or GRA) appointment who is enrolled in a minimum of six hours during the fall or spring semester and two hours during the summer semester will be certified as a full-time graduate student. Any FTE appointment less than 0.50 requires nine hours of enrollment for the fall or spring semester and three hours of enrollment for the summer semester in order for the student to be classified as a full-time student. Doctoral students who have completed the requirements for admission to doctoral candidacy and had their “Admission to Doctoral Candidacy” form approved by the Graduate College may enroll for a minimum of at least two credit hours during any term and be considered full-time. This post-candidacy reduced enrollment option applies to all qualified graduate students, including GTAs, GRAs, international students and veterans receiving VA benefits.

Students who are enrolled but not meeting the definition of full-time students are classified as "part-time." Undergraduate students are classified as "half-time" if they are enrolled in six hours in a regular semester (or three hours in a summer session).

Additional Considerations

In addition to these minimal regulations, additional college, department or program requirements may apply.

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