General Education FAQ

Courses in the general education inventory can meet multiple outcomes. For instance, a single course if so designed can address Critical Thinking (Learning Outcome), Natural Science (Area of Knowledge), and Sustainability (Curricular Theme).

Writing fundamentals are very important in completing assignments and communicating ideas. Therefore, WSSU wants every student to have a good foundation in writing. Students can meet the requirement in a few ways. First, they can take a Level I or Level II composition class at WSSU (see “Choosing a Composition Class” in the Toolbox). Secondly, they can transfer in a writing class. Third, they could have taken AP English Language Writing test and scored a 3 or higher.

Actually the composition class should meet a Written Communication Learning Outcome requirement of which there are four. It does not meet an Area of Knowledge requirement or a Curricular Theme requirement.

The faculty determined that to be successful in biology courses students need to be able to read at a particular level. Therefore, until students complete developmental reading they should not take a biology class.

WSSU processes AP Credit just like transfer credit. If the university received the score from the College Board, the course should appear on the student’s WSSU on-line transcript. Once the credit is accepted by WSSU, the credit will satisfy the Area of Knowledge just like the course the credit is replacing. For example, the General Education guidelines state that, “if students have taken the AP General Psychology and they score 3 or above, they do not need a Social Behavioral science course. 

NOTE: For most medical schools, AP tests in biology, chemistry, and physics do not fulfill the premedical requirements. Most medical schools require that biology, chemistry, and physics be taken in college.