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General Education Program

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FAQ General Education

How do I know if I have completed my General Education requirements?
You should go to www.gvsu.edu. Click on "Current Students" and then click on "My Banner" to log in. From there you can obtain your MyPath "Degree Audit Report" which will tell you which classes you have taken and which classes you need to take.

Can I use life experiences (work, volunteer, military service) to count for a General Education course?
Although life experiences are extremely valuable in your education, they cannot count for a General Education course.

Can I use an independent study, internship, practicum, co-op, research, or similar type of course to fulfill a General Education requirement?
No. These courses can often be used to fulfill a requirement in your major, minor, or emphasis.

Do I have to take GE courses if I'm a transfer student?
Yes. Students who transfer to Grand Valley with the MACRAO approved associate of arts or science degree from a Michigan public community college have satisfied the Foundation Categories of the General Education Program and one Supplemental Writing Skills (SWS) course. However, transfer students with a MACRAO are required to complete the following requirements:one SWS course in their major or division, the General Education Program two-course Cultural Emphasis requirement and one two-course (beginning Fall 2011) Theme requirement.

I transferred here from another institution and I think that one of my courses might count toward my General Education requirements. Where should I go to find out?
You need to go to the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) located in 200 Student Services Building to fill out a Student Concern Form. They will evaluate the class and let you know if your request has been approved. Please note, that your advisor CANNOT make substitutions in the General Education Program. For more information on transfer credit and course equivalency, please visit www.michigantransfernetwork.org

I have received a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley (or any other institution). Do I have to complete the General Education requirements to complete another degree?
Students with a bachelor's degree (from any college) have completed the general education requirements. They just need to complete the 2nd degree/major requirements within the program.

Is there a minimum grade required for General Education Classes?
There is no minimum grade requirement for General Education classes. There are however PASSING grade requirements for SWS courses, as well as your major.

I am studying abroad this semester and I want to take one (or more) of my Theme or General Education requirements abroad. What do I need to do?
You should talk to the Padnos International Center in 130 Lake Ontario Hall or check out their website: http://www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/

How does "double dipping" work?
There are some classes that count for more than one General Education requirement. An example would be GPY 235. It is listed under Social and Behavioral Sciences AND World Perspectives, which means, if you were to take this course, it would count for both a Social and Behavioral Sciences and a World Perspectives credit.

How do I fulfill the Math 110 proficiency?
Below are the ways to meet MTH 110 Proficiency:

Successful completion of the Math 110 course OR

• Initial mathematics placement of “waive MTH 110” or the Advanced Waiver.
• Pass the MTH 110 proficiency test  (www.gvsu.edu/testserv)
• Transfer credit for MTH 110, 122, 123, 125, 201, 202, 203, 225 or 302.
• AP credit for MTH 201 and/or 202.  (Score of 3 or higher required.)
• CLEP credit for MTH 122 or 201.

  If you are a student that started at GVSU BEFORE FALL 2011:
   1. You must meet MTH 110 Proficiency, even if you fulfill GE Mathematical Science - Foundation (MS-F) or MACRAO elsewhere
         OR
    2. You must adopt a new catalog (2011-12)

If you are a New Transfer Student:  
    1. If you fulfilled MACRAO then you have fulfilled MS-F
    2. You can transfer in any course in MS-F. If so, you have then fulfilled MS-F
         OR
     If you need MS-F, you must show MTH 110 Proficiency

If you are a New Freshman:
   1. Math 110 course, or proficiency (see list above), is a pre-requisite for MS-F