Baccalaureate and Associate Programs
General Education Requirements apply to the baccalaureate and associate degree programs. Review the general education requirements for your specific program.
The general education program provides you with the basic knowledge and skills needed to transfer to upper-level institutions. Although you may select certain courses within these areas, you must complete the minimum requirements for each area. To broaden your educational foundation, you are required to take courses in communication, humanities, social sciences, science, and mathematics. These courses constitute the general education requirements for the A.A. degree. For the A.S degree, review your specific program for the general education requirements.
The Florida Articulation Agreement between state-supported universities and state colleges assures that when you have been certified by this institution as having completed the Associate in Arts degree, no further lower division general education courses will be required. This, of course, does not preclude the possibility that you may occasionally need additional prerequisite courses in your major area of study.
You are required to meet with an academic counselor/advisor upon initial enrollment at SFSC. To plan coursework appropriate to a certain major/program, investigate and discuss transfer requirements with the academic counselor/ advisor as early as possible.
General Education Outcomes
SFSC emphasizes the development of general education skills for every student. The College’s general education mission is “developing students across the College who are well-informed, self-reliant, globally responsible citizens by providing diverse educational opportunities.” In each course offered at the College, you will be assessed on at least one of five student general education learning outcomes.
Your mastery of the general education outcomes is determined by the course instructor, using collegewide evaluative rubrics or instruments designed by your instructor that incorporate key elements from the rubric.
| I. |
You will demonstrate the ability to communicate (read, write, speak, and listen) effectively. |
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A. |
You will be able to construct an essay that demonstrates excellent composition skills including a clear and thought-provoking thesis; appropriate and effective organization; lively and convincing supporting materials; effective sentence skills; and perfect or near perfect mechanics including spelling and punctuation. (Collegewide Rubric - Writing) |
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B. |
You will be able to present a speech that is appropriate for the purpose, occasion, and audience; contains a clear and identifiable organizational structure and format; uses language that is clear, vivid, and appropriate; and incorporates effective nonverbal behaviors including eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and posture. (Collegewide Rubric - Speech) |
| II. |
You will demonstrate the ability to reflect, analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge. |
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A. |
You will be able to exhibit accurate and full explanations of deductive and inductive reasoning processes; discern differences and similarities among theories; view information from multiple perspectives; formulate questions; recognize sound and unsound arguments; distinguish facts from inferences and opinions; and demonstrate the ability to transfer thinking from the classroom to the real world. (Collegewide Rubric - Critical Thinking) |
| III. |
You will demonstrate knowledge and application of mathematical and scientific principles and methods. |
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A. |
You will be able to identify relevant numerical information in mathematical or other concepts; apply mathematical and/or basic statistical reasoning to analyze data and graphs; represent and evaluate basic mathematical information verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically; propose and evaluate solutions; and apply mathematical concepts to the solution of real-life problems. (Collegewide Rubric - Mathematics) |
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B. |
You will be able to explain a scientific idea by providing accurate facts; gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method; analyze and apply scientific data, concepts, and models; evaluate and test a scientific hypothesis; and apply appropriate natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues. (Collegewide Rubric - Science) |
| IV. |
You will demonstrate the ability to find, evaluate, organize, and use information. |
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A. |
You will be able to locate and collect sufficient and accurate information necessary to solve a problem or support an argument; organize information; demonstrate an understanding of sources and types of information; and analyze information and sources critically to determine its quality and utility. (Collegewide Rubric - Information) |
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B. |
You will recognize the need for information; identify potential sources with or without technology; understand that accurate and complete information is the basis for intelligent decision making; and use information ethically and legally. (Collegewide Rubric - Information) |
| V. |
You will be prepared to participate actively as an informed and responsible citizen in social, cultural, global, and environmental matters. |
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A. |
You will be able to describe the cultural forces affecting the traditions of visual and auditory arts, as well as social and historical events in western and non-western societies; and explain how international cultures, societies, political economics, and the environment relate to complex, modern world systems. (Collegewide Rubric - Global) |
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B. |
You will be able to demonstrate a mature perspective of cultural diversity; explain the complexity of your own cultural identity; and appreciate your role as a member of the global community. (Collegewide Rubric - Global) |
Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree
I. Communications (9 credit hrs.)
You must complete the following three courses under the core and elective list: CORE Communications Course (3 credit hrs.)
ELECTIVE Communications Courses (3 credit hrs. each)
Note:
*Denotes writing course requirements. These courses require demonstration of college-level writing skills through multiple writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required for courses used to fulfill the writing course requirements. II. Humanities (6 credit hrs.)
You must complete one course from the core and one additional course from either the core or elective list. CORE Humanities Courses (3 credit hrs. each)
ELECTIVE Humanities Courses (3 credit hrs. each)
Note:
All humanities courses require demonstration of college-level writing skills through multiple writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required for courses used to fulfill the writing course requirements. Consult a counselor or honors program director before choosing elective Humanities course. III. Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credit hrs.)
You must complete one of the following (3 credit hrs. each):
CORE Social and Behavioral Sciences Courses (3 credit hrs. each)
ELECTIVE Social and Behavioral Sciences Courses (3 credit hrs. each)
IV. Natural Sciences (7 - 8 credit hrs.)
You must complete one course from the core and one additional course from either the core or elective list (one course must be a laboratory science course): CORE Natural Sciences Courses
Non-Lab Natural Sciences (3 credit hrs.)
Combined w/Lab Natural Sciences (4 credit hrs.)
Combined w/Lab Natural Sciences (5 credit hrs.)
ELECTIVE Natural Sciences Courses
Lab Natural Sciences (1 credit hr.)
Lab Natural Sciences (2 credit hrs.)
Non-Lab Natural Sciences (3 credit hrs.)
Combined w/Lab Natural Sciences (4 credit hrs.)
Combined w/Lab Natural Sciences (5 credit hrs.)
V. Mathematics (6 - 8 credit hrs.)
You must complete one course from the core and one additional course from either the core or elective list. MAC 2311 and MAC 2233 may not be used together to meet this requirement: ELECTIVE Mathematics Courses
Note:
A minimum grade of C is required for the courses used to fulfill the six hours of mathematics required as computation intensive course. VI. Other General Education Requirement (3 credit hrs.)
One additional course from either the Gen Ed Core or Gen Ed Elective lists. VII. Electives (21 - 24 credit hrs.)
You should consult with SFSC’s Advising and Counseling Center staff or a campus/center director to select the proper courses to meet this section of the Associate in Arts degree requirements. Elective courses assist you in specializing in an academic major field of study. You must take a minimum of 21 credit hours of electives. Elective courses should be selected on the basis of your intended major. If you are uncertain about your major area of study, you should consult a counselor or advisor before choosing elective courses.
Writing and Computation Course Requirements
The Florida Board of Education requires the achievement of college-level communication and computation skills through completion of coursework in English and mathematics with a grade of C or higher. Before receiving an Associate in Arts degree from a public college or university in Florida, or prior to entry into the upper division of a public university or college in Florida, you must complete the following writing and computation course requirements:
Communication/Humanities
You must take four writing intensive courses in order to meet the writing and computation course requirements. A minimum of 6 credit hours of English coursework and 6 credit hours of additional humanities coursework must be completed. You are required to demonstrate college-level English skills through multiple assignments and earn a grade of C or higher in each course.
Mathematics
You must complete at least six hours of mathematics courses with a grade of C or higher. However, MAC 2311 and MAC 2233 may not be used together to meet this requirement.
Civic Literacy Requirement
You must meet the Civic Literacy requirement by passing either AMH 1010 , AMH 1020 , or POS 1041 AND passing the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE). Competency can also be met through testing by achieving the standard score on either AP Government: United States, AP United States History, or CLEP: American Government or History of the United States I.
Panther PATHways
Panther PATHways at SFSC is an initiative designed to streamline the academic journey for students. This comprehensive program assists students from the initial stage of course selection to job placement in their field of study or seamless transfer to a four-year institution. Through access to academic advisors, a range of learning resources such as tutoring, study groups, workshops, and career preparation services, Panther PATHways is committed to equipping students to excel. With a wide range of PATHways to explore on the SFSC website, students can view program maps with helpful topics such as Pre-Degree Requirements, Recommended Soft Skills, Recommended Courses to Take by Term, Career Information, and Transfer Resources.
For students seeking a supportive, structured, and proactive academic journey, Panther PATHways offers the resources and guidance necessary for success. For more information, visit Panther PATHways, call 863-784-7131, or email Advising@southflorida.edu.
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