Dr. Sheri R. Noviello, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
1013 West Hall
Core Curriculum of the University System of Georgia (USG)
The University System of Georgia (USG) is a composite of diverse institutions that require systemwide coherence to facilitate success for students. To achieve these ends, the USG has outlined a Core IMPACTS curriculum that will serve as a guide for institutions to develop and refine course selections that will enable students to meet the Learning Outcomes and Career-Ready Competencies for each Core IMPACTS area.
Systemwide Learning Outcomes and Career-Ready Competencies have been established for each Core IMPACTS area. To be included in a Core IMPACTS area, courses must address the approved Learning Outcomes and Career-Ready Competencies for that area.
Every institution in the University System of Georgia will have Core IMPACTS of precisely 42 semester hours and a Field of Study area of precisely 18 hours. All students must meet the Core IMPACTS requirements of the institutions from which they receive their degrees.
There are seven Core IMPACTS areas. IMPACTS is a mnemonic for the core curriculum. The core curriculum also includes the field of study area.
| Area | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Priority | (Institution) | Courses that address learning outcomes of priorities chosen by the institution |
| Mathematics and Quantitative Skills | (Mathematics) | Courses that address learning outcomes in quantitative reasoning |
| Political Science and US History | (Citizenship) | Courses that address learning outcomes related to citizenship in political science and history |
| Arts, Humanities, and Ethics | (Humanities) | Courses that address learning outcomes in humanities, fine arts, and ethics |
| Communicating in Writing | (Writing) | Courses that address learning outcomes in writing in English |
| Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences | (STEM) | Courses that address learning outcomes in the natural sciences, mathematics, and technology |
| Social Sciences | (Social Sciences) | Courses that address learning outcomes in the social sciences |
| Field of Study | Lower division courses required by the degree program that are prerequisites to major courses at higher levels. |
VSU Core Curriculum (60 Semester Hours Required)
Descriptions of the courses in the Core Curriculum are found in the Courses of Instruction section, listed in alphabetical order by course prefix.
Any additional hours selected in the Core Curriculum by the student may be counted as electives in the major program, if allowed by the major program.
All students must meet VSU’s core requirements in order to receive a degree from Valdosta State University.
Institutional Priority
Learning Goal:
Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and solve problems related to academic priorities at their institution.
Orienting Question:
How does my institution help me to navigate the world?
Career-ready Competencies:
Critical thinking, Team work, Time management.
Courses in Institutional Priorities : 4-5 semester hours
For non-STEM/non-nursing majors, 5 hours; for STEM/nursing majors, 4 hours
This area is satisfied by completing Academic Perspectives on Inquiry (INQR) courses offered in the following areas:
- Academic Perspectives on Inquiry: Business and Education
- Academic Perspectives on Inquiry: Exploratory
- Academic Perspectives on Inquiry: Humanities, Arts and Design, and Communication Studies
- Academic Perspectives on Inquiry: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Academic Perspectives on Inquiry: STEM and Health Professions
Mathematics and Quantitative Skills
Learning Goal:
Students will apply mathematical and computational knowledge to interpret, evaluate, and communicate quantitative information using verbal, numerical, graphical, or symbolic forms.
Orienting Question:
How do I measure the world?
Career-ready Competencies:
Information literacy, Inquiry and analysis, Problem-solving
Courses in Mathematics and Quantitative Skills: 3 semester hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Introduction to Mathematical Modeling | ||
or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
or MATH 1112 | Trigonometry | |
| Precalculus (*) | ||
or MATH 1113H | Honors Precalculus | |
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
NOTE: MATH 1113 or MATH 1113H (or higher) is required of all students majoring in (or intending to transfer within the University System with a major in) architecture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering technology, geology, geography (B.S.), forestry, pharmacy, mathematics, physical therapy, physics, or secondary education (biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics). MATH 2261 (or higher) is required of all students intending to transfer within the University System with a major in engineering.
Political Science and U.S. History
Learning Goal:
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history of the United States, the history of Georgia, and the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia.
Orienting Question:
How do I prepare for my responsibilities as an engaged citizen?
Career-ready Competencies:
Critical thinking, Intercultural competence, Persuasion
Courses in Political Science and US History: 6 semester hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
| or POLS 1101H | Honors American Government | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| United States History to 1865 | ||
or HIST 2111H | Honors United States History to 1865 | |
| United States History since 1865 | ||
or HIST 2112H | Honors United States History Since 1865 | |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Arts, Humanities, and Ethics
Learning Goal:
Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Orienting Question:
How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Career-ready Competencies:
Ethical reasoning, Information literacy, Intercultural competence
Courses in Arts, Humanities, and Ethics: 6 semester hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| World Literature I: The Ancient World | ||
or ENGL 2111H | Honors World Literature I: The Ancient World | |
| World Literature II: The Age of Discovery | ||
or ENGL 2112H | Honors World Literature II: The Age of Discovery | |
| World Literature III: The Development of Modern Thought | ||
or ENGL 2113H | Honor World Literature III: The Development of Modern Thought | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| ARAB 1001 | Beginning Arabic Language and Introduction to Arabic Culture I | 3 |
| ARAB 1002 | Beginning Arabic Language and Introduction to Arabic Culture II | 3 |
| ARAB 2001 | Intermediate Arabic Language and Culture I | 3 |
| ARAB 2002 | Intermediate Arabic Language and Culture II | 3 |
| ART 1100 | Introduction to the Visual Arts | 3 |
| or ART 1100H | Honors Introduction to the Visual Arts | |
| COMM 1100 | Human Communication | 3 |
| COMM 1110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| DANC 1500 | Introduction to Dance | 3 |
| ENGL 2111 | World Literature I: The Ancient World | 3 |
| or ENGL 2111H | Honors World Literature I: The Ancient World | |
| ENGL 2112 | World Literature II: The Age of Discovery | 3 |
| or ENGL 2112H | Honors World Literature II: The Age of Discovery | |
| ENGL 2113 | World Literature III: The Development of Modern Thought | 3 |
| or ENGL 2113H | Honor World Literature III: The Development of Modern Thought | |
| FREN 1001 | Beginning French Language and Introduction to Francophone Cultures, I | 3 |
| FREN 1002 | Beginning French Language and Introduction to Francophone Cultures, II | 3 |
| FREN 2001 | Intermediate French Language & Francophone Cultures, I | 3 |
| FREN 2002 | Intermediate French Language & Francophone Cultures, II | 3 |
| GRMN 1001 | Beginning German Language and Introduction to German Culture, I | 3 |
| GRMN 1002 | Beginning German Language and Introduction to German Culture, II | 3 |
| GRMN 2001 | Intermediate German Language and German Culture, I | 3 |
| GRMN 2002 | Intermediate German Language and Culture, II | 3 |
| JAPN 1001 | Beginning Japanese Language and Introduction to Japanese Culture I | 3 |
| JAPN 1002 | Beginning Japanese Language and Introduction to Japanese Culture II | 3 |
| JAPN 2001 | Intermediate Japanese Language and Japanese Culture I | 3 |
| JAPN 2002 | Intermediate Japanese Language and Japanese Culture II | 3 |
| LATN 1001 | Beginning Latin Language and Introduction to Roman Culture I | 3 |
| LATN 1002 | Beginning Latin Language and Introduction to Roman Culture II | 3 |
| LATN 2001 | Intermediate Latin Language and Roman Culture | 3 |
| LATN 2002 | Fundamentals of Roman Literature and Roman Culture | 3 |
| MDIA 2000 | Introduction to Mass Media | 3 |
| MUSC 1100 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
| MUSC 1120 | Music Appreciation: American Popular Music | 3 |
| MUSC 1130 | Music Appreciation: Jazz | 3 |
| PHIL 2010 | Fundamentals of Philosophy | 3 |
| or PHIL 2010H | Honors Fundamentals of Philosophy | |
| REL 2020 | World Religions | 3 |
| RUSS 1001 | Beginning Russian Language and Introduction to Russian Culture I | 3 |
| RUSS 1002 | Beginning Russian Language and Introduction to Russian Culture II | 3 |
| RUSS 2001 | Intermediate Russian Language and Russian Culture I | 3 |
| RUSS 2002 | Intermediate Russian Language and Russian Culture II | 3 |
| SPAN 1001 | Beginning Spanish Language and Introduction to Hispanic Cultures, I | 3 |
| SPAN 1002 | Beginning Spanish Language and Introduction to Hispanic Cultures, II | 3 |
| SPAN 2001 | Intermediate Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures I | 3 |
| SPAN 2002 | Intermediate Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures II | 3 |
| THEA 1100 | Theatre Appreciation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Communicating in Writing
Learning Goal:
Students will communicate effectively in writing, demonstrating clear organization and structure, using appropriate grammar and writing conventions.
Students will appropriately acknowledge the use of materials from original sources.
Students will adapt their written communications to purpose and audience.
Students will analyze and draw informed inferences from written texts.
Orienting Question:
How do I write effectively in different contexts?
Career-ready Competencies:
Critical thinking, Information literacy, Persuasion
Courses in Communication in Writing : 6 semester hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1101 | Composition I | 3 |
| or ENGL 1101H | Honors Composition I | |
| ENGL 1102 | Composition II | 3 |
| or ENGL 1102H | Honors Composition II | |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences
Learning Goal:
Students will use the scientific method and laboratory procedures or mathematical and computational methods to analyze data, solve problems, and explain natural phenomena.
Orienting Question:
How do I ask scientific questions or use data, mathematics, or technology to understand the universe?
Career-ready Competencies:
Inquiry and analysis, Problem-solving, Team work
Courses in Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences 1 : 10 semester hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Astronomy of the Solar System | ||
| Stellar and Galactic Astronomy | ||
| Introduction to Biology: The Evolution and Diversity of Life and Biodiversity Lab | ||
| Introduction to Biology: Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Lab | ||
| Honors Biology: Cellular Processes | ||
| Honors Biology: The Evolution and Diversity of Life | ||
| Chemistry for World Citizens and Chemistry for World Citizens Laboratory | ||
| Survey of Chemistry I | ||
| Survey of Chemistry II | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| Introduction to Weather and Climate | ||
| Introduction to Land Forms | ||
| Principles of Physical Geology | ||
| Principles of Historical Geology | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Principles of Physics I | ||
| Principles of Physics II | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to the Universe | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Chemistry for World Citizens | ||
| Introduction to Data Science | ||
| Technological Problem Solving | ||
| Health Geography and Pandemics | ||
| Our Hazardous Environment | ||
| Resources, Society, and Environment | ||
| Our Hazardous Environment | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Survey of Calculus I | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| The Universe of Energy | ||
| Total Hours | 10 | |
Courses in Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences 2.a:
Required of majors in astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental geosciences, mathematics, physics, secondary biology education, secondary chemistry education, secondary mathematics education, secondary earth and space science education, secondary physics education, and all students in the Engineering Studies program.
Mathematics, above the level taken for Mathematics and Quantitative Skills: 3 hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Majors | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| All Other Science or Mathematics Majors | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (The additional hour of calculus [MATH 2261 and MATH 2262] counts in the Core Field of Study or in the major.) | ||
or MATH 2262 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Science (for all students listed above): 8 hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology Laboratory I | ||
| Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology Laboratory II | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Principles of Physics I | ||
| Principles of Physics II | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
Courses in Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences 2.b
Required of nursing majors
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two semester laboratory sequences from the following: | 8 | |
| Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II | ||
| Principles of Physics I and Principles of Physics II | ||
| Survey of Chemistry I and Survey of Chemistry II | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I and Principles of Chemistry II and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| Introduction to Biology: The Evolution and Diversity of Life and Biodiversity Lab and Introduction to Biology: Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Lab | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Universe | ||
| Astronomy of the Solar System | ||
| Stellar and Galactic Astronomy | ||
| Introduction to Biology: The Evolution and Diversity of Life and Biodiversity Lab | ||
| Introduction to Biology: Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Chemistry for World Citizens | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| Our Hazardous Environment | ||
| Health Geography and Pandemics | ||
| Introduction to Weather and Climate | ||
| Introduction to Land Forms | ||
| Resources, Society, and Environment | ||
| Our Hazardous Environment | ||
| Principles of Physical Geology | ||
| Principles of Historical Geology | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Principles of Physics I | ||
| Principles of Physics II | ||
| Technological Problem Solving | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| The Universe of Energy | ||
| Total Hours | 11 | |
Social Sciences
Learning Goal:
Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Orienting Question:
How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Career-ready Competencies:
Intercultural competence, Perspective-taking, Persuasion
Courses in Social Sciences: 6 semester hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Race, Class, and Gender | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
or ANTH 1102H | Introduction to Anthropology, Honors | |
| Survey of Economics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Geography | ||
| Introduction to Human Geography | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Geographic Perspectives on Multiculturalism in the U.S. | ||
| History of Civilization I | ||
or HIST 1011H | Honors History of Civilization I | |
| History of Civilization II | ||
or HIST 1012H | Honors History of Civilization II | |
| History of Civilization III | ||
or HIST 1013H | Honors History of Civilization III | |
| Foundations of Consumer Culture | ||
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| Introduction to Global Issues | ||
or POLS 2401H | Honors Introduction to Global Issues | |
| Current Issues in American Politics | ||
| Introduction to General Psychology | ||
or PSYC 1101H | Introduction to General Psychology Honors | |
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
or SOCI 1101H | Introduction to Sociology, Honors | |
| Introduction to Social Problems | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Field of Study area: Courses Appropriate to the Major: 18 semester hours
Requirements vary according to the major program.
See the requirements for the Core Field of Study area in the departmental section of your major.
eCore® and VSU’s Core Curriculum
Valdosta State University is an affiliate institution in eCore®, Georgia’s College Core Curriculum Online. The eCore® are core curriculum classes taught via GeorgiaVIEW and are designed for students who desire the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Core classes are typically those classes required during the first two years of a college degree. All these courses meet the learning outcomes designated for their specific areas. For more information about eCore®, click here.
eCore® VSU Equivalent
Communicating in Writing
| eCore | VSU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1101: English Composition I | ENGL 1101: English Composition I |
| ENGL 1102: English Composition II | ENGL 1102: English Composition II |
Mathematics and Quantitative Skills
| eCore | VSU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| MATH 1101: Intro to Mathematical Modeling | MATH 1101: Intro to Mathematical Modeling |
| MATH 1111: College Algebra | MATH 1111: College Algebra |
| MATH 1113: Pre-calculus | MATH 1113: Pre-calculus |
| MATH 1501: Calculus I | MATH 1501: Calculus I |
Arts, Humanities, and Ethics
| eCore | VSU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| ARTS 1100: Art Appreciation | ART 1100: Introduction to the Visual Arts |
| COMM 1100: Human Communication | COMM 1100: Human Communication |
| ENGL 2111: World Literature I | ENGL 2111: World Lit I:The Ancient World |
| ENGL 2112: World Literature II | ENGL: 2112: World Lit II: The Age of Discovery |
| ENGL 2131: American Literature I | no direct VSU equivalent, but satisfies Arts, Humanities, and Ethics lit requirement |
| ENGL 2132: American Literature II | no direct VSU equivalent, but satisfies Arts, Humanities, and Ethics lit requirement |
| MUSC 1100: Music Appreciation | MUSC 1100: Music Appreciation |
| PHIL 2010: Introduction to Philosophy | PHIL 2010: Fundamentals of Philosophy |
| SPAN 2001: Intermediate Spanish I | SPAN 2001: Intermediate Spanish I |
| SPAN 2002: Intermediate Spanish II | SPAN 2002: Intermediate Spanish II |
| THEA 1100: Theatre Appreciation | THEA 1100: Theatre Appreciation |
Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences
| eCore | VSU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| ENVS 2202: Environmental Science | no direct VSU equivalent, but accepted as elective |
| BIOL 1011K: Introductory Biol I with Lab | no direct VSU equivalent, but satisfies lab science |
| BIOL 1012K: Introductory Biol 2 with Lab | BIOL 1010: Introduction to Biology: The Evolution and Diversity of Life *AND* BIOL 1020L: Biodiversity Lab |
| CHEM 1211K: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab | CHEM 1211K: Principles of Chemistry I *AND* CHEM 1211L |
| CHEM 1212K: Principles of Chemistry II and Lab | CHEM 1212K: Principles of Chemistry II *AND* CHEM 1212L |
| CSCI 1301: Computer Science I | CS 1301: Principles of Programming I Accepted in Field of Study for B.S. in Computer Science & Computer Information Systems. Other majors may count it as an elective |
| DATA 1501: Introduction to Data Science | DATA 1501: Introduction to Data Science |
| GEOL 1121K: Introductory Geosciences I | GEOL 1121K: Principles of Physical Geology |
| PHYS 2211K: Principles of Physics I | PHYS 2211K: Principles of Physics I |
| PHYS 2212K: Principles of Physics II and Lab | PHYS 2212K: Principles of Physics II |
| MATH 1001: Quantitative Reasoning | MATH 1001: Quantitative Reasoning |
| MATH 1401: Elementary Statistics | MATH 1401: Elementary Statistics |
Political Science and U.S. History
| eCore | VSU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| POLS 1101: American Government | POLS 1101: American Government |
| HIST 2111: United States History I | HIST 2111: United States History to 1865 |
| HIST 2112: United States History II | HIST 2112: United States History since 1865 |
Social Sciences
| eCore | VSU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| ANTH 1102: Introduction to Anthropology | ANTH 1102: Introduction to Anthropology |
| ECON 2105: Principles of Macroeconomics | ECON 2105: Principles of Macroeconomics |
| ECON 2106: Principles of Microeconomics | ECON 2106: Principles of Microeconomics. Accepted in Field of Study for B.B.A. majors. Other majors may count it as an elective. |
| HIST 1111: World History I | HIST 1011: History of Civilization I |
| HIST 1112: World History II | no direct VSU equivalent, but accepted as Social Sciences elective |
| PSYC 1101: Intro to General Psychology | PSYC 1101: Introduction to General Psychology |
| SOCI 1101: Introduction to Sociology | SOCI 1101: Introduction to Sociology |
