The General Education requirements for B.S. degrees of Alfred University's School of Engineering certify basic competencies in Written Communication, Quantitative Reasoning, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences consistent with NYSED definitions. General Education provides the breadth of experience for engineers to understand problems in context (i.e. in relation to historical, artistic, creative, social, and ethnic considerations). General Education comprises a minimum of 60 credits with specific SoE requirements in each area. The online course system (Banner/DegreeWorks) list courses that apply to the competency areas.
Approved Courses for General Education
Courses that have been determined to meet the general education requirements and arts and science elective requirements for the School of Engineering carry the attributes “CoB: Humanities”, “CoB: Natural Science”, “CoB: Quant reasoning”, or “CoB: Social Science”, and may be found by searching for these attributes in “Courses” within this catalog. Please note some courses may not be offered each semester; see the class schedule on AU BannerWeb to determine availability of specific courses in a semester or other term.
Written Communication:
Each student must successfully complete two semesters of college writing. All AU Engineering students must successfully complete ENGL 101, or an equivalent course, or achieve specified scores on standardized tests as determined by the College of Liberal Arts and Science. All SoE degrees require writing competence at a second semester level (i.e., completion of ENGR 110 Technical Communications or an approved alternative. Some approved alternatives include: the equivalent of ENGL 102 Writing II prior to matriculation at AU or an ENGL 102 equivalent for AU students with a declared double degree when ENGR 110 is not accepted by the non-SoE degree).
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative reasoning includes the ability to understand and evaluate arguments framed in quantitative or numerical terms; to analyze subject matter using quantitative techniques; to construct and evaluate quantitative arguments of one’s own; and to make reasoned judgments about the kinds of questions that can be effectively addressed through quantitative methods.
All programs in SoE require completion of a minimum of twelve Quantitative Reasoning (QR) credits. At least one course must address statistics, i.e., ENGR 305, BIOL 226 (BMEG only) or MATH 381 (only one of these may be applied to any program).
Note that the specific degree requirements for all SoE degrees exceed this minimum requirement. The credits from all QR courses contribute to the General Education credit total.
Humanities
Humanities introduces students to people we have never met, places we have never visited, and ideas that have never crossed our minds. By showing how others have lived and thought about life, the humanities provides students with the ability to analyze texts and ideas that are contemporary and historical, personal and communal, and imaginative and reflective. Courses in modern languages, literature, history, religion, philosophy, and arts/music/theater history and theory will fulfill humanities requirements.
All programs in SoE require completion of a minimum of six Humanities credits, from at least two different departmental acronyms/subjects. Acronyms of cross-listed courses will be determined from the actual course of registration. The credits from all Humanities courses contribute to the General Education credit total.
Natural Sciences
Natural science introduces techniques of observation and experimentation, the relation of data to hypotheses, and the practice of scientific reasoning. This work provides a model for relating concrete empirical information to abstract models, stimulating multidimensional and creative habits of thought.
All programs in SoE require completion of a minimum of twelve Natural Science credits, e.g., CHEM 105, CHEM 105L, CHEM 106, CHEM 106L, PHYS 125, and PHYS 125L.
Note that the specific degree requirements for all SoE degrees exceed this minimum requirement. The credits from all Natural Science courses contribute to the General Education total.
Social Sciences
Social science engages students in theory as well as empirical exploration and analysis of human transactions. They address the mental and behavioral activities of individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and nations. Social science disciplines seek generalizable interpretations and explanations of human interaction. Courses in communications, psychology, political science, anthropology, sociology, criminal justice, and global studies are among those fulfilling social science requirements.
All programs in SoE require completion of a minimum of four Social Science credits, one of which is UNIV 101 Common Ground (a University-wide requirement). Note that the specific degree requirements may require other Social Sciences courses to meet specific SoE degree program requirements. The credits from all Social Science courses contribute to the General Education credit total.