McNeese State University > Institutional Research and Effectiveness > General Education Curriculum

General Education Curriculum

Form

General Education Course Section Summary Form (for reporting assessment results)

Mission

The General Education curriculum at McNeese State University provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills essential for academic success, personal growth, and civic responsibility. Through diverse disciplines, students develop critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical reasoning abilities that prepare them to adapt to an evolving world.

Institutional Mission Reference

The General Education curriculum supports McNeese State University’s mission by fostering a dynamic teaching and learning environment committed to excellence with a personal touch. Rooted in the University’s core values, the curriculum equips students with essential skills and knowledge that enhance student success and prepare graduates to excel in their careers and communities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the General Education curriculum, students will be able to:

  • Write effectively to communicate ideas clearly and appropriately for different purposes and audiences. (Area A: English Composition)
  • Use mathematical and analytical reasoning to solve problems and draw conclusions. (Area B: Mathematics/Analytical Reasoning)
  • Apply scientific principles to explain natural phenomena. (Area C: Natural Sciences)
  • Examine the human experience through cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives. (Area D: Humanities)
  • Interpret and analyze artistic works as expressions of the human experience. (Area E: Fine Arts)
  • Explain human behavior and social structures using concepts from the social and behavioral sciences. (Area F: Social/Behavioral Sciences)

For complete details and a list of courses, visit the General Education Curriculum page of the Academic Catalog.

General Education Council (GEC)

The General Education Council is responsible for ongoing review of general education courses required in undergraduate programs and evaluating the assessment procedures of the general education student learning outcomes. The council serves in an advisory capacity to recommend courses for inclusion or removal from general education requirements in collaboration with the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. The council is responsible for reviewing general education student learning outcomes, recommending changes to course assessment methods as needed, and tracking student attainment of general education outcomes to ensure continuous improvement of student learning. The council is composed of general education coordinators designated by the provost and vice president for academic affairs to represent each general education area. Ex-officio members include two representatives from the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness and the associate vice president for academic affairs.

The council adheres to the following guidelines for certifying and decertifying courses as part of the General Education curriculum:

  • All courses must be at the 200-level or below.
  • Courses should be a broad, general introduction to concepts, methods, and skills associated with the disciplinary area.
  • Courses should be offered frequently.
  • Average annual enrollment in courses should be high enough to justify continued offerings.
  • Courses should not be included based solely for support of one program.