Academic Policies

The University-wide General Education Structure

Also see:
General Ed Courses, Current Term Offerings,
Upper-Division Writing Proficiency Requirement,
and Substitutions for Approved General Ed Courses

Jump down to:
Foundations: Math - Composition - Second Language

Tier One and Tier Two
Gender, Race, Class, Ethnicity, or Non-Western Area Studies

General education programs provide breadth of knowledge as a balance and complement to the depth provided by the major. General education is designed to accomplish several goals: first, to afford students the opportunity to learn how different disciplines define, acquire and organize knowledge; second, to provide a basis for an examination of values; third, to develop analytic, synthetic, linguistic and computational skills useful for lifelong learning; and finally, to provide a common foundation for wide-ranging dialogue with peers on issues of significance. Taken together, the experiences of general education encourage the student to develop a critical and inquiring attitude, an appreciation of complexity and ambiguity, a tolerance for and empathy with persons of different backgrounds or values and a deepened sense of self. In short, the goal of the general education program is to prepare students to respond more fully and effectively to an increasingly complex world.

The general education program at The University of Arizona is university-wide; that is, regardless of college or major, students hold their general education requirements in common.

The University-wide General Education Structure:

NOTE: Some colleges and programs have been granted a partial exemption at Tier Two and for language proficiency.

For current term offerings, see the General Ed Current Term Offerings site or the Schedule of Classes.   Academic Program Requirements Reports (APRRs) provide information about General Education requirements associated with majors.

Foundations

This component builds a foundation in certain skills that can be further developed in major courses and in Tier One and Tier Two general education courses. Foundations include a course in mathematics (the character of which will vary with the major), courses in composition, fourth-semester skill level in a second language for all students in B.A. degree programs, and second-semester skill level in a second language for all students in non-B.A. degree programs. (Students in engineering will satisfy the second language requirement by taking the placement examination at entrance to the University.)

Each segment of this component may be satisfied, at least in part, by demonstration of proficiency as well as by course work.

Mathematics Requirements

(Policy updated on June 1, 2001:  PHIL 110 added to list of courses that require the MRT)

MATH 105 (Math in Modern Society) or PHIL 110 (Logic and Critical Thinking) or any three-unit mathematics course numbered above MATH 105 is required of all students. The appropriate course for an individual student will depend on the student's major and the corresponding math strand chosen (see the descriptions of the math strands below).

Registration in all mathematics courses below MATH 129, as well as MATH 160, MATH 263, and PHIL 110 requires all students to take the UA Mathematics Readiness Test (MRT). Test scores are valid for one year. This requirement includes transfer students with or without mathematics credit and students with credit by examination, such as Advanced Placement, CLEP, or International Baccalaureate. The MRT is administered by the University Testing Office in Old Main, Room 223, (520) 621-7589.

Students may register only for a course at or below the level placed into by their MRT score.  Transfer credits in mathematics may be used in conjunction with the MRT score for placement purposes.  In this case, students must contact the Mathematics Department for advising about placement.  Transfer credits in mathematics and credit by AP, CLEP or IB do not exempt a student from taking the MRT in order to be eligible for the courses listed above.  New freshmen with a reported RSAT 1 mathematics score of at least 670 or an ACT mathematics score of at least 29 may register for MATH 120R or lower, as well as MATH 160 and MATH 263, without taking the MRT.  This waiver is only valid if the student begins taking mathematics courses during their freshmen year.

If you would like more information about the Math Readiness Test, math placement, or eligibility issues, visit the Undergraduate Math Placement site.  If you have questions, you can also contact the Mathematics Department (520) 621-6892 or email the MRT Coordinator at mrt@math.arizona.edu.

Math Strands:

Entry-level mathematics students should choose one of three strands according to their interests, preparation, and intended major. All strands presume that students will have completed the high school math required for entry to the University.

The three strands are:

G (General Knowledge) -- This strand involves a general understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems in everyday life; for example, the mathematics of voting and elections, or of networks and paths. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any further mathematically-based work:  it is a terminal course. Only those students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics would take this strand. The options for this strand are MATH 105 (Mathematics in Modern Society) and PHIL 110 (Logic and Critical Thinking). To satisfy the mathematics requirement G-Strand, students must attain a certain minimum score on the MRT.  Each of these courses requires a different score (see the chart provided on the Math Placement Homepage).

M (Moderate Knowledge) -- The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 110 (Collegiate Algebra). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 114 (Finite Mathematics), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), or a statistics class from outside the mathematics department.

S (Substantial Knowledge) -- This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 124 (Calculus I with Applications) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Each major indicates the mathematics strand that is most appropriate for its students. It is important to note that each strand provides a different level of mathematical training, but students can satisfy the mathematics requirement in their major by completing a more advanced mathematics course. Because the S-strand presumes the M- strand and the M-strand presumes the G-strand, students will have the most flexibility in their major choice by aiming for the S-strand. A student who chooses to meet the general education mathematics requirement with the G-strand will have the most restricted set of major choices.

All questions about Mathematics Requirements and Math placement should be directed to:

Math Readiness Test Coordinator
Mathematics Bldg., Rm. 108
617 N. Santa Rita
Phone (520) 621-6892
Fax: (520) 621-8322

Email: mrt@math.arizona.edu
Math Dept Home Page:  http://www.math.arizona.edu/

Composition Requirement

(Policy updated 12/05/03: Added options for transfer students)

A minimum of six units of English composition is required. Placement in composition courses is based on scores resulting from the UA First-Year Composition Placement Exam, and the English section of the ACT or the Test of Standard Written English portion of the SAT.

First-year students will enroll in one of four strands, varying with placement:

1. A two-course sequence of English 101 and English 102, or English 107 and
   English 108 (the ESL equivalents)
2. A two-course sequence of extended English 101 and
   English 102, or extended English 107 and English 108
3. A two-course honors sequence of English 103h and
   English 104h
4. English 109, in combination with an AP score of 4 or 5,
   or a placement writing portfolio demonstrating
   advanced proficiency.

Transfer students who are admitted with 56 transferable units or who have earned a previous bachelor's degree from another institution may satisfy the English Composition requirement by submitting to the Writing Program coordinator, Modern Languages Building, Room 380, one of the following for consideration:

1. A catalog course description or syllabus for 2 transferable composition/writing courses that do not fulfill another UA degree requirement.
2. A portfolio of 3 - 4 writing samples (an adequate sample consists of 15 - 20 pages illustrating an analytical, argumentative, or critical response to a text) from courses completed at the transfer institution.
3. A catalog course description for 1 transferable composition/writing course that is not used to satisfy another degree requirement, in addition to a portfolio of writing samples (see above).

Upon approval by the Writing Program coordinator of 2 transferable composition/writing courses or portfolio of writing samples, the first-year English Composition requirement will be satisfied.  All questions about first-year composition should be directed to:

Modern Languages 380
The University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210067
Tucson, AZ 85721-0067
Phone: (520) 621-5976

Second Language Requirements

(Policy revised 6/18/07: additional option for international students.)

B.A. degree students may fulfill the second language requirement with one of the following options:

1. Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona.
2. Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction.
3. Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level.
4. Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department.
5. An AP score of 3 or higher or a CLEP score of 60 or higher in the language.
6. A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill the second language requirement with one of the following options:

1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona.
2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level.
3. An AP score of 2 or higher or a CLEP score of 41 or higher in the language.
4. In the College of Engineering and Mines by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

U.S. students who are native speakers of a language other than English (e.g. Spanish, American Sign Language, Navajo) may satisfy the requirement through a proficiency exam administered by the appropriate department.

International students who are native speakers of languages other than English may fulfill the second language requirement with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), provided that it was an admissions requirement and their score was satisfactory for admission to the University of Arizona. U.S. citizens and international students from countries where English is the official language may not use the TOEFL to satisfy the Second Language Requirement; those students must meet the requirement through one of the options stated above.

All questions about language proficiency exams should be directed to the department that will evaluate proficiency. If you want to be tested in a language that is not taught by a UA department, contact:

Department of Linguistics 
Douglass Building, Room 200E
The University of Arizona
PO Box 210028
Tucson, AZ 85721-0028
Phone: (520) 621-6897
Fax: (520) 626-9014

Tier One and Tier Two

Both Tier One and Tier Two courses offer rigorous treatments of fundamental knowledge and methods of inquiry. They are designed to foster independent, creative, and interactive learning, inspiring students to think about themselves, others, and social organizations in new and insightful ways. Students are exposed to various areas of study and acquire valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their lives at the University and beyond.

Tier One

Tier One courses introduce new students to fundamental issues and concepts pertinent to three study areas: Traditions and Cultures, Individuals and Societies, and Natural Sciences. Students are required to take two courses in each segment of Tier One, for a total of six courses. Students entering the University as freshmen will be expected to complete Tier One requirements by the end of the midpoint of their degree (e.g. for a four-year 120-unit degree program by the end of the second year of full-time work or the completion of 60 units).

NOTE:  Majors in the College of Engineering and Mines, the College of Science, and the School of Health Professions, as well as most majors in the College of Agriculture, will be allowed to satisfy Tier One Natural Sciences with their required chemistry and physics course work. Technically based programs in other colleges may also allow major course work to satisfy the Tier One Natural Science requirement. Consult the APRR for your degree program or contact an academic advisor for more information.

Tier Two

Tier Two courses offer more in-depth examination of particular disciplines. They are organized into four study areas: Arts, Humanities, Individuals and Societies, and Natural Sciences. Students are required to take one course each in Humanities, Individuals and Societies, and Natural Sciences, and 3 units in Arts (see chart below). One study area (one course or 3 units in Arts) may be completed by a major course; each major identifies which study area could be completed within its course work. Students are expected to complete Tier Two requirements by the conclusion of their undergraduate degree.

Gender, Race, Class, Ethnicity, or Non-Western Area Studies

One course in a student’s degree program must focus on Gender, Race, Class, Ethnicity, or Non-Western Area Studies. This requirement may be filled by a designated Tier One or Tier Two course, or by a designated course taken from another area of the university curriculum, as, for example, in the student’s major or minor.  Look for this note in the course description: "Fulfills the Gender, Race, Class, Ethnicity, or Non-Western area study requirement."

Page last updated:  May 20, 2013

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