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B.A./B.S. Core

Southern New Hampshire University believes that undergraduate students should receive a broad education in the liberal arts and intense practice in oral and written communication in order to succeed.

Recognizing that successful leaders must be able to view problems from a variety of perspectives, the university mandates that all students complete courses in writing, the fine arts, the social sciences, mathematics, science and public speaking. First-year students must take the First Year Seminar/Foundations in Critical Thinking to help them make the transition to university life. Students who wish to further augment their learning may choose to take more advanced general education courses as free electives.

English & Math Placement

Incoming first years will complete a placement exercise. Some students may be required to take ENG 101 or MAT 050 in addition to the 48 credits listed below. All students should speak with their advisors about how the courses will fit into their academic program schedules.

Skills Courses: These courses are designed to teach students basic academic skills and to provide the basis for all of their education at SNHU. Students are encouraged to complete these courses early in their academic careers. Note that the English and Mathematics courses must be completed within the first 63 credits (transfer students consult with your advisor).

B.A./B.S. Core Skills Courses
ENG 101 Fundamentals of Writing 
ENG 120 College Composition I
ENG 121 College Composition II  
MAT 050 Fundamentals of Algebra 
MAT 130  Applied Finite Math
MAT ELE Mathematics Elective (Based on School) 
COM 212  Public Speaking
IT 100  Introduction to Information Technology  
SNHU 101  First Year Seminar/Foundations in Critical Thinking 

Knowledge Courses: These courses are designed to provide students with a basis of knowledge about  human culture, society, history and the environment. They teach critical thinking skills and a broader prespective about the world. Note that students can choose to focus on subjects and topics that interest them most.

B.A./B.S. Core Knowledge Courses
FAS Introduction to Humanities I, Introduction to Humanities IIAppreciation and History of MusicModern Art or American Art

HIS

Western Civilization IWestern Civilization II, United States History I or United States History II
LIT ELE Literature Elective (200 Level) 
PHL  Introduction to Western Philosophy, Introduction to Ethics, Logic, Language and Argumentation or Religions of the World 
SCI ELE Science Elective 
Elective  Social and Behavioral Science Elective (ATH, ECO, POL, PSY, SOC, SSC)* 
Elective Social and Behavioral Science Elective (ATH, ECO, POL, PSY, SOC, SSC)*  
Elective  Social and Behavioral Science Elective (ATH, ECO, POL, PSY, SOC, SSC)*  
Elective  Social and Behavioral Science Elective (ATH, ECO, POL, PSY, SOC, SSC)*  

*No more than two of these four in the same discipline