General Education Requirements and Courses

Every degree-seeking student must complete the College’s General Education Requirements in addition to the requirements of his/her academic program. Through the College’s General Education Requirements, students acquire basic knowledge of the disciplines in the areas of arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, English composition.

COMAR Regulations (13B-02-02.16): An in-State institution shall provide to its students, within the required curriculum for graduation, a general education that is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to:

a. Communicate effectively in oral and written English;

b. Read with comprehension;

c. Reason abstractly and think critically;

d. Understand and interpret numerical data;

e. Understand the scientific method;

f. Recognize and appreciate cultural diversity;

g. Understand the nature and value of the fine and performing arts; and

h. Demonstrate information literacy.

In addition, COMAR Regulations (13B.06.01.03 COMAR.03):

General Education Requirements for public Institutions. While public institutions have the autonomy to design their general education program to meet their unique needs and mission, that program shall conform to the definitions and common standards in this chapter and incorporate the general education knowledge and skills required by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Standards for Accreditation. Effective August 1, 2017, a Baltimore City Community College student shall satisfy the general education requirement using the chart below. If the program listing says “Choose any general education course” the student can choose any course in the list below for which he/she has the prerequisite.

Requiring each program leading to the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) programs require between 28 and 36 credits of General Education courses. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs require a minimum of 18 credits of General Education.

BCCC General Education Statement

BCCC defines general education as educational experiences that enable students to become informed, independent, critical thinkers. Through the diverse curriculum, students acquire knowledge and skills to communicate effectively, reason abstractly, gather/evaluate/interpret numerical data as well as written information, draw conclusions based on evidence, apply knowledge to real world situations, develop an appreciation for social and cultural diversity, value the arts, and become individuals prepared for the lifelong journey of learning and responsible citizenship in their communities, the nation and the world.

• Communicate effectively in oral and written English (Oral and Written Communication).
• Reason abstractly and think critically (Critical Thinking).
• Understand and interpret numerical data (Numerical Analysis).
• Read with comprehension and draw conclusions based on evidence
• (Deductive and Inferential Thinking).
• Understand the differences as well as commonalities among people (Multicultural Diversity).
• Understand and utilize skills responsible for living as responsible, ethical and contributing citizens (Personal Development and Social Responsibility).
• Reflect upon the arts and the role of the arts in the human experience (Arts and aesthetic awareness).
• Identify, locate, and effectively use information from various print and electronic sources (Informational and Computer Literacy).

Core Competencies

In parenthesis at the end of each competency statement is (are) letter(s) that match the newly developed competencies to the GE requirements as found in COMAR 13B-02-02.16.62

I. COMMUNICATION
Student will:

• Speak, read, and write effectively and access, evaluate, utilize and organize information from a variety of sources; (a,b)
• Analyze and reflect on complex issues, and synthesize ideas in clearly written and well-organized standard English; (c,a)
• Demonstrate the basic concepts and practices associated with oral presentations. (a, b)

II. ARTS and HUMANITIES
Students will:

• Develop an aesthetic sensibility and the intellectual skills of critical analysis (c, f, g)
• Form artistic judgments by exposure to the rich history and diversity of human knowledge and thought; and (f, g)
• Understand the achievements of diverse cultures, as they are expressed in the arts, literature, religions, philosophy, foreign languages, and linguistic. (f, g)

III. SOCIAL SCIENCES and CULTURAL AWARENESS
Students will:

• Develop an understanding of the commonalities among world cultures and the influence of culture and the environment on individuals and groups; (f)
• Understand the complexities of social and psychological relations and human experiences and the ways in which they have changed over time, through the systematic study of societies and human behaviors; and (c, f)
• Utilize critical and ethical reasoning to respond to current events and issues. (c)

IV. MATHEMATICAL and SCIENTIFIC REASONING
Students will:

• Analyze and evaluate information from mathematical and scientific perspectives and develop reasoned solutions to real world problems; (c, d, e)
• Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method; and (e)
• Gain competence in mathematical literacy and reasoning along with critical thinking skills necessary for making informed judgments. (c)

V. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Students will:

• Develop skills that promote personal wellness, teamwork, lifelong learning and personal life-management skills; (c)
• Formulate a framework for ethical decision-making and personal responsibility through critical reflection on their values, the values of others and the values shaping society; and (c)
• Demonstrate traits of a well-educated individual by cultivating a sense of personal responsibility and social accountability. (f)

VI. INFORMATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY
Students will:

• Demonstrate these computer skills: use basic software programs, search the Web, use proper etiquette and security safeguards when communicating through e-mail. (h)
• Identify, locate, and effectively use information from various print and electronic resources. (h)
• Combine aspects of information literacy and consider the ethical, legal and economic implications of information use. (h)