General Education

General Education for All Degrees

All NWFSC degree programs contain both specialized courses and general education courses. Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science and Associate in Arts students complete at least thirty-six (36) general education credits from five subject area categories. Associate in Science students complete at least eighteen (18) general education credits from five (5) subject areas. The general education component of each program is designed to further the mission and goals of the college. Upon successful completion of general education coursework, the student will:

demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking;
apply reflection, analysis, synthesis, logical reasoning and evaluation to formulate judgments, reach decisions and solve problems;
understand and apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods;
find, evaluate, organize and use information accurately and effectively;
and participate actively as informed and responsible citizens in social, cultural, global and environmental matters.

The NWFSC General Education Program is designed to conform to all applicable regional accreditation criteria, Florida State Board of Education Rules, and the Florida Statewide Articulation Agreement. To that end, the program incorporates a computer technology component, an oral communication requirement, and minimum grade and writing requirements as stipulated in Florida’s “Gordon Rule.”

Technology-Across-the-Curriculum

Competence in basic computer technology skills is an essential component of life. Accordingly, NWFSC has incorporated computer technology throughout its programs and courses. Each two-year degree program contains at least one course, which requires the student to demonstrate fundamental computer skills. All ENC 1101 - English Composition I classes are taught in a computer classroom and students are required to complete assignments and other activities via the personal computer. CGS 1100 - Microcomputer Applications is a requirement or prerequisite course in many A.S. degrees. Other courses such as BSC 1085C - Anatomy and Physiology I , ACG 2001 - Accounting I , EME 2040 - Introduction to Technology for Educators , and MUT 1121 - Music Theory I - Ear Training and Sight Singing are either taught in a computer lab or specify computerized learning activities. In support of the computer technology requirement, NWFSC offers student access to open computer labs at all college sites.

B.A.S., B.S., A.A. and A.S. degree-seeking students will meet the computer technology skill requirement through completion of ENC 1101 and/or CGS 1100 and may encounter more advanced computer skills in other elective, technical or general education courses. See the course descriptions section of this catalog for the courses designated as part of the Technology-Across-the-Curriculum program.

Writing-Across-the-Curriculum

All associate degree students must complete at least one three-credit writing class as part of their general education program. Additional writing activities are required in all general education humanities courses. Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science and Associate in Arts students must complete twelve (12) to fifteen (15) college credits from designated general education Gordon Rule Communication, Humanities and Social Science subject areas. See the A.A. General Education section of catalog for specific courses.

Oral Communication Speaking-Across-the-Curriculum

Oral communication is an integral part of the NWFSC general education program, thus several general education courses include graded activities designed to build speaking and communication skills. All B.A.S., B.S., A.A., and A.S. degree-seekers must satisfy an oral communication requirement and may do so by completing at least one of the general education courses designated as part of the Speaking-Across-the-Curriculum component of the General Education Program. Students who successfully complete other speech, forensics, or oral interpretation courses may request that such courses be used to satisfy this requirement. See the A.A. General Education section of catalog for specific courses.

Minimum Grades in General Education Courses

Florida’s “Gordon Rule” includes a legislative mandate that all baccalaureate and Associate in Arts graduates successfully complete specific math and writing requirements. B.A.S. and A.A. graduates must have successfully completed at least twelve (12) to fifteen (15) college credits from designated general education Gordon Rule Communication, Humanities and Social Science subject areas and at least six credits of mathematics at the College Algebra or higher level. Accordingly, all B.A.S., B.S., A.A. and A.S. degree-seekers must earn a grade of “C” or higher in each Gordon Rule Communications, Humanities or Social Science course used to satisfy general education requirements, whether the credits are earned at NWFSC or elsewhere; and all B.A.S., B.S., A.A. and A.S. degree-seekers must earn a grade of “C” or higher in each mathematics course used to satisfy general education requirements, whether the credits are earned at NWFSC or elsewhere.

General Education