GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The University Studies program requires a minimum of 37 credit hours of coursework, as specified below. Incoming freshmen are required to complete 13 credit hours of UNST foundation courses (UNST 100, 110, 120, 130, and 140) during their first 32 credit hours of study at NC A&T including: 12 credit hours of theme-based courses, 9 credit hours of major-specified courses that support University Studies learning objectives, and 3–6 credit hours of a senior capstone experience (typically specified by the student’s major department.)

Freshman students who do not meet freshman proficiency competency requirements (see below) in English composition and/or mathematics must successfully complete UNST 103 (Basic Writing) and/or MATH 099 (Intermediate Mathematics) with a passing grade before being allowed to enroll in any University Studies foundation courses.

Theme-based University Studies courses are taken only after a student has completed all University Studies foundation courses. Students choose a University Studies thematic cluster in consultation with their advisor or major department chair prior to completing University Studies foundation coursework. Students are required to complete 12 credit hours in a single thematic cluster prior to the senior capstone experience. Students wishing to switch clusters must still complete 12 credit hours in a single thematic cluster, unless otherwise approved by the Dean of University Studies.

In addition to the 37 credit hour requirement, all North Carolina A&T State University students are required to complete 50 hours of service/experiential learning prior to the senior capstone experience. Student service/experiential learning hours will be monitored in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs.

Students are reminded that performance in University Studies courses may influence eligibility for some majors. Many competitive majors require minimum grade point averages (GPAs).



APPROVAL FOR TRANSFER CREDIT

Transfer students enrolling at North Carolina A&T State University must receive prior approval from the Office of Admissions at North Carolina A&T to substitute college-level coursework completed at other institutions for University Studies requirements. The Dean of University Studies will resolve any remaining questions regarding substitution for transfer credit.



ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CREDIT

Entering students may obtain advanced placement and college credit based on performance on the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. A score of three (3) or higher on the English Language and Composition or the English Literature and Composition examination will entitle the student to credit for Critical Writing (UNST 110). No other AP examination will be considered for University Studies credit, since the field subject areas do not correspond to the interdisciplinary content of the remaining University Studies courses. The student’s academic advisor and/or department chair will recommend AP credit. The final decision on accepting AP course credits as a substitute for Critical Writing (UNST 110) will be made by the Dean of the school/college in consultation with the Dean of University Studies.



FRESHMAN PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

All freshman students are required to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and English composition by their performance on proficiency examinations completed prior to the start of the first semester of coursework. The University assesses mathematics and composition skills separately. Students who fail to reach the minimum passing score for the English composition assessment will be required to complete UNST 103 (Basic Writing) with a passing grade. Students who fail to reach the minimum passing score for the Mathematics assessment will be required to complete MATH 099 (Intermediate Mathematics) with a passing grade. These courses do not count towards University Studies requirements.