Murray State University
University Studies Program

BA Degree Plan
BS Degree Plan

Thematic Categories

• Oral and Written Communication
• Scientific Inquiry, Methodologies, and Quantitative Skills
• World’s Historical, Literary, and Philosophical Traditions
• Global Awareness, Cultural Diversity, and the World’s Artistic Traditions
• Social and Self-Awareness and Responsible Citizenship

BA Degree Plan

Oral and Written Communication (6 hrs)*
ENG 105
COM 161
           
Scientific Inquiry, Methodologies, and Quantitative Skills (7-10 hrs)
One science course with lab (4-5 hrs)
One math course (3-5 hrs)

World’s Historical, Literary, and Philosophical Traditions (9 hrs)
One required course in world civilizations**
One required course in humanities (HUM 211)
One elective in literature, philosophy, or fine arts

Global Awareness, Cultural Diversity, and the World’s Artistic Traditions (9-15 hrs)***
Minimum of six hours in a single foreign language, culminating in proficiency
at 202 level or above
One course in foreign culture, multiculturalism, study abroad, international affairs, or
fine arts

Social and Self-Awareness and Responsible Citizenship (6 hrs)
Two courses, one from each category:

• Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Civic Engagement
• Social science

University Studies Approved Electives (6 hrs)
Choose from the list of University Studies electives 

TOTAL:  43-52 hours***

*In addition, each degree program must include a course designated as “writing intensive” and a course designated as “technology intensive.”  These may be a single course or a set of courses identified by the academic department to reinforce writing and technology skills as appropriate to the discipline. It is envisioned that these courses will be part of the existing degree programs, and thus would not constitute additional hours of general education.

**CIV 101 and CIV 102 to be revised to 200 level courses

*** Includes the possibility of up to 6 hours of 100-level language prerequisites

BS Degree Program Plan

Oral and Written Communication (6 hrs)*
ENG 105
COM 161
           
Scientific Inquiry, Methodologies, and Quantitative Skills (10-15 hrs)
One science course with lab (4-5 hrs)
One math course (3-5 hrs)
Science or math elective (3-5 hrs)

World’s Historical, Literary, and Philosophical Traditions (6 hrs)
One required course in world civilizations**
One required course in humanities (HUM 211)

Global Awareness, Cultural Diversity, and the World’s Artistic Traditions (3 hrs)
One course in foreign culture, multiculturalism, language, study abroad,
 international affairs, or fine arts

Social and Self-Awareness and Responsible Citizenship (6 hrs)
Two courses, one from each category:

• Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Civic Engagement
• Social science

University Studies Approved Electives (9 hrs)
Choose from the list of University Studies electives.  No more than two courses from any one University Studies category and no more than one course from the Enrichment Electives category.        

TOTAL:  40-45 hours

*In addition, each degree program must include a course designated as “writing intensive” and a course designated as “technology intensive.”  These may be a single course or a set of courses identified by the academic department to reinforce writing and technology skills as appropriate to the discipline. It is envisioned that these courses will be part of the existing degree programs, and thus would not constitute additional hours of general education.

**CIV 101 and CIV 102 to be revised to 200 level courses