The Philosophy of Texas A&M University-Commerce
University Studies Program

General education is an essential element in the higher education process; it results in professional growth, professional success, and responsible citizenship. The University Studies (US) or Core Curriculum Program at Texas A&M University-Commerce is the body of general education courses common to all undergraduate programs of study, and is administered through the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. The US program promotes the attainment of goals set forth in the university mission statement and complies with requirements established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Through both formal and informal learning experiences, students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge, learn reasoning and communication skills; develop an enduring commitment to learning and examine their goals, values and potential.

The US program consists of academic courses that correspond to the component areas listed below; which collectively, provide students with the essential intellectual competencies of reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy.

Capstone courses provide a broader view than the normal focus of upper-division courses and acquaint students with disciplines outside their own, giving them a perspective that will transcend their major and minor fields. These courses provide students with a forum for the exercise of critical thinking in an interdisciplinary context and opportunities to integrate diverse undergraduate educational experiences. Capstones are restricted to junior- and senior-level students who have completed at least 60 semester hours prior to enrollment in the course.

Faculty members or departments are responsible for the development of course proposals for the US program. The originating department and respective college dean is responsible for assuring proposal compliance with THECB and SACS core curriculum guidelines. Proposals are submitted for review and recommendation to the US or Core Curriculum Council, which functions as an advisory committee to the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, and approved through normal curriculum change channels. A listing of currently approved courses appears in the Undergraduate Catalog.

The US or Core Curriculum Council is also responsible for establishing, promulgating and executing procedures for the periodic assessment and evaluation of program and course compliance with state- and agency-mandated standards and guidelines. Assessment results are reviewed and used formatively to update, improve and revise the core curriculum.