Center for Academic Advising

Fall 2007 Revised Curriculum FAQ’s

Great News! As of Fall 2007 most majors at SSC can now be completed with a minimum of 120 credits. See our 120-Credit FAQ’s related to these changes.

Quick & Easy Method to Evaluate Which Flow Sheet Is Best for You!

• See the new 120-credit flowsheets
• Print the Fall 2007 flow sheet for your major and concentration.
• Post your completed coursework to the Fall 2007 flow sheet.
• Hint:
  • All majors have changed the Distribution Electives section of the general education core from 18 credits (6 courses) to 15 credits (5 courses).
  • Most majors have reduced the Free Electives section by 3 credits.

If you still have questions do not hesitate to contact someone. For specific questions about your personal plan of study contact your faculty advisor. For general questions about the revised 120 credit curriculum email Academic Advising at advising@salemstate.edu

General Education Core Requirements

The Salem State College General Education Core Requirements consist of the following:

LEVEL I

Competencies that must be completed within 30 credits of matriculation.

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Basic Mathematics
3. Computer Literacy

LEVEL II

Core requirements that must be completed within 53 credits of matriculation.

1. English Composition I, II: 6 credits
2. Public Speaking: 3 credits
3. Health (Not required of Nursing or BS Biology Majors): 3 credits
4. SFL Physical Education Activities: 1 credit
5. HIS101, HIS102: 6 credits
6. The First Year Seminar I, II: 3 credits
   (Required of all undeclared freshmen. See IDS
7. Distribution Laboratory Science sequence: 6 - 8 credits

LEVEL III

Core requirements that must be completed by graduation.

8. Distribution Requirements
   1. Distribution Literature sequence: 6 credits
   2. Distribution Electives: 15 credits
9. Diversity Requirement: 9 credits
10. Writing Requirement (College-Level): 3 credits
11. Quantitative Requirement (College-Level): 3 credits
12. Foreign Language: 12 credits
    (Required of all B.A. students, except for certain concentrations within the Art & History majors.)

The student may be exempted from any of the above course requirements by demonstrating proficiency on a departmentally prescribed examination. Credit is given for any course passed by such an examination.

Academic Writing Standards

The college policy on academic writing standards applies to all course work.

Expository writing assignments may receive a grade of "C" or higher only if the form and content are appropriate for the purpose of the assignment and for the intended audience. Characteristics of expository writing include the following:

1. A clear thesis
2. Adequate support for the thesis
3. Clear and coherent overall structure
4. Varied sentence structure and expression
5. Standard usage, punctuation, and spelling
6. Accurate documentation when necessary

These standards may be amended by the instructor to meet the specialized writing requirements of various disciplines. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to visit the Writing Center, which provides individualized assistance in writing.

*NOTE: Requirements updated September 2006. Students matriculated prior to Fall 2006 may need to refer to the 2004-2006 Salem State College Catalog.