TESU General Education Requirements Roadmap
2019-2021 catalog
If you are still using the 2019-2021 catalog, you will need to follow those requirements. Do not follow this page unless you have switched to the 2022 catalog.
This page is a work in progress. If you have questions, please ask on the forum
AOS Requirements
This page is meant to apply to the General Education requirements for as many TESU degrees as possible. Some modification/additional planning may be needed for certain degrees. Sample degree plans currently available include:
Bachelor of Arts:
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice - Difficult/impossible without significant relevant prior credit. Students interested in a CJ degree should check out UMPI's CJ degree.
- English
- Foreign Language (Spanish)
- History
- Liberal Studies
- Mathematics
- Music
- Psychology
- Religion
Bachelor of Science:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:
Business Core - Every BSBA degree requires these credits. You can think of them as "gen eds" for business.
Pure BSBAs; these are degrees that will say BSBA on the diploma and the transcript.
Differentiated BSBAs; these are degrees that will say "BS in Subject" on the diploma, but students must still complete all BSBA requirements.
- BS Accounting/CPA - nearly identical requirements to the pure BSBA Accounting degree above; the credits are simply allocated slightly differently. The BS Accounting/CPA has 24 Accounting credits required while the BSBA Accounting only has 18. Students should generally be able to follow the BSBA Accounting plan to get the BS Accounting/CPA.
- Computer Information Systems
- Entrepreneurship
- General Management
The differentiated BSBA degrees cannot be combined with the pure BSBA degrees as a single degree. It was previously possible to get, for instance, a BSBA CIS and a BSBA Marketing degree and TESU would count this as a single degree. It's also possible that students cannot combine differentiated degrees either. For instance, it may not be possible to combine the BS(BA) CIS and the BS(BA) Entrepreneurship or the BS(BA) CIS and BS(BA) Accounting/CPA degrees. This would need to be confirmed with an advisor.
If you are getting one of the above degrees, you may also want one of the "free" add-on Associate's degrees. Information regarding the additional courses that might be needed can be found on the associate degree plans page.
Information
As of 2021, TESU is requiring that students have at least 30 RA credits on their degree plan in order to be able to obtain their degree. The least expensive way to do this is by fulfilling General Education requirements via RA sources. The reason for this is that AOS courses from RA sources tend to be costly. The "right" way to fulfill these requirements will be different for every student. For instance, students who are weak in math may wish to avoid taking an intensive RA math class and might, instead, prefer to take an RA English Composition class. Students who are weak at writing but strong in math might prefer the reverse.
As a result, as many RA options are given as possible. This will allow students to choose the options that are best for them and their particular situation. A few things to keep in mind while creating your individual plan:
- 6 RA credits will come from TESU in the form of the capstone and cornerstone.
- The remaining 24 RA credits may come from anywhere as long as they are RA or RA-equivalent. They do not need to come from the same source; you are allowed to use a combination of sources to get to 24.
- The absolute cheapest way to get actual RA credit is by taking LL TECEPs. If you want, you can simply choose 8 TECEPs from this list at TESU and then fill in the remaining slots from ACE/NCCRs sources. But since not everyone is willing or able to take 8 TECEPs, other options are listed where available.
- If you didn't find this page until after finishing off your general education requirements with ACE/NCCRS sources, don't despair! RA credits will override or "push out" credits from alternative providers. You may wind up spending more on general education credits (and having to redo some courses) but the cost will still be lower than if you were to attempt to seek UL credits for your AOS from RA sources.
- Courses listed below are ranked roughly in order of cost for a given section. Thus, TEL Learning will always appear first above other options, when available.
Non-American University Credits
For TESU's purposes, credits from any properly accredited/authorized foreign university will count as "RA-credits" as long as those credits have been evaluated by a recognized evaluation company. For students who do not have prior university credit, credits from Finnish universities can be a low-cost way to meet this requirement. Depending on the university and the course(s) chosen, a student may be able to get a few dozen credits for free and only pay the evaluation fee (approximately $200).
New Gen Ed Requirements
Unlike prior catalogs, the general education requirements are slightly different for different degrees. Some differences from previous catalogs and between individual degrees include:
- If you use any 1 or 2 credit course to satisfy Gen Ed requirements, you will be required to bring in an extra Gen Ed class (or two) in order to ensure that your Gen Ed credits total at least 30 or 45 (depending on degree).
- Associate degrees no longer have an Oral Communication or American Government/Civic Engagement requirement. Bachelor's degrees still do.
- History is no longer considered part of Social Sciences but can now satisfy Humanities requirements.
- Some degrees have a specific Social Sciences requirement. Other degrees only have Social Sciences and/or History and/or Humanities as a combined requirement.
- Most degrees now have more "free electives" that allow students to take any course they feel like.
- Some of the Gen Ed elective slots have now moved to additional AOS electives. These additional AOS electives will need to come from specific Gen Ed areas. Check your degree plan for details.
General Education Requirements
Bachelor's degrees need 45 credits, AA/AS degrees need 30 credits, and AAS degrees need 21 credits in total.
Part A. Intellectual and Practical Skills
Students seeking a BSBA degree should be aware that there are two required math courses in the General Education requirements. TESU generally expects Algebra and Statistics but will also accept CSM Learn for the second math requirement. Students may wish to get RA credits with Algebra and then use ACE credits to take either Sophia Statistics or CSM Learn.
ACE/NCCRS Options
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication: ENC-101 English Composition I |
College Composition Modular | CLEP |
| Written Communication: ENC-101 English Composition I |
English Composition I | Sophia.org |
| Written Communication: ENC-101 English Composition I |
English 204: English Composition I | Study.com |
| Written Communication: ENC-102 English Composition II |
English Composition II | Sophia.org |
| Written Communication: ENC-102 English Composition II |
English 205: English Composition II | Study.com |
| Written Communication (ENC-101 & 102) | College Composition (w/Essay) | CLEP |
| Oral Communication | Public Speaking | Sophia.org |
| Oral Communication | Communications 120: Presentation Skills in the Workplace | Study.com |
| Quantitative Literacy | College Algebra | Sophia.org |
| Quantitative Literacy | Introduction to Statistics | Sophia.org |
| Quantitative Literacy | The CSM Course | SeeMoreImpactLabs (formerly CSM Learn) |
| Quantitative Literacy | College Mathematics | CLEP |
| Quantitative Literacy | College Algebra | CLEP |
| Quantitative Literacy | PreCalculus | CLEP |
| Quantitative Literacy | Calculus | CLEP |
RA Options
Written Communication
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| ENC-101 English Composition I | English Composition I | TECEP |
| ENC-101 English Composition I | ENG 1303 Language & Composition | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| ENC-102 English Composition II | English Composition II | TECEP |
| ENC-102 English Composition II | ENG 2303 Literature & Composition | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
Oral Communication
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| COM-209 Public Speaking | COM 1103 Introduction to Communications | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University This public speaking course is significantly more work than Sophia's Public Speaking. You may want to choose a different course for RA credit. |
Quantitative Literacy
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | Applied Liberal Arts Mathematics | TECEP |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | College Algebra | TECEP |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MATH 1203 College Algebra | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | Calculus I | Outlier.org |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | Intro to Statistics | Outlier.org |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MAT-117 College Algebra and Problem Solving | ASU Earned Admissions Uses ALEKS platform for teaching |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MAT-210 Brief Calculus | ASU Earned Admissions Uses Gradarius platform for teaching |
Information Literacy
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Information Literacy: SOS-110 Critical Information Literacy | Cornerstone course | This course can be taken via TESU or on EdX as a MicroBachelor's degree (it's just the one course). |
Part B. Civic and Global Leadership
ACE/NCCRS Options
Note: Classes cannot be utilized in two places. Example: If you need Business 308: Globalization & International Management for a Business degree, it cannot also be used in your gen eds here.
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introduction to Sociology: Embracing Diversity and Collaboration May require an appeal. |
Sophia.org |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | POLSC221: Introduction to Comparative Politics | Saylor Academy |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Sociology 101: Intro to Sociology | Study.com |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Political Science 103: Comparative Politics | Study.com |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | History 307: American Civil Rights Movement | Study.com |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Business 308: Globalization & International Management | Study.com |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | HS103 - History-Turning Points in Modern History 15th Century to Present | OnlineDegree.com |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introductory Sociology | CLEP |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introduction to Sociology (only the course available prior to July 2021 with this exact name; new course with longer name does not meet this requirement) | Sophia.org |
| Ethical Leadership | Introduction to Ethics | Sophia.org |
| Civic Engagement and Awareness | US Government | Sophia.org |
| Civic Engagement and Awareness | American Government | CIS Testing |
| Civic Engagement and Awareness | POLSC201: Intro to Western Political Thought or POLSC221: Introduction to Comparative Politics |
Saylor Academy |
| Civic Engagement and Awareness | Political Science 103: Comparative Politics | Study.com |
| Civic Engagement and Awareness | American Government | CLEP |
RA Options
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introduction to Christianity | TEL Learning transcripted at Lane College Intro to Christianity transcripts as REL 234: Church History at Lane College. Based on TESU offerings, this should meet the requirement. |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | SOC-2100-TE Marriage and the Family | TECEP |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology | ASU UL |
| Ethical Leadership | PHL-105 Introduction to Ethics | Waubonsee Community College This is not a cost-effective option. It is only offered as an example. You may be able to find a cheaper option elsewhere or you may wish to use an ACE/NCCRS course for this slot. |
| Ethical Leadership | CS 113D Ethics and Technology | NMJC Check with TESU advisor to confirm that this course will work in this slot. This course has a prerequisite and may not be available to all students. |
| Civic Engagement | American Government | TEL Learning Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
Part C. Knowledge of Human Cultures
Check your degree plan for the exact number of credits that are needed. For Bachelor's degrees, you can expect the following credit requirements: 1 class (3 credits) in Social Sciences, 1 class (3 credits) in History, 1 class (3 credits) in Humanities, and 2 classes (6 credits) in your choice of Social Sciences/History/Humanities.
Some of these courses are used in the AOS for specific degrees. For instance, US History is an AOS class for History degrees and Macro/Microeconomics are both needed for BSBA degrees. If this applies to you, you will need to choose different options to fulfill this requirement.
Social Sciences includes: anthropology, (some) administration of justice/criminal justice, economics, global issues/social justice, world geography, homeland security, (some) leadership, organizational behavior, politics, psychology, sociology.
Humanities includes: Art, communication, English/writing, journalism, literature, music, philosophy, religion, foreign languages.
These are not exhaustive lists but should give you a good idea of what to choose when trying to fill these slots.
ACE/NCCRS Options
Social Sciences
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | Microeconomics | Sophia.org |
| Social Sciences | Macroeconomics | Sophia.org |
| Social Sciences | PSY-101 - Intro to Psychology | OnlineDegree.com |
If you have the old Introduction to Psychology course from Sophia, that will fill this requirement. If you have the new class Introduction to Psychology: Smarter Decisions Through Psychology, that one is only a free elective and does not count for this requirement.
History
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| History | US History I | Sophia.org |
| History | US History II | Sophia.org |
| History | U.S. History: Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future | Sophia.org |
| History | HS103 - History-Turning Points in Modern History 15th Century to Present | OnlineDegree.com |
| History | History of the United States I | CLEP |
| History | History of the United States II | CLEP |
Students who are going for a history degree will need to use US History I & II for their AOS. Choose a different course for this requirement.
Humanities
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | Art History I | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Art History II | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Conflict Resolution | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Workplace Communications | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Visual Communications | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Ancient Greek Philosophers | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Spanish I | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | Spanish II | Sophia.org |
| Humanities | French I | Sophia.org |
A large number of CLEP exams fulfill this requirement at TESU. Please see their equivalencies page to find out what might or might not work for your degree.
RA Options
Social Sciences
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | Principles of Psychology | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| Social Sciences | Intro to Psychology | Outlier.org |
| Social Sciences | Intro to Microeconomics | Outlier.org |
| Social Sciences | ECN-211 Macroeconomic Principles | ASU Universal Learner |
| Social Sciences | ECN-212 Microeconomic Principles: Decision Making Under Scarcity | ASU Universal Learner |
| Social Sciences | ASM-246 Human Origins | ASU Universal Learner |
| Social Sciences | SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology | ASU Universal Learner |
| Social Sciences | PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology | ASU Universal Learner |
History
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| History | United States History I | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| History | United States History II | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| History | World Civilizations I | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| History | HIST 2020: US History II | East Tennessee State University OpenBUCS |
| History | HST-102 Europe and the Mediterranean: Ancient and Medieval | ASU Universal Learner |
Humanities
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | MUSC 1030: Intro to Music | East Tennessee State University OpenBUCS |
| Humanities | COM-100 Introduction to Human Communication | ASU Universal Learner |
| Humanities | Intro to Philosophy | Outlier.org |
| Humanities | Introduction to Christianity | TEL Learning transcripted at Lane Collge |
Part D. Scientific Knowledge
Some of these courses may fit into the AOS for your degree; you'd need to choose a different option to fulfill these requirements if that is the case.
Accepted topics include: forensic science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers & computer programming, earth science, environmntal science, fitness, geology, gerontology, biomedical ethics, physics, physiological psychology
ACE/NCCRS Options
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences | Environmental Science | Sophia.org |
| Sciences | Introduction to Human Biology | Sophia.org |
| Sciences | Introduction to Information Technology | Sophia.org |
| Sciences | Introduction to Chemistry | Sophia.org |
| Sciences | Introduction to Nutrition | Sophia.org |
| Sciences | Biology | CLEP |
| Sciences | Chemistry | CLEP |
| Sciences | Natural Sciences | CLEP |
| Sciences | NU102 - Nutrition & Health-Body Sculpting with Diet & Exercise Not yet guaranteed to fit this requirement |
OnlineDegree.com |
| Sciences | BG101 - Biology-Organisms and Ecosystems | OnlineDegree.com |
| Sciences | EV103 - Environmental Science-Climate Change and the Cryosphere | OnlineDegree.com |
| Sciences | CS101 - Computer Science-Introduction to Programming | OnlineDegree.com |
RA Options
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences | Chemistry I (with or without lab) | TEL Learning |
| Sciences | Introduction to Biology (with or without lab) | TEL Learning |
| Sciences | Physical Sciences (with or without lab) | TEL Learning |
| Sciences | Introduction to Information Technology | TEL Learning |
| Sciences | AST-111 (includes lab) | ASU UL Course lab requires the use of advanced algebra concepts. It is still theoretically possible to pass with at least a C grade even with a low grade in the lab portion. |
| Sciences | CHM-114 General Chemistry for Engineers (includes lab) | ASU UL This is a very workload-heavy class. It is not recommended for students who do not already have a solid background in chemistry. |
| Sciences | CIS-105 Computer Applications & Information Technology | ASU UL Duplicates Sophia's Intro to IT. |
| Sciences | Intro to Astronomy | Outlier.org |
Electives
TESU has done away with GE electives for any degree enrolled in as of 7/1/21. There are now AOS electives (depending on your degree) and Free Electives. Different degree plans have a different number of electives that are required to make up the credit requirements. Check your degree plan for details.
Free Electives can literally be any college-level course. The course Food Styling at Coopersmith would be a good example of a Free Elective because it does not fit into any degree requirements but you can still get credit for this course. Other common Free Electives are courses in Personal Finance, Health, Welding, Nursing, Business (if you're not a BSBA major), etc.
Free Electives
ACE/NCCRS Options
Business options can/will be used in the Business core/AOS when seeking a BSBA degree.
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Intro to Business | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Accounting | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Project Management | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Developing Effective Teams (1 credit) | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Principles of Finance | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Business Law | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Communication at Work | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Cybersecurity (10 credits) | TEEX |
| Elective | Music Therapy (TESU PSY-205) | Coopersmith Career Consulting |
| Elective | Music Education (TESU CDS-310) | Coopersmith Career Consulting |
RA Options
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Anything here | TECEP |
| Elective | Any course not yet taken | TEL Learning TESU may or may not accept College Readiness as an elective at all. |
| Elective | Any course not yet taken | ASU Universal Learner |