All students studying toward a baccalaureate degree at Shawnee State University are required to complete the University's General Education Program (GEP). The GEP is a group of courses that gives students the opportunity to acquire the characteristics of an educated person — something quite distinct from the goals of other courses associated with the degree programs offered by Shawnee State.
View GEP Requirements in Academic Catalog
Most courses required for a specific degree program are meant to give you the ability to practice a profession and further your professional education. The goal of Shawnee State University, however, goes beyond professional education to prepare you to function effectively in the multiple roles demanded by contemporary life. In this respect, the General Education Program supports the University's mission statement.
NOTE: The GEP is a combination of required and elective courses, grouped in categories, each chosen for the contribution it makes to the skills or knowledge characteristic of university graduates.
If you plan to transfer to another state institution in Ohio, contact the GEP Director for advice concerning the state’s transfer module for general education.
By the 60th credit hour attempted, you must declare a major or be accepted into a selective program.
Most categories in the General Education Program allow you to choose from a list of approved courses. In these cases, it is wise to consult with your academic advisor since some degree programs require particular courses within these lists.
You should complete the following categories of the General Education Program as soon as possible: English Composition and Quantitative Reasoning. English Composition is often a prerequisite for other courses in the GEP. Likewise, courses in Quantitative Reasoning are prerequisites for some science courses as well as a number of degree program requirements.
In order to take Senior Seminar, you must have senior standing (at least 75 semester hours) and complete 31 hours of GEP coursework (all of the GEP except for Senior Seminar).
Please contact Derek Jones at gep@shawnee.edu with any questions about the GEP.