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Frequently Asked Questions - Majors

  1. What are the general education requirements?
  2. Why do I have to take general education courses?
  3. How do I keep track of my general education coursework?
  4. Can I get "D" grades in general education courses?
  5. I completed my general education requirements before I transferred, I'm done right?
  6. I transferred in with an AA and/or an AS degree, I have fulfilled all my general education requirements right?
  7. Can I use a course from my major for a general education requirement?
  8. Can I take major course requirements for credit or no credit instead of a letter grade?
  9. I'm doing a double major and/or a minor-can some courses apply to both or all three?

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What are the general education requirements? [TOP]

General education refers to general education requirements. Certain general area requirements must be fulfilled in order to graduate from ULV. Students follow either Track I or Track II general education requirements, depending on what catalog year they came under and how many units they transferred in at time of admission. If you are unsure which track you are following, consult your catalog or stop by the Office of Academic Advising in Woody Hall to pick up a general education checklist or download one from our website. Academic Advising is ready to answer all of your general education requirement questions.

Why do I have to take general education courses? [TOP]

All universities require general education coursework to graduate. General education requirements provide students with knowledge in a broad range of areas valued by employers. General education also helps students to understand and relate to the diverse population they will be working with in their chosen professions.

How do I keep track of my general education coursework? [TOP]

Most simply, follow the general education checklist for the appropriate general education track (Track I or Track II). Be careful not to duplicate areas. Ask your advisor if you are unsure about a specific class fulfilling a specific general education area. Pay careful attention to the Attribute coding shown on your checklist, in the catalog and on the schedule of courses. If the coding is not indicated, the course is most likely not going to fulfill a general education area. BE SURE TO ASK if you are not sure.

Can I get "D" grades in general education courses? [TOP]

Yes, (with the exception of Written Communication) if they do not count for major courses and if they are taken at ULV.

I completed my general education requirements before I transferred, I'm done right? [TOP]

Sorry, no. Refer to your catalog under the Transfer Policy section for appropriate general education Track I or Track II requirements.

I transferred in with an AA and/or an AS degree, I have fulfilled all my general education requirements right? [TOP]

Probably not. Check your official evaluation of coursework then refer to your catalog under the Transfer Policy section for appropriate general education Track I or Track II requirements.

Can I use a course from my major for a general education requirement? [TOP]

Yes, if the course in question meets a general education requirement. However, there are specific guidelines to follow regarding which areas you can “double dip” like this depending on whether you are following Track I or Track II so you need to refer to your catalog or your general education checklist for the policies.

Can I take major course requirements for credit or no credit instead of a letter grade? [TOP]

No. In some instances such as you took a course that will count toward a major requirement prior to declaring your major, you may appeal to the department and the undergraduate appeals committee to accept credit for that specific course instead of a letter grade.

I'm doing a double major and/or a minor-can some courses apply to both or all three? [TOP]

No. Courses required for your major only fulfill one major requirement. If the same course is required in your double major and/or minor substitute courses must be taken and approved by your advisor and/or the department.