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University Core Curriculum

Policies

University Core Curriculum Policy for Transfer Students and Freshmen Students

At Pace University a transfer student is defined as one who prior to attendance enters the University with a minimum of 25 accepted college-level credits (grade of "C" or better) from one or more institutions.

For purposes of determining appropriate University Core Curriculum requirements, transfer students are required to complete Core Foundation requirements and one course in Civic Engagement and Public Values  but with flexibility for the remaining Core requirements. However, students entering with fewer than 25 accepted transfer credits (classified as freshmen) are required to complete the entire Core Curriculum.

University Core Curriculum In-Depth Sequence Policy for Qualified Students

Qualified students are permitted to pursue an "in-depth sequence", i.e., an opportunity to explore a subject area in the arts and sciences in some depth and perhaps applicable towards an available academic minor. 

An in-depth sequence consists of six credits in a subject area within the core, beyond core requirements in that area, and is in a subject area outside the student's major. Qualified students build their in-depth sequence by replacing one course from Areas of Knowledge (excluding Area One: Civic Engagement and Public Values).  However, courses in the sequence may not substitute for requirements in the student's school or first major program.  A student wishing to pursue an in-depth sequence should consult an advisor in the Office of the Dean of Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and in advance of study file with the Office of the Registrar an approved sequence. 

Core-Requirements

English 1,2
ENG 110Composition3
ENG 120Critical Writing4
ENG 201Writing in the Disciplines3,4
Math
Select one of the following: 3,43-4
Mathematics for Life
Finite Mathematics
Principles of Mathematics I
Elementary Calculus I
Calculus I
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Introductory Statistics for the Life Sciences
Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences
Science
Select one lab science course from the following: 5
Chemistry
Introduction to Chemistry I
Introduction to Chemistry II
Elements of Chemistry I
Elements of Chemistry II
Consumer Chemistry
Chemistry of Food and Cooking
Forensic Chemistry I
The Chemical World
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Physics
Digital Electronics Systems
General Physics I
General Physics II
Science
The Planet Earth
The Physical World
Fundamentals of Environmental Science I
Environmental Chemistry: Principles, Problems and Solutions
Environmental Geology
Astronomy
Meteorology
Oceanography
Environmental Science
Biology
General Biology I
General Biology II
Biology and Contemporary Society
Introduction to Neuroscience
Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology II
Environmental Science: The Web of Life
Public Speaking
COM 200Public Speaking3
Computing
CIS 101Introduction to Computing3
CIS 103Problem Solving Using Technology3
CS 109Introduction to Computing Using C++ 63
CS 121Introduction to Computer Science 74
CIT 110Introduction to Information Technology 83
TS 105Computers for Human Empowerment 94
Total Credits36-38
1

Take each of the following three English Courses, unless tested or waived out of part of requirement.

2

ENG 099A Introduction to Academic Writing - ESL and ENG 100A Academic Writing - ESL are not Core course and count only as Free (Open) Electives.

3

Please note certain majors require a specific math course.

4

MAT 100 Fundamental Mathematics,MAT 100C Fundamental Mathematics - (CAP), MAT 103 Algebra, MAT 103A Algebra - Arithmetic, MAT 103C Algebra-CAP, MAT 130 Precalculus, are not Core course and count as a Free (Open) Electives.

5

Please note certain majors require a specific lab science course.

6

Required for Chemistry majors.

7

Required for Computer Science majors and students with a minor in Computer Science.

8

Also a Writing-Enhanced course.

9

Recommended for Education majors.

Second Language Proficiency

Areas of Knowledge

Area of KNowledge: Western Heritage (AOK 2)

The primary aim of these courses is to enrich students' knowledge and understanding of the Western Heritage in North America and Europe. Students will:

  • become familiar with historical, philosophical, artistic, linguistic, religious, political, and literary traditions of North America and Europe
  • read and discuss texts from North America and Europe

Area of Knowledge: World Traditions and Cultures (AOK 3)

The primary aim of these courses is to enrich students' knowledge, understanding, awareness, and appreciation of diverse world traditions and cultures. Students will:

  • become familiar with historical, philosophical, artistic, linguistic, religious, political, and literary traditions and experiences that shape our world
  • read and discuss texts from diverse world traditions and perspectives

Area of Knowledge: Humanistic and Creative Expressions (AOK 4)

The primary aim of these courses is to develop an informed understanding and appreciation of humanistic, literary and artistic creativity. Students will:

  • study important works of the human imagination
  • explore the interaction of the artist, writer, or thinker and society

Area of Knowledge: Analysis of  Human, Social, and Natural Phenomena (AOK 5)

The primary aim of these courses is to examine human, organizational, and scientific experiences. Students will:

  • analyze human, social, and natural phenomena
  • understand concepts and issues that affect the human, social, and natural realms

Second Language Proficiency Policy

All undergraduate students with two or more years of high school study in Chinese, French, Italian, Russian or Spanish, who plan to continue their study of the same language in either the fall, spring or summer semester must take a placement examination to determine the appropriate level of college study. Test scores remain valid for one year, so students who postpone language study beyond that year must retake the placement test.  All students with less than two years of high school study in a language will automatically be placed in the 10-level course in their chosen language.

All students must begin their language study at the evaluated placement level and will not receive Core credit if they start at a lower level.

  • Students placed at 101 must take 101 and 102 in the same language.
  • Students placed at 102 must take 102 and 280 in the same language.
  • Students placed at the 200 level or above must take one 3-credit course at the level of their placement.