The General Education Competencies are essential skills that students expand on during their studies at Central Michigan University. CMU graduates demonstrate expertise in areas of Writing, Oral Language, and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning. The requirements of these competencies were developed to aid students in mastering the skills deemed necessary to function as constructive, concerned, and thoughtful persons.
Writing Competency (3-6 hours)
- Develops the ability to write clearly, use composition techniques, strategies for persuasive writing, and modern writing practices.
- Students must complete 3-6 credit hours of Freshmen Composition and Intermediate Composition.
Writing Intensive (12 hours)
- Increases student writing fluency and skill at using writing to learn new concepts and skills.
- Provides students practice with the specific language conventions, writing styles, and genres used in their majors and future professions.
- Writing Intensive classes are indicated with “WI” in the course designator.
- Students complete 12 credit hours of “WI” classes.
- At least 6 of the WI credits must be obtained before 56 credit hours are completed.
Oral English (3 hours)
- Enhances student ability to interpret, compose, and present information to a specific audience.
- Students must complete 3 credit hours of oral competency before 56 credit hours are completed.
Mathematics (3 hours)
- Develops tools for understanding patterns that appear in the sciences as well as humanities.
- Apply algebra to solve quantitative problems.
- Students must complete 3 credit hours of Mathematics before 56 credit hours are completed.
Quantitative Reasoning (3 hours)
- Establishes a foundation for effective quantitative reasoning and problem-solving strategies that are relevant to the life activities of most people.
- Quantitative Reasoning classes are indicated with “QR” in the course designator.
- Students must complete 3 credit hours of “QR” classes.
Testing out of Competencies
- Some students have considerable skills that warrant their testing out of competency related coursework.
- Students who want to test out of competency related coursework should talk to an academic advisor to ensure all degree requirements are being met.
- Students wishing to take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exam to fulfill a competency requirement should contact the Certified-Based Testing Center.