Academic Requirements

General Education and Your Degree

A Message from the President Regarding General Education

An educated person should be able to read and comprehend, to write clearly, to compute and solve a variety of mathematical problems, and possess the skills necessary to be successful in a particular field. The general education portion of your degree program provides you with broad skills which are considered critical in today’s global economy: independent thought, critical thinking, responsible citizenship, knowledge of history and other cultures, appreciation of the arts, and a global perspective. These skills enable you to learn new job skills rapidly, which in the coming years will prove important as technology knowledge doubles weekly and human knowledge doubles yearly thus propelling significant changes in the workplace on a regular basis.

As a student at Bay College, you will develop these broad based skills. You will be exposed to many areas of knowledge, from the sciences to the fine arts. The purpose of general education at Bay College is to help all students develop the skills and knowledge that are essential to becoming satisfied, knowledgeable, and productive individuals and citizens.

Good luck as you pursue your educational goals at Bay College!

Laura Coleman, Ph.D.
President of Bay de Noc Community College

Bay de Noc Community College’s General Education Philosophy

All associate degree graduates of Bay de Noc Community College will possess those qualities, abilities, skills, and knowledge which give them new insights, challenge them to consider new possibilities, create community, and sensitize them to other perspectives.

Bay College General Education

All associate degree graduates of Bay de Noc Community College will possess those qualities, abilities, skills, and knowledge which give them new insights, challenge them to consider new possibilities, create community, and sensitize them to other perspectives.

By graduation, all associate degree students need to meet the General Education outcomes that stem from the categories of Communication, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social & Behavioral Science, and Humanities. Students are required to take approved courses from the following General Education Course list. For information regarding a specific program, students are encouraged to examine the program’s requirements as listed in this catalog and to consult with their advisor.

Five General Education Categories

1. Communication
   Demonstrate proficiency in communicating effectively by writing in standard English. Additional studies may include demonstrating proficiency in communication through written, oral, or non-verbal messages and an understanding of the theoretical principles and practices of communication.
2. Mathematics
   Develop problem-solving techniques by using mathematical formulas and critical thinking skills.
3. Natural Science
   Demonstrate broad contemporary knowledge about a natural scientific field, the process of science, and the ability to apply scientific reasoning.
4. Social & Behavioral Science
   Develop social awareness and responsibility through understanding national and global issues.
5. Humanities
   Develop social awareness of how society and culture interplay in artistic expression and enrichment.

Associate in Arts Degree

Associate in Arts (AA) students will take two Communication courses (ENGL 101  required), one Mathematics course, two Natural Science courses (one with a lab), two Social & Behavioral Science courses, and two Humanities courses. Completing the General Education requirements will satisfy MTA provided you follow the MTA requirements listed in the catalog when choosing courses within each category.

A minimum of 30 general education credits will be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. If more than the nine courses shown below are taken to achieve the 30 credit minimum, the additional courses may be taken from any of the five general education categories.

See list of General Education Courses for specific courses that fulfill each category

Associate in Science Degree

Associate in Science (AS) students will take two Communication courses (ENGL 101  required), one Mathematics course, two Natural Science courses with a lab, two Social & Behavioral Science courses, and two Humanities courses. Completing the General Education requirements will satisfy MTA provided you follow the MTA requirements listed in the catalog when choosing courses within each category.

A minimum of 30 general education credits will be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. If more than the nine courses shown below are taken to achieve the 30 credit minimum, the additional courses may be taken from any of the five general education categories.

See list of General Education Courses for specific courses that fulfill each category

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) students will take one Communication course (ENGL 101  required), one Mathematics or Natural Science course, and one Social & Behavioral Science or Humanities course. Two additional courses will be taken. These additional courses may be from any of the five General Education categories.

A minimum of 15 general education credits will be taken. If more than the five courses shown below are taken to achieve the 15 credit minimum, the additional courses may be taken from any of the five general education categories.

See list of General Education Courses for specific courses that fulfill each category

General Education Courses

Course Selection

When selecting courses, students need to consider the progressive flow of courses based on placement test scores and course prerequisites. Students should contact their Academic Advisors for assistance.

Writing and Reading Prerequisite

Students need to meet the English (E) and Reading (R) prerequisites in order to enroll in ENGL 101 - Rhetoric & Composition , which is required for all degrees.

To meet the E prerequisite, a student must have achieved one of the following:

• An ACT score of 18 or higher
• A COMPASS writing score of 69 or higher
• A grade of “C” or better in ENGL 097 , ENGL 097W , or ENGL 098  
• An SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher
• A Writeplacer score of 5 or higher

If the E is not met, a student must enroll in either ENGL 098 - Integrated College Reading & Writing Skills , or, if R is met, ENGL 097W - College Writing Skills Workshop  and a designated section of ENGL 101 .

To meet the R prerequisite, a student must have achieved one of the following:

• An ACT score of 18 or higher
• A COMPASS reading score of 78 or higher
• A grade of “C” or better in ENGL 077  or ENGL 098  
• An SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher
• An Accuplacer score of 245 or higher

If the R is not met, a student must enroll in ENGL 098 .

Math

Math Flow Chart  

Science Flow Charts

Students need to work with their Academic Advisors to determine which science courses to take. Prerequisites for science are based on high school courses taken; E, M, and R prerequisites; and specific course prerequisites. These flow charts show the basic sequence of science courses.

Chemistry

Chemistry Flow Chart  

Physics

Physics Flow Chart  

Biology

Students that did not take biology in High School or feel that they need a review prior to taking a college level biology course are advised to take BIOL 090  before taking any of the courses listed below.

Biology Flow Chart  

Notes:
Contact advisor, transfer guide, and program requirements for additional information
BIOL 112  may be taken before BIOL 110 , but it is recommended that BIOL 110  is taken first
BIOL 103  can be used as a prerequisite for BIOL 202 , BIOL 213 /BIOL 214 , BIOL 255 /BIOL 256 , and BIOL 270 /BIOL 271  instead of BIOL 110  & BIOL 112 
BIOL 104  can be used as a prerequisite for BIOL 213 /BIOL 214  instead of BIOL 110  & BIOL 112 
Non-science majors are welcome to take any of the courses listed under Science Majors on the chart

*Many students benefit from a 100 level biology course before BIOL 213