Core Curriculum Requirements

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The Texas Core Curriculum is an essential element in the educational process that results in professional success, personal growth, and responsible citizenship. In this process, students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge, learn reasoning and communication skills, examine their goals, values, and potentialities, and develop an enduring commitment to learning through both formal and informal educational experiences.

The Core Curriculum program at A&M-Commerce embodies the characteristics and purposes of the University. With both professional and liberal arts programs, A&M-Commerce recognizes general education as a necessary component in the development of all students. The general education which takes place in the Core Curriculum program is, therefore, not only compatible with specialization, but is the context in which specialization occurs.

The Student Learning Outcomes, or SLOs, for the Undergraduate Core Curriculum are

  1. Critical Thinking - Students will be able to analyze, evaluate, or solve problems when given a set of circumstances, data, texts, or art.
  2. Oral/Visual Communication - Students will communicate in a manner appropriate to audience and occasion with an evident message and organizational structure.
  3. Empirical/Quantitative Reasoning - Students will be able to interpret, test, and demonstrate principles revealed in empirical data and/or observable facts.
  4. Teamwork - Students will be able to work together toward a shared purpose relevant to the course or discipline with a sense of shared responsibility for meeting that purpose.
  5. Personal Responsibility - Students will understand and practice academic honesty.
  6. Social Responsibility - Students will demonstrate an understanding of societal and/or civic issues.

Through the analyzation of artifacts produced by the courses that are part of the undergraduate Core Curriculum, faculty from across the university are able to gather and synthesize data on the learning of the outcomes listed above.

The breadth and depth offered by Core Curriculum is necessary to the meaningful and informed study of any major field. Though the courses are required, they are not to be regarded as inconveniences, but rather as the intellectual foundation upon which a university education is built.

Specifically, the Core Curriculum program

  • stresses breadth and provides a person with opportunities to perceive the integration of knowledge;
  • involves the study of liberal arts and science;
  • encourages understanding of our heritage as well as respect for other people’s cultures;
  • develops mastery of linguistic, analytical, and computational skills that are necessary for lifelong learning; and
  • fosters development of such personal qualities as appropriate acceptance of ambiguity, empathy and acceptance of others, and expanded understanding of self.

The Texas Core Curriculum requires students to complete thirty-six hours of coursework from a broad variety of disciplines across eight Foundational Component Areas. Another six hours that meet requirements for any one of the Foundational Component Areas are also required, but institutions are allowed to select those six hours to meet institutional priorities and mission. This six hour element of the Texas Core Curriculum is called the Component Area Option. Completion of the Core Curriculum, either from the current block of courses offered at Texas A&M University-Commerce, or through Generic Transfer Equivalent Courses transferred in must total forty-two semester hours. In both cases it is essential that students recognize that individual courses are not necessarily interchangeable. Certain science courses, for example, are intended for those majoring in science. Depending upon major, different math courses might be more applicable or even preferred by departments. Students considering Core Curriculum courses should consult with the appropriate advising personnel or offering departments as a part of making an informed choice prior to enrollment.

Foundational Component Areas (36 SCH)
(010) Communications (6 SCH)6
Students must complete two semesters of English composition. Communication courses focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses in communication promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
College Reading & Writing
Written Argument/Research
(020) Mathematics (3 SCH)3
Students must complete a minimum of one college level mathematics course. Mathematics courses focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses in mathematics promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, and empirical and quantitative skills. Mathematics courses should be selected based upon completion of the appropriate prerequisites. Math courses also are often very major-specific—in other words, one size does not fit all. All students should refer to the catalog and seek the advice of a professional advisor about the appropriate math selections for their major.
College Algebra
Math for Business Applications I
Mathematics for Business Applications II
Contemporary Mathematics
Elementary Statistical Methods
Pre-Calculus
Calculus I
(030) Life and Physical Sciences (6 SCH)6
Students must complete six hours of life and physical science. Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses in the life and physical sciences promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, empirical and quantitative skills, and teamwork.
Four credit hour science courses are intended for students majoring in science, engineering, or agriculture fields, as well as some within the College of Education and Human Services. These students should complete TWO four credit hour (three hour lecture and one hour lab) science courses. Selecting the wrong science courses can delay completion of key pre-requisites and graduation.
Three credit hour and one credit hour (labs) courses for the life and physical science component area are intended for students not majoring in science, engineering, or agriculture fields. These courses are marked with an asterisks “*” below and are either designed specifically for non-science majors or open to non-science majors. When the course is a lab, it is permissible for non-science majors to take the lab apart from the three hour lecture. Science majors must take both a lecture and a lab if choosing from this list of courses. The same lecture and lab course may not be repeated (unless failed) in order to meet the six hour life and physical science Core Requirement.
All students should seek the assistance of a professional advisor when choosing science courses to meet their Core Curriculum Requirements.
Non-Science Major Life and Physical Science Courses
Introduction to Animal Science
Life in the Universe
Archaeoastronomy *
Stars and the Universe for STEM Majors
Introductory Astronomy Lab
Stars and the Universe *
Solar System *
Human Biology: Structure and Function *
Hum Bio: Struct/Funct
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I *
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II *
Introductory Chemistry I *
Introductory Chemistry II
Natural Disasters
Introduction to Environmental Science
Physical Geology
Historical Geology
Integrated Science I
Integrated Science II
Introduction to Musical Acoustics: The Science of Sound
Applied Plant Science Lab
Introduction to Horticulture Laboratory
Introduction to Plant Science & Agronomy
Introduction to Horticulture
Science Majors Life and Physical Science Courses
Introduction to Animal Science
Archaeoastronomy *
Stars and the Universe for STEM Majors
Introductory Astronomy Lab *
Stars and the Universe *
Solar System *
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Botany
Zoology
Hum Anatomy/Physiology I
Hum Anatomy/Physiology II
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I *
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II *
General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I
General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II
Introductory Chemistry I *
Introductory Chemistry II *
General and Quantitative Chemistry I
General and Quantitative Chemistry II
Natural Disasters
Historical Geology
Physical Geology
College Physics I
College Physics II
University Physics I
University Physics II
Applied Plant Science Lab *
Introduction to Horticulture Laboratory *
Introduction to Plant Science & Agronomy *
Introduction to Horticulture *
(040) Language, Philosophy, and Culture (3 SCH)3
Students must complete three hours of Literature, Philosophy, and Culture. Courses in this category focus on how ideas, beliefs, and other aspects of human culture affect human experience. Literature, Philosophy, and Culture courses promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and personal responsibility.
Introduction to African American Studies
Studies in Human/Communication
The Human Experience
Popular Literature and Culture
Marginalized Literatures
Humor in the Humanities
Intro to Literature
Lit of Western World
Introduction to Gender Studies
A Nation Divided: American History
A World Divided: Global History
Introduction to Latin American & US Latino Studies
Mass Communication in Society
Studies in Electronic Communications
Intro to Philosophy
History of Philosophy I
History of Philosophy II
General Ethics
Aesthetics
(050) Creative Arts (3 SCH)3
Students must complete three hours of coursework in Creative Arts. Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Creative Arts courses promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and teamwork.
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
History and Aesthetics of Film
Literature and Film
Introduction to Music Literature
History of Rock and Roll
World Music
Photography Appreciation
Intro to Theatre
(060) American History (6 SCH)6
State law mandates six hours of American History survey. Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States. Courses in this category promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, social responsibility and personal responsibility.
History of the United States through Reconstruction
History of the United States Since Reconstruction
(070) Government/ Political Science (6 SCH)6
State law mandates six hours of US and Texas government. Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses in this category promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and personal responsibility.
At A&M-Commerce, the two course sequence PSCI 2305/PSCI 2306 meets this requirement. Other two course sequences are offered elsewhere. Mixing a course from other sequences into the PSCI 2305/PSCI 2306 sequence can delay graduation.
All students should seek the assistance of a professional advisor when choosing political science courses to meet their Core Curriculum Requirements.
United States Government and Politics
Texas Government and Politics
(080) Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 SCH)3
Students must complete three hours of coursework in Social and Behavioral Science. Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Social and Behavioral Science courses promote the Texas state Core Objectives of critical thinking, communication, empirical and quantitative skills, and social responsibility.
Agricultural Economics
World Cultures: Perspectives from Anthropology
Introduction to Business
Economics of Personal Finance
Prin Macro Economics
Principles of Micro Economics
Nutrition
Logic
Diversity
Introduction to Psychology
Psychology of Sexual Behavior
Psychology of Adjustment
Introduction to Sociology
Contemporary Ideas
(090) Component Area Option (6 SCH)6
At A&M Commerce the Component Area Option consists of two elements depending on the student's admit-type. All first-time full-time freshmen will take either CID 1300 or CID 2301. Students who also must take a developmental Math and/or English course will enroll in CID 1300 during their first year. All other first-time full-time freshmen will enroll in CID 2301. All first-time full-time freshmen will also take an additional three hours in their Degree Pathway. All other students not falling under the first-time full-time admit type will take six hours in the Component Area from the Degree Pathway. Some degree plans require specific courses to meet programmatic requirements. In these cases, students may need a second course in the Degree Pathway. See your advisor for more information. Advisors should choose the option that most quickly expedites students through the Core Curriculum Requirements.
The Student and The University
The Human Experience
Degree Pathway: One additional course chosen from lists below depending upon degree type. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts (any field), Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, and Bachelor of General Studies, CHOOSE ONE of the following:
Agricultural Economics
Introduction to African American Studies
World Cultures: Perspectives from Anthropology
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Business/Professional Speaking
Economics of Personal Finance
Prin Macro Economics
Principles of Micro Economics
Popular Literature and Culture
Marginalized Literatures
Humor in the Humanities
History and Aesthetics of Film
Literature and Film
Intro to Literature
Lit of Western World
Nutrition
A Nation Divided: American History
A World Divided: Global History
Mass Communication in Society
Studies in Electronic Communications
History of Rock and Roll
Introduction to Music Literature
Music History: Early-1750
Music History: 1750-Present
History of Philosophy I
History of Philosophy II
General Ethics
Aesthetics
Intro to Philosophy
Logic
Photography Appreciation
Diversity
Introduction to Psychology
Psychology of Sexual Behavior
Psychology of Adjustment
Introduction to Sociology
Contemporary Ideas
Intro to Theatre
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science (any field), Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of General Studies, CHOOSE ONE of the following:
Introduction to Animal Science
Life in the Universe
Archaeoastronomy
Introductory Astronomy Lab *
Stars and the Universe
Solar System
Human Biology: Structure and Function
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Hum Bio: Struct/Funct
Botany
Zoology
Hum Anatomy/Physiology I
Hum Anatomy/Physiology II
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I *
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II *
General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I
General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II
Introductory Chemistry I
Introductory Chemistry II
General and Quantitative Chemistry I
General and Quantitative Chemistry II
Introduction to Business
Introduction to Environmental Science *
Natural Disasters *
Historical Geology
Physical Geology
Historical Geology
Physical Geology
Integrated Science I
Integrated Science II
College Algebra
Math for Business Applications I
Mathematics for Business Applications II
Contemporary Mathematics
Elementary Statistical Methods
Pre-Calculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Introduction to Musical Acoustics: The Science of Sound
College Physics I
College Physics II
University Physics I
University Physics II
Applied Plant Science Lab *
Introduction to Horticulture Laboratory *
Introduction to Plant Science & Agronomy
Introduction to Horticulture
Total Hours42
*

Indicates courses either designed specifically for non-science majors or open to non-science majors.  When the course is a lab, it is permissible for non-science majors to take the lab apart from the three hour lecture.  Science majors must take both.

Texas A&M University-Commerce will honor core curriculum courses from other Texas public institutions and apply those toward completion of the A&M-Commerce core curriculum.  

Whether students are transferring or starting and finishing with A&M-Commerce, completion of the core curriculum is a graduation requirement.  Students should seek the help of their success coach or professional advisor in selecting appropriate courses to meet these requirements.

For information on the Texas Common Course Numbering System visit the website at: https://www.tccns.org/

Basic Skills Policy

A&M-Commerce shall assess the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student's readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. This assessment may not serve as a condition of admission to the University.

Students found to be not ready for college-level work as determined by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam will be enrolled in the appropriate developmental courses to prepare them for college-level work. Beginning Fall 2018, Texas state law requires that developmental courses be offered concurrently with coordinating college-level courses. This is known as the Co-requisite Model. 

Co-requisite Model in English: Upon completion of the developmental education sequence in English, students must enroll and remain enrolled in ENG 1301 until completion; students will be simultaneously enrolled in both ENG 100 and ENG 1301 concurrently.

Students not requiring developmental work in English must be continuously enrolled in ENG 1301 until successfully completed.

Students in the College of Innovation and Design that are not college ready must begin the ENG 100 and ENG 1301 co-requisite during their first term of enrollment and remain enrolled in English until this requirement has been met.

Co-requisite Model in Math: Developmental Pathways in Mathematics will be chosen according to major. If a student is determined to be in a “NON-Algebra intensive” major that does not require College Algebra, MATH 1314, or Business Math, MATH 1324, then that student will be enrolled in MATH 120 concurrently with either Contemporary Math, MATH 1332, or Elementary Statistical Methods, MATH 1342, depending on major requirements. If a student is determined to be in an “Algebra-intensive” major that requires either MATH 1314 or MATH 1324, then that student will be enrolled in Intermediate Algebra, MATH 131, concurrently with either MATH 1314 or MATH 1324, depending on major requirements. Enrollment in the co-requisite model will continue until the developmental course is successfully completed. For examples of majors that are Algebra-intensive, refer to the description of the major or speak with a professional advisor.

Students not requiring developmental work in Mathematics must be continuously enrolled in either MATH 1314, 1324, 1332, or 1342 (depending on the requirements of the major) until successfully completed.

Upon completion of the developmental education sequence in Mathematics, students majoring in programs housed in the College of Business (COB), the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE), and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) must begin the appropriate college Math sequence for their programs. COB, CoSE, and CASNR students must be continuously enrolled in Mathematics until their Core Curriculum Math requirements have been met. 

Students in the College of Innovation and Design (CID) who are not college ready in both English and Math should complete their English requirements first. Upon completing English, CID students must begin the co-requisite Math sequence within the next two terms and be continuously enrolled in Mathematics until their requirements have been met. Students in other colleges will be encouraged to complete college Mathematics in as timely a manner as possible.

Students subject to this Basic Skills Policy who request to drop English or Math will require approval from the Dean of the College of Innovation and Design.

Each Advising Team will maintain an advising hold on students to insure compliance.

Contact the Dean of the College of Innovation and Design with questions at 903-886-5878.

Grades for developmental courses will be listed as “R” grades. The “R” means that the grade is developmental and does not count in the GPA.

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