General Education & Viewing a Wider World Courses

Associates/Bachelor's General Education

The New Mexico General Education Requirements

General Education at NMSU provides all students with a broad foundation and common framework upon which to develop knowledge and skills, social consciousness and respect for self and others, thus enabling them to function responsibly and effectively now and in the future. General education courses at NMSU can be identified by the G suffix.

In accordance to state law (Post-Secondary Education Articulation Act), the New Mexico Higher Education Department has established a state-wide model for General Education. Within the General Education model, is nine credits of electives that will be determined at an institutional level. The current approved NMSU General Education courses are listed below under each of the six general education areas.

Prefix Title Credits
Area I: Communications10
Select one course from each sub group:
English Composition-Level 1
Composition I4
Composition I Honors4
Composition I Multilingual4
English Composition-Level 2
Advanced Composition3
Professional & Technical Communication3
Professional and Technical Communication Honors3
Professional and Technical Communication for Multilingual Students3
Advanced Technical and Professional Communication3
Writing in the Humanities and Social Science3
Oral Communication
Effective Leadership and Communication in Agriculture3
Introduction to Communication3
Public Speaking3
Introduction to Communication Honors3
Area II: Mathematics3-4
Survey of Mathematics3
College Algebra3
Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus4
Introduction to Statistics3
Applications of Calculus I3
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II Honors4
Fundamentals of Elementary Math II3
Statistical Methods3
Calculus III3
Area III/IV: Laboratory Sciences and Social/Behavioral Sciences 110-11
Area III: Laboratory Sciences
Introduction to Plant Science (Lecture & Lab)
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
and Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab
4
Introduction to Astronomy Lecture & Laboratory4
The Planets Lecture & Laboratory4
Human Biology
and Human Biology Laboratory
4
Introductory Anatomy & Physiology (non-majors)4
Contemporary Problems in Biology4
Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology
and Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution
and Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution Laboratory
4
Modern Computing in Practice4
Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory (non majors)4
General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors4
General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors4
Applied Biology3
Environmental Science I4
Food Science I4
Introduction to Natural Resources Management4
Physical Geography4
Physical Geology4
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
and Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab
4
Earth, Time and Life4
Survey of Physics with Lab4
Physics of Music4
Algebra-Based Physics I
and Algebra-Based Physics I Lab
4
Algebra-Based Physics II
and Algebra-Based Physics II Lab
4
Calculus -Based Physics I
and Calculus -Based Physics I Lab
4
Calculus -Based Physics II
and Calculus -Based Physics II Lab
4
General Physics for Life Science I
and Laboratory to General Physics for Life Science I
4
General Physics for Life Science II
and Laboratory to General Physics for Life Science II
4
Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences
Survey of Food and Agricultural Issues3
Introduction to Anthropology3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
World Archaeology3
Indigenous Peoples of North America3
Introduction to Borderlands and Ethnic Studies3
Human Relations in Business3
Human Growth and Behavior3
Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Survey of Economics3
Macroeconomic Principles3
Microeconomics Principles3
Principles of Microeconomics Honors3
Survey of Food and Agricultural Issues3
World Regional Geography3
Human Geography3
Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies3
Representing Women Across Cultures3
Window of Humanity3
The Human Mind3
Archaeology: Search for the Past3
Citizen and State Great Political Issues3
Introduction to Tourism3
Media and Society3
Introduction to the Study of Language and Linguistics3
Personal Health & Wellness3
Personal Health and Wellness Honors3
Introduction to Political Science3
American National Government3
Issues in American Politics3
International Relations3
Introduction to Psychology3
Introduction to Sociology3
Contemporary Social Problems3
Introduction to Human Services & Social Work3
Area V: Humanities3
Introduction to Africana Studies3
African American History3
Black Women in the African Diaspora3
Introduction to Chicana and Chicano Studies3
Introduction to Literature3
Film as Literature3
World Literature I3
French IV3
Frontiers and Border Crossings in the French-Speaking World3
Making History3
United States History I3
United States History II3
World History I3
World History II3
Western Civilization I3
Western Civilization II3
Islamic Civilizations to 18003
Islamic Civilizations since 18003
East Asia to 16003
East Asia since 16003
The Present in the Past: Contemporary Issues and their Historical Roots3
The World of the Renaissance: Discovering the Modern3
Foundations of Western Culture3
Plato and the Discovery of Philosophy3
Bamboo and Silk: The Fabric of Chinese Literature3
Celtic Literature3
New Testament as Literature3
Introduction to Humanities in the 21st Century3
The Worlds of Arthur3
Claiming a Multiracial Past3
Introduction to Native American Studies3
Introduction to Philosophy3
Logic, Reasoning, & Critical Thinking3
Philosophy and World Religions3
Philosophy, Law, and Ethics3
Introduction to Ethics3
Philosophical Thought3
Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts3
Orientation in Art3
History of Art I3
History of Art II3
Visual Concepts3
Dance Appreciation3
Introduction to Creative Writing3
Music in Time and Space3
Encounters with Art3
Shakespeare on Film3
Theatre: Beginnings to Broadway3
Music Appreciation: Jazz3
Music Appreciation: Western Music3
Introduction to Theatre3
Acting for Non-Majors3
General Education Elective3-4
This requirement can be met with any "G" course in any area, excluding Area I: Communications and any crosslisted courses, that exceeds the minimum requirement.
or
Introduction to Engineering3
Introduction to Engineering Honors
Total Credits32-35
1

For Area III: Laboratory Sciences and Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences, students must take one course from each for a total of 7 credits.

Students will then take an additional course in either Area III or Area IV for 3-4 credits depending on the students selection (i.e. Area III is 4 credits, Area IV is 3 credits).

Alternatives for Meeting General Education Requirements (9 credit hour rule)

Students taking nine or more credits in a specific subject area, even though the courses are not designated as General Education courses, will have met the general education requirements for that subject area. The courses can meet both major and general education requirements for the degree. For example, a student may complete ARTS 2610 Drawing II, ARTS 1240 Design I and ARTS 1250 Design II (9 hours) and thereby satisfy one course from the Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts category even though none of those courses carries a G suffix. Please check with the Center for Academic Advising and Student Support.

Applied Associates Degree

The New Mexico General Education Requirements

General Education at NMSU provides all students with a broad foundation and common framework upon which to develop knowledge and skills, social consciousness and respect for self and others, thus enabling them to function responsibly and effectively now and in the future. General education courses at NMSU can be identified by the G suffix.

In accordance to state law (Post-Secondary Education Articulation Act), the New Mexico Higher Education Department has established a state-wide model for General Education. Within the General Education model, is nine credits of electives that will be determined at an institutional level. The current approved NMSU General Education courses are listed below under each of the six general education areas.

Prefix Title Credits
Select one course from four of the following six content areas for a total of 12-14 credits12-14
Each course selected must be from a different area and students cannot take multiple courses in the same area.
Area I: Communications
Effective Leadership and Communication in Agriculture3
Introduction to Communication3
Public Speaking3
Composition I4
Composition I Honors4
Composition I Multilingual4
Professional & Technical Communication3
Professional and Technical Communication Honors3
Professional and Technical Communication for Multilingual Students3
Writing in the Humanities and Social Science3
Introduction to Communication Honors3
Area II: Mathematics
Survey of Mathematics3
College Algebra3
Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus4
Introduction to Statistics3
Applications of Calculus I3
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II Honors4
Fundamentals of Elementary Math II3
Statistical Methods3
Calculus III3
Area III: Laboratory Sciences
Introduction to Plant Science (Lecture & Lab)
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
and Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab
4
Introduction to Astronomy Lecture & Laboratory4
The Planets Lecture & Laboratory4
Human Biology
and Human Biology Laboratory
4
Introductory Anatomy & Physiology (non-majors)4
Contemporary Problems in Biology4
Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology
and Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution
and Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution Laboratory
4
Modern Computing in Practice4
Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory (non majors)4
General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors4
General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors4
General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors4
General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors4
Applied Biology
and Applied Biology Lab
4
Environmental Science I4
Food Science I4
Physical Geography4
Physical Geology4
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
and Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab
4
Earth, Time and Life4
Survey of Physics with Lab4
Physics of Music4
Algebra-Based Physics I
and Algebra-Based Physics I Lab
4
Algebra-Based Physics II
and Algebra-Based Physics II Lab
4
Calculus -Based Physics I
and Calculus -Based Physics I Lab
4
Calculus -Based Physics II
and Calculus -Based Physics II Lab
4
General Physics for Life Science I
and Laboratory to General Physics for Life Science I
4
General Physics for Life Science II
and Laboratory to General Physics for Life Science II
4
Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences
Survey of Food and Agricultural Issues
Introduction to Anthropology3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
World Archaeology3
Indigenous Peoples of North America3
Introduction to Borderlands and Ethnic Studies3
Human Relations in Business3
Human Growth and Behavior3
Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Survey of Economics3
Macroeconomic Principles3
Microeconomics Principles3
Principles of Microeconomics Honors3
World Regional Geography3
Human Geography3
Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies3
Representing Women Across Cultures3
Window of Humanity3
The Human Mind3
Archaeology: Search for the Past3
Citizen and State Great Political Issues3
Introduction to Tourism3
Media and Society3
Introduction to the Study of Language and Linguistics3
Personal Health & Wellness3
Personal Health and Wellness Honors3
Introduction to Political Science3
American National Government3
Issues in American Politics3
International Relations3
Introduction to Psychology3
Introduction to Sociology3
Contemporary Social Problems3
Introduction to Human Services & Social Work3
Area V: Humanities
Introduction to Africana Studies3
African American History3
Black Women in the African Diaspora3
Introduction to Chicana and Chicano Studies3
Introduction to Literature3
Film as Literature3
World Literature I3
French IV3
Frontiers and Border Crossings in the French-Speaking World3
Making History3
United States History I3
United States History II3
World History I3
World History II3
Western Civilization I3
Western Civilization II3
Islamic Civilizations to 18003
Islamic Civilizations since 18003
East Asia to 16003
East Asia since 16003
The Present in the Past: Contemporary Issues and their Historical Roots3
The World of the Renaissance: Discovering the Modern3
Foundations of Western Culture3
Plato and the Discovery of Philosophy3
Bamboo and Silk: The Fabric of Chinese Literature3
Celtic Literature3
New Testament as Literature3
Introduction to Humanities in the 21st Century3
The Worlds of Arthur3
Claiming a Multiracial Past3
Introduction to Native American Studies3
Introduction to Philosophy3
Logic, Reasoning, & Critical Thinking3
Philosophy and World Religions3
Philosophy, Law, and Ethics3
Introduction to Ethics3
Philosophical Thought3
Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts
Orientation in Art3
Visual Concepts3
History of Art I3
History of Art II3
Dance Appreciation3
Introduction to Creative Writing3
Music in Time and Space3
Encounters with Art3
Shakespeare on Film3
Theatre: Beginnings to Broadway3
Music Appreciation: Jazz3
Music Appreciation: Western Music3
Introduction to Theatre3
Acting for Non-Majors3
General Education Elective3-4
This requirement can be met with any "G" course in any area, excluding any crosslisted courses.
or
Introduction to Engineering3
Introduction to Engineering Honors
Total Credits15-18

Alternatives for Meeting General Education Requirements (9 credit hour Rule)

Students taking nine or more credits in a specific subject area, even though the courses are not designated as General Education courses, will have met the general education requirements for that subject area. The courses can meet both major and general education requirements for the degree. For example, a student may complete ARTS 2610 Drawing II, ARTS 1240 Design I and ARTS 1250 Design II (9 hours) and thereby satisfy one course from the Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts category even though none of those courses carries a G suffix. Please check with the Center for Academic Advising and Student Support.

NMSU Viewing a Wider World Requirements

The Viewing a Wider World (VWW) requirement fosters intelligent inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis, as well as the integration and synthesis of knowledge. The program strives for literacy in writing, reading, speaking and listening. It teaches mathematical structures, acquainting students with precise abstract thought about numbers and space. The program also encourages an understanding of science and scientific inquiry, as it provides a historical consciousness, including an understanding of one’s own heritage as well as respect for other peoples and cultures. To achieve its goals, the program includes an examination of values and stresses the importance of a carefully considered values system as it fosters an appreciation of the arts and general education. It provides the breadth necessary to have a familiarity with the various branches of human understanding. All VWW courses can be identified by the "V" suffix.

Prior to graduating, NMSU students are required to take two courses from separate colleges from the Viewing a Wider World list in the Catalog. These courses are upper-division (300-400 level) Viewing a Wider World courses and should be taken in a student’s junior and/or senior year. One of the two courses must be in a college other than their own. The other course may be taken within their home college, but this course:

  1. must be in a different department from their major department;
  2. must not be cross-listed with a course in their home department;
  3. cannot be counted as one of the requirements for the student’s major.

These courses strongly emphasize the international character and multicultural influences in the fields of study and strengthen information retrieval skills. There are two options that NMSU allows for replacing 3 credits of VWW requirement with another form of educational experience, these are:

  1. Study Abroad Experience- consisting of at least four weeks of a Study Abroad program or university coursework in a foreign country earning 3 credits.
  2. Military Experience- for students who have served at least four weeks of military service in a foreign country.

The Military and Veterans Programs Office website provides the instructions on how to request the waiver for Military Experience replacing 3 credits of VWW.

NOTE: This list is under continuous revision. Please check with the office of the college associate dean or with college advisors for additional eligible courses. Honors courses have a specific college designation based on course content. These are listed near the end of this section.

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Prefix Title Credits
ACOM 3160VCommunicating Agriculture & Science to the Public3
AEEC 3110VWorld Agriculture and Food Problems3
AEEC 3120VNatural Resource Economics3
AEEC 3130VWater Resource Economics3
AEEC 3140VAgricultural Policy3
AGRO 303VGenetics and Society3
ANSC 312VCompanion Animals and the Human- Animal Interaction3
ANSC 351VAgricultural Animals of the World3
AXED 3210VJohn Muir: Lessons in Sustainability3
EPWS 325V Insects, Humans, and the Environment3
EPWS 380VScience & Society3
FCST 3110VIntroduction to Child Advocacy3
FCST 3120VFamily Ethnicities and Subcultures3
HORT 302VForestry and Society3
HORT 318VUrban Water Issues and Society3
RGSC 302VForestry and Society3
HRTM 4240VSustainability in the Hospitality Industry3

College of Arts and Sciences

Prefix Title Credits
ANTH 305VContemporary Native Americans3
ANTH 306VPeoples of Latin America3
ANTH 307VJapanese Culture and Society: Anthropological Perspectives3
ANTH 313VAncient Mexico3
ANTH 330VMagic Witchcraft and Religion3
ANTH 357VMedical Anthropology3
ANTH 360VFood and Culture Around the World3
ANTH 362VEnvironmental Anthropology3
ANTH 431VNutritional Anthropology3
ANTH 433VSex, Gender and Culture3
ASTR 301VRevolutionary Ideas in Astronomy3
ASTR 305VThe Search for Life in the Universe3
ASTR 308VInto the Final Frontier3
ASTR 330VPlanetary Exploration3
BEST 480VNarratives and Representations of Palestinians: Media, Music, Film, and Art3
CJUS 440VComparative Criminal Justice Systems3
ENGL 327VShakespeare around the Globe3
ENGL 328VLiterature of Science Fiction and Fantasy3
ENGL 339VChicana/o Literature3
ENGL 380VWomen Writers3
ENGL 392VMythology3
ENGL 394VSouthwestern Literature3
FREN 365VPerspectives in French Culture3
GEOG 315VWorld Agriculture and Food Problems3
GEOG 325VNew Mexico and the American West3
GEOG 328VEnvironment and Society of Latin America3
GEOG 331VEurope3
GEOG 361VChallenges of Globalization3
GEOG 363VCultural Geography3
GEOG 365VThe City3
GEOL 305VFossils and the Evolution of Life3
GEOL 335VEarthquakes, Volcanoes, Hurricanes, and Floods: The Role of Natural Hazards in Civ Past and Present3
GNDR 380VWomen Writers3
GNDR 381VWomen's Health Issues3
GNDR 433VSex, Gender and Culture3
GRMN 326VTransnational German Film3
HIST 302VScience in Modern Society3
HIST 308VThe History of Food3
HIST 311VColonial Latin America3
HIST 312VModern Latin America3
HIST 321VHistory of Korea3
HIST 330VIntroduction to Religious Studies3
HIST 366VBritish Imperialism3
HIST 379VThe History of Italy from the Etruscans to the Mafia3
HIST 382VModern Russia3
HIST 390VThe Holocaust3
JOUR 350VMedia History3
JOUR 377VMass Media Ethics3
JOUR 460VSports & Entertainment P.R.3
LING 302VLanguage and Society3
MATH 4110VGreat Theorems in Mathematics3
PHYS 303VEnergy and Society in the New Millennium3
PHYS 305VThe Search for Water in the Solar System3
POLS 380VContemporary World Political Ideologies3
PORT 364VBrazilian Culture Through Popular Music3
SPAN 364VCulture and Civilization of Mexico3
SPAN 365VCulture and Civilization of Spanish America3
THEA 307VSociety in Style: Fashion, History and Culture3

College of Business

Prefix Title Credits
BFIN 303VPersonal Financial Planning and Investing in a Global Economy3
BLAW 385VEmployment and Consumer Law3
ECON 324VDeveloping Nations3
ECON 325VEconomic Development of Latin America3
ECON 335VBusiness and Government3
ECON 337VNatural Resource Economics3
ECON 384VWater Resource Economics3
MGMT 310VEntrepreneurial Mindset3
MGMT 335VBusiness and Government3
MGMT 345VQuality and Competitiveness: An International Perspective3
MGMT 388VLeadership and Ethics3
MKTG 311VConsumer Behavior3

College of Engineering

Prefix Title Credits
C E 355VTechnology and the Global Environment3
CHME 395VBrewing Science and Society3
E T 309VManufacturing: History and Technology3
E T 360VTechnology in Business and Society3
ICT 350VIntroduction to Personal Computer Security and Privacy3

College of Health, Education and Social Transformation

Prefix Title Credits
CCST 3120VChicana/o Genders and Sexualities3
CEPY 3210VHuman Relations Training3
CEPY 4110VIntroduction to Counseling3
DANC 3510VWorld Dance3
EDUC 3110VMulticultural Issues in Society3
ELAD 3110VIntroduction to Educational Leadership in a Global Society3
NATV 4120VNative American Visual Culture3
PHLS 3110VHuman Sexuality3
PHLS 3120VWomen's Health Issues3
PHLS 3130VGlobal Environmental Health Issues3
PHLS 4620VCross-Cultural Aspects of Health3
SOCI 3110VSociology of Religion3
SOCI 3120VIntroduction to Population Studies3
SOCI 3245VComparative Family Systems3
SOCI 3310VSocial Issues in the Rural Americas3
SOCI 3340VSocial Change3
SOCI 3610VSociology of Pop Culture3
SOCI 3620VSports and Society: A Global Perspective3
SOCI 4240VComparative Global Family Systems3
SOCI 4335VAdvanced Environmental Sociology3
SOWK 3140VIntroduction to Social Policy: History3

University Library

Prefix Title Credits
LIBR 311VInformation Literacy3

Honors - Viewing a Wider World

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Prefix Title Credits
HNRS 321VAgriculture in an Interconnected World3

College of Arts and Sciences

Prefix Title Credits
HNRS 304VDilemmas of War and Peace3
HNRS 305VIs Fake News Real: Journalism, Community, and Mass Communications3
HNRS 306VScience, Ethics and Society3
HNRS 317VCultural Lessons on Nazism3
HNRS 318VThe World of Cinema3
HNRS 324VScience and the Arts: Theatre and Story3
HNRS 326VArt and Mythology3
HNRS 341VThe Old Testament as Literature3
HNRS 348VComparative Mythology: Myth, Ritual, and the Life Cycle3
HNRS 370VDesign: The Creative Act3
HNRS 374VThe European City: History and Culture3
HNRS 390VWorlds of Buddhism3
HNRS 394VSouthwestern and Border Literature3
HNRS 411VGreat Theorems in Mathematics3
HNRS 450VThe Sundt Honors Seminar3

College of Business

Prefix Title Credits
HNRS 303VPersonal Financial Planning and Investing in a Global Economy Honors3
HNRS 335VLegal Issues in Modern Society3
HNRS 381VEconomic Development of Latin America3

College of Engineering

Prefix Title Credits
HNRS 378VTechnology and Policy3

College of Health, Education and Social Transformation

Prefix Title Credits
HNRS 308VInto the Final Frontier3
HNRS 336VTestimonios from the Borderlands3
HNRS 347VWorld Dance3
HNRS 353VJustice without Prejudice3
HNRS 387VComparative Perspectives on Women3
HNRS 388VLeadership and Society3

Alternatives for Meeting Viewing a Wider World Requirements

Students taking nine or more credits in a specific subject area, even though the courses are not designated as Viewing a Wider World courses, will have met the VWW requirements for that subject area.

The 9 credit hours must be in 300- to 400-level courses in one prefix area. For example, 9 upper-division ECON credits would fulfill one VWW area for students majoring in programs other than Economics.