Traditional Undergraduate Program > Academics

Degree Requirements

The General Studies Division administers those parts of the Lakeland curriculum that are required of all graduates. These common courses and requirements reflect the liberal arts mission and expectations of the institution, and as such, build the foundation of every Lakeland student's education. Together, these requirements produce graduates who are able to communicate clearly, reason intelligently, and respond knowingly to issues and questions within and outside of their disciplines.

To accomplish its goals, the General Studies Division offers two types of coursework:

Skill-building/Practitioner courses

Lakeland is committed to a philosophy of education that puts students' knowledge into practice through courses and experiential opportunities that build upon their academic, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Courses in this cluster require students to become practitioners in writing, reading, mathematics, science, and aesthetic production.

Knowledge-building/Awareness courses

Lakeland produces graduates who are informed citizens. Courses in this cluster are designed to develop knowledge and improve awareness of American culture, global concerns, ethical citizenship, human behavior, and spirituality through disciplinary and interdisciplinary thinking.

In selecting courses to fulfill their General Studies requirements, students may not take more than one course under any departmental designation. Courses carrying a dual designation, i.e. PSYS (Psychology/Sociology), will count for both departmental designations. Students seeking teacher certification will note that there are requirements in many sections which are unique to education majors.