Transferring to Arizona State University (ASU) is an exciting step, and understanding the General Studies requirements is key to a smooth transition. Whether you’re transferring from an in-state community college or a university across the country, this guide will help you navigate ASU’s General Studies curriculum and ensure your transfer credits align with your graduation goals. ASU’s General Studies program is designed to provide undergraduates with a broad foundation across various disciplines, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge. The specific requirements you’ll need to meet depend on your catalog year, which is generally the academic year you first attended ASU or a previous higher education institution. Let’s break down the essential information for transfer students.
Understanding Your ASU General Studies Catalog Year
Your catalog year at ASU determines which General Studies curriculum you need to follow. For students entering ASU in the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond, the General Studies Gold curriculum is in effect. Students who began at ASU or another higher education institution prior to this period, specifically with a catalog year of 2023-2024 or earlier, will adhere to the General Studies Maroon curriculum. You can easily find your catalog year on your major map within My ASU. Knowing your catalog year is the first step in understanding your specific General Studies obligations as a transfer student.
General Studies Gold: Requirements for Transfer Students (Catalog Year 2024-2025 and Forward)
If your catalog year is 2024-2025 or later, General Studies Gold is the curriculum you’ll need to complete. This curriculum is composed of 35 credit hours spread across nine distinct categories, in addition to a first-year composition requirement. For transfer students, it’s crucial to evaluate how your previously earned college credits might fulfill these categories. ASU has resources and advisors dedicated to helping transfer students understand credit applicability.
Here’s a breakdown of the General Studies Gold categories:
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HUAD: Humanities, Arts and Design (6 credits): Courses in this area explore human culture, values, and artistic expression. Transfer courses in literature, philosophy, art history, music, and design are often applicable.
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SOBE: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): This category focuses on the study of human behavior and social systems. Introductory psychology, sociology, economics, and political science courses frequently transfer.
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SCIT: Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences (8 credits): This extensive category emphasizes scientific methodology and understanding the natural world. It typically requires two lab science courses. Transfer students with science backgrounds will likely find relevant course matches here.
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QTRS: Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits): Courses in this area develop your ability to reason and solve problems using numerical and statistical methods. Many college-level math and statistics courses can fulfill this requirement.
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MATH: Mathematics (3 credits): This category ensures a foundational understanding of mathematical principles. Depending on your major, specific math course requirements may apply, and transfer credits in mathematics are generally accepted.
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AMIT: American Institutions (3 credits): This category focuses on the study of U.S. political systems and institutions. Transfer courses in American government or U.S. history often satisfy this requirement.
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CIVI: Governance and Civic Engagement (3 credits): Courses here explore civic responsibility and engagement in governance at various levels. Political science, public administration, and related courses can be relevant for transfer credit.
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GCSI: Global Communities, Societies and Individuals (3 credits): This category broadens your understanding of global issues and diverse cultures. Courses in anthropology, global studies, and world geography are frequently applicable.
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SUST: Sustainability (3 credits): Reflecting ASU’s commitment to sustainability, this category examines environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. Introductory environmental science or sustainability-focused courses may transfer.
General Studies Maroon: Requirements for Transfer Students (Catalog Year 2023-2024 and Earlier)
For transfer students with a catalog year of 2023-2024 or earlier, the General Studies Maroon curriculum applies. Like General Studies Gold, it requires 35 credit hours plus first-year composition. A key difference is the structure: General Studies Maroon has core knowledge areas and awareness areas. Of the 35 credits, 29 are lower-division, and 6 must be upper-division credits in Literacy and Critical Inquiry (L) or Humanities/Social-Behavioral Sciences (HU/SB).
The core knowledge areas in General Studies Maroon are:
- HU: Humanities, Arts and Design & SB: Social-Behavioral Sciences (combined 12 credits): This combined area is similar to HUAD and SOBE in Gold, encompassing a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines. Transfer credits in these fields are typically applicable.
- SQ and SG: Natural Sciences (combined 8 credits): Similar to SCIT in Gold, this area covers natural sciences, often requiring lab components. Transfer science coursework is generally relevant.
- MA and CS: Mathematical Studies (combined 6 credits): This combines mathematical studies and computer science. Transfer math courses and some introductory computer science courses may apply.
- L: Literacy and Critical Inquiry (3 credits): This category focuses on developing critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. Transfer courses specifically designated as “critical thinking” or “literacy” may fulfill this.
In addition to the core knowledge areas, General Studies Maroon includes awareness areas:
- C: Cultural Diversity in the United States: Courses addressing cultural diversity within the U.S.
- G: Global Awareness: Courses focusing on global issues and perspectives.
- H: Historical Awareness: Courses examining historical events and trends.
While there are no specific credit hour requirements for these awareness areas, they are often integrated within courses that also fulfill core knowledge requirements. Transfer students should review course descriptions to identify if their previous coursework covers these awareness areas.
Maximizing Your Transfer Credits and Meeting ASU General Studies
To ensure a smooth transfer process and maximize your transfer credits towards your ASU General Studies requirements, follow these key steps:
- Request Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities to ASU as early as possible in the transfer process.
- Utilize ASU Transfer Tools: ASU provides online tools, such as the Transfer Credit Guide, to help you understand how your courses might transfer. Explore these resources on the ASU website.
- Connect with an ASU Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor is your best resource for personalized guidance. Schedule an appointment to discuss your transfer credits, catalog year, and specific General Studies requirements. You can find your advisor’s contact information in your Academic Support Team box on My ASU.
- Review Course Descriptions: Carefully review the descriptions of your previously taken courses and compare them to ASU General Studies course categories. This will give you a preliminary understanding of potential transfer credit matches.
Transferring to ASU is a significant achievement, and understanding the General Studies requirements is a vital part of your academic journey. By utilizing ASU’s resources and proactively planning, you can ensure your transfer credits contribute effectively to your degree and set you on the path to success at ASU. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an academic advisor – they are there to support you every step of the way.
