Sample TESU General Education Requirements Roadmap (2019-2021)
This page is a work in progress. If you have questions, please ask on the forum
This is meant to apply to the General Education requirements for as many TESU degrees as possible. Some modification/additional planning may be needed for certain degrees. Sample degree plans currently available include:
Bachelor of Arts:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:
If you are getting one of the above degrees, you may also want one of the "free" add-on Associate's degrees. Information regarding the additional courses that might be needed can be found on the associate degree plans page.
Information[edit]
As of 2021, TESU is requiring that students have at least 30 RA credits on their degree plan in order to be able to obtain their degree. The least expensive way to do this is by fulfilling General Education requirements via RA sources. The reason for this is that AOS courses from RA sources tend to be costly. The "right" way to fulfill these requirements will be different for every student. For instance, students who are weak in math may wish to avoid taking an intensive RA math class and might, instead, prefer to take an RA English Composition class. Students who are weak at writing but strong in math might prefer the reverse.
As a result, as many RA options are given as possible. This will allow students to choose the options that are best for them and their particular situation. A few things to keep in mind while creating your individual plan:
- 6 RA credits will come from TESU in the form of the capstone and cornerstone.
- The remaining 24 RA credits may come from anywhere as long as they are RA. They do not need to come from the same source; you are allowed to use a combination of sources to get to 24.
- The absolute cheapest way to get RA credit is by taking LL TECEPs. If you want, you can simply choose 8 TECEPs from this list at TESU and then fill in the remaining slots from ACE/NCCRs sources. But since not everyone is willing or able to take 8 TECEPs, other options are listed where available.
- If you didn't find this page until after finishing off your general education requirements with ACE/NCCRS sources, don't despair! RA credits will override or "push out" credits from alternative providers. You may wind up spending more on general education credits (and having to redo some courses) but the cost will still be lower than if you were to attempt to seek UL credits for your AOS from RA sources.
- Courses listed below are ranked roughly in order of cost for a given section. Thus, TEL Learning will always appear first above other options, when available.
General Education Requirements[edit]
Part A. Intellectual and Practical Skills[edit]
Students seeking a BSBA degree should be aware that there are two required math courses in the General Education requirements. TESU generally expects Algebra and Statistics but will also accept CSM Learn for the second math requirement. Students may wish to get RA credits with Algebra and then use ACE credits to take either Sophia Statistics or CSM Learn.
ACE/NCCRS Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communications: ENC-101 English Composition I |
English Composition I | Sophia.org |
| Written Communications: ENC-102 English Composition II |
English Composition II | Sophia.org |
| Oral Communication: COM-209 Public Speaking |
Public Speaking or Communications 120: Presentation Skills in the Workplace | Sophia.org or Study.com |
| Quantitative Literacy | College Algebra/Introduction to Statistics or CSM Learn | Sophia.org or CSM Learn |
| Quantitative Literacy | College Mathematics | CLEP |
| Quantitative Literacy | College Algebra | CLEP |
| Quantitative Literacy | PreCalculus | CLEP |
| Quantitative Literacy | Calculus | CLEP |
The College Composition CLEP exam fulfills both Written Communications requirements if taken with the essay or just English Composition I if taken without the essay.
RA Options[edit]
Written Communication
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| ENC-101 English Composition I | ENG 109 College Writing I | Olivet Nazarene University |
| ENC-101 English Composition I | English Composition I | TECEP |
| ENC-101 English Composition I | ENG 1303 Language & Composition | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| ENC-101 English Composition II | ENG 200 College Writing II | Olivet Nazarene University |
| ENC-102 English Composition II | English Composition II | TECEP |
| ENC-102 English Composition II | ENG 2303 Literature & Composition | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
Oral Communication
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| COM-209 Public Speaking | COM 105 Oral Communications | Olivet Nazarene University |
| COM-209 Public Speaking | COM 1103 Introduction to Communications | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University This public speaking course is significantly more work than Sophia's Public Speaking. You may want to choose a different course for RA credit. |
Quantitative Literacy
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | Applied Liberal Arts Mathematics | TECEP |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | College Algebra | TECEP |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MTH 117 Finite Math Check with an advisor to ensure that this will meet your math requirement |
Olivet Nazarene University |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MATH 1203 College Algebra | TEL Learning - Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | Calculus I | Outlier.org |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | Intro to Statistics | Outlier.org |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MAT-117 College Algebra and Problem Solving | ASU Earned Admissions Uses ALEKS platform for teaching |
| MAT-121 College Algebra or better | MAT-210 Brief Calculus | ASU Earned Admissions Uses Gradarius platform for teaching |
Information Literacy
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Information Literacy: SOS-110 Critical Information Literacy | Cornerstone course | TESU - This course must be taken at TESU. There are no alternatives. |
Part B. Civic and Global Learning[edit]
ACE/NCCRS Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introduction to Sociology OR Approaches to Studying Religions | Sophia.org |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introductory Sociology | CLEP |
| Ethical Leadership: ETH-230 Ethics in a Digital Age | Introduction to Ethics | Sophia.org |
| Civic Engagement: POS-110 American Government | American Government | InstantCert.com |
| Civic Engagement: POS-110 American Government | American Government | CLEP |
RA Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | BIB 105 Introduction to Christianity | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | BIB 215 Understanding the Bible | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | GEO 121 Physical Geography May or may not fit this requirement. Check with an advisor to learn if it transfers in as GOG-230 World Geography |
Olivet Nazarene University |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | SOC 120 Introduction to Sociology | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | THE 310 Christianity and Culture | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | Introduction to Christianity | TEL Learning transcripted at Lane College Intro to Christianity transcripts as REL 234: Church History at Lane College. Based on TESU offerings, this should meet the requirement. |
| Diversity Intercultural Literacy | SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology | ASU EA |
| Ethical Leadership | Business Ethics | UExcel (UL) Online testing for this exam is available |
| Ethical Leadership | PHL-105 Introduction to Ethics | Waubonsee Community College This is not a cost-effective option. It is only offered as an example. You may be able to find a cheaper option elsewhere or you may wish to use an ACE/NCCRS course for this slot. |
| Ethical Leadership | CS 113D Ethics and Technology | NMJC Check with TESU advisor to confirm that this course will work in this slot. This course has a prerequisite and may not be available to all students. |
| Civic Engagement | American Government | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Civic Engagement | American Government | TEL Learning Transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
Part C. Knowledge of Human Cultures[edit]
Check your degree plan for the exact number of credits that are needed. Some of these courses are used in the AOS for specific degrees. For instance, US History is an AOS class for History degrees and Macro/Microeconomics are both needed for BSBA degrees. If this applies to you, you will need to choose different options to fulfill this requirement.
ACE/NCCRS Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Art History I | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Art History II | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Microeconomics | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Macroeconomics | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | US History I | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | US History II | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Conflict Resolution | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Visual Communications | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Ancient Greek Philosophers | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Intro to Psychology | Sophia.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | History of the United States I | CLEP |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | History of the United States II | CLEP |
A large number of CLEP exams fulfill this requirement at TESU. Please see their equivalencies page to find out what might or might not work for your degree.
RA Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | BIB 105 Introduction to Christianity | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | BIB 215 Understanding the Bible | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | ENG 204 World Literature | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | FIN 105 Fine Arts | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | GEO 121 Physical Geography May or may not fit this requirement. Check with an advisor to learn if it transfers in as GOG-230 World Geography |
Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | HIS 210 Western Civilization | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | HIS 379 Latin American History and Politics | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | United States History I | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | United States History II | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Principles of Psychology | TEL Learning transcripted at Mid-America Christian University |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Intro to Philosophy | Outlier.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Intro to Psychology | Outlier.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Intro to Astronomy | Outlier.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | Intro to Microeconomics | Outlier.org |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | ECN-211 Macroeconomic Principles | ASU EA |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | ECN-212 Microeconomic Principles: Decision Making Under Scarcity | ASU EA |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | HST-102 Europe and the Mediterranean: Ancient and Medieval | ASU EA |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences | ASM-246 Human Origins | ASU EA |
Part D. Understanding the Physical and Natural World[edit]
4-7 credits may be needed depending upon your degree. Some of these courses may fit into the AOS for your degree; you'd need to choose a different option to fulfill these requirements if that is the case.
ACE/NCCRS Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences | Environmental Science | Sophia.org |
| Natural Sciences | Introduction to Human Biology | Sophia.org |
| Natural Sciences | Introduction to Information Technology | Sophia.org |
| Natural Sciences | Biology | CLEP |
| Natural Sciences | Chemistry | CLEP |
| Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences | CLEP |
RA Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences | BIO 201 General Biological Science | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Natural Sciences | Chemistry I (with or without lab) | TEL Learning |
| Natural Sciences | Introduction to Biology (with or without lab) | TEL Learning |
| Natural Sciences | Physical Sciences (with or without lab) | TEL Learning |
| Natural Sciences | Introduction to Information Technology | TEL Learning |
| Natural Sciences | AST-111 (includes lab) | ASU EA Course lab requires the use of advanced algebra concepts. It is still theoretically possible to pass with at least a C grade even with a low grade in the lab portion. |
| Natural Sciences | CHM-114 General Chemistry for Engineers (includes lab) | ASU EA This is a very workload-heavy class. It is not recommended for students who do not already have a solid background in chemistry. |
| Natural Sciences | CIS-105 Computer Applications & Information Technology | ASU EA Duplicates Sophia's Intro to IT. |
Electives[edit]
There are two types of electives: GE or General Education electives and Free Electives or just plain Electives. A given degree usually has somewhere between 6 and 30 credits of required electives. Check your degree plan for details.
Free Electives can literally be any course, whether or not it fits into your AOS or into a specific slot in your degree plan. The course Food Styling at Coopersmith would be a good example of a Free Elective because it does not fit into any degree requirements but you can still get credit for this course.
GE electives must fit the general education requirements.
GE Electives[edit]
ACE/NCCRS Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Elective | Any course mentioned above and not yet taken | Sophia.org |
| General Education Elective | The Essentials of Managing Conflict (1 credit) | Sophia.org |
RA Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Elective | Anything on this list | TECEP |
| General Education Elective | Any course mentioned above and not yet taken | TEL Learning or ASU EA |
| General Education Elective | Any course aside from College Readiness | TEL Learning When TESU accepted Sophia's College Readiness, it was a Free Elective and not a GE elective. If TESU still accepts any College Readiness options for credit, it will almost certainly not be as a GE elective. |
Free Electives[edit]
ACE/NCCRS Options[edit]
Business options can/will be used in the Business core/AOS when seeking a BSBA degree.
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Intro to Business | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Accounting | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Project Management | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Developing Effective Teams (1 credit) | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Principles of Finance | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Business Law | Sophia.org |
| Elective | Communication at Work | Sophia.org This is a brand-new course that may fit in as a GE Elective or better. However, no transfer equivalency is known yet. It almost certainly will, at the very least, be a free elective. |
| Elective | Cybersecurity (10 credits) | TEEX |
RA Options[edit]
| Course Expected | Recommended Course to Take | Recommended Provider/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Anything here | TECEP |
| Elective | Any course not yet taken | TEL Learning When TESU accepted Sophia's College Readiness, it was a Free Elective and not a GE elective. If TESU still accepts any College Readiness options for credit, it will almost certainly not be as a GE elective. |
| Elective | Any course not yet taken | ASU EA |