University Foundational Studies

Mission of the Foundational Studies Program

Indiana State University is committed to providing students with a high quality education that will develop their intellectual abilities while providing them with the skills and knowledge base they will need to successfully navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century.

Indiana State’s Foundational Studies Program is the cornerstone of this goal.  The Foundational Studies curriculum seeks to create well rounded individuals; students therefore have the opportunity to take courses in science, history, literature, behavioral sciences, and the fine arts.  The Foundational Studies Program also seeks to prepare students for active lives as citizens and includes courses on ethical behavior, social responsibility, and global perspectives.  Together, the major and the Foundational Studies curriculum prepare students to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, and informed decision makers.

Learning Outcomes for Foundational Studies:

1. Locate, critically read, and evaluate information to solve problems;
2. Critically evaluate the ideas of others;
3. Apply knowledge and skills within and across the fundamental ways of knowing (natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, mathematics, and history);
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of human expression through literature and fine and performing arts;
5. Demonstrate the skills for effective citizenship and stewardship;
6. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse cultures within and across societies;
7. Demonstrate the skills to place current and local experience in a global, cultural, and historical context;
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions;
9. Apply principles of physical and emotional health to wellness;
10. Express themselves effectively, professionally, and persuasively both orally and in writing.

 I. Composition

Freshman Composition 

Junior Composition (must have completed 48 credit hours to enroll in a junior level composition course)

Select one upper-division course from the following:

II. Communication

Select one course from the following:

IIIA. Quantitative Literacy

a.  One Quantitative Literacy course, select from one of the following choices:

b.  SAT Math score of 650 or above (or an ACT Math score of 27 or above)

IIIB. Mathematics

a.  One Mathematics course, select from one of the following choices:

b.  SAT Math score of 650 or above (or an ACT Math score of 27 or above)

IV. Non-Native Language

Select one of the following:

1. Four courses in high school in a single or multiple non-native language, including American Sign Language, with a grade of C or better, or
2. Two courses at ISU in a single or multiple non-native language, or
3. Two courses from an accredited college or university, in a single or multiple non-native language, including American Sign Language, or
4. Completion of English as a Second Language requirements

V. Health and Wellness

a.  Select one course with an activity component from the following choices:

b.  Completion of U.S. armed military services basic training (reserves or enlisted – does not include ROTC training).

VI. Science and Laboratory

a.  One Foundational Studies designated laboratory science course, select one pair from the following:

b.  Any two laboratory science courses from two different science disciplines. 

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences

Select one course from the following:

VII. Literary Studies 

Select one course from the following:

IX. Fine and Performing Arts

Select one course from the following:

X. Historical Studies

Select one course from the following:

XI. Global Perspective and Cultural Diversity

Select one course from the following:

XII. Ethics and Social Responsibility

Select one course from the following:

XIII. Upper Division Integrative Electives

Select from one of the options listed below. Upper Division Electives require 45 earned credit hours or more at time of registration. 

a.  Select two upper-division, integrative electives from the following:

b.  One upper-division, integrative elective and a one-course equivalent study abroad experience; or

c.  One upper-division, integrative elective and completion of a second major, a minor, a certificate, or an education degree where the content is taken outside of the Bayh College of Education.

The University Honors Program and Foundational Studies.  Students who complete the University Honors curriculum will have met the following requirements: social or behavioral studies, literary studies, fine and performing arts, ethics and social responsibility, and upper-division integrative electives.

Foundational Studies through Study Abroad.  Students should meet with the coordinator for academic programs abroad to discuss how to meet foundational studies requirements while studying abroad.  The upper division elective requirement, in part, can be met by taking courses abroad.