Undergraduate Studies is collaboration across divisions and programs providing students a broader knowledge of the wider world through University Studies foundations, explorations, and integrations curriculum; engaging students in transformational change to thrive in a contemporary world.

Undergraduate Studies offers all students an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. SOU’s general education program, known as University Studies or UStudies, reflects the SOU Faculty’s academic road map for a sound liberal arts education.  UStudies, the driver of general education, provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world through foundations, explorations, and integration courses. Built on student learning outcomes and progressively challenging courses, UStudies helps students adapt knowledge, skills, and responsibilities to new challenges. The curriculum allows for alignment of course work, balancing learning in the majors with a broader perspective of liberal arts and fosters civic, social, and personal responsibility. The curriculum is also based on student learning, with specific learning proficiencies embedded in courses that qualify for UStudies. 

University Studies Strands A - J

• Foundation Learning Goals (A, B, C, D) stress developing and enhancing fundamental communication, critical thinking, information literacy, and quantitative reasoning skills.
• Explorations Learning Goals (E, F, G) stress acquiring a broadly informed knowledge of the various disciplines and becoming familiar with the kinds of inquiry that occur within the aesthetic, social, and scientific worlds.
• Integrations Learning Goals (H, I, J) stress the deepening, application and transfer of knowledge across the disciplines. Students explore ethical perspectives in science and technology, citizenship and community, and diversity and global awareness.

Courses

• UGS 199 - Special Studies
• UGS 299 - Special Studies
• UGS 399 - Special Studies