The goals of the Vermont Technical College general education component, within both the prescribed and elective areas of the curriculum, are to foster within each student an appreciation for the major domains of human achievement, to provide a common educational experience, refine critical thinking, writing, information literacy and communication skills, nurture civic responsibility,celebrate diversity and common values, foster life-long learning, and to graduate an educated person.
The college does not guarantee that general education or elective courses will be available and reserves the right to withdraw or restrict any offering: (1) if an insufficient number of students enroll in the course; (2) if registrations exceed class capacity; or, (3) if the availability of faculty or other resources is limited.
Course requirements also may be fulfilled by simultaneous enrollment at other Vermont State Colleges under the VSC consortium agreement. Students may not use one course to meet more than one requirement within their program.
Depending on specific program requirements, each associate degree student will complete a selection of the following:
- 3 credits of English (composition, writing & research)
- 3 credits of Technical Communication
- 4 credits of Natural Sciences
- 1 credit of Information Technology
- 3 credits of Art/Humanities
- 3 credits of Social Science
- 2-3 credits of Mathematics/Critical Thinking
In addition to the basic associate's degree requirements, and depending on specific program requirements, each bachelor's degree student will complete a selection of the following:
- 6 credits of Art/Humanities or Social Sciences (3 credits minimum at the 3XXX level)
- 2 credits of Information Technology
- 4 credits of Natural Sciences
- 3 credits of Mathematics/Critical Thinking
All courses that are at a higher level or are a continuation of the listed initial courses will meet the general education area requirements of the initial offerings. For example, if PHY-1041 is listed as meeting the science requirement, PHY-1042 also willsatisfy the science requirement.
Students need to work with their advisors to develop a plan to meet the General Education elective requirements.
English Requirements
Composition - Each student will complete English Composition or an equivalent course or sequence of courses that will emphasize reading and writing effectively, as well as the completion of a research paper.
English Composition Requirements
Degree students may satisfy the English Composition Requirement by completing one of the following as determined by placement:
- ENG-1041, ENG-1042 and ENG-1043
- ENG-1042 and ENG-1043
- ENG-1060 or ENG-1061
Communication Requirements
Each student will complete ENG 2080 - Technical Communication or an equivalent course that will emphasize the principles and forms of communication in the workplace. Each student will complete coursework that emphasizes effective speaking, organization and presentation skills for effective communication.
Information Technology Requirements (CI)
Each student will be introduced to computer information technology to include Internet orientation and research, e-mail, word processing and computer software applications applicable to their field of study.
Computer Courses
- ACC 1010 - Computerized Accounting Credits: 3
- ARC 1021 - Architectural CAD I Credits: 2
- BUS 1051 - Information Processing I Credits: 3
- BUS 2131 - Office Administration I Credits: 3
- CET 1031 - Engineering and Surveying Computer Applications I Credits: 3
- CIS 1030 - Introduction to Computer Credits: 3
- CIS 1050 - Introduction to Spreadsheets Credits: 1
- CIS 1080 - Introduction to Spreadsheets & Database Management Credits: 2
- CIS 1151 - Website Development Credits: 3
- CIS 2025 - "C" Programming Credits: 4
- CPM 1021 - Construction Graphics I Credits: 1
- CPM 2050 - Construction Management Software Credits: 1
- LAH 1031 - CAD for Landscape Design Credits: 1
- MEC 1011 - Design Communication I Credits: 2
- NUR 1020 - The Nurse-Client Relationship Credits: 3
- RSP 1011 - Respiratory Care I Credits: 4
Mathematics/Critical Thinking Requirements (MA)
Each student will complete the mathematical or empirical technique for problem solving in logic, critical thinking appropriate for their program of study. In addition to the regular mathematics offerings there are other courses under separate subject listings that will satisfy the logic and critical thinking component of this requirement.
- ARC 2040 - Construction Practices Credits: 3
- CPM 2010 - Construction Estimates Credits: 3
- MAT 1040 - Mathematics for Allied Health Credits: 2
- MAT 1100 - Introduction to Technical Mathematics Credits: 3
- MAT 1111 - Intermediate Algebra Credits: 5
- MAT 1112 - College Algebra & Trigonometry Credits: 5
- MAT 1113 - Pre-Calculus Credits: 5
- MAT 1210 - Principles of Mathematics Credits: 3
- MAT 1221 - Finite Mathematics Credits: 3
- MAT 1420 - Technical Mathematics Credits: 5
Natural Sciences Requirements
Students will be introduced to the natural sciences, either the life or physical sciences, to include a lab experience. The course of study is determined by the major or as an elective course. These science courses include BIO, CHE, ENV, PHY and SCI, as well as other course work under separate subject listings.
Life & Physical Sciences- BIO 1020 - Introduction to Environmental Science Credits: 4
- BIO 1030 - Nutrition Credits: 3
- BIO 1220 - Botany Credits: 4
- BIO 2011 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I Credits: 4
- BIO 2012 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II Credits: 4
- BIO 2040 - Entomology Credits: 3
- BIO 2120 - Elements of Microbiology Credits: 4
- BIO 2320 - Zoology Credits: 4
- CHE 1020 - Introduction to Chemistry Credits: 4
- CHE 1031 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
- PHY 1030 - General Physics Credits: 4
- PHY 1041 - Physics I Credits: 4
- PHY 1042 - Physics II Credits: 4
- PHY 2041 - Fundamentals of Physics I with Calculus Credits: 4
- PHY 2042 - Fundamentals of Physics II with Calculus Credits: 4
Arts and Humanities Electives (AH)
Each associate degree student will be exposed to the methods of inquiry and major concepts in the Arts or Humanities. Courses at the associate level will be in survey-type courses to expose students to a broad array of concepts and to enhance reading, writing and communication skills. Courses at the upper level will meet program and curriculum expectations for student learning and understanding.
The following courses may be used to satisfy the Arts and Humanities elective requirement.
- ENG 1310 - Intro Literature Credits: 3
- ENG 2030 - News & Newspapers Credits: 3
- ENG 2070 - Grant Writing Credits: 3
- ENG 2550 - Science Fiction Literature Credits: 3
- FRE 1111 - French I Credits: 3
- HUM 2010 - Educational Inquiry Credits: 3
- HUM 2030 - Folklore Credits: 3
- HUM 2050 - Women's Spirituality Credits: 3
- HUM 2110 - Vietnam in Literature & Film Credits: 3
- HUM 2710 - Special Topics in Humanities Credits: 3
- ITA 1011 - Italian I Credits: 3
- PHI 2010 - Comparative Religion Credits: 3
- PHI 2060 - Business Ethics Credits: 3
- SPA 1011 - Spanish I Credits: 3
- BUS 3410 - Business Ethics Credits: 3
- ENG 1070 - Effective Speaking Credits: 3
- ENG 2101 - Introduction to Creative Writing Credits: 3
- ENG 2320 - Themes in American Literature Credits: 3
- ENG 3490 - Crime and Punishment in Literature and Film Credits: 3
- HUM 2020 - Bioethics Credits: 3
- HUM 2040 - The Holocaust Credits: 3
- HUM 2060 - Cyberethics Credits: 3
- HUM 2070 - Vampire in Literature Credits: 3
- HUM 3050 - Theories of Science and Technology Credits: 3
- HUM 3070 - Vampire in Literature--Upper Level Credits: 3
- PHI 1010 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 3
- PHI 1030 - Introduction to Logic Credits: 3
- PHI 1040 - Introduction to Ethics Credits: 3
- THA 2070 - Comedy in Film Credits: 3
Social Sciences Electives (SS)
Each student will be exposed to an understanding of human behavior, personality, politics, economics and/or the social context of human interaction in broad survey-type courses designed to enhance reading, writing and communication skills within the context of the social science course.
- ANT 1010 - Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3
- BUS 2450 - Business Law Credits: 3
- CRJ 1010 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credits: 3
- ECO 1010 - Economics & Society Credits: 3
- ENG 2030 - News & Newspapers Credits: 3
- ENV 1110 - Introduction to Environmental Problems Credits: 3
- GEO 1020 - Physical Geography Credits: 4
- GEO 1030 - Intro to Plan & Zone Credits: 3
- GEO 1040 - Maps & Map Reading Credits: 3
- GEO 1050 - Geography and Economic Development Credits: 3
- GEO 1060 - Geography: Modern Overview Credits: 3
- GEO 2010 - Connecticut River Valley Credits: 3
- GEO 2030 - Rural Land Planning Credits: 3
- GEO 2060 - Environmental Problems in Geography Credits: 3
- GEO 2070 - North America Credits: 3
- GEO 2090 - Africa Credits: 3
- GEO 2150 - Cultural Geography Credits: 3
- GEO 2160 - Travel and Tourism Credits: 3
- GEO 2910 - Independent Study Credits: 1
- HIS 1011 - Western Civilization I Credits: 3
- HIS 1012 - Western Civilization II* Credits: 3
- HIS 1020 - Comparative Civilizations Credits: 3
- HIS 1220 - Native American Histories & Cultures Credits: 3
- HIS 1230 - History of America to 1763 Credits: 3
- HIS 1240 - Colonial America & Amer. Revolution Credits: 3
- HIS 2210 - Women in US History Credits: 3
- HIS 2220 - The Wild, Wild West Credits: 3
- HIS 2230 - Modern Russian History Credits: 3
- HIS 2240 - Survey of Eurasia Credits: 3
- HIS 2250 - Modern Middle Eastern History Credits: 3
- HIS 2330 - Traditional Asia Credits: 3
- HIS 2340 - Modern Chinese History Credits: 3
- HIS 2350 - Modern Pacific Asian History Credits: 3
- HIS 2410 - Latin American History and Culture Credits: 3
- HIS 2420 - Modern Latin American History Credits: 3
- HIS 2430 - Survey of Africa Credits: 3
- HIS 2440 - African Civilization Credits: 3
- HIS 2450 - Modern African History Credits: 3
- HIS 2510 - Historian at Work Credits: 3
- HIS 2520 - Intro to Genealogy Credits: 3
- HIS 2530 - Women in History Credits: 3
- HIS 2710 - Special Topics in History Credits: 3
- HIS 2720 - Special Topics in Vermont History Credits: 3
- HIS 2730 - S.T.-Political Correct/Truth/20th Century Credits: 3
- HIS 3165 - VT History Credits: 3
- PHI 2060 - Business Ethics Credits: 3
- POS 1010 - Intro to Political Science Credits: 3
- POS 1030 - Comparative Government Credits: 3
- POS 1040 - African-American History/Politics Credits: 3
- POS 1050 - The Constitution Credits: 3
- POS 1060 - Law &the Individual Credits: 3
- POS 2010 - Observ Leg Process Credits: 0
- POS 2020 - Family Law Credits: 3
- POS 2030 - UN & World Politics Credits: 3
- POS 2040 - International Relations Credits: 3
- POS 2050 - International Economics & Politics Credits: 3
- POS 2110 - State & Local Government Credits: 3
- POS 2120 - Consumer Law Credits: 3
- POS 2701 - Environmental Politics Credits: 3
- PSY 1020 - Child Abuse & Neglect Credits: 3
- PSY 1030 - Psychology of Consciousness Credits: 3
- PSY 1040 - Human Interaction Credits: 3
- PSY 1110 - Observe, Record, Report Credits: 3
- PSY 1121 - Intro Behavior Analysis Credits: 3
- SSC 2020 - Experience Russia Credits: 1
- SSC 2040 - Experience Brazil Credits: 1
- SSC 2050 - Experience China Credits: 1
- XXX XXXX - Special Topics in Social Science Credits: 3
- BUS 2440 - Introduction to Business Law Credits: 3
- ECO 2020 - Macroeconomics Credits: 3
- ECO 2030 - Microeconomics Credits: 3
- ENV 3050 - Issues in Environmental Studies Credits: 3
- GEO 1010 - World Geography Credits: 3
- HIS 1111 - World History Credits: 3
- HIS 1211 - American History I Credits: 3
- HIS 1212 - American History II Credits: 3
- HIS 1260 - Information Technology, Past, Present and Future Credits: 3
- HIS 2150 - History of U.S. in the Sixties Credits: 3
- HUM 2040 - The Holocaust Credits: 3
- HUM 2060 - Cyberethics Credits: 3
- POS 1020 - American Politics & Government Credits: 3
- PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology (SS) Credits: 3
- PSY 1050 - Human Growth & Development Credits: 3
- PSY 2310 - Adolescent Development Credits: 3
- SSC 2010 - Science, Technology, and Society Credits: 3
- SSC 2030 - Energy and Society Credits: 3
* Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are offered regularly at Vermont Tech.
Note: In choosing electives, students should consult with their program department chairperson or advisor to determine which electives are appropriate for their program and to be certain that the electives chosen are consistent with Vermont Technical College's graduation requirements. For details on these courses, see the "Course Descriptions" section of the catalog.