Sierra College Philosophy for General Education: General education is designed to introduce students to the variety of means through which people comprehend the modern world. General education introduces the content and methodology of the major areas of knowledge: the humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences and the social sciences. The general education program provides the opportunity for students to develop the intellectual skills, information technology facility, affective and creative capabilities, social attitudes and appreciation for cultural diversity that will make them effective learners and citizens.
Note: Students who possess a baccalaureate or higher degree completed at a college or university accredited through a CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) recognized Regional Accrediting Agency will have satisfied Sierra College general education and competency requirements for the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be used to waive Sierra College General Education.
I. General Education Breadth Requirements
A. Natural Sciences
(For an AS degree: must complete a laboratory science. Laboratory courses/course combinations are indicated by an asterisk.)
Select 3 units from the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Plant Science * | ||
| Food, Society and the Environment | ||
| Introduction to Animal Science * | ||
| Biological Anthropology | ||
| Biological Anthropology and Biological Anthropology Laboratory * | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Life in the Universe | ||
| General Biology * | ||
| Botany * | ||
| General Zoology * | ||
| Microbiology * | ||
| Human Anatomy * | ||
| Human Physiology * | ||
| Introduction to Biology | ||
| Concepts of Biology * | ||
| Natural History, Ecology and Conservation * | ||
| Marine Biology * | ||
| Introduction to Plant Science * | ||
| Wildland Trees and Shrubs (Dendrology) * | ||
| Introduction to Ornithology | ||
| Introduction to Zoology * | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
| Introduction to Mammalogy | ||
| General Human Anatomy and Physiology * | ||
| Biology: A Human Perspective | ||
| Biology: A Human Perspective and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory * | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory * | ||
| The Sierra Nevada | ||
| California Water * | ||
| Conservation of Natural Resources | ||
| Natural History, Ecology and Conservation * | ||
| Introduction to Biopsychology | ||
| Introduction to Biopsychology and Biopsychology Laboratory * | ||
| Physical Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Soil Science * | ||
| Introduction to Planetary Systems | ||
| Introduction to Planetary Systems and Observational Astronomy * | ||
| Introduction to Planetary Systems and Astrophotography and Imaging * | ||
| Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe | ||
| Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe and Observational Astronomy * | ||
| Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe and Astrophotography and Imaging * | ||
| Life in the Universe | ||
| Elementary Astronomy | ||
| Elementary Astronomy and Observational Astronomy * | ||
| Elementary Astronomy and Astrophotography and Imaging * | ||
| Frontiers in Astronomy | ||
| General Chemistry I * | ||
| General Chemistry II * | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry I * | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry II * | ||
| General Chemistry I - Part 1 * | ||
| General Chemistry I - Part 2 * | ||
| Survey of Chemistry and Physics * | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory * | ||
| California Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Historical Geology and Historical Geology Laboratory * | ||
| Energy, Environment, and Climate | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science and Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory * | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography and Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory * | ||
| Geology of National Parks and Monuments | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory * | ||
| The Sierra Nevada | ||
| California Water * | ||
| Energy, Environment, and Climate | ||
| Conservation of Natural Resources | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Physical Geography and Physical Geography Laboratory * | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| The Science of Electronics | ||
| Basic Concepts in Physics | ||
| Basic Concepts in Physics and Basic Concepts in Physics Laboratory * | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory * | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory * | ||
| Survey of Chemistry and Physics * | ||
| Principles of Physics: Mechanics | ||
| Principles of Physics: Mechanics and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics * | ||
| Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism * | ||
| Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics | ||
| Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics * | ||
B. Social and Behavioral Sciences
Select 3 units from the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Native Peoples of North America | ||
| Introduction to Archaeology | ||
| Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | ||
| Native Peoples of California | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion | ||
| Global Problems | ||
| Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality | ||
| Ethical Studies in Accounting and Business | ||
| Personal Finance | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication Foundations | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice | ||
| Mass Communication: Media and Society | ||
| Newswriting and Reporting Techniques | ||
| Multimedia Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | ||
| Geography of California | ||
| Human Development Through the Lifespan | ||
| Child, Family, and Community | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family | ||
| The Family | ||
| Teaching in a Diverse Society | ||
| Introduction to Asian Humanities | ||
| Principles of Nutrition | ||
| Sports Nutrition | ||
| General Principles of Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Death and Dying | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Alcohol, Drugs and Society | ||
| Psychology and Film | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Race, Ethnicity and Inequality | ||
| The Family | ||
| Sociology of Women's Health | ||
| Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control | ||
| Introduction to Hip Hop and Social Justice | ||
| Introduction to Social Justice | ||
| Social Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Administration of Justice | ||
| Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture | ||
| Food, Society and the Environment | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics | ||
| History of Women in Art | ||
| History of Latinx and Chicanx Art | ||
| Introduction to Business | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Asian American Studies | ||
| Introduction to African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o Studies | ||
| Federal Indian Law and Policy | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies | ||
| Clothing and Culture | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Geography of California | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Western Civilization to 1715 | ||
| Western Civilization since 1715 | ||
| History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| History of the United States since 1865 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History to 1877 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History since 1877 | ||
| History of Traditional East Asia | ||
| History of Modern East Asia | ||
| California History | ||
| Contemporary United States History | ||
| American Military History | ||
| Chicano/Mexican American History | ||
| Russian History - 10th Century to Present | ||
| Native American History | ||
| Women in World History | ||
| Women in American History | ||
| The American West | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory | ||
| American Government | ||
| Comparative Government | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Russian and East European Political Systems | ||
| California Politics and Government | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Science Research Methods | ||
| Women and Politics in a Global Society | ||
| Cultural Psychology | ||
| Feminism and Social Action | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Introduction to Women's Studies | ||
| Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| Feminism and Social Action | ||
C. Humanities
Select 3 units from the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts | ||
| History of Graphic Design | ||
| Sketching for Design | ||
| Graphic Design: Principles and Process | ||
| History of Filmmaking | ||
| Documentary Filmmaking | ||
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions | ||
| Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary | ||
| History of Women in Art | ||
| History and Aesthetics of Photography | ||
| History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania | ||
| History of Latinx and Chicanx Art | ||
| History of Asian Art | ||
| History of Islamic Art | ||
| Two-Dimensional Design Foundations | ||
| Three-Dimensional Design Foundations | ||
| Drawing I | ||
| Drawing II | ||
| Figure Drawing I | ||
| Color Theory | ||
| Oil Painting I | ||
| Watercolor Painting I | ||
| Acrylic Painting I | ||
| Sculpture I | ||
| Ceramic Sculpture/Handbuilding | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Ceramics II | ||
| Figure Sculpture | ||
| Raku Ceramics | ||
| Metal Arts | ||
| Advanced Metal Arts | ||
| Introduction to Fiber Arts | ||
| Art Metal Casting | ||
| Collage and Assemblage | ||
| Printmaking I | ||
| Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing | ||
| Performance of Diverse Literatures | ||
| Creative Writing (Non-Fiction) | ||
| Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
| Creative Writing (Poetry) | ||
| Creative Writing (Fiction) | ||
| Fashion History | ||
| Introduction to Humanities I | ||
| Introduction to Humanities II | ||
| Introduction to Asian Humanities | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Theory I | ||
| Music Theory II | ||
| Music Theory III | ||
| Music Theory IV | ||
| Music Fundamentals | ||
| Introduction and History of Jazz | ||
| Survey of Music History and Literature to 1750 | ||
| Survey of Music History and Literature from 1750 to Present | ||
| Introduction to Music: History of Rock and Roll | ||
| Beginning Voice | ||
| Intermediate Voice | ||
| Advanced Voice I | ||
| Advanced Voice II | ||
| Beginning Piano I | ||
| Beginning Piano II | ||
| Intermediate Piano I | ||
| Intermediate Piano II | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Vocal Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Symphonic Band | ||
| History and Aesthetics of Photography | ||
| Elementary Photography | ||
| Documentary Photography | ||
| Documentary Filmmaking | ||
| Acting I | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Costume History | ||
| Acting for Musical Theatre | ||
| Script Analysis | ||
| Literature and Language | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Multimedia Reporting | ||
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| American Sign Language III | ||
| American Sign Language IV | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | ||
| Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare and Popular Culture | ||
| Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts | ||
| Literature by Women | ||
| Introduction to Drama as Literature | ||
| American Literature - Beginnings through Civil War | ||
| American Literature - Civil War to the Present | ||
| Introduction to Poetry | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare (The Drama) | ||
| Introduction to the Novel | ||
| Introduction to the Short Story | ||
| American Film Masterpieces | ||
| International Film Masterpieces | ||
| The Filmed Novel | ||
| The Documentary Film | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Young Adult Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| World Literature | ||
| World Literature | ||
| Literature of Science Fiction | ||
| Advanced Reading and Writing | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o Studies | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Elementary French - Level I | ||
| Elementary French - Level II | ||
| Intermediate French - Level I | ||
| Intermediate French - Level II | ||
| Elementary German - Level I | ||
| Elementary German - Level II | ||
| Western Civilization to 1715 | ||
| Western Civilization since 1715 | ||
| History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| History of the United States since 1865 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History to 1877 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History since 1877 | ||
| History of Traditional East Asia | ||
| History of Modern East Asia | ||
| California History | ||
| Contemporary United States History | ||
| Chicano/Mexican American History | ||
| Russian History - 10th Century to Present | ||
| Native American History | ||
| Women in World History | ||
| Women in American History | ||
| The American West | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History since 1500 | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Classical Roots of the Contemporary Western World | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Introduction to Mythology | ||
| Introduction to Atheism | ||
| Introduction to the Hebrew Bible | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament | ||
| Elementary Italian - Level I | ||
| Elementary Italian - Level II | ||
| Elementary Japanese - Level I | ||
| Elementary Japanese - Level II | ||
| Queer (LGBTIQ) Film History | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality | ||
| Philosophy of Religion | ||
| Introduction to Asian Philosophy | ||
| History of Ancient Greek Philosophy | ||
| History of Modern Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy of Women in Western Cultures | ||
| Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Ethics | ||
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Science | ||
| Elementary Spanish - Level I | ||
| Elementary Spanish - Level II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish - Level I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish - Level II | ||
| Intermediate Conversational Spanish | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| Script Analysis | ||
D. Language and Rationality
Select 6 units (3 units from Area D1 and 3 units from Area D2) from the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1. English Composition | ||
| Completion of the following with a grade of C or better: | ||
| College Reading, Writing and Research | ||
| Writing in the Workplace | ||
| 2. Communication and Analytical Thinking | ||
| Personal Finance | ||
| Introduction to Oral Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication Foundations | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice | ||
| Introduction to Computing | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum | ||
| Analytical and Critical Thinking in Reading | ||
| Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts | ||
| Plane Geometry | ||
| Intermediate Algebra | ||
| Practical Mathematics | ||
| B-STEM Intermediate Algebra | ||
| Problem Solving | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Calculus for Social and Life Sciences | ||
| Calculus for Social and Life Sciences | ||
| Concepts of Mathematics | ||
| The Nature of Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers | ||
| Modern Business Mathematics | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Pre-Calculus Mathematics | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus III | ||
| Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | ||
| Business Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Symbolic Logic | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | ||
E. Health Education/Physical Education
Select 2 units from the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement | ||
| Fire Academy Physical Training | ||
| Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle | ||
| Standard First Aid/Community CPR | ||
| Health Education | ||
| Health and Aging | ||
| Emergency Medical Technician | ||
| Emergency Medical Responder | ||
| Professional CPR and Infection Control | ||
| Cardio Fitness - Level I | ||
| Cardio Fitness - Level II | ||
| Cross Training | ||
| Weight Training | ||
| Strength Training - Circuit and Power Lifting | ||
| Physical Fitness | ||
| Aerobic Fitness | ||
| Cardio Kickboxing | ||
| Fitness and Weight Management Boot Camp | ||
| Instructional Methods for Group Fitness | ||
| Instructional Methods for Personal Trainers | ||
| Peaceful Self Defense | ||
| Basic Self Defense | ||
| Multi Self Defense System | ||
| Tai Chi | ||
| Self-Defense for Personal Safety | ||
| Badminton | ||
| Recreational Basketball | ||
| Flag Football | ||
| Golf | ||
| Soccer Level I | ||
| Soccer Level II | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Advanced Tennis | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Beach Volleyball | ||
| Futsal - Level I | ||
| Futsal - Level II | ||
| Water Exercise for Fitness | ||
| Fundamentals of Swimming | ||
| Swimming Conditioning | ||
| Ballet I | ||
| Ballet II | ||
| Jazz Dance | ||
| Ballroom Dance | ||
| Modern Dance | ||
| Line Dance | ||
| Fundamentals of Yoga | ||
| Yoga History and Culture | ||
| Introduction to Meditation | ||
| Mat Pilates | ||
| Adapted Aquatics | ||
| Adapted Aerobic Fitness | ||
| Adapted Individualized Exercises | ||
| ACE Personal Trainer Preparation | ||
| Introduction to Kinesiology | ||
| Physiology of Fitness | ||
| Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | ||
| Introduction to Coaching Team Sports | ||
| Sports Activities | ||
| Precertification Nursing Assistant Training | ||
| Food Preparation for Nutrition and Life Fitness | ||
| Principles of Nutrition | ||
| Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle | ||
| Sports Nutrition | ||
| College and Life Success | ||
| Stress and Well Being | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Alcohol, Drugs and Society | ||
| Backpacking | ||
| Rock Climbing | ||
| Wilderness Survival | ||
| Sociology of Women's Health |
II. Learning Skills
Courses used to fulfill learning skills requirements may also be used to satisfy major and/or general education requirements.
1. Writing
Completion of one of the following courses with grade of “C” or better:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| College Reading, Writing and Research | ||
| Writing in the Workplace |
2. Reading
Completion of one of the following courses with grade of "C" or better:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| College Reading, Writing and Research | ||
| Analytical and Critical Thinking in Reading |
3. Oral Communications
Demonstrated proficiency by one of the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Completion of one of the following courses with grade of “C” or better: | ||
| Business Communications | ||
| Introduction to Oral Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication Foundations | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Assertiveness Training | ||
| Acting I | ||
| Acting II | ||
4. Mathematics
Demonstrated proficiency by one of the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Completion of one of the following courses with grade of “C” or better: | ||
| Personal Finance | ||
| Plane Geometry | ||
| Intermediate Algebra | ||
| Practical Mathematics | ||
| B-STEM Intermediate Algebra | ||
| Problem Solving | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Calculus for Social and Life Sciences | ||
| Calculus for Social and Life Sciences | ||
| Concepts of Mathematics | ||
| The Nature of Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers | ||
| Modern Business Mathematics | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Pre-Calculus Mathematics | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus III | ||
| Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | ||
| Business Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | ||
| 2. Completion of one year (or block schedule equivalent) of Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics III or higher level mathematics in high school with grades of “C-” or better (no college units granted). | ||
| 3. Minimum score on ACT of 25 or SAT of 560 (no college units granted). | ||
5. Ethnic Studies
Completion of one of the following courses with grade of "C" or better:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | ||
| Introduction to Asian American Studies | ||
| Introduction to African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o Studies | ||
| Federal Indian Law and Policy | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies |
III. Major
| Minimum of 18 units in a group of courses described in the catalog. Courses must be completed with grades of "C" or better | 18-44 |
IV. Electives
| Any additional degree-applicable credit courses | 0-22 |
Total Degree-Applicable Units Required for the AA or AS Degree:
| (At least 12 of the 60 degree-applicable units must be completed at Sierra College. Units received through Credit by Examination do not count toward this requirement. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all degree-applicable coursework is required.) | 60 |
Notes
- Credit for only one course from English N, 50, 50L, or 60 may be applied to the degree.
- While a course may be listed in multiple areas of general education breadth (Areas A-F), it may only be applied to one area.
- A course may be applied to a general education breadth requirement (Areas A-F), a learning skills requirement (Areas 1-4), and a major requirement.
- These AA/AS associate degree requirements do not meet transfer general education requirements.
- Students pursuing an AA or AS have the option of completing these associate degree requirements, the CSU General Education Breadth requirements, or the IGETC requirements.
- Students pursuing an AA-T or AS-T must complete the CSU General Education Breadth requirements or the IGETC requirements. (Some majors are restricted to IGETC; consult with a counselor.)
- Students may check their degree status using Degree Works; access is through mySierra.
- See the catalog rights policy for information pertaining to major and general education options.
