ANDREWS CORE EXPERIENCE (ACE) PROGRAM
Nethery Hall, Room 135
269-471-6157
Donald May, Director
may@andrews.edu
Philosophy of the Andrews Core Experience Program
The rapid expansion of knowledge in a global community requires those who would be truly educated citizens to adopt a philosophy of lifelong learning. One must engage the mind in the study of many fields, from the fine arts and humanities to the empirical, quantitative, and social sciences. This broad encounter with the varied perspectives of the liberal arts tradition forms the domain of General Education, one of the two pillars of American higher education. By contrast, the other pillar is one’s chosen major, usually a focused study of a specific discipline and the development of required skills. The university will provide a cohesive Andrews Core Experience Program, supported by faculty committed to an effective core curriculum.
The Andrews Core Experience Program aims to develop students notable for their culture, civility, integrity, and intellect within a Christian milieu.
Thus, the faculty seeks to prepare graduates who possess knowledge, the ethical values, interests, abilities, communication competence, quantitative skills, and analytical thinking for both leadership and service, so that they may contribute effectively to their homes, work places, communities, and churches. Transmitting this foundational heritage—along with an appropriate level of knowledge and skills—forms the essential purpose of the Andrews Core Experience Program at Andrews University. As a result, the Andrews Core Experience Program strives to foster an atmosphere in which each student is encouraged to meet the learning outcomes for the Andrews Core Experience Program.
The Program provides a first-year curriculum that establishes initial expectations and basic academic skills foundational to the undergraduate experience. Anchored in four 100-level Andrews Core courses, the First-year Experience at Andrews University provides first-year ‘native’ students with an introduction to academia and a balanced university life, further development of basic academic skills, and a sense of belonging to the Andrews University community.
Andrews Core Experience Learning Outcomes
Seek Knowledge
• Strengthen the ability to communicate effectively. Oral and Written.
• Develop the ability to think critically, observe accurately, analyze quantitatively, draw reasonable inferences, perceive relationships, and show the ability to discriminate among alternatives and design creative strategies to solve problems.
• Enjoy the cultural achievements of humanity and foster participation in creative and aesthetic activity.
• Master content knowledge across the academic disciplines identified in the General Education tables. By specifying courses to that end, Andrews University recognizes the learning outcomes foundational to developing thoughtful citizens of the world.
Affirm Faith
• Construct a thoughtfully conceived worldview that recognizes the roles of Scripture, nature, and human discovery as sources of truth.
• Consciously make Christian convictions explicit and apply them ethically, as well as articulate individual values from the viewpoint of one’s chosen profession.
• Understand the heritage and mission of Andrews University in furthering the teachings of Christ within the context of Seventh-day Adventist faith and practice with a view to the heritage and mission of Andrews University.
• Exhibit compassionate behavior towards other individuals and show respect for the dignity of all people, affirming the Biblical view of all persons being created in the image of God who in Christ wants all human beings to be one, independent of gender or ethnic background.
Change the World
• Enjoy camaraderie with many individuals and form enduring friendships within the diverse campus community.
• Evaluate one’s interpersonal effectiveness, including the ability to work in groups while maintaining the ability to think for oneself, and strive to enlarge the scope of all personal abilities.
• Understand one’s role and responsibilities as a citizen in a secular society and as a member of a religious community; and then, beyond understanding, to respond with thoughts, with emotion, and with action to the needs of one’s wider community.
Honors General Education (SAGES)
The Andrews Honors Program offers a series of interdisciplinary courses which apply to the General Education requirement. See Scholars Alternative General Education Studies (SAGES).
Andrews Core Experience (ACE) Program Requirements
Andrews Core Experience: BA & BS Degrees
The Andrews Core Experience requirements for BA & BS Degrees may also be viewed in a Printable Format .
Religion Credits: 12
RELT 100 - God and Human Life (first year) Credits: 3
Recommend students take one course for each academic year in attendance from RELB, RELG, RELP, RELT. Credits: 9
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Mathematics Credits: 3-4
Take one course from the following:
MATH 145 - Reasoning with Functions Credits: 3
MATH 165 - College Algebra OR MATH 166 - College Algebra for Business Credits: 3
MATH 168 - Precalculus Credits: 4
MATH 191 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 195 - Calculus I for Biology Credits: 4
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Language/Communication Credits: *BA 13/BS 9
Credits: 3
ENGL 215 - College Writing II Credits: 3
COMM 104 - Communication Skills Credits: 3
*BA Language, Intermediate Level Credits: 4 |
Service Credits: 2
BHSC 100 - Philosophy of Service Credits: 2
Take one course from the following:
BHSC 300 - Philosophy of Service Fieldwork
S-designated course
Application Process—40 hours
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History Credits: 6
HIST 110 - Worldviews, Cultures and Gods Credits: 3
HIST 117 - Civilizations and Ideas I Credits: 3
HIST 118 - Civilizations and Ideas II Credits: 3
HIST 204 - American Experience I Credits: 3
HIST 205 - American Experience II Credits: 3
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Social Sciences Credits: 6
Take one Foundation course from the following:
ANTH 200 - Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3
ECON 225 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
GEOG 110 - Survey of Geography Credits: 3
PLSC 104 - American Government Credits: 3
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
SOCI 119 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3
Take one Interdisciplinary course from the following:
BHSC 220 - An Interdisciplinary Approach to Contemporary Social Issues Credits: 3
BHSC 235 - Culture, Place and Interdependence Credits: 3
FNCE 206 - Personal Finance Credits: 3
PLSC 237 - The Individual, State, and Marketplace Credits: 3
PSYC 180 - Dealing with Your Mind Credits: 3
FMST 201 - Personal Relationships Credits: 3 |
Fine Arts/Humanities Credits: 6
Take a total of 6 credits from a minimum of any two of the following categories:
Visual Arts:
ARTH 220 - Language of Art Credits: 3
PHTO 210 - History of Photography Credits: 3
A course in studio art (SA)
Humanities:
Any 200-level literature course Credits: 3
PHIL 224 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 3
Music:
MUHL 214 - Enjoyment of Music Credits: 3
MUHL 258 - American and World Music Credits: 3
Ensemble, Applied Music Credits: 3 |
Fitness Education Credits: 4
HLED 120 - Fit for Life Credits: 1
Recommend students take one course each academic year in attendance. Three courses, taken from at least two different categories: Personal Fitness, Outdoor Skills, Team Activity
_____________________________ Credits: 1
_____________________________ Credits: 1
_____________________________ Credits: 1
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Life/Physical Sciences*Credits: 8
Take one Life Science AND one Physical Science course as recommended below or major level Life and Physical Science course.
*Science majors and majors requiring science cognates take a minimum of 8 credits of science lab courses from two areas of science.
Life Science:
BIOL 100 - Human Biology Credits: 4
BIOL 110 - Principles of Biology Credits: 4
BIOL 208 - Environmental Science Credits: 4
BIOL 330 - History of Earth and Life Credits: 4
FDNT 230 - Nutrition /FDNT 240 - Nutrition Laboratory Credits: 3 + 1
HORT 150 - iGrow Credits: 4
Physical Science:
CHEM 100 - Consumer Chemistry Credits: 4
CHEM 110 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 4
PHYS 110 - Astronomy Credits: 4
PHYS 115 - Mythbusting Credits: 4
PHYS 225 - Sound and Waves Credits: 4 |
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Total Semester Hours |
Bachelor of Science: |
56-57 |
Bachelor of Arts: |
60-61 |
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Revised 12-04-2015
Andrews Core Experience: Professional Degrees
The Andrews Core Experience for Professional Degrees & Programs may also be viewed in a Printable Format .
See list below for programs and degrees eligible for the Professional Andrews Core Experience.
Religion
Recommend students take one course for each academic year in attendance from RELB, RELG, RELP, RELT.
RELT 100 - God and Human Life
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Mathematics
Take one course from the following:
MATH 145 - Reasoning with Functions
MATH 165 - College Algebra OR MATH 166 - College Algebra for Business
MATH 168 - Precalculus
MATH 191 - Calculus I
MATH 195 - Calculus I for Biology
STAT 285 - Elementary Statistics
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Language/Communication
ENGL 215 - College Writing II
COMM 104 - Communication Skills
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Computer Literacy
Determined by each professional program |
History
Take one course. Recommend one of the following:
HIST 117 - Civilizations and Ideas I
HIST 118 - Civilizations and Ideas II
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Service
Determined by each professional program
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Fine Arts/Humanities
Take one course from the following:
Visual Arts:
ARTH 220 - Language of Art
PHTO 210 - History of Photography
A course in studio
Humanities:
Any 200-level literature course
PHIL 224 - Introduction to Philosophy
Music:
MUHL 214 - Enjoyment of Music
One year of Ensemble, Applied Music |
Social Sciences
Take one course from the following:
ANTH 200 - Cultural Anthropology
BHSC 220 - An Interdisciplinary Approach to Contemporary Social Issues
BHSC 235 - Culture, Place and Interdependence
ECON 225 - Principles of Macroeconomics
FMST 201 - Personal Relationships
FNCE 206 - Personal Finance
GEOG 110 - Survey of Geography
PLSC 104 - American Government
PLSC 237 - The Individual, State, and Marketplace
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 180 - Dealing with Your Mind
SOCI 119 - Principles of Sociology
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Life/Physical Sciences
Take one Life Science or one Physical Science course as recommended below or major level Life and Science course.
Life Science:
BIOL 100 - Human Biology
BIOL 110 - Principles of Biology
BIOL 208 - Environmental Science
BIOL 330 - History of Earth and Life
FDNT 230 - Nutrition /FDNT 240 - Nutrition Laboratory
HORT 150 - iGrow
Physical Science:
CHEM 100 - Consumer Chemistry
CHEM 110 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
PHYS 110 - Astronomy
PHYS 115 - Mythbusting
PHYS 225 - Sound and Waves |
Fitness Education
Take two courses. Recommend HLED 120 first year.
HLED 120 - Fit for Life first year (recommended)
Or take two courses from the following categories:
Personal Fitness, Outdoor Skills, Team Activity
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Agriculture BT
Allied Health Administration BS
Architecture BSA
Aviation
Business Administration BBA
Business Administration BS
Business AS
Communication Arts, Secondary Education BS
Computer Science BS
Construction Management, BSCM
Education, Elementary
Education, Secondary
Engineering, Chemical Engineering Emphasis BS
Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering Emphasis BS
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Emphasis BS
Exercise Science BS
Health Science, (Interim Degree) BHS
Interior Design BID
Medical Laboratory Sciences
Music Education, Teacher Certification BMus
Music Performance BMus
Nursing
Nutrition Science & Dietetics, Dietetics Emphasis BS
Nutrition Science & Dietetics, Nutrition Science Emphasis BS
Physical Therapy
Social Work BSW
Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Visual Art & Design BFA
Visual Arts Education BS
Wellness BHS
Revised 12-04-2015
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Andrews Core Experience: Associate Degrees
Associate of Arts (AA)/Associate of Sciences (AS)
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Religion |
6 |
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Take RELT 100 and recommend students take one course for each academic year in attendance from RELB, RELG, RELP, RELT |
Language/Communication |
9 |
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ENGL 115 , ENGL 215 & COMM 104 |
History/Arts/Humanities |
3 |
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Choose one course from History, Visual Arts, Humanities or Music |
Life/Physical Sciences |
4 |
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Choose one course from Life Science, Physical Science |
Mathematics |
3 |
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MATH 145 or higher |
Social Sciences |
3 |
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Choose one Social Sciences course |
Service |
2 |
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Take BHSC 100 |
Fitness Education |
2 |
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Take HLED 120 and one activity course |
Total |
30-35 |
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Associate within Professional Programs
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Religion |
2 Courses |
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Take RELT 100 and recommend students take one course for each academic year in attendance from RELB, RELG, RELP, RELT |
Languages/Communication |
2 Courses |
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Take ENGL 115 and COMM 104 |
Humanities/Social Sciences |
1 Course |
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Choose with advisor |
Life/Physical Sciences/Mathematics |
1 Course |
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Choose with advisor |
Mathematics |
P2 Minimum |
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Required |
Fitness Education |
2 Courses |
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Take HLED 120 and one activity course |
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Multiculturalism/Diversity in the Andrews Core Experience Curriculum
The Andrews Core Experience Program at Andrews University includes an explicit emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. This emphasis recognizes the historical development of various cultures and groups in the United States, the global nature and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the diverse student body and faculty of the university with more than ninety countries from around the world represented on campus. The focus on multiculturalism and diversity includes specific emphasis in the following courses: COMM 104 - Communication Skills , BHSC 100 - Philosophy of Service , ENGL 115 - College Writing I , RELT 100 - God and Human Life , and HIST 117 - Civilizations and Ideas I & HIST 118 - Civilizations and Ideas II .
General Education MathematicsThe Andrews General Education mathematics requirement consists of a skill requirement, which should be met first, and a reasoning requirement, which should be fulfilled no later than the second year of college.
The Andrews Mathematics Placement Examination (MPE) provides information essential to planning the college career. Students with ACT or SAT scores will have an MPE score assigned based on their performance on the math portion of the test. If students believe this placement is inaccurate, then they should take the MPE as soon as possible. All other new students, including transfer students, must take the MPE during the first semester of residence and before taking any mathematics courses, subject to the exceptions listed below.
The MPE takes one hour, no calculators are allowed, and there is a fee which may be charged to the student’s account. It is given during Orientation Week and at other convenient times throughout the year. Retakes are recommended only after intense study equivalent to taking a math course. Three months must normally elapse between tests. The exam may not be taken more than three times without special permission of the Department of Mathematics. Similar tests taken elsewhere are not recognized. The MPE score is valid as a prerequisite for mathematics courses for three years after it is earned.
The skill requirement is met by an MPE score of at least P2, showing competence in arithmetic and high school algebra.
At a minimum, the entering student should be proficient in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals and should be able to handle percentage problems. The student should not need a calculator to find answers to problems no more difficult than 9x6=54, 13-21=-8, 2(3/14)=3/7, or 4/0.02=200.
Any student with an ACT math score of 17 or below, or an SAT math 450 or below, and many higher scoring students will need to do serious study and review to achieve a score of P2 on the MPE. Students should do everything possible to improve mathematics performance before coming to campus. A thorough review of algebra the summer before enrolling in college will pay great dividends even if the student places into the skill course.
Specific suggestions for self-evaluation and review including sample questions may be found on the Web site www.math.andrews.edu (click on “Math Placement Examination”).
The skill course, MATH 091 and MATH 092 . Students with MPE scores of E0, E1, M0, M1, P0, or P1 at the time of enrollment must enroll in MATH 091 Arithmetic and Algebra Review, or engage in other study to achieve a score of P2. Many students, including all who score E0 or M0, should plan to enroll first in MATH 091 and then in MATH 092 (for two successive semesters) to bring their skills up to the required level. Completion of the MATH 091 /MATH 092 Arithmetic and Algebra Review sequence fulfills the skill requirement and awards a P2 score.
The principal means of instruction in MATH 091 /MATH 092 is ALEKS, an on-line tutorial system developed at the University of California. Instruction is entirely individualized and students can advance as rapidly as their capacity will allow. The faculty instructor consults with students, tracks the student progress, and is available for individual assistance. Each student is assigned to a cluster of about 15 students supervised by a lab instructor, who provides one-on-one assistance during class time. At other times the student can work on any computer with a Web connection or use a computer in the Mathematics Center and receive help from a tutor.
The reasoning course, MATH 145 . MATH 145 - Reasoning with Functions is the course which most non-science students will find most appropriate for meeting the reasoning requirement. MATH 165 , MATH 166 , MATH 168 , MATH 191 , and MATH 195 also meet the reasoning requirement.
Transfer policy. Courses transferred to meet the reasoning requirement must be broadly equivalent, both in content and level, to those offered at Andrews to meet the requirement. Andrews students who wish to take a course elsewhere to meet the reasoning requirement must first meet the skill requirement and must have the proposed course accepted by petition before enrolling in it. Courses titled Intermediate Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Basic Algebra, Pre-algebra, College Arithmetic, or Business Mathematics may prepare the student for the MPE but do not normally meet the reasoning or the skill requirement and do not apply toward graduation.
Exceptions
- Students who at admission transfer College Algebra, College Algebra with Trigonometry, Precalculus, Precalculus Algebra, Precalculus Trigonometry, Calculus, a Cambridge “A Level” pass in Mathematics, or AP Calculus fulfill the mathematics reasoning requirement. They do not have to take the MPE and the math skill requirement is waived.
- Some courses other than those listed in 1 above may be accepted for the reasoning requirement, provided they are presented at admission and the skill requirement is separately fulfilled. Current criteria will be applied case by case. Students wishing to have a course evaluated should bring a description to the Department of Mathematics.
- Students who transfer from a four-year college into Physical Therapy or Medical Laboratory Sciences and are classified as seniors in their first year at Andrews are deemed to have met the mathematics requirement of the college or university from which they are transferring. The Andrews mathematics requirement is waived, and these students do not have to take the MPE.
- Students enrolled in the Center for Intensive English Programs are not required to take the MPE until the first semester of enrollment in regular college-level courses.
Transfer Policy for Andrews Core Experience Credits
Transfer Students. To qualify as a transfer student, one must have earned credits prior to entering Andrews University from another college/university.
Transient Students. Students who begin at Andrews University and wish to take and transfer credit from another college/university are, by definition, transient students. The below guidelines do not apply for these students; they are required to fill out a petition form prior to attending the other institution.
Andrews University views the general education curriculum in two distinct ways when working with transfer students.
Mathematics and English Composition II should be recognized as core foundation skills needed for all degrees, thus these two disciplines should continue to carry extra weight and should be at least equal to Andrews University course expectations.
All other General Education transfer courses should be treated generously upon credit articulation. The following guidelines will be used when reviewing transfer student courses.
Transfer Student Credit Articulation Guidelines for BA/BS Andrews Core
Religion—Independent of transferring from a Seventh-day Adventist or non-Seventh-day Adventist college/university.
Tranferring with* |
Religion Courses Required |
23 credits or fewer |
Four AU religion courses required |
24–56 credits |
Three AU religion courses required |
57–86 credits |
Two AU religion courses required |
87 or more credits |
One AU religion course required |
* Transfer credits are determined on the basis of courses taken prior to attending Andrews University. |
English—2 courses
- English Composition
- English Composition I: An introduction to written composition. A general freshman composition course.
- English Composition II: An introduction to general research and/or critical writing from sources using documentation.
Communication—1 course
- A speech course:
- Public Speaking
- Interpersonal Communications
History—2 courses
- 1 Ancient World History course
- 1 Modern World History course
- May substitute American History course
Fine Arts/Humanities—2 courses
- Any fine arts course
- Art History or Appreciation
- Music History or Appreciation
- Literature History or Appreciation, 200-level or higher literature
- Philosophy
- Applied art for a minimum of 3 credits
Life/Physical Sciences—2 courses with labs
- 1 Life Science course
- Biology, Environmental or Nutrition
- 1 Physical Science course
Mathematics—1 course
- The course must be clearly equivalent to MATH145 Reasoning with Functions.
- Courses that will be accepted include: College Algebra, College Algebra with Trigonometry, Precalculus, Precalculus Algebra, Precalculus Trigonometry, Calculus, a Cambridge “A Level” pass in Mathematics, or AP Calculus.
Computer Literacy—1 course
- A lab-based course covering multiple computer skills necessary for college success, e.g. a working knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets and PowerPoint (a course taken for a computer-related major, by petition approval only)
Service—1 course
- Course relating to service and/or service fieldwork upon petition approval
Social Sciences—2 courses
- Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Marriage and Family, Geography
Fitness Education—4 courses
- 1 course in concepts of health/wellness
- 3 activity courses
Transfer Student Credit Articulation Guidelines for Professional Degrees Andrews Core
Religion—Independent of transferring from a Seventh-day Adventist or non-Seventh-day Adventist college/university.
Tranferring with* |
Religion Courses Required |
23 credits or fewer |
Four AU religion courses required |
24–56 credits |
Three AU religion courses required |
57–86 credits |
Two AU religion courses required |
87 or more credits |
One AU religion course required |
* Transfer credits are determined on the basis of courses taken prior to attending Andrews University. |
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English—2 courses
- English Composition
- English Composition I: An introduction to written composition. A general freshman composition course.
- English Composition II: An introduction to general research and/or critical writing from sources using ocumentation.
Communication—1 course
- A speech course:
- Public Speaking
- Interpersonal Communications
History—1 course
- Ancient World History
- Modern World History
- American History, Canadian History (for Canadian students)
Fine Arts/Humanities—1 course
- Any fine arts course
- Art History or Appreciation
- Music History or Appreciation, ensemble music (for a minimum of 3 credits)
- Literature History or Appreciation, 200-level or higher literature
- Philosophy
- Applied art for a minimum of 3 credits
Life/Physical Sciences—1 course with lab
- 1 Life Science course
- Biology, Environmental or Nutrition
or
- 1 Physical Science course
Mathematics—1 course
- College-level math, including statistics
Computer Literacy—per department
- Check with your department program for requirements
Service—1 course
- Check with your department program for requirements
Social Sciences—1 course
- Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Marriage and Family, Geography
Fitness Education—2 courses
Service-Learning Requirements
Service to others is a central emphasis of the Andrews University Mission Statement. The Andrews Core Experience Program, therefore, includes an emphasis on service so that all graduates will understand the importance and rewards of service activities.
The service-learning component consists of two requirements: (1) BHSC 100 - Philosophy of Service , and (2) Fieldwork (0–2 credits).* The fieldwork requirement can be met in three ways: by registering for BHSC 300 - Philosophy of Service Fieldwork , by taking an “S” course (service-learning course) in the student’s major or minor (such courses are marked with the symbol “S” in the Bulletin), or by waiving the requirement based on the steps outlined in the “Service Learning Packet,” available in the Behavioral Science Department. Larry Ulery supervises the waiver process for the fieldwork requirement.
A student in a degree program which includes Service/ Fieldwork who does not complete the program will need to complete the Service/Fieldwork requirement as specified.
* Transfer students with two years of course work elsewhere choose to take either BHSC 100 or Fieldwork.
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