Programs
- Degrees & Certificates
- Career & Technical Education
- General Education
- Accelerated Programs
- Study Abroad
- Cisco Academy
- Honors Program
- A+ Program
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
General Education
General Education is a 42-hour program that allows students to explore a variety of disciplines and introduces the fundamentals of a college education from the perspectives of different subject areas. In addition to giving a broad foundation for preparation for any future area of study, it allows students to explore subjects they are most interested in and may want to major in after transferring to a four-year institution. Students who complete this 42-hour program are entitled to receive a Certificate of General Education, which is available at all four campuses. The Certificate of General Education signifies that the student has met the 42 credit hour general education requirements that are necessary for transfer to any public institution in Missouri. It is also intended for those students who do not wish to continue their education to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree, but want proof of their general education requirement completion.
About the Program
All St. Louis Community College Associate in Arts degrees require 42 credit hours of general education courses. The program begins with a cornerstone course that introduces you to college study, including how to explore ethical choices, understand and argue your own point of view, and understand the arguments of others. You also will take courses in fundamental general skills, like mathematics and oral and written communication. You then choose courses from three categories: arts and humanities, social and behavioral science, and science. Some students also may want to take an elective course. You will complete your general education program with a capstone course that helps bring all the disciplines together and readies you to transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.
Writing and Speaking Intensive Courses
To help you improve communication skills, which are invaluable in life as well as in college, two of your "main floor" courses must be speaking-intensive and two must be writing-intensive. These courses are identified in the semester class schedule to help you select what you need. More information is available on writing and speaking-intensive courses.
Transfer Information
When you transfer to almost any public institution in the state of Missouri, as well as many private ones, these 42 credit hours will meet all the general education requirements at that institution. Of course, you will have to meet graduation requirements at the transfer institution as well as the requirements for your chosen major, but you will receive credit for almost one-third of a typical bachelor’s degree.
If, however, you choose to transfer without completing the 42-hour program, the courses you have taken at St. Louis Community College will be evaluated one by one, and you may lose credits. Completing the STLCC general education program not only will give you a solid foundation for the rest of your education, but also will save you time and money wherever you transfer. See our list of accepting institutions to find out if the school you wish to attend has an agreement with STLCC to accept general education credits. See our course list to find out which courses contribute to your general education requirements.