General Education
The Purpose of SXU's General Education Program
SXU's General Education Program is the common, academic foundation that unites all students who attend and graduate from Saint Xavier. It carries the values of a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, provides an intellectual framework which infuses personal and professional practice with the spirit of liberal learning, and deepens the characteristics that promote a well-lived life. The Program consists of a set of course and curricular requirements that the University believes are important for all undergraduates, especially skills, like critical thinking, effective writing, persuasive speaking, and the capacity to work well with others; and characteristics, like persistence, personal and social responsibility, determination, and ethical integrity.
To achieve these aims, the General Education Program offers students a curriculum that includes a limited set of courses that all students take, including Writing (ENGL 101 / 102, Speech Fundamentals (COMM 101), and The Examined Life (PHIL 140/150).. There are also General Education requirements that could be fulfilled by a variety of courses, allowing students to pick those courses that interest them the most.
When it comes to the characteristics of a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU's General Education Program teaches "the Catholic intellectual tradition in its pursuit of truth and the integration of knowledge for the common good." It upholds "the values of mercy, justice and compassion," by developing graduates who are "informed and shaped intellectually, socially and spiritually through a faith-inspired education." The academic study of the liberal arts and sciences and mastery of the professional disciplines "enable Mercy graduates to be responsible leaders in their communities and [in their] professions, informed by a Christian commitment to mercy and justice".
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With the exception of those who enter SXU under the Adult College, students who enroll with less than 30 credit hours are classified as "first-year students," and first-year students need to complete 14 courses/40 credit hours in general education:
- Students begin their journey by taking six courses (16 credit hours) in the first-year, focused on the essential skills of writing (ENGL 101: Critical Thinking and Writing and ENGL 102: Research and Writing), public speaking (COMM 101), close and careful reading of primary text (PHIL 140), the transition to college-level learning (TS 100), and a college-level Math course.
- First and second-year students then broaden and deepen their understanding of the disciplines that make up a liberal arts education by taking 8 courses (24 credit hours) divided into five key areas: History, Natural Science, Social Science, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Art, Music and Literature.
The final set of GE requirements does not involve separate courses, but requirements attached to either general education courses or courses in the major. For students who enter in 2025F, level III will involve one course approved for Diversity Studies and one course approved for Global Studies.
| Course | Credits |
| Foundation Courses | |
| TS 100: Transitions | (1) |
| ENGL 101: Critical Thinking and Writing | (3) |
| ENGL 102: Research and Writing | (3) |
| COMM 101: Speech Fundamentals | (3) |
| PHIL 140: The Examined Life | (3) |
| Mathematics (100-level or above) | (3) |
| Natural Science | |
| 1 Life Science | (3) |
| 1 Physical Science | (3) |
| At least one course must include a lab | |
| History/Social Sciences | |
| 1 History | (3) |
| 1 Social Science | (3) |
| 1 History or Social Science | (3) |
| Art/Humanities/Music/Literature | |
| RELST 202: Theological Foundations | (3) |
| 1 Art, Humanities, Music, or Literature | (3) |
| 1 Art, Humanities, Music, Literature, Religious Studies, or Philosophy | (3) |
| Total | (40) |
Students who transfer into the University with 30 credits or more (formal review of transcripts is required) may qualify for SXU's IAI/GECC Articulation Agreement (see below).
All transfer students must complete an orientation course, entitled the "Transfer Student Orientation" or ACSU 101, which is 0 credits and free. The orientation course covers such issues as SXU's Learning Management System which is used in all SXU courses (CANVAS), and tips for navigating SXU's portal, SXU's student support services, and the most important academic policies which impact transfer students. This course is scheduled throughout the year, and involves one, three-hour session or completion of an online tutorial.
For more information, please contact studentadvisingFREESXU.
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) Transfer Policy
Saint Xavier University is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). Students have the opportunity to qualify for SXU's IAI/GECC Articulation Agreement as long as the majority of the general education core has been met prior to transferring. Any remaining General Education courses may be taken from Saint Xavier University. All other transfer students will be evaluated on an individual basin in terms of SXU General Education requirements.
Saint Xavier University is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). Students who have completed the IAI general education core curriculum (IAI/GECC) are required to take two further Mission Based courses in order to complete their general education requirements:
| Course | Credits |
| Philosophy 150: The Examined Life | (3) |
| One religious studies course | (3) |
These courses must be taken at Saint Xavier University.
The liberally educated person should possess skills for effective communication with other people, insight into human nature and culture, scientific understanding, philosophical inquiry, and understanding of religious traditions. Therefore, the core curriculum for Degree Completion Programs provides a broad foundation in the Arts and Sciences and fosters the development of competency in reading, writing, communication, critical thinking and inquiry, and ethical reflection.
Most adult learners, depending on choice of their major area of specialization, are required to take the following courses in general education. Students who have completed the IAI general education core curriculum should see the modification in the IAI section below.
| Course | Credits |
| Transfer Student Orientation | |
| ACSU 101: Adult Student Orientation (ASO) | (0) |
| Foundation Courses | |
| ENGL 101: Critical Thinking and Writing | (3) |
| ENGL 102: Research and Writing | (3) |
| COMM 101: Speech Fundamentals | (3) |
| PHIL 150: The Examined Life | (3) |
| College-Level Mathematics | (3) |
| Natural Science | |
| 1 Life Science | (3) |
| 1 Physical Science | (3) |
| History/Social Sciences | |
| 1 History | (3) |
| 1 Social Science | (3) |
| 1 History or Social Science | (3) |
| Art/Humanities/Music/Literature | |
| 1 Religious Studies | (3) |
| 1 Art, Humanities, Music, or Literature | (3) |
| 1 Art, Humanities, Music, Literature, Religious Studies, or Philosophy | (3) |
| Total | (36) |
Flexible Scheduling
Students may take online, hybrid and in-class instruction during the day, evening and/or Saturdays to accommodate the busy lifestyle of adult students. Classes are offered fall, spring and summer sessions.