General Education Information
The School of Professional Studies offers general education/elective courses for students who are admitted to George Fox University, but do not yet have the 78 credits required to apply to one of the five undergraduate SPS programs.Do I need "general education or elective" classes?
It depends on the number of hours you are transferring, and if you want to receive credit for life learning. An admissions counselor will be happy to do a free transcript evaluation to let you know how many credits you need to complete your degree.
Which classes are offered?
We offer a rotation of courses that meet students' credit, location, and scheduling needs. We we believe these classes also have a broader appeal to adult students than the traditional general education classes many universities require. For example, instead of Introduction to Communication, we offer Conflict Management or Gender Communications Across Cultures.
A few general education/elective courses will serve as an introduction to the program at GFU. The main one is Personal and Professional Assessment (PPA). Students who want to get life-learning credit are encouraged to take this three-credit class during their first semester. This writing-intensive class will teach students how to write their life-learning essays and how to submit their professional training credit for portfolio credit.
The PPA class takes the uncertainty factor out of the life experience credit process by helping students learn quickly how many credits they can earn through their portfolio. While students are encouraged to earn as much portfolio credit as possible during the PPA class, they donâ??t have to complte all of it during this class.
Students who complete PPA with a grade of C or better will not pay transcripting fees for any Professional Training Credit or Life Learning Credit. Students who do not take the class will be charged $50 per semester hour of credit granted.
How are these classes different from what I would take at a community college or another university?
All SPS classes are highly interactive and reflective. They include a lot of discussion, active learning projects, and application assignments. Course grades are earned from writing assignments, participation, and other activities and most courses do not give exams. These classes are also offered on an accelerated schedule to save you time.
Another difference is in the makeup of our classes and students. Our average general education or elective course has 12 students, so instructors can offer a lot of personal attention. Also, the admissions requirement of five years of full-time work experience means that the student sitting beside you will be another adult who, like you, is balancing life, work, and family and who is serious about getting their degree.
When and where are these classes offered?
Portland Courses
Boise
What is the cost of these general education or elective classes?
$330 per semester hour. Textbooks are provided at no additional charge. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
How do I register? Once you have been formally admitted, you can register online or by fax. See the registrar's website for more details.
General Education requirements