Academic Structure &
General Education Curriculum
Understanding the structure of your courses and the language used in higher education is key to navigating your academic journey at HSSU. From semester formats and credit hour requirements to grading scales and course prerequisites, these essential terms will help you plan, track, and succeed in your studies.
Classroom & Course Basics
semesters
Semesters: HSSU operates on a traditional fall and spring semester schedule, with a 15-week format for each.
course descriptions
Catalog – Offers a general overview of each course
Syllabus – Details objectives, instructional methods, and assessment techniques for each course
Credit hour
Credit Hours: Each degree program requires 120 credit hours for graduation.
Full-time vs. Part-time
A full-time course load is 12 or more hours per semester,
while 11 hours or less is considered part-time.
pre-requisites
Many courses have pre-requisites, meaning they must be
taken in a specific order. Students typically need a "C" (73%)
or better to progress to the next level.
Grading
HSSU uses a 4.0 grading scale, with letter grades from A to F, and grades are awarded at the end of each term.
Think of General Education (Gen Ed) classes as your academic “starter pack.” They’re not just random classes you take before your major — they’re the building blocks for success in college, your career, and everyday life. Gen Eds teach you how to think, communicate, solve problems, and understand the world around you. By the time you’ve finished them, you’ll have a well-rounded skill set that goes way beyond your major.
General Education: The Basics
Skills Areas — What You Should Be Able to Do
Communicate Clearly
Read, write, speak, and listen in ways that
others can understand and connect with.
Think Critically
Separate fact from opinion, ask good questions,
and make decisions using solid evidence.
Solve Problems
Identify challenges, explore solutions, and choose the best path forward.
Use Information Wisely
Find, evaluate, organize, and apply information
from reliable sources.
Work with Others
Collaborate respectfully with people from diverse
backgrounds and perspectives.
act with integrity
Understand your values, respect others, and make choices
that reflect ethics and responsibility.
Knowledge Areas — What You Should Know About the World
people & society
How individuals, groups, and cultures interact
and shape the world we live in.
History & Civics
How past events, governments, and laws (including
the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions) influence today.
Creativity & Culture
How art, music, literature, and cultural
traditions express human experiences.
Mathematics in Life
How numbers, logic, and problem-solving skills apply
to real-world situations.
Science & Technology
How the natural world works and how
scientific discoveries impact our lives.
Global Awareness
How different regions, environments, and
cultures are connected in today’s world.