General Education Requirements

The College is dedicated to providing all graduates of its associate degree programs a quality educational experience. All degree students, regardless of program, must complete the College's general education requirements to gain a breadth of experience outside as well as within their academic field and build interdisciplinary skills essential to academic, career, and personal development and success.

The general education requirements are grounded in six Essential Skills that students learn in required general education courses and develop in their program coursework at the College.

Community College of Philadelphia Essential Skills Definitions

Writing, Research, and Information Literacy

Students read critically, synthesize ideas from a variety of texts, and write essays that develop significant ideas in support of a thesis. Written works appropriately reflect the context and audience and adhere to the conventions of grammar, spelling, and formatting specific to the area of study. Building upon these skills, students will determine the extent of a need for information, access information effectively and efficiently, evaluate it critically, accomplish a specific purpose with it, and create new knowledge and participate ethically in communities of learning.

Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

Students analyze case studies, creative works, systems of human thought and behavior, material artifacts, and other primary and secondary sources from a range of academic disciplines to discern and respect diverse perspectives and experiences related, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, region, country, religion, and/or language.

Oral Communication / Creative Expression

Students examine issues, problems, and cultural and aesthetic connections, using verbal and nonverbal methods to send messages in various modes. Students produce creative, visual, and/or oral works that reflect the situation, audience, and medium of communication and adhere to the conventions of artistic, verbal and/or nonverbal methods of expression.

Quantitative Reasoning

Students communicate mathematical principles and apply them to follow an extended line of formal reasoning and critical thinking. Students read and identify mathematical information that is relevant in a problem; interpret and critically analyze mathematical information presented; select appropriate methods and solve problems, estimating and evaluating the validity of results and effectively communicating quantitative concepts using correct mathematical syntax.

Scientific Reasoning

Students describe the Scientific Method and apply the scientific principles they have learned to theoretical and practical issues. Students interpret measurable and observable information through inference and analogy to develop hypotheses and draw conclusions. Students describe methods of scientific inquiry and use critical thinking skills to investigate, question, and solve problems. Students describe and carry out experimental procedures and/or perform laboratory tasks when appropriate to the field, interpret and communicate scientific information using written, oral and/or graphical means, analyze one or more relationships among science, technology and society, and apply logical reasoning in explaining natural phenomena and experimental procedures or outcomes.

Technological Competency

Students identify, create, and manipulate technological tools and digital content. Students operate computers, peripherals, electronic devices, learning management systems, and other technology as related to their program of study. Students use electronic spreadsheets and/or database management systems to organize, analyze, and/or retrieve data. Students use word processing and slide presentation software to design clear academic and professional documents that integrate design concepts, elements, applications, and objects. Students use computer technology to collaborate and network. Students identify and respond appropriately to ethical and legal issues related to privacy and security in information technology and the handling of data.

General Education Requirements

Students who follow the recommended course sequence for their degree programs will see required courses that introduce and develop the Essential Skills. Note: Program faculty select general education courses based on programmatic needs and the requirements of transfer institutions, accrediting bodies, and professional organizations and also select courses that enable students to gain a breadth of experience and skills across academic disciplines.
 
The College requires students to complete credit courses in the Essential Skills as outlined below:

Essential SkillsMinimum Credits
 21 credits
Writing, Research & Information Literacy6
Oral Communication/Creative Expression3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Scientific Reasoning3
Cultural Analysis and Interpretation3
Technological Competency3

 

The requirements listed above apply to all students who began their studies in the Fall 2021 semester or later. Students who began their studies prior to September 2021 should refer to a catalog for the year that they entered the College or should consult an academic advisor or counselor. Students who changed their curriculum on or after September 2021 are required to follow the new general education requirements regardless of when they entered the College. For more information regarding general education requirements, please contact Academic Advising at 215-751-8777 or email //advising [at] ccp.edu (Academic Advising).

Courses that Fulfill Essential Skills

Before reviewing the courses below, students should consult the catalog page for their programs. The catalog page includes a course sequence that shows the required courses for the program, and that is the best source of information about required courses. 
 
The lists below are intended as a tool to help programs choose the general education courses that students are required take to fulfill general education requirements. In a few cases, a program may allow students to take any course that meets the general education requirement. In those cases, students may find the lists below useful. Students are encouraged to email or call Academic Advising (215-751-8777) or consult program faculty before choosing courses.

Writing, Research & Information Literacy 

Currently, this requirement is met by taking two courses at the College: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102. Students must complete both courses.

Oral Communication/Creative Expression   

Most programs require only one course in this category, which includes both Oral Communication and Creative Expression. The list below distinguishes between the two. Students should consult the catalog page for their programs for more information.

Courses Credit Hours
ADC 160 - Presentation Techniques 3 Credits
ADC 163 - Architectural Visualization with Autodesk Revit 3 Credits
AH 116 - Therapeutic Communication 3 Credits
ART 105 - Drawing I 3 Credits
ART 109 - Ceramics I 3 Credits
ART 111 - Three-Dimensional Design I 3 Credits
ART 115 - Painting I 3 Credits
ART 125 - Design I 3 Credits
ART 150 - Introduction to Computer Art/Graphics 3 Credits
ENGL 115 - Public Speaking 3 Credits
ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication 3 Credits
ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication 3 Credits
ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication 3 Credits
ENGL 120 - Voice and Articulation 3 Credits
ENGL 131 - Acting I 3 Credits
ENGL 135 - Movement and Dance for Actors 3 Credits
ENGL 141 - Introduction to Technical Theater 4 Credits
ENGL 146 - Advanced Technical Theater 4 Credits
ENGL 205 - Creative Writing 3 Credits
ENGL 280 - Poetry Writing 3 Credits
MUS 101 - Piano I 1 Credits
MUS 102 - Piano II 1 Credits
MUS 108 - Guitar I 1 Credits
MUS 109 - Guitar II 1 Credits
MUS 115 - Introduction to Music Technology 3 Credits
MUS 196 - Ensemble I 1 Credits
MUS 197 - Ensemble II 1 Credits
MUS 296 - Ensemble III 1 Credits
NURS 101 - Nursing I 7 Credits
PHOT 100 - Practical Photography for the Beginning Photographer 3 Credits
PHOT 101 - Introduction to 35mm Film Camera and Darkroom Techniques 4 Credits
PHOT 104 - Introduction to Video Production 3 Credits
PHOT 105 - Introduction to Digital Photography 4 Credits
PHOT 151 - Techniques in Photo Editing (Photoshop I) 3 Credits

Quantitative Reasoning

The list below includes only those Foundational Mathematics (FNMT) and Mathematics (MATH) courses open to students who are FNMT 118 ready. Students who place in mathematics courses at MATH 161 or above will meet their Quantitative Reasoning requirement upon successful completion of MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 161, or another higher-level Mathematics course. Students should consult Mathematics course offerings for more information.

Scientific Reasoning    

Some of the courses listed below require permission of the department head before registering. Students should consult the course offerings or the catalog page for their programs for more information.

Cultural Analysis and Interpretation  

As there are a large number of courses that meet the Cultural Analysis and Interpretation requirement, they are divided into five sub-categories based on course content: 1) Study of Human Diversity, 2) Study of Human Behavior and Systems, 3) Study of Creative Works, 4) Study of Material Artifacts, and 5) Study of World, Country, Region, or Language. Students should consult the catalog page for their programs for more information.

Courses Credit Hours
ADC 176 / HIST 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning 3 Credits
ANTH 101 - Introduction to Anthropology 3 Credits
ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology 3 Credits
ANTH 124 - Fundamentals of Archaeology 3 Credits
ANTH 125 - Physical Anthropology 3 Credits
ART 101 - Visual Communication 3 Credits
ART 101H - Visual Communication (Honors) 3 Credits
ART 103 - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance 3 Credits
ART 103H - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance (Honors) 3 Credits
ART 104 - History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern 3 Credits
ART 104H - History of Art: Renaissance to Modern (Honors) 3 Credits
BHHS 102 - Social Determinants of Behavioral Health 3 Credits
BHHS 103 - Human Development and Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits
BHHS 151 - Family and Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse 3 Credits
BHHS 171 - Introduction to Aging Studies 3 Credits
BHHS 191 - Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care 3 Credits
BLAS 101 - Introduction to Black Studies 3 Credits
BLAS 250 - Special Topics in Black Studies 3 Credits
CMS 107 - Media and Society 3 Credits
CULA 211 - International Cuisine 4 Credits
ECON 181 - Principles of Economics (Macroeconomics) 3 Credits
ED 231/ENGL 231 - Children's Literature 3 Credits
ENGL 107 - Society and Mass Communication 3 Credits
ENGL 119 - Rhetoric & The Public Sphere 3 Credits
ENGL 137 - Introduction to Theater 3 Credits
ENGL 190 - Introduction to Literature 3 Credits
ENGL 211 - Survey of British Literature from Beginnings to 1750 3 Credits
ENGL 212 - Survey of British Literature: From 1750 to the Modern Era 3 Credits
ENGL 219 - Black Rhetoric 3 Credits
ENGL 221 - Survey of American Literature: From the Beginnings to the Civil War 3 Credits
ENGL 222 - Survey of American Literature: From the Civil War to the Present 3 Credits
ENGL 231/ ED 231 - Children's Literature 3 Credits
ENGL 232 - Introduction to Drama 3 Credits
ENGL 241 - Introduction to Shakespeare 3 Credits
ENGL 245 - World Literature: From Antiquity to 1500 3 Credits
ENGL 246 - World Literature: From 1500 to the Present 3 Credits
ENGL 250 - Survey of African American Literature: From Colonization to the Harlem Renaissance 3 Credits
ENGL 251 - Survey of African American Literature: From the Harlem Renaissance to the Present 3 Credits
ENGL 256 - African Literature 3 Credits
ENGL 260 - Women in Literature 3 Credits
ENGL 297H - Literature in the Context of Intellectual History: Ancient and Medieval (Honors) 3 Credits
ENGL 298H - Literature in the Context of Intellectual History: Modern (Honors) 3 Credits
ENGL 299 - Special Topics in Literature 3 Credits
FMM 105 - Textiles 3 Credits
FREN 101 - Elementary French 3 Credits
GEOG 101 - Introduction to Physical Geography 3 Credits
GEOG 103 - Introduction to Human Geography 3 Credits
GEOG 180 - Urban Geography 3 Credits
GLS 101 - Introduction to Global Studies 3 Credits
GS 101 - Introduction to Gender Studies 3 Credits
GS 110 - Global Perspectives in Gender Studies 3 Credits
HIST 101 - US History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era 3 Credits
HIST 102 - US History: The Civil War and the 19th Century 3 Credits
HIST 103 - US History: The 20th Century and Beyond 3 Credits
HIST 121 - World History: The Distant Past 3 Credits
HIST 122 - World History: The Recent Past 3 Credits
HIST 142 - Food History 3 Credits
HIST 150 - History of American Health Care 3 Credits
HIST 151 - History of Capitalism 3 Credits
HIST 170/RS 170 - Religion in American History 3 Credits
HIST 176/ADC 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning 3 Credits
HIST 220 - African American History to 1877 3 Credits
HIST 221 - African American History After 1865 3 Credits
HUM 101 - Cultural Traditions: Ancient to the 13th Century 3 Credits
HUM 101H - Cultural Traditions: Ancient to the 13th Century (Honors) 3 Credits
HUM 102 - Cultural Traditions: 14th Century to the Present 3 Credits
HUM 102H - Cultural Traditions: 14th Century to the Present (Honors) 3 Credits
HUM 120 - Introduction to Chinese Culture and Civilization 3 Credits
HUM 130 - Introduction to Japanese Culture and Civilization 3 Credits
HUM 150 - Introduction to Latin American Cultures and Civilizations 3 Credits
HUM 170 - Middle East Cultures and Civilizations 3 Credits
HUM 180 - Introduction to African Cultures and Civilizations 3 Credits
ITAL 101 - Elementary Italian 3 Credits
JUS 101 - Survey of Criminal Justice 3 Credits
JUS 122 - Race and Justice 3 Credits
MUS 103 - Introduction to Music 3 Credits
MUS 105 - Music of the Baroque and Classical Eras 3 Credits
MUS 106 - Great Romantic Music 3 Credits
MUS 120 - Music of African-Americans 3 Credits
MUS 121 - Modern American Music 3 Credits
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credits
PHIL 101H - Introduction to Philosophy (Honors) 3 Credits
PHIL 151/RS 151 - World Religions 3 Credits
PHIL 152/RS 152 - Philosophy of Religion 3 Credits
PHIL 202 - Philosophy of Love 3 Credits
PHIL 211 - Ethical Problems 3 Credits
PHIL 215 - Social and Political Philosophy 3 Credits
PHIL 297H - Philosophy in the Context of Intellectual History: Ancient and Medieval (Honors) 3 Credits
PHIL 298H - Philosophy in the Context of Intellectual History: Modern (Honors) 3 Credits
PHOT 111 - History of Photography 3 Credits
PHOT 113 - Digital Technology, Art, and Culture 3 Credits
POLS 101 - Introduction to Political Science 3 Credits
POLS 111 - American Government 3 Credits
POLS 111H - American Government (Honors) 3 Credits
POLS 112 - Introduction to International Relations 3 Credits
POLS 117 - City and State Government and Politics, with Cases from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania 3 Credits
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
RS 101 - Introduction to Religion 3 Credits
RS 151/PHIL 151 - World Religions 3 Credits
RS 152/PHIL 152 - Philosophy of Religion 3 Credits
RS 160 - Death and Dying 3 Credits
RS 170/HIST 170 - Religion in American History 3 Credits
RS 175 - Religions of the Middle East 3 Credits
RS 180 - Religions of Asia 3 Credits
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credits
SOC 105 - Health and Society 3 Credits
SOC 115 - Gender and Society 3 Credits
SPAN 101 - Elementary Spanish 3 Credits

Technological Competency 

A few programs require students to complete two courses in order to meet the Technological Competency requirement. Students should consult their program's catalog page to determine which course (or pair of courses) meet the requirement.