LINK (GENERAL EDUCATION) REQUIREMENTS
The minimal LINK components for an associate's degree are indicated with an (*). LINK requirements are slightly different for students in the Honors area of study and in the School of Business. Please consult Chapter 2 of this catalog for particulars about the Honors Program.
Foundation Courses: 9-17 Credit Hours
Foundation courses are designed to provide students with the basic academic and personal skills needed to complete a college education. These courses provide a practical orientation to collegiate life, and they prepare students for the challenges and opportunities associated with completing a four-year college education. Additionally, these courses provide basic instruction in such areas as learning, writing, reading, critical thinking, mathematics, computer skills, and wellness. Generally, these Foundation courses are completed during a student's first year of college.
| First-Year Studies |
| (required for first-year, traditional-age University College students) |
| SLU 100* |
Introduction to the University Experience |
3 credit hours
|
| Mathematics |
| MAT 131* |
College Mathematics or above |
3 credit hours
|
| Writing |
| ENG 121* |
Academic Writing I |
3 credit hours |
| ENG 122* |
Academic Writing II |
3 credit hours
|
| Computer Science |
0-3 credit hours |
| COM 140* |
Basic Computer Skills |
3 credit hours |
All students are required to (1) pass the Computer Skills Examination prior to the end of their third semester at University Campus or prior to the end of their sixth term in the Division of Continuing Education and Student Services or (2) take and pass the COM 140: Basic Computer Skills course or (3) transfer in an equivalent course from another regionally accredited college or university.
|
| Wellness |
0-2 credit hours |
| (required for first-year, traditional-age University College students) |
| PED 102* |
Concepts of Wellness |
2 credit hours |
A student who meets one of the following criteria is exempt from the wellness requirement:
- possesses an associate's degree from another accredited institution;
- has completed at least two years of active military duty;
- is 25 years of age or older;
- is an employee of the University;
- is enrolled in the Division of Continuing Education and Student Services program; or
- provides the University with appropriate documentation of a debilitating medical condition.
Wellness medical waivers are handled through the Academic Student Support Services Office for University College students. Students granted wellness waivers are not required to take an additional course to fulfill the LINK core requirements. |
Perspective Courses: 36 Credit Hours
Perspective courses expose students to the breadth of human knowledge and to the issues that are the hallmarks of a liberal arts and sciences education. Interdisciplinary and discipline-specific coursework examines fundamental human questions regarding the nature of human reality, the ways in which human beings come to know the world, and human morality. Perspective courses also address the Benedictine-inspired values and Roman Catholic traditions of Saint Leo University and advance, wherever possible, a broader perspective.
In each perspective, the first-tier course is the prerequisite for each second-tier course, and when a perspective has a third tier, the second-tier course is the prerequisite for each third-tier course. The Scientific Perspective has two first-tier courses, and SCI 101 is the prerequisite for SCI 102.
| The Aesthetic Perspective |
| First Tier |
| FAS 101* |
Integrated Fine Arts |
3 credit hours
|
| Second Tier |
| ART 123 |
Art Appreciation or |
|
| ENG 202 |
Creative Writing or |
|
| FAS 123 |
Introduction to Film or |
|
| FAS 125 |
Introduction to Theater or |
|
| MUS 123 |
Introduction to Music |
3 credit hours
|
| Third Tier |
| ENG 225 |
Survey of World Literature I or |
|
| ENG 226 |
Survey of World Literature II or |
|
| ENG 311 |
Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century |
3 credit hours
|
| The Global Perspective |
| First Tier |
| SSC 102* |
The Global Perspective |
3 credit hours
|
| Second Tier |
| ECO 201 |
Macroeconomics or |
|
| HTY 121 |
United States History to 1865 or |
|
| HTY 122 |
United States History Since 1865 or |
|
| POL 223 |
American Federal Government |
3 credit hours
|
| The Human Behavior Perspective |
| First Tier |
| SSC 101* |
The Human Behavior Perspective |
3 credit hours
|
| Second Tier |
| PSY 121 |
Introduction to Psychology or |
|
| SOC 121 |
Introduction to Sociology or |
|
| SOC/SSC 222 |
Social Problems |
3 credit hours
|
| The Religion and Philosophy Perspective |
| First Tier |
| PHI 101* |
The Quest for Wisdom |
3 credit hours
|
| Second Tier |
| REL 123* |
Foundations of Christian Faith or |
|
| REL 124* |
Introduction to the Old Testament or |
|
| REL 201* |
Introduction to the New Testament or |
|
| REL 223* |
Religions of the World I: Western |
3 credit hours
|
| Third Tier |
| Any 300- or 400-level religion course |
3 credit hours
|
| The Scientific Perspective |
| First Tier |
| SCI 101* |
Integrated Physical Science |
3 credit hours |
| SCI 102* |
Integrated Life Science |
3 credit hours |
| Note that SCI 101 is a prerequisite for SCI 102. Also note that biology, environmental science, and medical technology majors all earn credits in both the life and physical sciences. As a result, they are exempt from this portion of the LINK Program. |
Library Online Orientation Tutorial
All new students are encouraged to complete and pass the Library Online Tutorial prior to the end of their first term. The Library Orientation Tutorial is a non-credit tutorial with no charge for tuition.