Spectrum integrates all general education requirements in a sequence of four semesters that requires only one evening a week in the classroom over approximately 18 months.
In each Spectrum semester, students enroll in a specific group of related classes with an emphasis on the real-world connections between subject areas. The first semester focuses on thought and communication with coursework in English, communication, and ethics. The second semester concentrates on mathematics, computer skills, and sciences. The third semester integrates earlier learning with studies in social sciences. During the fourth semester, a student begins to earn credits toward a degree. After completing the Spectrum program, the student will have earned 48 to 50 credit hours relating to an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Spectrum is offered with two orientations: business and technology or health science majors.
(48 hours)*
Completing the business orientation track will qualify the student for the degree completion program in Organizational Leadership, Computer Networking, or give the student a start in most programs within the School of Business and Technology.
Semester 1: Qualitative (12 hours)
COMM 204 Introduction to Speech Communication
ENGL 101 English Composition I
ENGL 101 English Composition II
PHIL 189 Ethics
Semester 2: Quantitative (12 hours)
IT 100 Introduction to Computers
IT 101 Introduction to Word Processing
IT 102 Introduction to Spreadsheets
MATH 102 Beginning Algebra
PHSC 101 General Physical Science I
PHSC 102 General Physical Science II
Semester 3: Applied (12 hours)
HIST 101 History of Civilization I
HUMN 100 Humanities
PSYC 201 Principles of Psychology I
SOCI 201 Introduction to Sociology
Semester 4: Career Foundation (12 hours)
BLAW 296 Business Law
COMM 250 Interpersonal Communication
ENGL 220 Technical Writing
MATH 104 Business Math
(50 hours)*
Completing the health care orientation track will provide a foundation for work in many programs within the School of Health Sciences. Some programs have additional requirements or selective admission policies (see the program listings in the School of Health Sciences section for details.)
Semester 1: Qualitative (12 hours)
COMM 200 Communication in Health Care
ENGL 101 English Composition I
ENGL 102 English Composition II
PHIL 200 Medical Ethics and Law
Semester 2: Quantitative (12 hours)
CHEM 201/L Chemistry I & Lab
IT 101 Introduction to Word Processing
IT 102 Introduction to Spreadsheets
MATH 110 Math for Nursing
MATH 116 Elementary Statistics
Semester 3: Applied (12 hours)
PHIL 201 Introduction to Philosophy
PSYC 201 Principles of Psychology I
PSYC 212 Lifespan Development Psychology
SOCI 201 Introduction to Sociology
Semester 4: Career Foundations (14 hours)
BIOL 215/L Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab
BIOL 216/L Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab
BIOL 219/L Microbiology & Lab
* Some courses may be provided through independent study. Curriculum and instructional location are subject to change. Order of courses within a semester does not reflect the order of instruction.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, students must submit an undergraduate application, $25 application fee, high school diploma or GED certificate, and “official” transcripts from any college or university attended. Students whose language is not English must also submit TOEFL scores.
