General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/301. | CWV-101/301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
Required General Education Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| BIO-181 | General Biology I | 3 |
| BIO-181L | General Biology I - Lab | 1 |
| CHM-113 | General Chemistry I-Lecture | 3 |
| CHM-113L | General Chemistry I - Lab | 1 |
| CST-320 | Human-Computer Interaction and Communication Lecture & Lab | 4 |
| Required General Education Course Total Credit: | 12 | |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| MAT-261 | Pre-Calculus | This course presents the fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry with an applied emphasis; it provides the background and introduction for the study of calculus. Topics include review of linear equations and inequalities in one and multiple variables; functions and their graphs; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; vectors and complex numbers. Slope and rate of change are introduced to set up the concepts of limits and derivatives. There is an emphasis on both an understanding of the mathematical concepts involved as well as their application to the principles and real-world problems encountered in science and engineering. Software is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisites: MAT-134. | 4 |
| CST-110 | Introduction to Computer Science and Information Technoloy Lecture & Lab | This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-134. | 4 |
| MAT-262 | Calculus for Science and Engineering I | This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include understanding and calculating limits, continuity, and derivatives as rates of change; differentiation rules including derivatives of polynomials, exponentials, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions; product and quotient rules, the chain rule, and implicit differentiation; related rates, curve sketching, maximum and minimum problems, mean value theorem, linear approximation, indeterminate forms, and L'Hospital's rule; and applied optimization problems, antiderivatives, introduction to integration, and approximating areas under the curve. Software is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisite: MAT-261. | 4 |
| ITT-115 | Platforms and Network Technologies Lecture & Lab | This course exposes students to the fundamentals of networks and networking in IT. It then builds deeper understanding of how networks work, including the topics of LANs, WANs, service providers, packets, hubs, routers, switches, and Internet protocols. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on setting up and configuring local and enterprise networks, experimenting with various topologies, and scalability planning with routers and switches. Prerequisite: CST-110. | 4 |
| CST-210 | Object-Oriented Programming Lecture & Lab | This course introduces the principles of programming using objects. The course covers fundamental object-oriented programming techniques, focusing on classes, overloading, data abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, file processing, templates, and exceptions. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture, focusing on creating and using objects and classes. Prerequisites: CST-110. | 4 |
| CST-217 | Principles of Database Design and Programming Lecture & Lab | This course provides students with the technical skills required to design and implement a database solution using a SQL server. Students use data definition language (DDL) to create and delete database objects, and data manipulation language (DML) to access and manipulate those objects. Students gain hands-on experience with database design, data normalization, SQL sub-queries, creating and using views, understanding and working with data dictionaries, and loading and unloading databases. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in the lecture course, specifically creating databases and SQL queries. Prerequisites: CST-210. | 4 |
| PHY-121 | University Physics I | This course is a calculus-based study of basic concepts of physics, including motion; forces; energy; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and heat and thermodynamics. The mathematics used includes algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis. A primary course goal is to build a functional knowledge that allows students to more fully understand the physical world and to apply that understanding to other areas of the natural and mathematical sciences. Conceptual, visual, graphical, and mathematical models of physical phenomena are stressed. Students build critical thinking skills by engaging in individual and group problem-solving sessions. Co-requisites: PHY-121L and MAT-264. | 3 |
| PHY-121L | University Physics I Lab | This calculus-based course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-121 lecture course. Students are able to perform the proper analysis and calculations to arrive at the correct quantifiable result when confronted with equations involving gravity, sound, energy, and motion. Co-requisites: PHY-121 and MAT-264. | 1 |
| MAT-264 | Calculus for Science and Engineering II | This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of integral calculus and the application to real-world problems. Topics include definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, and integration rules; arc length, solids of revolution, and physical applications; techniques of integration including improper integrals and an introduction to differential equations; polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences, and Taylor series; power series and conic sections; and vector arithmetic, dot product, and projections.. Prerequisite: MAT-262. | 4 |
| ITT-200 | Cloud-based Computing and Systems Lecture & Lab | This course covers fundamental web technologies and systems, including web site architecture, self-descriptive text, web site design, web navigational systems, database integration, and digital media streaming. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements server-side methods for accessing databases, deliver content, render web pages, and connect application servers, database servers, and web servers, and security layers. Prerequisites: CST-110, MAT-261. | 4 |
| CST-307 | Introduction to Computer Architecture Lecture & Lab | This course introduces current trends in computer architecture with a focus on performance measurement, instruction sets, computer arithmetic, design and control of a data path, pipelining, memory hierarchies, input and output, and a brief introduction to multiprocessors. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus on writing assembly language code that implements concepts discussed in the lecture course, focusing on registers, processes, threads, and I/O management. Prerequisites: MAT-262 and CST-110. | 4 |
| STG-110 | Team Innovation Experience | This course will enhance student skills in working with others, communication, project management, self-discipline, and creativity. The TIE is an inquiry-based learning course and lab that integrates multiple academic disciplines to develop and demonstrate a student's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will have the opportunity to examine and work on real world problems. The team project selected will be managed like a business and/or research project; objectives will be set and teams will develop strategies and action plans. Training modules will be conducted for understanding of hypothesis-based research, business and work processes, team effectiveness skills, team diversity, learning style differences, and effective oral and written communications. Co-requisite: STG-110L | 3 |
| STG-110L | Team Innovation Experience Lab | This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in STG-110. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on teamwork and cross-disciplinary problem solving. Co-requisite: STG-110 | 1 |
| ITT-120 | System Administration and Maintenance Lecture & Lab | This course introduces students to system administration and maintenance as well as platform technologies. The course surveys operating systems, applications, administrative activities and domains, computer architecture and organization, and computing infrastructures. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on developing practical skills in configuring computer systems, deploying enterprise applications, managing user permissions, and remote administration. Prerequisites: ITT-115. | 4 |
| MAT-374 | Probability and Statistics - Calculus Based | This course covers the role of statistics in engineering, probability, discrete random variables and probability distributions, continuous random variables and probability distributions, joint probability distributions, random sampling and data description, point estimation of parameters, statistical intervals for a single sample, and tests of hypotheses for a single sample. Prerequisites: MAT-253 or MAT-264. | 4 |
| CST-315 | Operating Systems Lecture & Lab | This course explains the concepts, structure, and mechanisms of modern operating systems. The course covers computational resources, such as memory, processors, networks, security, and how the programming languages, architectures, and operating systems interact. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing a shell that implements process management, file management, and I/O management. Prerequisites: CST-210 and MAT-262. | 4 |
| STG-390 | Professionalism in Science & Technology-Communications, Conduct and Ethics | This course provides an insight into professional communications and conduct associated with careers in science, engineering and technology. Students learn about the changing modes of communication in these disciplines recognizing the advances in digital communications. They gain practical experience in developing and supporting a thesis or position in written, oral and visual presentations. Students will explore concepts and issues in professional ethics and conduct such as privacy, discrimination, workplace etiquette, cyber-ethics, network and data security, identity theft, ownership rights and intellectual property. This is a writing intensive course. | 4 |
| ITT-325 | IT Project Management Lecture & Lab | This course examines information technology project management. Topics include the reasons why IT projects fail, the business cost of IT failure, managing IT teams, outsourcing, virtual teams, scope definition, project scheduling, risk mitigation, and leading successful projects. Additional topics focus on using project management to build an analytics organization. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on using professional project management software to implement a system for planning, tracking, and auditing the use of resources within the context of an IT project. Prerequisites: CST-217, CST-305, CST-307, CST-310, and MAT-374. | 4 |
| ITT-305 | Information Security I | This course builds upon knowledge already acquired in the areas of system architecture and operating systems and focuses on the core issues of information security. Students learn fundamental aspects, security mechanisms, operational issues, security policies, and attack types. Prerequisites: CST-307, CST-307L, CST-315, and CST-315L. | 2 |
| HIM-410 | Fundamentals of Health Care Informatics Lecture & Lab | This course examines the history, application, impact, and future need for informatics in health care. Emphasis is placed on standards, processes, and systems that impact areas of evidence-based medicine, administrative and clinical practices, information infrastructure, security, and electronic health records. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on initial exposure to the computer systems, software tools, and processes used in health care informatics Prerequisites: BIO-181, BIO-181L, ITT-200, CST-217, and CST-307. | 4 |
| HIM-412 | Health Care Information Systems and Technology Lecture & Lab | This course examines the application of information systems in health care settings, beginning with an analysis of the broad meaning and nature of information and systems. The focus narrows to utilization of computer technologies, configurations, and applications as tools to benefit health care environments. Emphasis is placed on the challenges related to the development and implementation of effective information systems in light of a rapidly and continuously changing health care model, evolution of technology team member roles and responsibilities, and advancement of technological requirements within the health care system. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on interacting with health care information systems, security tools and protocols, and cross-industry interoperability. Prerequisites: ITT-200, CST-217, and CST-307. | 4 |
| STG-451 | Capstone Project I | The first capstone course provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CST-307, CST-315, CST-320, and department approval. | 2 |
| ITT-306 | Information Security II | This course is a direct continuation of ITT-305. It expands the coverage of information security topics to include security domains, forensics, information states, security services, threat analysis, and vulnerabilities. Prerequisite: ITT-305. | 2 |
| HIM-450 | Health Care Data Management Lecture & Lab | This course examines health care information resources and their impact on administrative functions, interfaces, data security and integrity, and business processes. Topics include: use of relational database management software to construct tables, develop forms, create and execute queries, design and deploy reports, and advance database concepts to automate contemporary business processes. Students are able to distinguish between various network hardware technologies and associated data communication protocols in order to direct how organizations design and implement data networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on building SQL databases and performing basic CRUD operations: create data, retrieve data, update data, and delete data. Prerequisites: ITT-200, CST-217, and CST-307. | 4 |
| HIM-484 | Innovations in Health IT Lecture & Lab | This course provides students with a broad view of enabling information technologies in the health-care related industries. Students analyze how IT improves economy of scale, increases efficiency, widens access to education and self-care, and facilitates integration of local and cloud-based systems. Students examine solutions using cross-disciplinary knowledge in the health care ecosystem, including health economics, decision support, operational effectiveness, automation, insurance exchanges, and regulatory compliance. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on interaction with a variety of systems, tools, simulators, and websites. Prerequisites: ITT-200, CST-217, and CST-307. | 4 |
| STG-452 | Capstone Project II | The second capstone course provides students the opportunity to implement and present the applied research project designed, planned, and started in the first capstone course. The capstone project is a culmination of the learning experiences while a student in the Computer Science program. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revision. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of STG-451 with a grade of C or better. | 2 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 88 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 88 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 0 - 6 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 128 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. As of fall 2014, our 179-acre campus serves a growing student population of approximately 11,000. New modern classrooms, suite-style residence halls, popular dining options, resort-style swimming pools and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates and transfer students.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
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