YSU General Education Microcredentials
Available 2025-2026 | Click on any drop down below to learn how to earn microcredentials in any of these four areas
- Creative Thinking
Creative Thinking: apply and present knowledge associated with artistic, creative, and intuitive understanding to develop questions; examine problems from different perspectives, and present potential solutions.
LO: Analyze and synthesize information from diverse sources to formulate unique perspectives and create original concepts, demonstrating the capacity to think beyond conventional boundaries and challenge existing paradigms.
Aligns with UWLO 1 YSU graduates are critical, creative, and integrative thinkers who incorporate a range of interdisciplinary knowledge (1.5) and UWLO 4 YSU graduates connect scholarly research, academic inquiry, and/or artistic expression to actions that inspire a civically engaged mindset and contribute to society through service to their community (4.5).
Possible Courses (pick 3)
- AFST 2601
- ART 1591
- CMST 1545 or CMST 2620
- ENGL 2618
- MUHL 2622
- THTR 1590
AFST 2601 Africana Studies 2
The cultural and intellectual heritage of black people in Africa and the Americas as reflected in literature, philosophy, and art.
ART 1591 Idea Development and Creativity in Cultural Context
This course is centered on creative and equitable strategies in idea development and implementation applicable to innovative and collaborative problem solving in diverse fields and the ability to connect these strategies meaningfully to diverse audiences, specifically subcultures and minority groups within the United States.
CMST 1545 Communication Foundations
Theories, strategies, and skills for competent participation in interpersonal, group, and public communication situations. Application exercises in interpersonal, group, and public communication
OR
CMST 2620 Science Communication
Project-based course in planning and disseminating public messages that explain and use science ethically and effectively to inform and influence people.
ENGL 2618 American Literature and Diversity
Writers and works in relation to the diversity of American culture, politics, lifestyles, and social movements.
MUHL 2622 Popular Music in America
The changing styles in American popular music from its origins to the present day studied through an examination of representative compositions and performers.
THTR 1590 History of Motion Pictures
The history of the motion picture from its beginnings to the present, with emphasis on the milestones of film as a performing art. Viewing of significant films from various periods and countries.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking: develop and enhance abilities to analyze information, evaluate arguments, identify biases, and make informed decisions across various academic disciplines.
LO: Apply logical reasoning and evidence-based methodologies to construct well-supported arguments and counterarguments, demonstrating the ability to critically assess and challenge ideas in academic and professional contexts.
Aligns with UWLO 1 YSU graduates are critical, creative, and integrative thinkers who incorporate a range of interdisciplinary knowledge (1.3, 1.4)
Possible Courses (pick 3)
- ANTH 1503
- ART 1544
- CMST 1545 or CMST 2620
- HIST 1501
- MCOM 1595
- PHIL 1565
ANTH 1503 Rise and Fall of Civilizations
Comparative survey of the archaeological evidence on the origins, development, and collapse of the great early civilizations of the world. The transformation of societies from settled villages to urban states in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Mexico, and Peru. Analysis of the archaeological discoveries, alternative interpretations, and general theories of cultural evolution.
ART 1544 Survey of Art History: Body, Gender, and Self
This course covers the history of world art from the perspective of the human body, issues of gender, and conceptions of self. This course introduces key concepts, methods, and vocabulary for the study of art, and treats a range of artistic media in their historical and cultural contexts.
HIST 1501 Discovering U.S. History
Survey of U.S. history focusing on five strategic events in the American past. Emphasis is on cultural conflict and compromise, institutional developments and revolutions, and the emergence of democracy as concept and practice. This course is intended for those students for whom history is not a requirement.
CMST 1545 Communication Foundations
Theories, strategies, and skills for competent participation in interpersonal, group, and public communication situations. Application exercises in interpersonal, group, and public communication
OR
CMST 2620 Science Communication
Project-based course in planning and disseminating public messages that explain and use science ethically and effectively to inform and influence people.
MCOM 1595 Media Literacy and Culture
This course offers a critical survey of the role played by mass communication in shaping culture. Individual media institutions are examined in terms of the information they distribute, the entertainment they provide, and the influence they exercise. Special attention is paid to the audience-medium relationship and the concept of media literacy.
PHIL 1565 Critical Thinking
An examination of the logical skills needed for critical thinking in practical situations. Topics include procedures and guidelines for identifying and evaluating arguments, recognizing and eliminating informal fallacies, and writing and critiquing argumentative essays.
- Personal and Social Well-Being
Personal and Social Well-Being: strategies for stress management, self-awareness, and resilience through mindfulness and emotion regulation. It addresses the impact of financial resources on mental and physical health, stress levels, and healthcare access, while fostering healthy relationships and effective personal finance management.
LO: Students will develop and apply strategies for personal well-being, social interaction, and financial literacy to enhance their overall quality of life and resilience.
Aligns with UWLO 2 YSU graduates will recognize the impacts of different dimensions of health which include: physical health, emotional well-being, social support, economic stability, environmental quality, educational opportunity, and health-care accessibility (2.2-2.5).
Possible Courses (pick 3)
- ECON 1505
- ENST 1500
- FNUT 1551
- PHLT 1568
- PSYC 2607
- SOC 2601
ECON 1505 Intro to Personal Financial Literacy
An introduction to personal financial planning. Topics covered include budgeting, the use of credit, taxes, savings accounts, investment strategies, insurance, buying a home, career planning, and retirement planning. Students will gain the knowledge and resources to be better prepared for their financial future.
ENST 1500 Intro to Environmental Science
Basic environmental science literacy for informed citizens as inhabitants and stewards of Earth. The use of science and the scientific method to understand, assess, and manage the environment to improve human health, conserve energy and resources, preserve nature, and sustain quality of life.
FNUT 1551 Normal Nutrition
The fundamentals of normal nutrition as they apply to health; nutritional needs during various stages of the life cycle; dietary guides and their application to the selection of adequate diets; problems of nutritional deficiencies and excesses.
PHLT 1568 Healthy Lifestyles
Personal and consumer health issues and prevention of premature death analyzed from physical, emotional, social and spiritual perspectives. Plans for disease prevention and healthful living. Importance of health promotion to the individual, region, nation and world.
PSYC 2607 Psychology Intimate Relations
Psychological principles pertaining to intimate relationships, both marital and non-marital, and family dynamics. Includes topics such as communication, problem solving, domestic violence, and sexuality.
SOC 2601 Social Problems
A sociological overview of various contemporary social issues, analyzing significant discrepancies between standards of expectation and actual social behavior, attempting to ascertain possible causes, and discussing trends and possible changes.
- Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning
Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning: introduction to the use of logical, mathematical, statistical, and scientific concepts and data to help ground solutions to real world problems.
LO: Students will apply logical, mathematical, statistical, and scientific concepts to analyze real-world problems and develop evidence-based solutions.Aligns with UWLO 1 YSU graduates are critical, creative, and integrative thinkers who incorporate a range of interdisciplinary knowledge (1.2) and UWLO 4 YSU graduates connect scholarly research, academic inquiry, and/or artistic expression to actions that inspire a civically engaged mindset and contribute to society through service to their community (4.1)
Possible Courses (pick 3)
- BIOL 1505
- CHEM 1500
- GEOL 1500
- HIST 1512
- MATH 2623
- PHIL 2619
BIOL 1505 Biology and the Modern World
Biology applied to critical issues of today's society. Focus on the scientific method as relevant to modern biology issues.
CHEM 1500 Chemistry in Modern Living
Introduction to basic chemical concepts, the scientific method, and the impact of chemistry on human life and society. Examples may include water treatment, air quality, plastics, drugs, cosmetics, energy resources, food, and the chemical basis of life.
GEOL 1500 Environmental Geology
An introductory course that examines interactions between human society and our changing planet, the effects of natural/geologic hazards on humans, and anthropogenic (human-caused) impacts on nature, geology, and society.
HIST 1512 World Civilization since 1500
Development of the major civilizations of the world from 1500 to the present.
MATH 2623 Quantitative Reasoning
Mathematics models emphasizing basic ideas in mathematics and statistics, stressing concept formation rather than manipulative skills.
PHIL 2619 Intro to Logic
Introduction to syllogistic or classical logic, symbolic and inductive logic. Emphasis on the rules of syllogism, immediate inferences, propositional functions, classes, truth tables, Venn diagrams; the use of analogy, generalization, the verification of hypotheses, and scientific method.
To be developed for 2026-2027 | Click on any drop down below to learn more about the microcredentials.
- Professional Communication & Presentational Literacy
Professional Communication & Presentational Literacy: develop communication skills for the modern workplace through courses covering writing and communication, preparing professionals to communicate with impact in team settings, client interactions, and public presentations.
LO: Demonstrate proficiency in crafting clear, concise, and persuasive written and spoken communication for diverse professional audiences, adhering to best practices in business writing and digital communications.
Aligns with UWLO 3
- Leadership
Leadership: introduction to principles of and skills for effective leadership, including interpersonal and group communication, team building, ethical decision-making, and strategies for inspiring and motivating others.
LO: Articulate and model ethical leadership practices, including transparent communication, responsible decision-making, and inclusive behavior, while demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate others towards shared goals and organizational success.
Aligns with UWLO 3
- Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship: addresses issues related to digital ethics, online privacy, and responsible online behavior, preparing students for the digital age.
LO: Analyze and evaluate ethical dilemmas in digital environments, demonstrating the ability to make informed decisions that balance personal, professional, and societal interests in online spaces.
Aligns with UWLO 1 & 2
- Global Engagement
Global Engagement: prepare to be a leader in an increasingly interconnected world, integrating writing, communication, and social science courses to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for effective cross-cultural leadership.
LO: Demonstrate intercultural competence by analyzing complex global issues from multiple cultural perspectives, synthesizing diverse viewpoints to develop nuanced, culturally sensitive solutions.
Aligns with UWLO 3 & 4.