General Education Requirements
General Education provides students with the fundamental knowledge, skills and values that help them achieve their educational, professional and personal goals. Courses in Basic Communication, Humanities, Mathematics and Science provide the skills which are necessary to succeed at RCC and to transfer to baccalaureate institutions or to enter the work force. Upon completion of the RCC General Education core requirements, students will be proficient in oral and written communication, scientific and quantitative reasoning. critical thinking and information literacy.
Fall 2023
The following outlines the general education requirements for students who enter the College or begin a new program in the Fall 2023 semester and thereafter. Details may be found on the program specific Degree Audit.
RCC Core Requirements
Students must complete a course(s) from each of the following General Education categories:
| Categories |
Credit Minimum |
| Basic Communication |
3 Credits |
| Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice |
3 Credits |
| Humanities |
3 Credits |
| Natural Science |
3 Credits |
| Mathematics |
3 Credits |
Note: A single course cannot be used to satisfy multiple categories.
The following three competencies must also be met:
Critical Thinking
Health and Wellness
Information Literacy
SUNY General Education Requirements
Per SUNY's Policy and Updated Guidance on General Education: "SUNY General Education (GE) is a system-wide framework applicable to all SUNY undergraduate degree programs that address the fundamental goals if higher education, including proficiency with essential skills, familiarization with disciplinary and interdisciplinary ways of knowing, and enhancement of the values and disposition of an engaged 21st century global citizenry.
Thirty credits (30) in a minimum of 7 of 10 SUNY General Education areas are required for all students seeking an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree. Basic Communication, Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, Mathematics are required. In addition, two core competencies are also required in Critical Thinking and Reasoning and Information Literacy.
For Associate of Applies Science (A.A.S.) twenty (20) credits of SUNY General Education is required. Basic Communication, Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, Mathematics are required. In addition, two core competencies are also required in Critical Thinking and Reasoning and Information Literacy.
Courses that are approved for General Education can be found in the Banner Self Service portal.