Athens State University (ASU) is the only upper-division university in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). The primary mission of the institution is to serve ACCS transfer students as well as students transferring from other accredited institutions. As an upper division undergraduate institution, Athens State University does not offer lower division coursework, but offers upper division coursework required for 31 baccalaureate degree programs. Students entering Athens State transfer general education coursework from state community colleges and other accredited institutions, and are only admitted to Athens State upon satisfying all admissions and transfer-of-credit requirements (see Comprehensive Standard 3.4.)

In 1994, the Alabama State Legislature enacted legislation that required the formation of an Articulation and General Studies Committee (AGSC). Among other tasks, this committee was charged with developing “no later than September 1, 1998, a statewide freshman and sophomore level general studies curriculum to be taken at all colleges and universities.” This committee was also charged with developing and adopting a statewide articulation agreement for the transfer of credit for the freshman and sophomore years among all public institutions of higher education in the State of Alabama.

The general education curriculum subsequently adopted by the AGSC requires coursework totaling 41 semester hours in four areas: 6 semester hours in written composition, 12 semester hours in humanities and fine arts, 12 semester hours in history and social or behavioral sciences, and 11 semester hours in natural sciences and mathematics.

The AGSC developed specific guidelines and criteria for the specific courses that are approved for use in the four areas of the general studies curriculum. Among other criteria, the courses approved must be broad in scope, present essential processes of inquiry and analysis, and provide a foundation both for further study and for personal enrichment. The AGSC has created various academic committees that review and recommend general studies courses for their specific disciplines. Members of these committees are from higher education institutions around the state and have expertise in the particular disciplines that are involved in the four areas of the general studies curriculum.

Specific courses within the four general studies areas may be required by certain baccalaureate degree programs at higher education institutions. These degree-specific requirements for programs at Athens State are published in the Athens State University Catalog at the beginning of each degree program section.