Philosophy

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is dedicated to producing graduates who have the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to advance the state-of-the-art knowledge in their respective fields. Graduates must understand the complexities of contemporary society and have a deep understanding of and appreciation for science and technology and the ethical and societal issues involved in their pursuit. A fundamental guiding principle in the development of the General University Requirements (GUR) is the formulation of a foundational curriculum encompassing the necessary preconditions for success in undergraduate disciplines, a curriculum that establishes a devotion to lifetime intellectual discovery and personal development. In a larger sense, the GUR are intended to provide an educational grounding for our students, a set of educational experiences harmoniously attuned to the mission of NJIT and its responsibilities to its constituents. In essence, the completion of the GUR is a necessary step in the fulfillment of the implicit intellectual and social contract that NJIT has with its students and its local, national and global communities.

COMPUTING SCIENCES ---- The computer and the Internet have become vital tools for learning in all academic areas. All students are expected to be computer literate and to be able to apply computer skills to their major areas of study.

CULTURAL HISTORY ---- All educated individuals are expected to understand and appreciate history and the world’s cultures.

ENGLISH ---- The ability to communicate ideas is an essential characteristic of educated individuals. All students are expected to achieve proficiency in both oral and written English.

HUMANITIES ---- The ideals of a liberal education transcend particular major fields and career goals. All students are expected to develop an interest in specific areas within the humanities.

MANAGEMENT ---- All students are expected to develop the management skills needed to function effectively in an organizational setting.

MATHEMATICS ---- The ability to reason both qualitatively and quantitatively is fundamental to success in all NJIT programs. All students must understand the principles of calculus and the basic principles of probability and statistics.

NATURAL SCIENCES ---- The natural sciences provide the basis for our knowledge of the physical universe and for technological progress. All students are expected to develop a thorough understanding of at least one laboratory science.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ---- Physical education conveys to students the importance of good health and fitness through planned exercise and recreational activities.

SOCIAL SCIENCES ---- An understanding of the social sciences is essential in order to understand the economic, social, and political forces at work in our world.

Specific General University Requirements

Courses that satisfy the General University Requirements are so certified by the University Curriculum Review Committee at the time they are first approved to be offered.

Computing Sciences:

At least two (2) credits in an introductory course in the computing sciences (CS 101, CS 103, CS 104, CS 111, CS 113, CS 115 or IS 118).

English/Communication and Cultural History:

At least nine (9) credits, including at least three (3) credits in English /Communication (one of HUM 100, HUM 100S or HUM 101 and HUM 102) and  at least three (3) credits in cultural history, all at the 100- or 200-level (HIST 213, HUM 211, HUM 212 or any Rutgers-Newark 200-level history course with prefix 510 or 512).

Humanities and Social Sciences Electives (Upper-level):

At least nine (9) credits in upper-level Humanities and Social Sciences, including

1. Three (3) credits in a 300-level course in literature (LIT); history (HIST); philosophy (PHIL); or science, technology and society (STS). Any Rutgers-Newark 300- or 400-level course with prefix 350 (English Literature), 352 (American Literature), 510 (History), 512 (American History) or 730 (Philosophy).
   
   
2. Three (3) credits in a 300-level course in english (ENG); history (HIST); literature (LIT); philosophy (PHIL); science, technology and  society (STS); social science (SS) or theater (THR). Any 300-level Rutgers-Newark course in humanities, social sciences, fine arts or performing arts (prefixes 070, 080, 081, 202, 220, 350, 352, 420, 510, 512, 560, 570, 700, 701, 370, 790,, 810, 830, 861, 920, 940 , 965, 988).
   
3. Three (3) credits in a 400-level senior seminar in the humanities and social sciences (HSS 401; HSS 402, HSS 403, HSS 404,  HSS 405, HSS 406, HSS 407, HSS 408, HSS 491).
   

No more than three (3) of the nine required credits in this category may be fulfilled with a course that is specifically required by a student's degree program or college.

Management

At least three (3) credits in management (HRM 301, MGMT 390, ENTR 410 or IE 492). Students in the aerospace option take AS 333 and those in the dual degree program between architecture and management take HRM 301.

Mathematics

At least six (6) credits, including one course covering the principles of calculus (MATH 111, MATH 113 or MATH 138) and at least one (1) credit in probability and statistics (MATH 105, MATH 114, MATH 225, MATH 244, MATH 279, MATH 305, MATH 333, IE 331, ECE 321 or MNET 315).

Natural Sciences:

At least seven (7) credits in natural sciences, including a laboratory experience.

Biology Courses: R120:101, R120:102, R120:109, R120:110, R120:205, R120:206, R120:207, R120:208, R120:237, R120:241, R120:242

Chemistry Courses: CHEM 122, CHEM 123, CHEM 124, CHEM 125, CHEM 126

Physics Courses: PHYS 102, 102A, PHYS 103, PHYS 103A, PHYS 106, PHYS 106A, PHYS 111, PHYS 111A, PHYS 121, PHYS 121A, PHYS 202, PHYS 202A, PHYS 203, PHYS 203A.

Geology Courses: R460:101, R460:103, R460:104, R460:206, R460:207

Physical Education

At least two (2) credits in physical education.  Students who register as full time undergraduates for two or more consecutive semesters must take two PE courses, one of which must be a 100-level fitness core course.

Social Sciences (lower-level):

At least six (6) credits in basic (100- and 200-level) social sciences (SS 201, ECON 265, ECON 266, EPS 202, STS 257 or STS 258 or any of the following Rutgers-Newark courses R070:203, R070:204, R202:201, R790:201, R790:202, R830:101, R830:102, R920:201, R920:202. Students may take R220:101 or R220:102 instead of ECON 265 or ECON 266).

Notes:

1. Each college or department may set additional requirements that exceed the GUR.
   
   
2. All first-time, full-time freshman students are required to attend Freshman Seminar. This course assists students in adjusting to the academic program and introduces them to university life.