Distributive Studies
Distributive Studies ensures that all students acquire an exposure to a variety of disciplines even as they concentrate on a chosen field of study. Distributive Studies courses offer students insights into the methods of the different disciplines, the kinds of questions disciplines ask, and their standards for judging the answers. Courses lead students to new perspectives and also challenge students to apply their new understandings.
See Testudo for course offerings.
What are the expectations for students?
Students will take a total of 25 credits or 8 courses
- Natural Sciences w/lab: 4 credits
- Natural Sciences: 3 credits
- History and Social Sciences: 3 credits
- History and Social Sciences: 3 credits
- Humanities: 3 credits
- Humanities: 3 credits
- Scholarship in Practice*: 3 credits
- Scholarship in Practice: 3 credits
*Scholarship in Practice courses are unique to UMD; every student must take at least one Scholarship in Practice course outside of their major.
Do you want to teach/design a Distributive Studies Course?
- Begin your course design with review of the General Education learning outcomes
- Review the General Education rubrics to develop the student experience
- See Faculty Resources for tips and design ideas
- Learn about Scholarship in Practice course design
Faculty Boards are available to support you in design of a distributive studies course and will serve to review and provide feedback during the General Education course proposal process.
Course Spotlight:
AOSC200 Weather and Climate
The state of knowledge and problems of atmospheric science. Origin and structure of the atmosphere, meteorological observations, weather maps, forecasting, satellites, energetics, wind, general circulation, storms, severe weather, climate change, air pollution.
Satisfies Distributive Studies: Natural Science and I-Series