GEM Requirements This is a speech requirement; these courses prepare students to organize oral presentations to persuade, debate, argue, or inform in a clear, concise, and logical manner; emphasis must be on content and delivery; group and interpersonal communication courses are not acceptable. Eligible UMGC Courses <button class='course-link' data-course-id='SPCH 100' data-course-name='Foundations of Oral Communication' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='For online sections, access to a broadband internet connection, use of a digital camera capable of recording 10-minute videos, and the ability to save and transfer video to a hosting site required. (Fulfills the prerequisite for all upper-level SPCH courses.) An introduction to oral communication, with emphasis on interpersonal communication, small-group communication, and public speaking. The objective is to prepare speeches, provide feedback to others, and participate in group activities. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 100, SPCH 100X, SPCH 101, SPCH 107, or SPCH 108.'> Foundations of Oral Communication (3 Credits, SPCH 100)

Written Communication

GEM Requirements This is an English composition requirement; applicable communication courses must satisfy the delivering institution's writing and composition requirement for graduation; business communication and technical writing courses are not acceptable; higher-level writing and composition courses may be applied as a program elective. Eligible UMGC Courses <button class='course-link' data-course-id='WRTG 111' data-course-name='Foundations of Writing and Communication' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='The first course in the two-course series WRTG 111 - WRTG 112. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications. An introduction to essential skills in reading, writing, and speaking for academic and professional contexts. The goal is to develop proficiency in creating and analyzing different types of communication, including written, spoken, visual, and multimodal formats, while connecting ideas with others perspectives. Topics include integrating sources with attribution, exploring ethical and effective use of AI in communication, and making rhetorical choices to achieve clarity and audience engagement. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: WRTG 100A, WRTG 111, or WRTG 111X.'> Foundations of Writing and Communication (3 Credits, WRTG 111) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='WRTG 112' data-course-name='Academic Writing II' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='(The second course in the two-course series WRTG 111-WRTG 112. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Continued practice in reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on research and argumentation. The goal is to implement strategies for analyzing ideas and rhetorical techniques in academic texts and for conducting academic research. Focus is on writing an argumentative research paper that synthesizes information and ideas from multiple sources and demonstrates critical thinking, varied rhetorical strategies, proper source documentation, and effective language use. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 101, ENGL 101X, WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, WRTG 101X, WRTG 112, or WRTG 112X.'> Academic Writing II (3 Credits, WRTG 112) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='WRTG 291' data-course-name='Research Writing' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. Continued practice in critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. The objective is to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize diverse sources and viewpoints to develop persuasive and academic writing projects. Assignments include prewriting exercises, an annotated bibliography, a synthesis research essay, and a reflective paper. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 291, ENGL 291H, or WRTG 291.'> Research Writing (3 Credits, WRTG 291)

GEM Requirements This is an intermediate algebra or a college-level mathematics course that satisfies the delivering institution's mathematics requirement for graduation; courses such as accounting, business mathematics, computer mathematics, statistics (taught outside the mathematics department), history of mathematics, and mathematics for elementary and secondary teachers are not applicable; three semester hours of mathematics are required for graduation; however, if an acceptable mathematics course is applied as a technical or program elective, a natural science course may be substituted for mathematics. Eligible UMGC Courses <button class='course-link' data-course-id='MATH 105' data-course-name='Topics for Mathematical Literacy' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='(For students who do not need a college algebra, statistics, or higher-level mathematics course. Meets the general education requirement in mathematics.) An investigation of contemporary topics in mathematics. The aim is to apply mathematical processes to solve problems involving exponential and logarithmic modeling, personal finance, probability, basic logical thinking, and statistical reasoning.'> Topics for Mathematical Literacy (3 Credits, MATH 105) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='MATH 107' data-course-name='College Algebra' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='(The first course in the two-course series MATH 107-MATH 108. An alternative to MATH 115). An introduction to equations and inequalities and a study of functions and their properties, including the development of graphing skills with polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The objective is to apply appropriate technology and demonstrate fluency in the language of algebra; communicate mathematical ideas; perform operations on real numbers, complex numbers, and functions; solve equations and inequalities; analyze and graph circles and functions; and use mathematical modeling to translate, solve, and interpret applied problems. Technology is used for data modeling. Discussion also covers applications. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 107 or MATH 115.'> College Algebra (3 Credits, MATH 107) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='MATH 115' data-course-name='Pre-Calculus' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='(Not open to students who have completed MATH 140 or any course for which MATH 140 is a prerequisite.) An explication of equations, functions, and graphs. The goal is to demonstrate fluency in pre-calculus; communicate mathematical ideas appropriately; solve equations and inequalities; analyze and graph functions; and use mathematical modeling to translate, solve, and interpret applied problems. Topics include polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, and analytical geometry. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 107, MATH 108, or MATH 115.'> Pre-Calculus (3 Credits, MATH 115) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='MATH 140' data-course-name='Calculus I' data-course-credits='4 Credits' data-course-description='Prerequisite: MATH 108 or MATH 115. An introduction to calculus. The goal is to demonstrate fluency in the language of calculus; discuss mathematical ideas appropriately; and solve problems by identifying, representing, and modeling functional relationships. Topics include functions, the sketching of graphs of functions, limits, continuity, derivatives and applications of the derivative, definite and indefinite integrals, and calculation of area. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130, MATH 131, or MATH 140.'> Calculus I (4 Credits, MATH 140) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='STAT 200' data-course-name='Introduction to Statistics' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An introduction to statistics. The objective is to assess the validity of statistical conclusions; organize, summarize, interpret, and present data using graphical and tabular representations; and apply principles of inferential statistics. Focus is on selecting and applying appropriate statistical tests and determining reasonable inferences and predictions from a set of data. Topics include methods of sampling; percentiles; concepts of probability; probability distributions; normal, t-, and chi-square distributions; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing of one and two means; proportions; binomial experiments; sample size calculations; correlation; regression; and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 202, BEHS 302, BMGT 230, ECON 321, GNST 201, MATH 111, MGMT 316, PSYC 200, SOCY 201, STAT 100, STAT 200, STAT 225, or STAT 230.'> Introduction to Statistics (3 Credits, STAT 200)

GEM Requirements Courses from the following disciplines are acceptable: anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, government, history, political science, psychology, and sociology designed to impart knowledge, develop skills, and identify goals concerning elements and institutions of human society. Eligible UMGC Courses <button class='course-link' data-course-id='ANTH 102' data-course-name='Introduction to Cultural Anthropology' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='A survey of social and cultural principles inherent in ethnographic descriptions. The objective is to apply anthropological knowledge of human behavior to everyday situations and problems. Students who complete both ANTH 101 and ANTH 102 may not receive credit for ANTH 340, BEHS 340, or BEHS 341.'> Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 Credits, ANTH 102) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='BEHS 210' data-course-name='Introduction to Social Sciences' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of society. The objective is to use the combined perspectives of the different social science disciplines to better understand the nature of society. Topics include research methods, ethical considerations in research, and the relationships among the different social sciences. Discussion surveys a range of social sciences. An analysis of social phenomena that integrates insights from the social sciences is also presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 201 or BEHS 210.'> Introduction to Social Sciences (3 Credits, BEHS 210) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='ECON 201' data-course-name='Principles of Macroeconomics' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An introductory study of the macroeconomy. The objective is to apply select macroeconomic theories to real-world situations. Discussion covers economic growth, technological innovation, unemployment, inflation, and the roles of monetary policy and fiscal policy in determining macroeconomic performance. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ECON 201 or ECON 205.'> Principles of Macroeconomics (3 Credits, ECON 201) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='ECON 203' data-course-name='Principles of Microeconomics' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An analysis of the economic principles underlying the behavior of individual consumers and business firms. The goal is to apply select microeconomic theories to real-world situations. Emphasis is on market theory. Topics include the implications of government intervention, technological innovation, the advantages and disadvantages of different market structures, and income distribution and poverty.'> Principles of Microeconomics (3 Credits, ECON 203) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='GVPT 100' data-course-name='Introduction to Political Science' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='A survey of the basic principles of political science. The objective is to define the main features of primary systems of political economy to understand differing methods of governance and articulate consequences of government actions in a globally interdependent system. Topics include the relationship of political science to the other social sciences; modern democracy, political ideology, and political socialization; the function of public opinion, mass media, interest groups, and political parties; the basic institutions of government and the separation of powers; and the role of international relations and globalization.'> Introduction to Political Science (3 Credits, GVPT 100) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='GVPT 170' data-course-name='American Government' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='A comprehensive study of government in the United States, including the basic principles of American government and political culture. The aim is to explain the vertical and horizontal structure of the American government and the roles of the three federal branches, bureaucracies, and the state governments; describe the development of the American political system and its impact on the political landscape; and explain the processes of the electoral system, political parties, and interest groups to persuade and influence. Institutions, processes, and public policies are examined from a cross-cultural perspective.'> American Government (3 Credits, GVPT 170) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='HIST 157' data-course-name='History of the United States Since 1865' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='A survey of economic, intellectual, political, and social developments since the Civil War. The objective is to use primary and secondary sources to describe U.S. historical events and interpret current events and ideas in a historical context. Discussion covers the rise of industry and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HIST 157 or HUMN 120.'> History of the United States Since 1865 (3 Credits, HIST 157) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='PSYC 100' data-course-name='Introduction to Psychology' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='A survey of the basic principles, research concepts, and problems in psychological science. The biological, cognitive, and social perspectives of human thought and behavior are addressed. The goal is to apply major concepts and use the scientific method to enhance the understanding of individual, community, and organizational life experiences. Topics include neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning and conditioning, memory, motivation, language and intelligence, personality and social behavior, and psychopathology and therapy. Applications of psychology are also presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 101 or PSYC 100.'> Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits, PSYC 100) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='SOCY 100' data-course-name='Introduction to Sociology' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An introduction to the basic concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research methods in sociology. The objective is to apply sociological imagination, perspectives, and research to uncover patterns of social behavior and identify their consequences. Topics include culture, socialization, groups, deviance, stratification, institutions, and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 102 or SOCY 100.'> Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits, SOCY 100)

GEM Requirements Courses in fine arts (criticism, appreciation, or historical significance), foreign language, literature, philosophy, and religion are acceptable. Eligible UMGC Courses <button class='course-link' data-course-id='ENGL 240' data-course-name='Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or ENGL 102. An introduction to fiction, poetry, and drama, with an emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills. The objective is to identify and define elements of literature and literary genres, analyze literary texts using principles of close reading, and demonstrate skill in academic writing. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 240 or ENGL 340.'> Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama (3 Credits, ENGL 240) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='GERM 111' data-course-name='Elementary German I' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='For online sections, microphone, speakers, and occasional synchronous work required. (Not open to native speakers of German: assumes no prior knowledge of German. Students with prior experience with the German language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) An introduction to the German language. The objective is to communicate in German in some concrete, real-life situations using culturally appropriate language. Aspects of German life and culture are explored through the German language. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GERM 101 or GERM 111.'> Elementary German I (3 Credits, GERM 111) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='JAPN 111' data-course-name='Elementary Japanese I' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='For online sections, sound card, microphone, speakers and occasional synchronous work required. (Not open to native speakers of Japanese: assumes no prior knowledge of Japanese. Students with prior experience with the Japanese language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) An introduction to spoken and written Japanese language. The objective is to communicate in Japanese in some concrete, real-life situations using culturally appropriate language; read and write hiragana; and read some katakana words in context.'> Elementary Japanese I (3 Credits, JAPN 111) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='MUSC 210' data-course-name='Music as Cultural Expression' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='A study of the role of music in various cultures. The objective is to identify key features that define various genres of world music, articulate the roles and functions of music in world cultures, use the medium of music to explore intercultural relationships, and consciously define personal musical perspectives. Discussion covers music from various cultural traditions and the contexts in which composers and musicians practice their craft. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 211 or MUSC 210.'> Music as Cultural Expression (3 Credits, MUSC 210) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='PHIL 100' data-course-name='Introduction to Philosophy' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An introduction to the literature, problems, and methods of philosophy. The goal is to identify and consider central, recurring problems of philosophy. Emphasis is on developing awareness of the significance of philosophical problems and learning to offer rationally justifiable solutions. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 125 or PHIL 100.'> Introduction to Philosophy (3 Credits, PHIL 100) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='PHIL 110' data-course-name='Practical Reasoning' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An examination of methods for thinking analytically about real-world problems and solving them. The goal is to apply logical arguments to practical decision making. Topics include inductive and deductive reasoning; the properties of arguments; methods of logical analysis; synthesis of ideas; informal fallacies; and the role of presuppositions and other factors in scientific, social, ethical, and political problems.'> Practical Reasoning (3 Credits, PHIL 110) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='PHIL 140' data-course-name='Introduction to Moral Philosophy and Ethical Reasoning' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='An introductory exploration of the foundational theories of Eastern and Western moral philosophy and an examination of methods for thinking clearly about ethical issues. The objective is to employ a knowledge of moral theory and the methods of ethical reasoning to address contemporary ethical issues and dilemmas in areas such as business, medicine, information technology, and personal ethics. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 300 or PHIL 140.'> Introduction to Moral Philosophy and Ethical Reasoning (3 Credits, PHIL 140) <button class='course-link' data-course-id='SPAN 111' data-course-name='Elementary Spanish I' data-course-credits='3 Credits' data-course-description='For online sections, microphone, speakers, and occasional synchronous work required. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish; assumes no prior knowledge of Spanish. Students with prior experience with the Spanish language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) An introduction to the Spanish language. The objective is to listen to, speak, read, and write elementary Spanish in concrete, real-life situations and in culturally appropriate ways. The diverse language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world is explored. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPAN 101 or SPAN 111.'> Elementary Spanish I (3 Credits, SPAN 111)

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Air Force GEM Program

Complete general education requirements with UMGC while you earn a CCAF associate degree.

If you are an Air Force or Space Force servicemember pursuing your associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force, sign up for your general education requirements at University of Maryland Global Campus with the General Education Mobile (GEM) program. Through this program, you can earn 15 of the 64 credits you need for a CCAF associate degree. At UMGC, you can take the general education courses you need and use them to earn your CCAF associate degree.

Plus, if you choose to pursue further education, you can transfer your CCAF associate degree credits toward a bachelor's degree at UMGC.

Get Started in the GEM Program

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Go to the Air Force Virtual Education Center and view UMGC GEM courses.
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Your application fee can be waived if you apply as a non-degree seeking student and select Community College of the Air Force when asked if you are pursuing an associate degree at an alliance community college. If you later choose to apply for another degree or certificate program at UMGC, you will be required to pay the application fee.

When enrolling in a course, please be sure to complete your Tuition Assistance form within the Air Force Virtual Education Center.

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Air Force GEM Program

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

Complete general education requirements with UMGC while you earn a CCAF associate degree.

Get Started in the GEM Program

Approved Courses

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Tuition and Fees

Contact Military Advising

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Air Force GEM Program

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

Complete general education requirements with UMGC while you earn a CCAF associate degree.

Get Started in the GEM Program

Approved Courses

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Mathematics

Social Science

Humanities

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No Application Fee