South Alabama is your first class ticket to a brighter future. Select your learning community and start growing your network!
Each fall, across the campus, USA offers first year experience courses designed to connect students with the Jaguar community, their major, and the career exploration process. To make sure you start building connections in your major and developing your network, we’ve linked these first year experience courses with another class that meets requirements for your degree. This is your learning community. When you register for the first year course for your major, you will also register for the partner class.
Below are the community courses for each College at South Alabama. Find the College that includes your major, and explore your options.
Important considerations:
Incoming Credits: Do not select a course that you may receive credit for such as Dual Enrollment, AP, or IB.
Student Testimonial
"I have multiple classes with the same people which helps a lot because I can lean on them to help me study and learn more about the subject. We help each other out and motivate each other to do well. If I wasn't in these paired classes, I would probably be more anxious about doing well in my courses."You and your advisor will choose your Learning Community during your advising appointment.
Below are Learning Community options and the colleges they are connected to. Find the college you belong to and click on each course to read a brief description. The Learning Community course you choose will be connected to a first year experience course.
Covey College of Allied Health Professions
Starting college is a big deal—this course helps you figure it all out. You’ll get
support adjusting to college life, learn what it really means to be a student in a
health-related major, and connect with classmates in a small-group setting. Think
of it as your guide to thriving, not just surviving, in college.
Ever wondered how life works on a microscopic level? This course is your deep dive into the basics of biology—cells, genetics, evolution, and even the weird world of bacteria and fungi. Perfect if you’re headed for anything in health or science.
Peek behind the curtain of the biomedical world. This class introduces you to cutting-edge research, careers in biomed, and how to use research tools like a pro. You’ll explore what’s possible in the field—and maybe discover your future path.
This course focuses on the biological basics that make human life possible. You'll
study cells, energy use, and organ systems—foundational knowledge for anyone entering
nursing, allied health, or other health-related fields.
Explore how people think, feel, and behave through the lens of psychological science.
You’ll gain insight into human behavior that’s especially relevant for those entering
health care and support professions.
In the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health, Jags launch their career by registering for the Allied Health Professions course, or AHP 101. Select your partner class strategically - what do you love, what do you want to learn more about, or where do you want to grow your network?
- Take AHP 101 + your favorite paired course
- Explore fields you want to learn more about
- Build relationships that expand your network with faculty, staff, and alumni from the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health
College of Arts and Sciences
Begin your college journey with a course designed to help you transition smoothly into university life. You'll explore the nature of higher education, familiarize yourself with campus resources, and develop strategies for academic success.
Explore the origins and development of human cultures through archaeological evidence
and biological anthropology. This course introduces you to human evolution, genetics,
and the study of primates, providing a comprehensive understanding of our species'
past.
Develop foundational skills in music theory, including part writing, analysis, counterpoint, sight singing, dictation, and keyboard harmony. This course is essential for music majors seeking to enhance their theoretical and practical understanding of music.
Gain a broad overview of theatre practices, including performance, production, and the historical context of theatrical works. This course offers insights into the collaborative nature of theatre and its role in society.
Examine the scientific study of social behavior and phenomena. This course covers
major concepts, theories, and methods in sociology, exploring topics such as social
structures, inequalities, culture, and globalization.
Survey the history of Western art from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages.
You'll study significant artworks and architectural developments, understanding their
cultural, economic, religious, and historical contexts.
Ever wonder how we actually got here? This course is a deep dive into the "founding
moments" of human history. We aren't just memorizing dates; we’re looking at the revolutions,
religions, and rivalries that built the world we live in today. From the first cities
in the desert to the knights and kings of the Middle Ages, we’ll trace the DNA of
modern society.
Delve into philosophical discussions about morality, examining ideas of good and bad, right and wrong, and moral obligations. This course surveys major ethical systems and applies them to contemporary moral issues.
Explore how people think, feel, and behave through the lens of psychological science.
From memory and emotion to personality and mental health, you’ll get a broad introduction
to what makes us tick.
Investigate the physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of oceanography. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of ocean systems and their significance to Earth's environment.
Examine the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the roles of Congress, the President, and the courts. This course also explores the influence of mass media, interest groups, and other factors in the American political system.
Understand the structural components of the global system, including nation-states and the world economy. This course explores major schools of thought in areas like security, economic development, international law, gender, and environmental studies, placing the U.S. within a broader global context.
Study general biological principles, including the chemical basis of life, cellular biology, genetics, microevolution, and a survey of simple organisms like bacteria, protists, and fungi. This course lays the groundwork for advanced biological studies.
Explore culture as a set of integrated behaviors and meanings learned in social environments. This course examines the diversity of human cultural practices, focusing on kinship, gender, religion, subsistence, and politics, with an emphasis on language as a means of cultural transmission.
MA 112 – Precalculus Algebra
Build your skills with polynomial, exponential, rational, and logarithmic functions.
This course helps you connect algebra with real-world applications, preparing you
for the leap into calculus and beyond.
MTH 101 – Essentials for Precalculus
Need a solid math foundation before tackling college-level precalc? This course helps
you sharpen your algebra skills, master graphing, and feel confident solving equations—no
shortcuts, just smart prep.
Survey major world regions, excluding North America, focusing on the interplay of environmental, cultural, economic, and political factors that define each region. This course enhances your global awareness and geographical understanding.
Gain an overview of crime in the U.S. and the three major criminal justice agencies: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. This course provides foundational knowledge for those interested in the criminal justice system.
Achieve basic proficiency in Spanish communication by developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This course is ideal for beginners aiming to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language.
Explore fundamental chemistry topics, including the nuclear model, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure, and molecular bonding. This course is essential for students pursuing science-related fields.
Develop mathematical concepts and interpret data used in societal contexts. Topics include percentages, graph analysis, estimation, apportionment, growth models, interest calculations, and descriptive statistics, with an emphasis on technology applications like Excel.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, major doesn’t need to equal career- you can develop skills in a major and a minor, and build up the extra-curricular experiences to prepare you for what comes next.
The first year course, CAS 100, is designed to provide you with opportunities to reflect on your “why” - and your “what” - and will help you with the exploration process too. Select your paired classes strategically – what classes will help you expand your network, or build knowledge about an area you are interested in, or connect you with faculty who can extend your career opportunities.
Here is how to launch:
- Take CAS 100 + strategic partner class, something you find interesting!
- Dive into career exploration with Forage
- Build relationships with peers, student mentors, and faculty who care about your growth
Mitchell College of Business
Curious about how businesses actually work? This course gives you a big-picture view of everything from startups and non-profits to global corporations. You’ll learn the basics of management, marketing, ethics, and entrepreneurship—plus how businesses impact the world around us.
BUS 101 – Professional Experience I
Think of this as your starter kit for career success. You’ll explore your strengths
and interests, build a résumé, learn how to stand out professionally, and get involved
on campus. It's all about helping you connect what you’re learning to the career you
want.
Interested in Business? Launching from the Mitchell College of Business is made for you!
- Register for BUS 150 + BUS 101
- Start connecting with students - some may even want to launch their own business!
- Build relationships to support team projects, study groups, and networking
College of Education and Professional Studies
The College of Education and Professional Studies is where your network with educators, leaders in sports and hospitality, and health and wellness professionals begins. And, if you want to launch your career by creating your own program of study, this is the place to start!
- Take EDU 100 or KIN 100 + the partner course
- Build relationships with peers and faculty
- Get connected to experts in sport, hospitality, and education - such as
College of Engineering
Build your skills with polynomial, exponential, rational, and logarithmic functions. This course helps you connect algebra with real-world applications, preparing you for the leap into calculus and beyond.
MTH 101 – Essentials for Precalculus
Need a solid math foundation before tackling college-level precalc? This course helps you sharpen your algebra skills, master graphing, and feel confident solving equations—no shortcuts, just smart prep.
Launch your Engineering major from Shelby Hall!
- Take EG 101 + math
- Engage with peers, faculty, and companies like Airbus and Hargrove
- Build relationships that support projects, internships, and your career
College of Nursing
Connecting and exploring careers in Nursing couldn’t be easier!
- Take NU 101 + Biology or Chemistry
- Connect with peers and Nursing faulty
- Grow your network as you prepare for our highly competitive Nursing program
If you have questions or would like to speak with an Academic Advisor, contact Academic Advising & Transfer Services at 251-341-4017 or aats@southalabama.edu.