Important Note: the information on this page is from the previous year and is for reference purposes only. We are actively updating this content and the current information will be available shortly. Thank you for understanding.
CSI 2023: Academic Courses
Please review the Freshman assessments and Placements website prior to your arrival on campus for CSI.
All CSI students are required to take academic courses, which help to ease the transition between high school academics and the academic requirements at The Citadel. Students will work on writing, reading, and study skills while adjusting to college-level schoolwork in a supportive environment where study time is built into the daily schedule. Students are encouraged to work with both their professors and CSI support staff to excel academically.
Registration – The Citadel Registrar Office
All students registered for CSI by March 15th will be enrolled in classes during April (April registration is a Citadel wide registration time for summer classes). Class registration will be based on academic major. For Registration questions, please contact:
The Citadel Registrar’s Office: Phone: (843) 953-6969 E-Mail: registrar@citadel.edu
Classes
LDRS 101: The First-Year Experience is a required 1 credit course that helps students develop the academic and life skills to make a successful transition to the unique environment of The Citadel. Students will develop academic skills (reading, listening, note taking, test taking, time management, research, computer competency, etc.) and will be introduced to campus facilities, resources, and support services. Students will also learn about core values and ethics and how these relate to leadership. In addition, students will discuss topics such as leadership and followership, the difference between college and high school, managing stress, etc.
Math Courses
Math placement is based on the intended major chosen on the CSI Registration form.
Students can take the MPE (at most 5 times, proctored or not) in the Canvas course: Math Readiness Program. For more info, please visit the website at:
STEM Majors (4 credit hours)*
MATH 118: The goal of this course is to prepare students for Precalculus (MATH 119). This course focuses on basic properties of functions that are linear, quadratic, higher degree polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Students will have a good understanding of these properties verbally, numerically, graphically and algebraically, and know how to apply these properties in real-world applications and Precalculus. Required for all engineering programs, BS Chemistry, Cyber Operations, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics.
Math 119: The goal of this course is to prepare students majoring in mathematics, sciences, and engineering for the required calculus sequence. Topics include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs, with emphasis on conceptual understanding and algebraic skills necessary for success in calculus. Students in the majors above will normally start their mathematics track in Analytic Geometry and Calculus I. Required for all engineering programs, BS Chemistry, Cyber Operations, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics.
*Math placement is based on the Math Placement Exam. Students MUST take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) and receive notification of placement from the Mathematical Sciences Department before the first day of their CSI session. Information regarding the Math Placement Exam (MPE) can be found here. Please direct all MPE questions to Dr. Mei-Qin Chen, who can be emailed at chenm@citadel.edu or phoned at 843-953-7882.
Non-STEM Majors (3 credit hours)
MATH 105: An introduction to finite mathematics with an emphasis on applications and formulation of problems in mathematical language. Students are taught a variety of topics, including mathematics of finance, counting methods, probability, and statistics. The course also includes lab assignments using a computer software package. Required for all Business Majors.
STAT 160: An elementary treatment of probability and statistical concepts. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability basics, population distribution, sampling distribution, and hypothesis testing for population mean. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the fundamental concepts in statistics and interpretation of statistical results. Excel/calculators are used for computation. Required for biology, Education-health and human performance, Exercise Science, nursing, all business programs, psychology, and political science
Non-Math/Elective Courses (3 credit hours)
CRMJ 201: Intro to Criminal Justice. An introduction to the American criminal justice system, including the history and philosophy of law enforcement and the roles of the major actors in that process.
RPED 260: Fitness Resiliency Wellness. This course provides cadets with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve and maintain physical and mental strength and endurance necessary to attain optimum functioning of their bodies and minds.
INTL 201: Intro to Intelligence Studies. A broad overview of the intelligence gathering and analysis as practiced by agencies of the United States government, to include its purpose, history, and potential benefits.
LDRS 202: Principled Leadership in American Government. An interdisciplinary examination of civic leadership and ethics in America from the founding of the country to the present. The course will consider the basic frameworks of Citizen-leadership through the creation and implementation of central documents of governance.
LDRS 131 or 171: Leaders in Public Speaking. Public Speaking is a skill sought in today’s leaders, yet most never receive proper training on communicating their goals to diverse audiences in an effective and appropriate manner. Leaders in Public Speaking will help cadets understand the basics of Public Speaking–purpose, audience, message, organization, and engagement–all while challenging them to use their communication skills in a professional and ethical manner as future leaders of their communities.
RPED Courses (0 credits, degree requirements)
RPED 110: Individualized Physical Education. This course provides an individualized approach to health-related aspects of fitness, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular and muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition. Note: all students earn the RPED 110 credit towards degree completion via CSI participation.
RPED 155: Nutrition and Health (Non-STEM math students will be placed into this course)
Due to the short duration of the CSI semester, class changes will ONLY be allowed when necessary on the first two days of classes.
If you have any questions regarding class choices, please contact: The Citadel Registrar’s Office: Phone: (843) 953-6969 E-Mail: registrar@citadel.edu or CSI@citadel.edu or 843-953-5155