GURPS College Education

Notes toward a 50-point GURPS template that represents a standard four-year degree.

Core [18 Points]

The Core Curriculum is a set of common courses required of all undergraduates. Developed in the early 20th century, it is considered the necessary general education for students. The core also functions as the basic education for a major course of study.

Writing And Speaking [2 Points]. Professional Skill (Journalist), Public Speaking, Writing

Humanities [4 Points]. History, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy (Ethics), Poetry, or Theology

Fine Arts [1 Points]. Artist, Connoisseur (Architecture), Connoisseur (Fine Arts), Connoisseur (Music), Musical Composition, Musical Instrument, Photography, Singing

Mathematics [1 Point]. Mathematics (Applied)

Physical And Natural Sciences [4 Points]. Astronomy, Biology (Earthlike), Chemistry, Geology (Earthlike), Meteorology, Paleontology, or Physics

Social/Behavioral Sciences [2 Points]. Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminology, Economics, Geography, Psychology, or Sociology

Language [2 Points]. Any modern language other than character's native tongue.

Physical Education [2 Points]. Acrobatics, Judo (Sport), Karate (Sport), Running, Sports (Golf), Sports (Lacrosse), Sports (Soccer), Sports (Softball), Sports (Tennis), Swimming, Wrestling (Sport)

Major [27-32 Points]

A major field of study requires 22 points expenditure in addition to core curriculum. These skills must be directly related to a specific professional or academic discipline as well as skills secondary to that profession. For example, engineering and science degrees require the study of mathematics beyond the core curriculum minimum. Major areas of study may often have accompanying Professional Skill.

Life Skills - Optional [0-3 Points]

Successful college graduates might take a point in Savoir-Faire (Academic), especially if they plan to teach or continue on to graduate school. Diplomacy, Fast-Talk, and even Leadership are often acquired with four years of college education. The perks Alcohol Tolerance and No Hangover are also common to recent graduates of many major American universities. With GM permission, a character may also purchase one level of Less Sleep.

Sample College Degrees [50 Point Templates]

Bachelor Of Science (BS) In Civil Engineering

• Artist (Drafting) [1]
• Chemistry [1]
• Computer Operation [2]
• Computer Programming [4]
• Mathematics (Applied) [4]
• Mathematics (Surveying) [2]
• Mathematics (Statistics) [1]
• Physics [4]
• Research [1]
• Engineer (Civil) [4]
• Engineer (Electrical) [1]
• Engineer (Materials) [2]
• Engineer (Any) [2]
• Professional Skill (Engineering) [1]

Bachelor Of Arts (BA) In Literature

• Connoisseur (Literature) [2]
• Expert Skill (Literary Analysis) [4]
• History (Any) [2]
• Literature (American) [4]
• Literature (English) [4]
• Literature (other) [2]
• Philosophy [2]
• Research [4]
• Writing [6]

Bachelor Of Science (BS) In Linguistics

• History (Language) [2]
• Linguistics [6]
• Language (Classical) [4] (Latin, Greek)
• Language (Modern) [6] (Choose among several)
• Mathematics (Statistics) [1]
• Philosophy (Linguistic) [4]
• Philosophy (Logic) [2]
• Sociology [1]
• Writing [4]

Bachelor Of Arts (BA) In Philosophy

• History (Philosophy) [2]
• Less Sleep 1 [3]
• Philosophy (Classical) [3]
• Philosophy (Ethics) [1]
• Philosophy (Logic) [1]
• Philosophy (Modern) [2]
• Philosophy (Religion) [1]
• Philosophy (Science) [1]
• Research [2]
• Writing [4]

Bachelor Of Fine Arts (BFA)

• Alcohol Tolerance [1]
• Artist (Drawing) [4]
• Artist (Painting) [4]
• Artist (Printmaking) [1]
• Artist (Sculpture) [2]
• Artist (Any) [4]
• Connoisseur (Visual Art) [3]
• History (Art) [4]
• Philosophy [2]
• Photography [1]
• Professional Skill (Artist) [1]
• Research [2]
• Shtick [1]