General Education Curriculum
The General Education curriculum described below applies to all students who matriculate in Spring 2022 or beyond. Students who matriculated in Fall 2021 or prior should consult the Fall 2021 General Education Curriculum policy.
The University's General Education curriculum helps University of Arizona graduates attain fundamental skills and a broad base of knowledge to respond effectively to a complex world. The Office of General Education administers the University of Arizona's General Education Curriculum, in consultation with the University-Wide General Education Committee, which approves all courses that satisfy General Education requirements.
All degree-seeking undergraduates must complete a minimum of 32 units of General Education coursework, including the minimum requirements from each category specified below. Additional general education courses may be selected as needed to meet the overall minimum requirement.
Minimum requirement | details | |
|---|---|---|
Foundations Writing | 3 units | Strong writing skills and effective communication for academic success and professional growth. Designated courses offered by the Writing Program. |
Foundations Mathematics | 3 units | Mathematical knowledge and quantitative reasoning. Designated courses offered by Mathematics or other academic department. |
Foundations Second Language | Varies | See the Second Language Requirement for Undergraduate Degrees policy. |
Introduction to General Education | 1 unit | Introduction to General Education, reflecting on learning, and developing an e-Portfolio. Required for students admitted as first-year students; optional for all other students. |
Exploring Perspectives | 12 units (3 units per domain) | Emphasis on ways of thinking, knowing, and doing in four disciplinary domains. Students will choose at least one course from each domain:
|
Building Connections | 6 units | Combines knowledge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines and/or perspectives. |
Civic Institutions | 3 units | Emphasis on the U.S. Constitution, principles and institutions of governance, and civic engagement. |
General Education Capstone | 1 unit | Facilitates student reflection on their General Education experience to complete their ePortfolio. Required for students admitted as first-year students; optional for all other students. |
General Education Attributes
To provide breadth and depth to General Education learning, one or more attributes (fundamental areas of knowledge) will be attached to each course’s overall Exploring Perspectives, Building Connections, or Civic Institutions category. General Education attributes enhance learning experiences and enable faculty and students to explore perspectives and build interdisciplinary connections for meaningful engagement in a global context.
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