2.7.3: The institution requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency.
Narrative:
The University of Texas (UT) at Arlington ensures that students take a common core of courses during their tenure at the institution, and this core exceeds the minimum core requirement of 30 semester hours. To ensure that students receive a general education and an increased breadth of knowledge, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Rule 4.28 mandates that all institutions within the UT System use a core curriculum. [1] The state mandated core curriculum may be no larger than 48 semester credit hours. UT Arlington’s 44-credit hour core curriculum is: (a) developed by University faculty, (b) approved by the Undergraduate Assembly [2] and (c) published in the paper and online versions of the Undergraduate Catalog. [3]UT Arlington’s core curriculum consists of nine components: (a) 6 hours of English composition, (b) 3 hours of literature, (c) 3 hours of a liberal arts elective, (d) 6 hours of United States history, (e) 6 hours of political science, (f) 6 hours of mathematics (1301 or higher), (g) 8 hours of single lab natural sciences, (h) 3 hours of social/cultural studies and (i) 3 hours of fine arts.
The specific aims of UT Arlington’s core curriculum are to ensure that each graduate: (a) read and write clear English; (b) understand the features and exemplars of the major literary forms; (c) understand the basic principles of critical thinking, argument and mathematical relationships; (d) understand and appreciate the scientific method of problem analysis; (e) comprehend the nature of historical research and the relevance of historical events to contemporary situations; (f) analyze political and economic phenomena, including the functioning of and relations among national, state and local governments; (g) understand various forms of art and aesthetic principles and (h) have a practical and theoretical knowledge of various human cultures, past and present. [3] These aims ensure that a student’s breadth of knowledge is sufficient and approriate to UT Arlington’s mission of the advancement of knowledge and pursuit of excellence. [4]
Per THECB Rule 4.28, students who transfer from a Texas community college or university certified as core complete have satisfied UT Arlington’s core curriculum requirements. [1] Transfer students who have not completed the core curriculum at their previous institution shall receive academic credit within the core curriculum for each of the courses that the student has successfully completed in the core curriculum at the previous institution. However, institutions are not required to accept semester credit hours beyond the maximum specified in a core component area.
In compliance with THECB Rule 4.30, UT Arlington reevaluates its core curriculum every five years. [5] Undergraduate Assembly Bylaws provide guidelines for the formation and operation of the Ad Hoc Committee on University-wide Core Curriculum. [2] Core Curriculum Committee regulations state the UT Arlington core curriculum requirements cannot exceed 40% of undergraduate degree requirements. [1] |
