KU Core Curriculum

Effective Fall 2013, the KU Core is the university-wide curriculum all incoming students who enrolled at KU prior to Fall 2024. By completing the KU Core, the successful graduate will

• Acquire essential skills
• Build a broad background of knowledge
• Have a stronger appreciation for cultural and global diversity
• Cultivate ethical integrity
• Generate the capacity and opportunity to blend and create ideas

The KU Core spans the entire undergraduate experience and comprises three general education goals and three advanced education goals. General education goals are best met during the first two years of university study.

• Critical Thinking and Quantitative Literacy
• Written & Oral Communication
• Breadth of Knowledge

Advanced education goals are most appropriately acquired using the foundation of knowledge gained from the general education goals and progression through the major. The sixth goal, Integration and Creativity, can provide a capstone experience.

• Culture & Diversity
• Social Responsibility & Ethics
• Integration & Creativity

The KU Core integrates with the degree requirements of the various majors offered at KU. In some cases, degree-specific requirements can simultaneously be used to complete the KU Core. Students may follow individual paths through the KU Core, meeting milestones in different ways.

Fulfilling the KU Core

Fulfilling the KU Core requires 12 units across the six education goals. A KU Core unit can be

• A single approved course (3-5 hours)
• An approved educational experience
• An approved combination or partnership of course work and experiences

Text Only description of the Distribution of the 12 units.

To view a list of courses and experiences approved to meet the learning outcomes of the KU Core Curriculum, click here.