University Requirement
All undergraduate students (except those transferring with an AA from either a Florida public community college or a Florida public state university) are required to complete the 36-hour General Education requirement to graduate.
The University's General Education program requires courses in the following areas:
| Areas | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composition (C) | 3 |
| Humanities (H) | 9 |
| Mathematics (M) | *6 |
| Physical (P) and Biological (B) Sciences | 9 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (S) | 9 |
| Total Credit Requirements: | 36 |
|
International (N) & Diversity (D) 3 credits in each taken in conjunction with C, H, S, P, or B |
3 each |
*Three of the six credits must be approved mathematics courses.
- Some majors require or recommend specific gen ed courses.
- Students who entered UF prior to Summer B 2007 and/or whose catalog year is not 2007-08: Current students who have not already completed six hours of "I" - international/diversity credits can do so now by taking "D" and "N" courses. New students, beginning with Summer B 2007, must take three hours each of "D" and "N" courses.
- The required credits for the humanities (H), social and behavioral sciences (S), and physical (P) and biological (B) sciences categories are flexible. Many colleges permit students to vary these 27 credits as long as there are no fewer than six credits in any of the three categories. For instance, students can take nine credits in each category (9-9-9) or they can take six credits in one category, nine in the second and twelve in the third (6-9-12). Consult an academic adviser for colleges, like LAS, that limit this flexibility, or refer to the requirements for the major.
- A grade of C or better is required to earn gen ed credit. Gen ed courses cannot be taken S-U.
- Certain classes are approved to count for multiple gen ed categories; for example, the same class may count as "C" or "H". Students can count a gen ed class toward one gen ed category only, except for "D" and "N" credits, which must be earned concurrently with another category.
- Students must take at least three hours of approved mathematics courses; the other three credits can be from approved courses outside the math department, such as statistics and computer science courses.
- Study abroad courses can fulfill international credit, in addition to fulfilling credit in other categories. Study abroad must be approved in advance by an academic adviser and the UF International Center.
Area Descriptions
Composition (C)
Composition courses provide instruction in the methods and conventions of standard written English (i.e. grammar, punctuation, usage) and the techniques that produce effective texts. Composition courses are writing intensive, require multiple drafts submitted to the instructor for feedback prior to final submission, and fulfill 6,000 of the university's 24,000-word writing requirement.
Diversity (D)
Diversity courses provide instruction in the values, attitudes and norms that create cultural differences within the United States. These courses encourage you to recognize how social roles and status affect different groups and impact U. S. society. These courses guide you to analyze and to evaluate your own cultural norms and values in relation to those of other cultures, and to distinguish opportunities and constraints faced by other persons and groups.
Humanities (H)
Humanities courses provide instruction in the key themes, principles and terminology of a humanities discipline. The courses focus on the history, theory and methodologies used within that discipline, enabling you to identify and to analyze the key elements, biases and influences that shape thought. These courses emphasize clear and effective analysis and approach issues and problems from multiple perspectives.
International (N)
International courses provide instruction in the values, attitudes and norms that constitute the culture of countries outside the United States. These courses lead you to understand how geographic location and socioeconomic factors affect these cultures. Through analysis and evaluation of your own cultural norms and values in relation to those held by the citizens of other countries, you will develop a cross-cultural understanding of the rest of the world.
Mathematical (M)
Courses in mathematics provide instruction in computational strategies in at least one of the following: solving equations and inequalities, logic, statistics, algebra, trigonometry, inductive and deductive reasoning, and applying these concepts to solving problems. These courses include reasoning in abstract mathematical systems, formulating mathematical models and arguments, using mathematical models to solve problems and applying mathematical concepts effectively to real-world situations.
Physical (P) and Biological Sciences (B)
The physical and biological sciences provide instruction in the basic concepts, theories and terms of the scientific method. Courses focus on major scientific developments and their impacts on society, science and the environment. You will formulate empirically-testable hypotheses derived from the study of physical process and living things and you will apply logical reasoning skills through scientific criticism and argument.
Social & Behavioral Sciences (S)
The social and behavioral sciences provide instruction in the key themes, principles and terminology of a social and behavioral science discipline of your choice. These courses focus on the history, underlying theory and / or methodologies used in that discipline. You will learn to identify, describe and explain social institutions, structures and processes. These courses emphasize the effective application of accepted problem-solving techniques as well as the evaluation of opinions and outcomes.
Student Learning Outcomes (pdf)
More Information
Guide to Majors for Undergraduate Students
The Guide to Majors for Undergraduate Students includes course descriptions of Writing and Math requirement courses, indicated by (WR) or (MR).
Schedule of Courses
The Schedule of Courses lists the General Education courses (identified by code in GE column) offered in a specific term.
AICE, AP, IB or CLEP credits
The link describes the awarding of incoming AICE, AP, IB or CLEP credits toward completion of the Writing and Math Requirements.