General Education Refresh

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A NEW APPROACH

 

There’s nothing generic about the University of Arizona’s redefined GenEd program. Guided by decades of research and input, the customizable curriculum better prepares today’s students for the challenges of tomorrow.

GENED AT A GLANCE

WHAT IS IT?

32* Credits. Hundreds of Paths

The GenEd program is divided into five segments.

1

Credit

 

UNIV 101
Introductions and setting expectations.

 

9

Credit

 

FOUNDATIONS 
Core, essential classes.

*Unit amount is variable

 

12

Credit

 

EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES
Challenge preconceived notions.

 

9

Credit

 

BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Trying new approaches together.

 

1

Credit

 

UNIV 301
The culmination of the GenEd program.

 

INFO FOR STUDENTS

GenEd In Practice

The combination of classes that students create is up to them, based on their desired career. The goal: To take standardized education requirements to the next level. 

Example: A student would like to work for a nonprofit organization that works with underprivileged communities in the Southwest. They may be encouraged to take an anthropology class focused on the history of people in the Southwest.

SEE GENED CLASSES

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Engaging Environments

The classes aren’t the only things that set the University of Arizona’s GenEd program apart. Dynamic, interactive education spaces disrupt the stereotypical setting. Students aren’t just talked to, they’re getting hands-on and putting lessons into practice immediately.

Real-World Surroundings
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Low student-to-faculty ratio

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Active faculty involvement

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In-class student engagement

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Participatory labs, studios, and makerspaces

HOW IT WORKS

Completely designed by students for their future career goals and interests, the refreshed GenEd program is a customizable combo of 30+ credits that changes perspectives and sets Wildcats apart.

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UNIV 101 - 1 credit
UNIV 301 - 1 credit
Foundations - 9 credits
Exploring Perspectives - 12 credits
Building Connections - 9 credits
Degree Programs - 88 credits

HISTORY & IMPLEMENTATION

Why Change?

As students’ academic needs evolve and the world grows more complex, it is clear that the opportunity to update and improve general education at the University of Arizona is of utmost importance. With support from the university strategic plan, a committee of professors, students, and staff have worked diligently to build a curriculum that anticipates the needs of tomorrow’s students, and allows flexibility for individualized career paths.

Implementation

In most cases, the new program serves students who started taking classes at the University of Arizona in Spring 2022 or after. For the Tiers Program, which serves students who started taking classes before Spring 2022, please refer to our Gen Ed program, the Tiers Program.

INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES

 

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