Explore interests. Build Skills. Prepare for success in career and life.
As a student at Texas Christian University, you are in an academic environment that encourages you to explore beyond the boundaries of your chosen major, or help you discover your major or minor. The TCU Core Curriculum is a launchpad to discovering your interests, building critical skills, and unlocking opportunities you might not have imagined.
I had the invaluable opportunity to learn in classes that I might not have taken otherwise, with students from different majors. Living in a bubble does not lead to progress. Being exposed to other people’s opinions and ways of life allows me to grow in my knowledge and range of thinking. – finance major, Class of ’24
The TCU Core Curriculum is organized around four student learning outcomes that 9 out of 10 employers say they look for when hiring recent college graduates.
CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING – 30 hours
COMMUNICATION – 15 hours
RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP – 9 hours
QUANTITATIVE AND SCIENTIFIC REASONING – 9 hours
Starting college is an exciting time full of possibilities, but it can also feel overwhelming. You may wonder how your classes fit together or what to take beyond your major. The Core Curriculum is here to guide you. These classes can spark new interests, lead to a second major or minor, or help you discover a path you hadn’t considered before.
Access Core Curriculum Classes
Class Search: Current semester courses are designated as Core in the code column.
Tableau: Log in to your TCU account on campus or VPN. Enter “Core Courses with Attributes” in the search bar to access a searchable dashboard showing which Core attributes courses carry.
Email: Contact the Core Curriculum office at louisa.mansah@tcu.edu.
Click here for the list of course requirements.
Download an advising sheet to plan your courses. (fillable or printable)
The Core Curriculum is not something you have to finish all at once. Instead, it is intended to complement your major. Many courses count toward multiple requirements, also known as “double dipping,” which allows you to explore your passions while staying on track to graduate.
When planning your schedule, think of the Core Curriculum as an opportunity, not a checklist. These classes are where you will meet and share perspectives with students from other majors, explore diverse viewpoints, and gain the versatility to set you up for success.
FAQS
Why am I required to take Core Curriculum courses?
We want to make sure your TCU degree gives you a range of knowledge, skills and experiences beyond the courses in your major.
How is the Core Curriculum relevant to getting a job?
Nine out of ten employers view the breadth of learning you’ll encounter in the TCU Core Curriculum as very important, according to an American Association of Colleges and Universities survey.
How many hours do I take to complete the Core Curriculum?
A minimum of 39 hours. When planning your schedule, think of the Core Curriculum as an opportunity, not a checklist. These classes are where you will meet and share perspectives with students from other majors, explore diverse subjects, and gain the versatility to set you up for success.
How do I know which courses provide Core Curriculum credit?
In TCU Class Search, check the boxes in the colored panel on the right to see what is being offered tat semester. You may check more than one box to see if any courses meet more than one Core Curriculum requirement.
I am a transfer student. Can I transfer credits toward Core Curriculum requirements?
You may fulfill many Core Curriculum requirements through transfer or credit by exam. Once you are enrolled as a TCU student, you must follow TCU’s policy regarding transfer credits and seek approval in advance.
For students who enrolled at TCU from fall 2024 forward, transfer credits are not accepted for Writing Emphasis courses.
For students who enrolled before fall 2024, Cultural Awareness, Global Awareness, Citizenship and Social Values, and six hours in Writing Emphasis must be taken at TCU.
Do I have to finish all of my Core Curriculum courses in my first and second years?
The Core Curriculum is not something you have to finish all at once. Instead, it is intended to complement your major throughout your four years of study. However, some majors or colleges require that you complete specific Core Curriculum courses before entering the major. Be sure to check with your advisor.
I’ve heard about double-dipping. What does that mean?
Many courses count toward multiple requirements, also known as double-dipping, which allows you to explore your interests while staying on track to graduate.
How do I know how close to completion I am?
Check my.tcu.edu at any time. Your degree progress report has a section devoted to your progress in the Core Curriculum.
What if I can’t get the Core Curriculum course I want when I’m registering?
Since there are many Core Curriculum courses and you don’t have to do them in a certain order, you can be flexible when registering. If there’s a course you really want that is full this semester, shift to another course and look for that course in a future semester.
I am in the John V. Roach Honors College. Are my Core Curriculum requirements different?
The Roach Honors College provides courses that are both Honors and Core Curriculum, as well as Honors sections of Core Curriculum courses offered in other departments. Use class search to see which courses carry Honors and Core Curriculum designations.
I really like a Core Curriculum course I’m taking and wonder if I should change my major or add it as a minor or second major. What should I do?
Make an appointment with the professor who is teaching the Core Curriculum course. They can help you with information about the major or minor the department offers, possible career paths, and how this could be a beneficial field of study for you to pursue. Then, check with your advisor. If you decide to make a change or add a major/minor, you can do that on my.tcu.edu.
Does Study Abroad fulfill Core Curriculum requirements?
Some do and some do not. Check with TCU Global.
Summer study abroad courses taught by TCU faculty may fulfill Core Curriculum requirements. If you plan to study abroad for a semester or year, consider Core Curriculum requirements in Humanities or Fine Arts. These are ideal courses to take while abroad.
Semester study abroad programs may meet some Core requirements but must be checked in advance. Click here for TCU Global advising FAQs. NOTE: For students enrolling at TCU in fall 2024 and after, Writing Emphasis (WEM) requirements may not be met through transfer credits. For students who enrolled before fall 2024, Global Awareness, Citizenship and Social Values, and six hours in Writing Emphasis must be taken at TCU. Cultural Awareness may be completed on a semester study abroad courses by request.