The Liberal Arts Curriculum
The Liberal Arts Curriculum, administered by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies in collaboration with UNC's other colleges, is the centerpiece of an undergraduate student's learning at UNC. To be an educated person means not only to possess a set of skills and knowledge within a discipline but to be a continual learner able to understand the connections between and among the academic disciplines. The vision and goals of the LAC encapsulate the university's aspirations for all of its graduates.
Mission
The mission of the program is to give students a foundation in the liberal arts enabling them to become responsible, well-educated citizens capable of contributing effectively to a rapidly changing, technologically advanced, global society. The program's curriculum is designed to introduce students to undergraduate studies; to foster their competencies in reading, writing, critical thinking, mathematics, and the use of technology; to improve their awareness of the multicultural character of contemporary society; and to give them a sense of connection among the various academic disciplines. Students who complete the program will be prepared to think for themselves, to marshal relevant information, to reason about complex issues, to reflect upon questions of principle, to express themselves effectively, to recognize the importance of the past, to appreciate cultures and values different from their own, to make choices with a sense of their ethical implications, to work towards a better future, and to function with skill and knowledge in an ever-changing world.
Requirements
Students are required to complete at least 31 hours distributed among the following areas:
- Written Communication — 6 credits
- Mathematics — 3 credits
- Arts & Humanities, History, Social & Behavioral Sciences, U.S. Multicultural Studies, and International Studies — 15 credits
- Natural & Physical Sciences — 7 credits
U.S. Multicultural Studies and International Studies Requirement:
To complete the 31 credit LAC state minimum, at least one course (3 credits) must carry a U.S. Multicultural Studies [MS] designation, and at least one course (3 credits) must carry an International Studies [IS] designation. In order to complete the Liberal Arts curriculum within 31 credits, six total credits must be double counted.
Special Notes
- Students must fulfill any Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements specified by their major. Students must consult with their academic advisor, the university catalog, and Degree Works for specific requirements.
- No course taken before the time it appears as a Liberal Arts Curriculum course in the Catalog may be used to satisfy the requirements of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.
- No course taken after the time it is removed from the eligibility list for the Liberal Arts Curriculum may be used to satisfy the requirements of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.
- Regardless of a student’s catalog year, any course taken at UNC after Summer 2006 may be used to satisfy a particular Liberal Arts Curriculum requirement if and only if it is listed as an approved Liberal Arts Curriculum course in the relevant area in the Catalog in effect at the time at which it was taken.
- Each UNC Catalog is in effect for six years. UNC’s previous “General Education” program therefore expired in Summer 2011. Students who were at any time subject to the requirements of that program must now satisfy the requirements of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. If a course that was taken to satisfy one of the previous General Education requirements is still listed as an approved course in the Liberal Arts Curriculum, that course may still be counted toward the satisfaction of the relevant requirement in the Liberal Arts Curriculum. If it is no longer listed as an approved course in the Liberal Arts Curriculum, it may not be so counted.
- Courses taken at UNC not approved for inclusion in the Liberal Art Curriculum may not be substituted for courses that have been approved for inclusion in the Liberal Art Curriculum in the satisfaction of the requirements of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Any course being transferred to UNC that has not already been designated as equivalent to any course approved for inclusion within the Liberal Arts Curriculum will be referred to a transfer specialist in the Office of the Registrar for review. If it is decided that the course is equivalent to an approved Liberal Arts Curriculum course, it will be designated as such for all students desiring to transfer it to UNC in the future.
- Courses bearing the designation "gtP" have all been approved for inclusion in Colorado's Guaranteed Pathways (gtP).
Waiver of Liberal Arts Core Requirements
Individuals with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or a Bachelor’s degree (regardless of date of completion) from a regionally accredited institution will have their Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements waived. Certain UNC majors require specific/or additional LAC credit. These requirements are not waived by the AA, AS, or Bachelor's degree.
Exceptions to the Requirements of the Liberal Arts Core
Students interested in challenging a Liberal Arts Core course should contact the appropriate program to determine the availability of a challenge examination.
Guaranteed Transferability
Courses bearing the "gtP" designation have been approved by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) for inclusion in the Colorado Guaranteed Transfer Program. These courses will automatically transfer to any Colorado public institution and continue to count toward general education or other graduation requirements for any liberal arts or science associate or bachelor’s degree program, if you receive a grade of "C-" or better. Statewide articulation agreements prescribe courses that will transfer in general education and within specific degrees. The list of statewide articulation agreements is located on this link: Statewide Articulation Agreements.
Exploring the Liberal Arts Program
Exploring the Liberal Arts is UNC’s program of study for first-year students who choose to begin building their academic foundation prior to declaring a major. Administered by Soar, in collaboration with the Center for Career Readiness, this program provides students an environment of intensive professional advising that helps them discover their academic interests and aptitudes while exploring the rich and diverse course offerings in UNC’s Liberal Arts Curriculum. Students emerge from their "exploring" experiences solidly grounded in an understanding of their path to academic success.