Academic Policies

General Education Tier One and Tier Two

Amended to reflect changes adopted 12/10/08 by the University-wide General Education Committee

Both Tier One and Tier Two courses offer breadth of knowledge and methods of inquiry. By exposing students to various areas of study, these courses are designed to foster independent, creative, and interactive learning, prompting students to think about themselves, others, and social organizations in new and insightful ways.

Tier Structure:

Tier One courses introduce students to fundamental issues and concepts pertinent to three study areas:

Students entering the University as freshmen will be expected to complete Tier One requirements by the end of the midpoint of their degree (e.g., for a four-year 120-unit degree program, by the end of the second year of full-time work, or the completion of 60 units). 

A complete list of Tier One courses with descriptions is available in the General Catalog. Note: Students with a major in one of the sciences can satisfy their Natural Sciences requirement with their core laboratory science courses. Students with a non-science-intensive major may substitute designated laboratory science courses for their Natural Sciences requirements if they wish.

To be completed after Tier One, Tier Two courses offer more in-depth examination of particular disciplines. They are organized into four study areas:

One study area (one course or 3 units in Arts) may be satisfied by a course taken for the major; each major identifies which study area can be completed within its course work. Students must complete Tier Two requirements by the conclusion of their undergraduate degree. 

A complete list of Tier Two courses with descriptions is available in the General Catalog.

One course in a student’s degree program must focus on one of the following areas: Gender, Race, Class, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, or Non-Western Studies. A complete list of Diversity Emphasis courses with descriptions is available in the General Catalog.

This requirement may be filled by a designated Tier One or Tier Two course, or by a designated course taken in the student’s major or minor. 

Your Specific Requirements:

To see the requirements and courses specific to your major and degree program, consult your Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) or your Student Academic Progress Report (SAPR) in Student Link.  Please direct questions to your academic advisor.

• General Education Curriculum overview
• General Education Foundations