The Core Defined
The General Education Core has a firm foundation in UC's Academic Plan, to reaffirm liberal education as the core to preparing students as life-long learners. Our General Education course requirements are purposefully designed to strengthen four important learning outcomes or competencies throughout the student's progress toward their degree. These include: critical thinking, effective communication, knowledge integration, and social responsibility. Along with the four core competencies, information literacy is an essential skill that supports each of the baccalaureate competencies and must permeate every component of the General Education Core. More information about the process designed to achieve these core competencies may be found at
To fulfill general education requirements, students should always refer to the Breadth of Knowledge Code, which is available next to most course listings in the Schedule of Classes at www.onestop.uc.edu. The appropriate, two digit designators for each requirement are listed below.
Gen Ed Science Electives consist of courses from any baccalaureate college* in a natural science, (such as biology, geology, chemistry, nutrition or physical geography). Lab work is not required but may be elected. Natural Science electives must carry the Breadth of Knowledge (BoK) code (NS).
Gen Ed History Electives consist of courses taken from any baccalaureate college* which provides a historical perspective (such as history, art history and selected courses in African-American studies and Judaic studies, etc.). Historical Perspectives electives must carry the Breadth of Knowledge (BoK) code (HP).
Gen Ed Fine Arts Electives consists of courses from any baccalaureate college* in the fine arts (such as music appreciation, visual and performing arts, and selected courses in classical civilization and creative writing, etc.). Fine Arts electives must carry the Breadth of Knowledge (BoK) code (FA).
Gen Ed Psychology/Sociology Electives consists of courses from any baccalaureate college* that help students to develop an understanding of personal, interpersonal and societal forces that shape people's lives (such as communications, anthropology, planning, political science, psychology and sociology).
*Carl H. Lindner College of Business students are not permitted to take any courses, including electives, from two-year colleges, such as UC Blue Ash (28) and Clermont College (34), or from the College of Engineering and Applied Science (20) and the Information Technology courses in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services (18). On rare occasions, exceptions may be granted for students filing a Course Substitution Request form requesting permission. The form should be filed at least two weeks in advance of the beginning of the quarter in which the course is taken.
Free Electives
Lindner College of Business students are advised to be strategic with their choice of free electives. Students can use free electives to build “packages” of course work that will enhance their portfolios. Such options include the selection of a second major within the Lindner College of Business or a minor or certificate in a related area from another UC college. For example, the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences offers many minors and certificates, as listed at the link below.
http://www.artsci.uc.edu/collegemain/programs/
Free electives may be chosen from courses offered by any baccalaureate college at the university, including the Lindner College of Business, with the exception of the College of Engineering and Applied Science (20) and the Information Technology courses in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services (18). On rare occasions, College of Engineering and Applied Science course exceptions may be approved for students filing a Course Substitution Request form. The form should be filed at least two weeks in advance of the beginning of the quarter in which the course is taken. Students should be aware that developmental courses and duplicate courses may not be applied toward the degree.
