As a future student at Texas Christian University, you are stepping into an academic environment that encourages students to explore beyond the boundaries of their chosen major. The TCU Core Curriculum is the heart of a well-rounded education that prepares you for life inside and outside the classroom. Think of it as a roadmap to discovering your interests, building critical skills, and unlocking opportunities you might not have imagined.
What is the TCU Core Curriculum?
The TCU Core Curriculum is the foundation for general education, and it aims to ensure that every student becomes equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle global challenges, succeed in various career paths, and thrive as engaged citizens.
Aligned with TCU’s Mission, Vision, and Values, the Core Curriculum is one of the many factors that make a TCU education invaluable.
As a graduate, you will leave TCU with the ability to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, understand quantitative and scientific reasoning, and learn what it means to be a responsible citizen. You can read more about the four essential areas of the core here!
Why does the Core Curriculum Matter?
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!
The Core Curriculum is designed to help you make connections between subjects, give you the skills and confidence to solve real-world problems, and broaden your horizons with courses you may not have taken otherwise. These classes can spark new interests, lead to a second major or minor, or help you discover a path you hadn’t considered before.
Making the Core Curriculum Work for You!
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.
Think Core, Think Explore
As you prepare to start your TCU journey, consider the Core Curriculum as a launchpad for your academic and personal growth. It is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and build a foundation for lifelong learning.
For more information about the Core Curriculum and how it fits into your degree plan, visit this link. You can also explore and read more about the four learning outcomes of the core in greater detail here.
Your time as a Horned Frog will be filled with discovery, growth, and new opportunities. The Core Curriculum is here to help you make the most of your TCU experience!
Macy Bayer ’28 studies journalism at TCU with a minor in political science, and is from Muenster, Texas. She is a social media and marketing intern for the Office of Admission.