Student Information
About
The University of Idaho offers students a vertical, multi-year liberal educational experience to complement the course work in each student's major.
Each year’s General Education courses build on the foundations of the previous year, reiterating and interlinking with the other courses and seminars embedded in the students major which are all supported by the University General Education Learning Outcomes for all programs.
The General Education curriculum impacts students by better preparing them as life-long learners. It prepares students with the skills and abilities to:
- Learn and integrate,
- Think and create,
- Use multiple and interdisciplinary methods and strategies,
- Communicate and collaborate,
- Clarify purpose and perspective, and
- Practice good citizenship.
Academic advisers help students select from the several courses outside the academic major used to satisfy both state and institutional general education requirements. Together, these are the classes known as the General Education Curriculum.
Statewide General Education Requirements are coupled with the following institutional requirements, an American Diversity Course, an International Course and a Senior Experience. These were developed by the University Committee for General Education and approved by the University Curriculum Committee and Faculty Senate. All Statewide General Education and University requirements are listed under section J - General Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree, under "General Requirements and Academic Procedures" of the General Catalog for your particular year of entry or latest change of catalog year. All the J-3-a, J-3-b, J-3-c, J-3-d, and J-3-e, regulations currently meet the State Board of Education - General Education Matriculation "GEM" certification. J-3-f. addresses the Institutional requirements.
Inclusive of "high-impact, best practices," U of I General Education is distinguished by its addition of American Diversity and International components, and current Integrative Studies (Senior Experience).
The General Education curriculum is not a stand-alone set of courses, but integrated and complementary to, and supportive of, the student’s educational experiences gained through his or her major program of study. A degree from the University of Idaho is more than a ‘major’. It is a springboard to a successful career, community engagement, and personal fulfillment. A General Education, and the skill sets that you build with it, are a life-long endeavor.