General Education requirements
General Education: The foundation of your undergraduate education
General Education is the required core curriculum every University of Idaho undergraduate student completes, regardless of major. Through courses in writing, communication, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, you'll develop the essential knowledge and transferable skills every college graduate needs — including critical thinking, communication, scientific reasoning, ethical decision-making and collaboration.
This interdisciplinary curriculum complements your major by broadening your perspective, strengthening your ability to solve complex problems and helping you apply what you learn in real-world settings. Whether you're preparing for a career, graduate school or lifelong learning, General Education provides the academic foundation to adapt, lead and contribute in a rapidly changing world.
University of Idaho's General Education curriculum aligns with Idaho State Board of Education policies and reflects the knowledge, skills and learning outcomes expected of a well-rounded college graduate.
Why is the General Education curriculum required?
Your major prepares you for a specific profession. General Education readies you to succeed in any profession. Together, they ground you as an engaged citizen.
Through a broad range of courses and experiences, you'll develop transferable skills that employers consistently value, including critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability. Along the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the world, learn to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and develop the skills to engage as a citizen.
Skills employers value most
Today's employers are looking for graduates who can think critically, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, collaborate with others and adapt to change. These durable, transferable skills help graduates succeed across industries and throughout their careers.
Among the skills employers value most are:
- Complex problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Work ethic and ethical decision-making
- Strong written and oral communication
- Adaptability and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings
- Scientific and technological literacy
University of Idaho's General Education curriculum intentionally develops these competencies through courses in the sciences, humanities, mathematics and social sciences, giving you a strong foundation for your major, your career and lifelong learning.
General Education requirements and learning outcomes
Every University of Idaho undergraduate student completes the General Education curriculum as part of earning a degree. Designed to complement your major, these courses help you achieve the university's learning outcomes while building the knowledge and transferable skills needed for success after graduation.
Learning outcomes and career-ready skills
University of Idaho's General Education curriculum is built around the university's learning outcomes and the durable skills employers value most. Through your coursework, you'll strengthen competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, ethical decision-making and problem-solving.
The curriculum also supports the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, including teamwork, professionalism, leadership and technology.
Curriculum requirements
To earn a bachelor's or associate degree at University of Idaho, you'll complete 36 credits of General Education coursework across nine foundational learning areas, culminating in a senior capstone experience. These courses build the knowledge and transferable skills that complement your major while meeting Idaho State Board of Education requirements.
Your General Education requirements include:
- Written Communication (6 credits): Strengthen your writing and information literacy skills for academic, professional and personal success.
- Oral Communication (3 credits): Build confidence presenting ideas, engaging in discussions and communicating effectively with others.
- Scientific Ways of Knowing (7–8 credits): Learn how to evaluate evidence, understand scientific discoveries and solve problems using data.
- Mathematical Ways of Knowing (3 credits): Develop quantitative reasoning and mathematical problem-solving skills.
- Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing (6 credits): Explore creativity, culture and the human experience through the arts and humanities.
- Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing (6 credits): Examine how individuals, communities and societies interact and evolve.
- American Experience (1 course): Study the history, institutions and civic traditions that have shaped the United States.
- International Experience (1 course or an approved study abroad experience): Develop a global perspective through international coursework or an approved study abroad experience.
- Capstone Experience (1 course): Apply what you've learned by integrating your General Education and major coursework through a culminating academic experience.
Learn more about General Education requirements and academic procedures
Capstone experience
During your senior year, you'll complete a capstone course that brings together what you've learned in your General Education and major coursework. This culminating experience emphasizes research, communication, collaboration and real-world problem-solving while preparing you for professional practice or graduate study.
Transfer students
If you're transferring to University of Idaho, your General Education requirements may already be partially or fully satisfied through previous coursework. Depending on your academic background, you may complete either the University of Idaho General Education curriculum or the Idaho State Board of Education Core requirements. Your academic advisor will help determine how your transfer credits apply toward your degree.
Get details on transferring credits and meeting your General Education requirements.
My experience in General Education courses prepared me for more advanced coursework and real-world responsibilities. These courses helped me build discipline and confidence for future success.
Ainslee Hoover
B.S.Bus. marketing graduate
How you complete your General Education requirements
Completing your General Education requirements is a flexible process designed to complement your major and support your academic goals. Along the way, your academic advisor will help you select courses, understand which requirements you've already met through placement, AP or concurrent credit, and create a plan that keeps you on track for graduation.
Step 1: Build your foundation
Complete courses across the nine General Education knowledge areas to develop essential academic knowledge and career-ready skills.
Step 2: Personalize your experience
Choose many of your General Education courses based on your interests, career goals and major requirements.
Step 3: Bring it all together
Complete a capstone experience that connects your General Education and major coursework through research, collaboration and real-world application.
Ready to plan your General Education courses?
Your academic advisor can help you understand which requirements you've already completed through AP, dual-credit or transfer coursework and recommend classes that fit your major and interests.
Explore available courses or schedule a meeting with your advisor to get started.
My experience in PHIL 1103: Introduction to Ethics helps me engage with diverse perspectives, fostering skills in open communication and respectful dialogue, especially when navigating differing opinions. These abilities have translated directly into my work, allowing me to better understand clients’ viewpoints, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively.
Mason Benoit
B.S.Bus. marketing student