Overview & Framework

Jumpstart your college experience with two courses that provide the tools for academic success, helping you thrive from day one. In Legends 101, you'll choose from a variety of fun and engaging topics that immerse you in the UA academic community and launch you as a university-level critical thinker. In your home college's compass course, you'll learn best practices for your college studies, major and career.

Master the art of communication with courses that teach you how to express ideas clearly and persuasively, skills that will benefit you in any profession. Students with a high school 3.0 GPA or higher will place into EN 103 (3-credit hours). Successful completion of EN 103 will count as completing the Written Composition requirement.

Discover the excitement of science and math through intriguing lectures and hands-on learning, gaining insights that help you solve both theoretical and real-world problems. 8 credit hours of approved natural-science courses, including 2 laboratory credit hours, plus 3 credit hours of approved mathematical-science courses.

Dive into the past and present to understand what drives human behavior and shapes societies, equipping you to engage thoughtfully with the issues or contexts that you will encounter after college.

• 3 hours must be History.

Experience the global richness of human creativity and culture, discuss timeless questions, and foster imagination and innovation by studying art, popular culture, philosophy, literature, music, languages, and more.

• 3 hours must be literature.
• World language proficiency requirement:
  • One component of the general education is the demonstration of world language proficiency. This proficiency requirement can be satisfied in one of the following ways:
    • Complete and pass a two-semester sequence of introductory language courses in a single world language (6-8 semester hours) at UA. Students may also transfer an equivalent sequence from another postsecondary institution, subject to the Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy. In addition to satisfying the world language proficiency requirement, these courses will also count towards the fulfillment of the humanities/fine arts/literature/world language general education requirement.
    • Complete and pass UA’s written composition sequence for non-native speakers of English, EN 120 and EN 121. Students who complete this sequence will fulfill both the world language and written composition requirement of the general education.
    • Complete a world language placement exam at UA and score high enough to be placed at the 201-level or above. Students placing into the second part of an introductory language sequence course (102) will satisfy the world language proficiency requirement after successfully completing the 102 course.
    • Complete and pass two years of a world language in high school as documented on the official high school transcript.
    • Meet the criteria to receive a Seal of Biliteracy.
    • Complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science at a postsecondary institution that is fully accredited by one of the six agencies listed in the Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy.

Become a global thinker by exploring cultural and societal issues in your major, minor, and beyond. Engage in projects and discussions that prepare you to make a meaningful impact in today’s interconnected world.

Take your writing to the next level with courses that refine your skills for professional success, teaching you to craft compelling narratives and persuasive arguments in your field.

• Three semester hours in 300- and 400-level courses, preferably in the student's major, approved for the writing designation. Read more.

Take what you are learning into the classroom and apply it to solving real-world problems.

• Three semester hours in any 100- through 400-level course, preferably in the student's major, approved for the experiential learning designation.