Graduation FAQ

How do I find out where my transfer work fits in to the general requirements?

After you are admitted the Admissions Office will evaluate your transcripts and determine which courses at your previous school count toward General Education at the University of Utah. You will receive a Summary of Transfer Credit indicating how your transfer courses fit into the University of Utah's General Education requirements.

Where do I go for help if I think that a transfer course should count toward general education?

Make an appointment with an advisor at University College, 801.581.8146. Bring a course description or syllabus. We can evaluate the course based on the University's guidelines and determine if it fulfills the requirement.

If a course is listed in two different IE areas can it count for both?

No, it can count in either area, but not both. The Degree Audit Report System (DARS) will use the course where it is needed. For instance, if a course can count for either Fine Arts or Humanities and you have already taken two Humanities IE courses, the course will automatically be counted as a Fine Arts.

Can a diversity course also "double count" as an IE course?

Yes, as long as it is on the approved list for both requirements.

When do I have to have my General Education done?

The only time requirement is that all General Education requirements must be completed before you can graduate.

Can courses for my major count toward General Education?

Courses from your major can count toward General Education. However, some majors do not allow this so be sure to check with a departmental advisor in your major.

What general education do I have left if I have an associates degree?

If you have an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science from another school in Utah, all of your General Education is automatically completed. One possible exception could be the American Institutions requirement. If your Associates degree was earned at a school in another state, your IE courses and the lower division Writing requirements are automatically completed. Other General Education requirements are evaluated on a course by course basis. PLEASE NOTE--An Associate of Applied Science does not automatically clear General Education.

What's the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. degree?

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) demonstrates proficiency in math while a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) demonstrates proficiency in a second language. A B.S. degree requires two Quantitative Intensive (QI) courses, and a B.A. degree requires fourth semester proficiency in a second language. Some majors allow you to choose to do either a B.A. or a B.S., while others do not offer you a choice.

Where can I find the U of U courses that count towards general education?

You can find the lists of General Education courses in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin or in each semester Class Schedule.

What's the difference between foundation and integration courses?

Foundation courses tend to be more general and basic while Integration courses are more in depth and may require prerequisites. It does not matter which you take. In any area you can take two Foundation courses or two Integration courses, or one of each.

May I take General Education courses credit/no credit?

Not all of them can be taken CR/NC. IE courses and Writing courses must be taken for a grade and the rest can be taken credit/no credit unless also required for your major. (Classes for your major cannot be taken credit/no credit).

May I test out of any of the general education requirements?

Yes, the University of Utah accepts CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test credit for the four IE areas and lower division Writing. These tests, however, are not recommended for all students. You should see an advisor at University College before taking any CLEP tests.

Will "old" lib ed courses fulfill the new general education requirements?

Yes, many of them will. For instance, the old Core and Distribution courses fulfill IE requirements. Make an appointment with an advisor at University College if you have any questions.

Special Programs

The U offers several programs that incorporate courses that fulfill many University-wide Graduation Requirements. For more information on each of them, see below.

 
Last Updated: 3/14/13