UAB’s core curriculum requirements aim to give students a balanced education. The Core Curriculum consists of four areas, and all students must fulfill requirements in each area. Each school within UAB also has specific requirements for each area. You should check the appropriate section in the catalog or talk to your academic advisor about specific requirements for your school or major.
Core Curriculum Requirements
The Core Curriculum consists of four areas, and all students must fulfill requirements in each area. There are also specific school requirements for each area. You should check the appropriate section in the catalog or talk to your academic advisor about specific requirements for your school or major.
Area I. Written Composition (6 hours)
Requirements include 6 semester hours in written composition. UAB students must complete EH 101 and EH 102 with a grade of C or better.
Area II. Humanities and Fine Arts (12 hours)
Requirements include at least 12 semester hours in humanities with a minimum of 3 semester hours in literature, 3 semester hours in the arts, and the remaining hours from the humanities and/or fine arts. In addition to literature, disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy, religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music, theatre, and dance. As part of the Core Curriculum, students must complete a 6-semester hour sequence either in literature or in history.
Area III. Natural Sciences and Mathematics (11 hours)
Requirements include at least 11 semester hours with at least 3 semester hours in mathematics at the precalculus algebra level or higher and at least 8 semester hours in the natural sciences. All courses in the natural sciences must include laboratory experiences. Disciplines in the natural sciences include but are not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.
Area IV. History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences (12 hours)
Requirements include 12 semester hours with at least 3 semester hours course in history and at least 6 semester hours from among other disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. As part of the Core Curriculum, students must complete a 6-semester hour sequence either in literature or in history.
1998 Core Curriculum Changes
Beginning in Fall 1998 a change in UAB core curriculum requirements was instituted in response to a state law that should make it possible for students to transfer from two-year to four-year schools or from one four-year school to another without losing credits.
The Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee (AGSC) was created in March 1994 by the State Legislature through ACT 94-202. The AGSC was charged to develop, no later than September 1, 1998, a statewide freshman- and sophomore-level general studies curriculum to be taken at all public colleges and universities.
UAB's Core Curriculum consists of Alabama's general studies curriculum, including specific course requirements for certain majors and additional school requirements. If you come under the 1998 Core Curriculum, you need to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses required for your major.
Who Must Meet Core Curriculum Requirements
- First-time college freshmen who have no credit for college work (with the exception of credit earned while still enrolled in high school).
- Returning UAB students or transfer students who are enrolling as degree-seeking students after an absence from college of more than 12 months.
- Students who enroll for the first time in any institution of higher education in Fall 1998 or later and who subsequently transfer to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Any student with a valid articulation contract from an Alabama two-year school will be able to enroll under the terms of the contract. These contracts must have been submitted to UAB's Office of Admission according to proper procedures.
As of Fall Term, 2000, all undergraduate students entering UAB will be subject to the 1998 Core Curriculum requirements.
For Students in HUM, NSM and SBS
In addition to fulfilling UAB's Core Curriculum, students with majors in these schools must satisfy the requirements of two of the following three tracks, for a maximum of six credit hours. Courses that fulfill these tracks are marked in the Class Schedule.
A. Foreign Language/Foreign Culture (3 hours)
B. Critical Reasoning/Philosophy (3 hours)
C. Computer Science/Technology (0-3 hours)
Get More Information about the Core Curriculum
Your academic advisor is the best source of information about your degree requirements. All advisors are listed on page 11 of the class schedule and on this Web site at Academic Advising.Make an appointment.
The courses in the Class Schedule are designated as "CORE" if approved by the Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee (AGSC) to satisfy Area requirements. For example, EH 101 and EH 102 are each marked "(CORE AREA I)."
Also refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.