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The Texas Common Core and UHD General Education Requirements

Understanding Transfer Credit and General Education Requirements

Scope of Gen Ed at UHD

The University of Houston-Downtown’s General Education Curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in communication, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, creative arts, social and behavioral sciences, history, and government, consistent with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's requirements for the 42 Semester Credit Hour (SCH) Texas Core Curriculum. Through coursework designed to develop critical thinking, communication, empirical and quantitative reasoning, teamwork, personal responsibility, and social responsibility, the curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong learning, productive employment, and informed civic engagement. The General Education curriculum promotes intellectual breadth by exposing students to diverse disciplinary perspectives while fostering the ability to analyze complex issues and make evidence-based decisions. The foundational nature of the courses also prepares students for success in their upper-division university coursework. 

In alignment with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) expectations for general education, the UHD Core Curriculum ensures that all undergraduate students complete a coherent program of study that extends beyond specialized academic training and supports the development of transferable competencies. Collectively, these learning experiences prepare students to contribute effectively to their professions, their communities, and an increasingly interconnected world.  

Facilitating Seamless Transfer

The Texas Core Curriculum and UHD’s General Education requirements UHD is organized into eight state-defined foundational knowledge areas that provide students with a broad and balanced educational experience. Courses in these areas are selected to develop the core objectives established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, including critical thinking, communication, empirical and quantitative reasoning, teamwork, and personal and social responsibility. UHD also uses the ninth Core Curriculum component area to offer First-Year Seminar courses, which introduce students to college-level learning while strengthening academic success skills, engagement, and persistence. Together, the core curriculum ensures that students gain both the breadth of knowledge and transferable skills expected of all undergraduate graduates while supporting a successful transition into university study. 

UHD can accommodate Texas core courses taken at other post-secondary Texas institutions, such the Houston region’s community colleges. In order to assist transferability, the Texas Common Core courses taught at UHD are organized by foundational category (10-90). UHD honors the core codes assigned to courses taught by other Texas schools, even if there is no direct equivalent.  However, some Major Area requirements will require specific common core courses in their degree plan or as a pre-requisite. Note that the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNs) equivalent is provided to further help transfer students and their advisors. 

 

UHD's Gen Ed Courses by TX Common Core Area Requirements