Curriculum Overview

Approved courses for each component are listed in the online UNCW Catalogue.

All University Studies components are aligned to the UNCW Learning Goals.

University Studies Components:

• Foundations*
  • Composition (3 - 6 hours)
  • Lifespan Wellness (2 hours)
  • Mathematics and Statistics (3 hours)
  • World Languages and Cultures (3 - 6 hours)
  • First-Year Seminar (3 hours)
• Approaches and Perspectives*
  • Aesthetic, Interpretive, and Literary Perspectives (6 hours)
  • Historical and Philosophical Approaches (6 hours)
  • Scientific Approaches to the Natural World (7 hours)
  • Understanding Human Institutions and Behaviors (6 hours)
  • Living in Our Diverse Nation (3 hours)
  • Living in a Global Society (3 hours)

• Building Competencies
  • Writing Intensive (6 hours)
  • Information Literacy (6 hours)
  • Critical Reasoning (3 hours; Effective Academic Year 2017-2018)
• Explorations Beyond the Classroom (1 approved experience)

Previous University Studies requirements (prior to 2017-2018):

• Capstone Courses (1 - 4 hours)
• Quantitative and Logical Reasoning (3 hours)

*Please note that students that fall under the 2011-2012 UNCW Catalogue year are only responsible for Phase I of University Studies (including the Foundations and Approaches and Perspectives categories, excepting the First Year Seminar requirement).

Students under the 2012-2013 UNCW Catalogue year are held to all components of the University Studies Curriculum.

WI / IL credit hour reduction (for 2018-2019)

In October 2017 the Faculty Senate voted to reduce the required hours of Writing Intensive and Information Literacy from 9 hours to 6, beginning for students next year (2018-2019 catalogue).

Language Requirement Flowchart

If you are confused about what course(s) you will need to fulfill your language requirement, click here to view the UNCW Language Requirement Flow Chart.

Transdisciplinary Clusters Eliminated

At its May 10, 2016 meeting the UNCW Faculty Senate eliminated the cluster requirement from the University Studies curriculum effectively immediately. Click here to view the minutes from that meeting. The relevant passage is: "The question was called on the motion to amend iii, to eliminate the clusters. A hand vote showed 28 aye’s and 24 no’s. The motion passed and the clusters are eliminated." The University Studies Advisory Committee met on Friday, September 16^, 2016 and voted unanimously to recommend immediate removal of the cluster requirement for all current students in all current catalogs.

Contact Info

For questions regarding the University Studies curriculum, contact Dr. Don Bushman at bushmand@uncw.edu