Office of General Education

The Office of General Education (OGE or GenEd) provides campus-wide leadership in undergraduate education and administers the general education policy enacted by the Council of General Education. SMU’s educational philosophy is that intellectual and professional excellence rises from the solid foundation of a liberal arts education.

General education provides an intellectual foundation consisting of the broad outlines of human knowledge, a context for discipline-specific study, and a framework for lifelong learning.

 

Common Curriculum students talking

Common Curriculum

51³Ô¹ÏÍøestablished the Common Curriculum (CC) in the fall of 2020. This curriculum and its requirements applies to students who entered (matriculated into) the University beginning Fall 2020 and later. 
University Curriculum students at a desk

University Curriculum

The University Curriculum (UC) requirements are for students who entered (matriculated into) 51³Ô¹ÏÍøbetween Fall 2012 and Spring 2020.
General Education Curriculum students sitting in front of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøsign

General Education Curriculum

The General Education Curriculum (GEC) applies to students who entered (matriculation into) 51³Ô¹ÏÍøprior to Fall 2012. 
 

Upcoming events

  • Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 4:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) This training is for faculty and staff to learn more about what is required of departments when it comes to maintaining Common Curriculum course and...

  • Monday, April 06, 2026, 4:00pmHughes-Trigg room 130 First time enrolling? 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPALs are here to help! Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn how to navigate my.51³Ô¹ÏÍøand master all things enrollment....

  • Wednesday, April 08, 2026, 4:00pm3050 51³Ô¹ÏÍøBlvd Backyard Drop in for a snack, have a chat, or settle in and study with Hannah, UDH’s Peer Academic Leader. Whether you need academic support or simply want a...

  • Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 4:00pm3050 51³Ô¹ÏÍøBlvd Backyard Take a break and enjoy a spring afternoon outside. Join Hannah, the UDH Peer Academic Leader, in the backyard for popsicles, sunshine, and good...

News & announcements