CORE Requirements

CORE is the shortened name for the CORE Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies program at the University of Maryland (UMD) and is the set of general education requirements that are fulfilled by students who began their undergraduate studies before Fall 2012 (freshman who began their enrollment at UMD in Fall 2012 and transfer students from a private institution or from a non-Maryland public institution beginning Fall 2012 see Gen Ed requirements). CORE courses will constitute approximately 43-46 credits and must be completed in addition to major, department, and college requirements in order to earn a bachelor's degree from UMD. For most students, many CORE courses may also fulfill major requirements.  CORE consists of four elements:
1.  Fundamental Studies
2.  Distributive Studies
3.  Human Cultural Diversity
4.  Advanced Studies

To see a comprehensive explanation of the CORE program and a detailed description of the four CORE elements, students should refer to the CORE Program website.

     

Additional CORE Information:        

  • Courses used to fulfill CORE requirements must be taken with the regular (REG) grading method.        
  • Courses can only be selected from the approved CORE course list published in the Schedule of Classes. 
  • A grade of “D-” or better must be earned in courses used to satisfy CORE requirements.
  • Beginning Fall 2012, a grade of “D-” or higher is transferable from public institutions in the Maryland State System and Maryland community colleges except when the student’s academic program requires a minimum grade of “C-.” A grade of “C-” or higher must be earned in CORE courses taken at non-Maryland public institutions. 
  • Prior to Fall 2012, a grade of “D” or higher is transferable from public institutions in the Maryland State System and Maryland community colleges except when the student’s academic program requires a minimum grade of “C.” A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in CORE courses taken at non-Maryland public institutions. 
  • CORE requirements went into effect in May of 1990. Students who entered the University of Maryland system prior to May 1990 have a previous set of requirements for general education, called the University Studies Program (USP). For additional information on USP requirements, please contact the Records and Registrations Office.