New Curriculum (Class of 2031 & Later)
Information on this page applies to students beginning as first-years in Fall 2027 and beyond.
The new curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to develop students’ capacity as independent thinkers who are flexible and responsive to new and evolving ideas.
Through shared intellectual experiences and early opportunities for exploration, it provides broad exposure to different modes of creative inquiry, analysis, critical thinking, and communication, while also facilitating deep learning in particular areas of student interest.
To support these goals, the curriculum has three interconnected components: Foundations, Distribution, and Major requirements.
Foundations
Foundations courses facilitate student exploration of the range of modes of inquiry, before they follow their individual curiosities and talents into majors that allow them to make the most of their education.
Foundations requirements consist of six courses or course types that all students complete as part of their path to specialization:
- The signature experience of Kite and Key courses
- A First-Year Seminar of the student’s choosing
- A Critical Writing Seminar of the student’s choosing
- Two Language courses or fluency exemption
- A Perspectives & Difference course of the student’s choosing
Distribution
Distribution requirements ensure that, at the same time as students pursue advanced study in particular areas, they also gain understanding of complementary academic approaches and wider context.
Students distribute a portion of their overall coursework across the three academic divisions that make up the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS):
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities & the Arts
To provide maximum flexibility and student choice, almost all SAS courses—including those used to satisfy other requirements—are counted towards this requirement. Distribution simply overlays the plan of study.
Major
Major requirements are set by each department or program, representing undergraduate mastery of a particular subject, discipline, or interdisciplinary area.
Each student must choose and complete one major.
Optionally, students may also choose to declare a minor and/or second major or participate in a special academic community, each of which has its own additional requirements.
As a whole, the curriculum supports the mission and educational aims of the College of Arts and Sciences by preparing students not only to expand knowledge in one area, but also to adapt their specialization to changing circumstances while communicating and connecting their expertise across boundaries. It provides opportunities to be guided by curiosity, embrace complexity, seek solutions, and become better prepared to lead thoughtfully engaged lives.