Navigating the UCF General Education Program (GEP) Requirements

The University of Central Florida (UCF) General Education Program (GEP) is designed to spark intellectual curiosity and creativity, providing students with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills essential for success in their chosen fields and beyond. This article delves into the intricacies of the UCF GEP requirements, offering guidance and insights for students and faculty alike.

Understanding the GEP

The General Education Program (GEP), also known as the Core Curriculum, aims to provide all Florida students with equivalent GEP content. UCF Academic Affairs updates the university’s catalog to ensure accurate descriptions. Course titles may vary by institution, but faculty should verify that their courses meet the state guidelines and are consistent with state law and regulations from the Board of Governors (BOG).

Catalog Year and GEP Requirements

The semester a student begins taking classes at UCF determines their catalog year, which dictates the specific GEP requirements they must follow. For example, a student who began classes in Fall 2022 would adhere to the 2022-23 catalog year requirements. Students beginning classes in Summer or Fall 2025 will complete the 2025-26 GEP requirements. The 2025-26 GEP Worksheet is available on the GEP webpage and from the Faculty Learning Webcourse. This version is based on the 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog, which will be officially available in July 2025.

Credit Hour Requirements and Foundations

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours by taking courses in five foundations. The GEP Work Sheet is a guide to fulfilling these requirements, indicating the required courses and other options from which students can select. It is essential to review the GEP requirements for the relevant catalog year.

State Requirements: Writing, Math, and Civic Literacy

Undergraduate degree-seeking students entering a state university since the 2018-19 Academic Year must demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The undergraduate catalog provides more information on the "Civic Literacy Requirement."

The state requirements (formerly known as the Gordon Rule) (State Rule 6A-10.30) applies to students who first enrolled in any college or university after October 1982. They require students to complete four courses (twelve credit hours) of writing and to complete two courses (six credit hours) of mathematics at the level of college algebra or higher. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-" (1.75). Courses eligible to satisfy the requirements must be on the approved list at the time the course is completed. See "The Gordon Rule" in the undergraduate catalog for more information.

Recent Changes to the GEP

In January 2024, following the guidance of Florida Senate Bill 266 (2023), the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) and the Department of Education jointly approved revisions to the statewide General Education Program (GEP), also known as the Core Curriculum. The most significant change was replacing SYG 2000 with AMH 2010 as a core course in the Social Science or Social Foundation categories. In Fall 2023, Florida approved course descriptions and learning outcomes for all Core Curriculum courses. They were developed and validated by State University System and Florida College System faculty committees. The GEP core list and descriptions are available on the GEP webpage.

GEP Assessment and Faculty Involvement

UCF actively involves its faculty in the assessment and enhancement of the GEP. The university is immensely grateful to everyone who participated in the spring term assessment process. Their commitment, despite having many other responsibilities, is truly appreciated. The results from the 2023-24 assessment data highlight the remarkable engagement and effectiveness within the GEP community, showcasing significant improvements at all levels. Although the March 28 deadline has passed, there’s still a chance to complete this requirement retroactively! For detailed instructions on how to assess a course, visit the General Education Faculty Learning Community. If you need any further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out! Looking ahead, please remember that this requirement needs to be met by the Withdrawal deadline each term. It’s helpful to start planning early to ensure the assignment is set up and to seek help if needed. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already submitted the assignment. Their contributions are invaluable as we assess the GEP and prepare for the accreditation process.

Opportunities for Faculty Collaboration

With the goals of increasing accessibility to study abroad and keeping students on track toward timely degree completion, UCF Abroad aims to offer GEP course options and is actively seeking faculty collaborators.

A special thank you goes to the GEP Co-Leads, who serve as the go-to contacts for each foundation area. The university is also incredibly grateful to Annabelle Conroy, Faculty Fellow, whose thoughtful leadership and guidance have been central to advancing GEP assessment efforts. Appreciation extends to everyone who served on a GEP task force, committee, or focus group this year, as their work is essential to the growth, innovation, and strength of the GEP.

Read also: Understanding the CS Curriculum

Showcasing Commitment to the GEP

Ready to showcase your commitment? Eligible activities include workshops, webinars, Bites & Banter, Afternoon Tea with the GEP, assessment drop-ins, and Summer Institute sessions. This year’s applications showcased the innovation, care, and student-centered thinking that define UCF’s general education community. Look for the call for proposals next spring.

Benefits of the GEP

The GEP offers numerous benefits to students, fostering intellectual growth and preparing them for future success.

Broadening Perspectives and Skill Development

Taking classes in different fields will help students succeed in their major by challenging them to explore topics through a different lens, consider different viewpoints, and express their ideas verbally and in writing. The knowledge and experience acquired will prepare them for the demands of the workforce of the future. As students fulfill GEP requirements, they’ll acquire knowledge and participate in experiences that will hone skills such as communication and problem-solving.

Personal and Professional Growth

Many students have found GEP courses to be transformative. For example, one student noted that Introduction to Communications changed their perspective on life and how they interact with people daily, especially in their career. The professor was amazing and hilarious. They had never been so intrigued and focused in one course as much as they were in this at UCF. It taught them how to communicate effectively and what the basic manners and communication styles are.

Another student who took Intro to Philosophy as a joke/supposedly easy A, ended up gaining a lot from it. One of the biggest and most important things that they gained was the ability to looks at issues from different viewpoints. It was one of the first times in life where they were challenged to think outside the box and force themselves to look at issues from multiple viewpoints instead of just going about things in a linear path as they normally would. This skill would go onto help them immensely in life both personally and professionally.

General Psychology affected another student's perception of themselves and others. They believe the class made them more sympathetic and gave them an overall awareness that everyone’s psychology is unique and at times influenced by factors beyond their control. They assume many of the ideas presented in this class went on to ignite their interest in film.

Tips for Navigating the GEP

Review the GEP requirements for your catalog year: Ensure you understand the specific courses and credit hours needed.
Select courses that fulfill multiple requirements: Choose courses that satisfy graduation requirements, such as the State Writing and Math Requirements and Civic Literacy.
Explore your interests: Don’t be afraid to choose a class in a subject that interests you, even if you have no prior experience with the subject matter.
Challenge yourself: College is about challenging yourself to see the world differently.
Remember the value of GEP courses: High school classes gave you a broad understanding of core subjects like math, science, and English. UCF’s GEP courses focus on topics at a much deeper level.

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