Navigating the UCF General Education Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The General Education Program (GEP) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) serves as the cornerstone of every undergraduate student's academic experience. It is designed to cultivate critical skills, stimulate intellectual curiosity and creativity, and promote interdisciplinary thinking. This guide provides a detailed overview of the UCF GEP, its requirements, and resources available to students and faculty.

Understanding the Basics of UCF's GEP

UCF's General Education Program aims to introduce students to diverse fields of knowledge, refine their analytical and expressive abilities, foster critical thinking, and prepare them for lifelong learning. The GEP encourages students to explore subjects outside their major, promoting a broader perspective and a well-rounded education.

Catalog Year and GEP Requirements

The specific GEP requirements you must fulfill depend on the semester you began taking classes at UCF, which determines your catalog year. For example, if you started classes in Fall 2022, your catalog year is 2022-23, and you must adhere to the GEP requirements outlined for that year. Students beginning classes in Summer or Fall 2025 will follow the 2025-26 GEP requirements.

Credit Hour Requirements

The GEP requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, distributed across five foundational areas. These foundations are designed to provide a broad understanding of core subjects, encouraging students to explore topics at a deeper level than in high school.

State Requirements (Gordon Rule)

The state requirements, formerly known as the Gordon Rule (State Rule 6A-10.30), apply to students who first enrolled in any college or university after October 1982. These rules mandate that students complete four courses (12 credit hours) of writing and two courses (6 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). The courses that satisfy these requirements must be on the approved list at the time of completion.

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Civic Literacy Requirement

Undergraduate degree-seeking students entering a state university since the 2018-19 Academic Year must demonstrate competency in civic literacy. Detailed information about this requirement can be found in the undergraduate catalog under "Civic Literacy Requirement."

Foundations of the GEP

The UCF GEP is structured around five foundations, each designed to impart specific knowledge and skills:

Foundation I: Communications
- Focuses on effective written and oral communication skills.
- Courses in this foundation may change your perspective on life and how you interact with people, especially in your career.
- For example, Introduction to Communications can teach you how to communicate effectively and understand basic manners and communication styles.
Foundation II: Mathematics
- Develops analytical and problem-solving skills through mathematical reasoning.
Foundation III: Science
- Provides a broad understanding of scientific principles and the scientific method.
Foundation IV: Social Sciences
- Explores human behavior, social structures, and cultural dynamics.
- For example, General Psychology can affect your perception of yourself and others, making you more sympathetic and aware of the unique psychological factors influencing individuals.
Foundation V: Humanities
- Examines human culture, values, and artistic expression.
- For example, Intro to Philosophy can challenge you to think outside the box and look at issues from different viewpoints, which can be immensely helpful in both personal and professional life.

Leveraging the GEP Work Sheet

The GEP Work Sheet is an essential tool for students to track their progress and ensure they fulfill all requirements. It outlines the required courses and various options for selection. It is crucial to review the GEP requirements specific to your catalog year.

Strategic Course Selection

When selecting courses, consider those that fulfill multiple graduation requirements, such as the State Writing and Math Requirements and Civic Literacy. Don’t hesitate to choose classes in subjects that genuinely interest you, even without prior experience. Taking classes in different fields will challenge you to explore topics through different lenses, consider diverse viewpoints, and express your ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.

The Value of General Education

The GEP is designed to provide you with a broad understanding of core subjects. UCF’s GEP courses focus on topics at a much deeper level. As you fulfill GEP requirements, you’ll acquire knowledge and participate in experiences that will hone skills such as communication and problem-solving.

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Developing Essential Skills

College is about challenging yourself to see the world differently. In today’s competitive job market, the strongest candidates have the right credentials, as well as skills like critical thinking, problem solving and team building. The knowledge and experience you acquire will prepare you for the demands of the workforce of the future.

Real-World Benefits

Students have reported that GEP courses have significantly impacted their lives:

Enhanced Communication Skills: Improved interaction with people in daily life and career settings.
Broadened Perspectives: Ability to look at issues from different viewpoints, aiding in personal and professional decision-making.
Increased Self-Awareness: A deeper understanding of oneself and others, fostering empathy and awareness of psychological factors.

Resources for Students and Faculty

UCF provides numerous resources to support students and faculty in the General Education Program.

GEP Website and Contacts

The GEP website offers comprehensive information about program requirements, approved courses, and important updates. For specific inquiries, students can contact the GEP office directly.

UCF Online

With more than 25 years of innovation in educational technology, UCF Online offers high-quality distance learning options for both traditional and nontraditional students. You’ll have a dedicated team that guides you every step of the way - from application through graduation - and helps you stay on track to achieve your goals. Choose from fully online offerings, including bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, professional certificates and 2+2 baccalaureate completion programs. Learn wherever and whenever you want.

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Transfer Services

Whether you’re planning to complete your bachelor’s degree or are seeking a new college with bigger opportunities, get the tools and support you need to transfer and succeed. Plus, if you earn an A.A. or articulated A.S. degree from one of our partner institutions, DirectConnect to UCF guarantees* you admission. Reach out to the Office of Transfer and Transition Services to help make your transition smooth and seamless. *Consistent with community/state college and university policy.

Knights Major Exploration and Transfer Center

The General Education Program was pleased to partner with Knights Major Exploration and Transfer Center for Spring Fling Week, where we connected with students to explore how their GEP courses can spark new interests and build essential real-world skills. Through our “Making the Most of Your GEP” workshop and the Academic Exploration Showcase, we had engaging conversations about the value of general education in developing problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking-skills that top employers seek.

GEP Professional Development Awards

The GEP Professional Development Awards provides funding opportunities that enhance curriculum and advance student achievement.

GEP Innovation Award

Recognizes exceptional, evidence‑based teaching and course design in GEP courses.

GEP Leadership Award

The recipient of the GEP Leadership Award is selected by the GEP team at the end of the year based on their distinguished participation in the GEP and their leadership and significant contributions to the program.

GEP Certificate of Engagement

The General Education Program (GEP) at UCF is proud to recognize faculty who have exemplified this dedication by consistently engaging in GEP workshops, webinars, and collaborative learning sessions. Faculty and graduate students who taught at least one GEP course (Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025) and attended a minimum of three GEP events between Summer 2024 and Spring 2025 are eligible to receive the GEP Certificate of Engagement.

GEP Assessment

The GEP team thanks participants for their contributions to the assessment process, which saw significant improvements from 2022-23 to 2023-24. All foundations met assessment targets, with student competency rising and faculty participation increasing across the board. The number of assessments grew, with higher performance rates and fewer low scores. The goal is 100% participation to enhance data accuracy and student outcomes.

Virtual Drop-In Sessions

Virtual drop-in help sessions (after spring break) are available to answer your questions and help you set up an assignment. Additional sessions will be added to the Canvas course as needed. You will receive a link to the session when you register.

Transfer Students and the GEP

Undergraduate students who have not completed requirements for the Associate of Arts degree and who desire to transfer to another Florida public university can have their transcripts indicate “General Education Requirements Met” upon written request if they have completed UCF’s GEP requirements with a GPA of 2.0 or better. UCF will accept a similar statement on transcripts received from Florida College System institutions and universities in lieu of completion of the University’s General Education Program. Courses with a common course number taken at any Florida State University System (SUS) institution or Florida community college are automatically transferable. Students with a Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution or an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida SUS institution or Florida community college automatically satisfy the GEP.

Admissions and Application Information

From across the nation and around the world, students like you are pursuing their higher education goals in Orlando, the heart of Central Florida. They’re creating a new future where discoveries happen daily, connections are currency, and a college degree is just the beginning. With 250 degree programs, UCF gives you access to extraordinary academics, caring faculty and endless opportunities. There are many reasons to apply to UCF, but only one way to do it. Get application information and deadlines, plus answers to all your questions. Admission to UCF is competitive, so we encourage you to apply early. As an incoming first-year student, you should apply between September and November of your high school senior year if you plan to enroll the following summer or fall semester. By applying early, you may benefit from scholarship consideration and housing availability.

Specialized Programs and the GEP

Certain degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Photonic Science and Engineering, integrate the GEP with specific program prerequisites and core coursework.

Photonic Science and Engineering Example

The Bachelor of Science in Photonic Science and Engineering requires the successful completion of 128 credit hours distributed across the General Education Program, Common Program Prerequisites made up primarily of Calculus and Physics courses, an Electrical Engineering Core, the Photonics Major coursework, and ending with a capstone 2-semester Senior Design. Below is a snapshot of the courses that need to be completed in the program, with more details further down the page. Course Credits for each course are defined as the number of hours per week that students will spend in lecture. For example, a 3-credit hour class includes about 3 hours per week of lecture time and it is expected that students spend 9 hours additional study time per week.

Common Program Prerequisites (CPPs)

Common Program Prerequisites (CPPs) are taken as a PSE-pending major and form the foundation for all classes that follow. All the classes must be completed with a minimum C (2.0 GPA) or greater grade. Upon the successful completion of MAC 2311C, MAC 2312C, PHY 2048C and CHS 1440 or CHM 2045C, all with a C or higher, you can change your major from PSE-pending to the PSE major.

Engineering Core

The engineering core of the PSE program focuses on electrical circuits, important for developing an understanding of how to design photonics technologies. The courses below in the Basic Level can be taken while still in PSE-pending. Courses in the advanced level require that you complete all pending coursework. EEL 3004C can be taken in PSE-pending if you only need to complete 1 semester of coursework to satisfy the pending requirements. (For example, you may only need to complete Chemistry.) The courses below contribute toward the calculation of your major GPA.)

Photonics Major Coursework

Photonics major coursework consists of required course and restricted electives. The restricted elective differ from free electives in that students can only pick from a short list of approved electives, but still allows for flexibility in the types of courses a student will take. While engineering lab courses are tied together and you receive a single grade for both the course and the lab, the photonics labs are separated from the lecture course. You will receive a grade for both rather than a single combined grade. We strongly encourage PSE majors to enroll in the lecture and the lab course in the same semester to maximize your learning of the concepts. The following courses should be taken concurrently, in the same semester. OSE 3200/OSE 3200LGeometric Optics + LabOSE 3052/OSE 3052LFoundations of Photonics + LabOSE 4410/OSE 4410LOptoelectronics + LabOSE 4470/OSE 4470LFiber Optic Communications + LabOSE 4520/OSE 4520LLaser Engineering +LabOSE 4830/OSE 4830LImaging and Display + Lab Senior Design I and II are the capstone courses for the program. Students are required to work with a group of 2-3 other students, from a field other than photonics, and design and build a working device that integrates significant photonics concepts.

Substitutions

Substitutions for GEP must be approved through Academic Services, Millican Hall (MH) 210. Substitutions for Photonic Science and Engineering requirements are on a course-by-course basis and must be approved by the PSE program. Instructions for this process are in the PSE program office, CREOL A213. The decision is typically based on the degree of similarity of the two courses both in content and level of presentation.

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