Navigating the Undergraduate Catalog at the University of Louisville
Before embarking on your academic journey at the University of Louisville (UofL), familiarizing yourself with the undergraduate catalog is an essential first step. This catalog serves as the official source for all degree program requirements, academic policies, and institutional procedures, acting as the document of authority for all students from Summer 2025 through Spring 2026. It contains crucial information to help you start strong, including insights into the Cardinal Core program, accreditation details, and university policies.
Understanding the University Catalog
The University catalog is the official source for all degree program and academic requirements as well as institutional policies and procedures. It is the document of authority for all students. This catalog is applicable to students who enroll at the University of Louisville beginning Summer 2025 through Spring 2026.
However, the University of Louisville reserves the right to change programs of study, academic policies, academic requirements, fees, course information, procedures for the confirmation of degrees, or the announced academic calendar and related deadlines without prior notice. The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract between the University of Louisville and any member of the student body, faculty, or general public.
Accreditation and Commitment to Equality
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation signifies that UofL meets specific standards of quality and effectiveness.
Furthermore, the University of Louisville is committed to and will provide equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, diversity of thought, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona-fide educational or employment qualifications or where marital or veteran status are statutorily defined eligibility criteria for Federal or State benefit programs.
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Inquiries or complaints about illegal discrimination including sexual harassment or handicap access can be made to Employee Relations and Compliance by calling (502) 852-6258 if responses from the unit staff are unsatisfactory.
The Cardinal Core Program: Building a Foundation for Success
The General Education Program, known as the Cardinal Core program, promotes the values of the university and provides the knowledge, skills, and collegiate experiences that students will require in their roles as key decision-makers in a democratic society. Through Cardinal Core, students will have a strong foundation of core competencies that they will need to succeed in their degree program.
The Cardinal Core program at the University of Louisville prepares students to do the advanced work needed for their baccalaureate degrees and prepares them to contribute to society throughout their lives through their professional work and civic engagement.
The program emphasizes the development of key intellectual skills relevant to any career path: critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, effective communication, and the understanding of historical, social, and cultural perspectives.
The Cardinal Core program requires a minimum of 31 credit hours from approved course categories. Students should demonstrate proficiency (through course work or external credit) in the three skills areas (Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Reasoning) before completing the first 30 degree-applicable credit hours earned at UofL.
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Key Components of the Cardinal Core Program
Students will develop skills and acquire knowledge in the following content areas:
- Arts and Humanities
- Historical Perspectives
- Oral Communication
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Written Communication
- United States Perspectives
- Global Perspectives
The Perspectives requirements will be met by taking courses in other Cardinal Core categories that also carry the P1 or P2 designation. 6 (at least 2 courses from different disciplines and 3 hrs. US. *Perspectives
Promoting Critical Thinking and Engagement
Critical thinking skills are the foundation for successful navigation through higher education and beyond. The Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences all have unique methodologies of critical thought yet they all share a common base: self-reflection. Without maintaining awareness of our personal perspectives, a student is less likely to seek out new experiences, people, and ideas, unable to practice qualitative research with academic rigor, or honestly participate in the scientific method. The Cardinal Core program is designed to engage students in their own learning.
Oversight and Assessment
The Cardinal Core Curriculum Committee (CCCC) oversees the implementation and ongoing development of the university-wide Cardinal Core program. The function and structure of the committee, meeting minutes, and supporting documentation are available on the CCCC site.
In alignment with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education (CPE), the university has a comprehensive assessment system to measure the impact of the Cardinal Core program on student learning in the areas of critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, effective communication, and understanding of historical, social, and cultural perspectives. For more information on the assessment system and past assessment results please visit the Cardinal Core Assessment page.
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Additional Resources for Students
The Redbook
The Redbook is the official statement of the organizational structure, the rules of governance and procedures, and university-wide policies of the University of Louisville. If there is any conflict between the policies, procedures or other statements contained within this catalog, The Redbook shall govern. A copy of The Redbook is available electronically.
Library Resources
The library maintains current booklists, and there are many ways to order books.
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