This Web page includes updates that were added after it was originally published on June 11, 2015.
New students who are entering the college for the first time should follow this version when selecting courses.
The core of learning in college is a set of courses that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and educational experiences you need to succeed in higher education. Those courses - called the Core Curriculum - lead to an associate degree from the colleges of DCCCD and transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Our three-tiered approach ensures that you build fundamental skills upon a solid educational base. It is also flexible enough that you can choose the courses that will apply to your chosen field of study while completing your Core requirements. This solid foundation of Core courses enables you to meet the challenges of your entire college career head-on and transfer important credits to another college or university while saving yourself time and money. Core courses are guaranteed to transfer to Texas public colleges and universities.
Pre-CORE College Requirements
Enrolling in one or more of the following courses may be necessary if assessment activities and previous academic experiences indicate a need for Pre-Core knowledge and skills:
TSI development minimum for college readiness (Reading, Writing, Math)
ESOL
Computer Literacy or Application Course(s) [Learn more.]
Learning Frameworks (EDUC 1300) - This course offers multiple learning strategies that will help you become a better critical thinker. As a strategic learner, you will demonstrate, reflect on and assess your learning by using ePortfolios. [Learn more.]
Knowledge and skills that are important to your success in other college courses will be introduced and reinforced in Tier 1.
Critical Reading and Writing - This learning category prepares you to analyze and interpret printed materials for a variety of different courses. You will be asked to produce clear, correct, and coherent work.
Select EACH of the following:
ENGL 1301 (a grade of "C" or better is required) 3cr [CB010] HIST 1301 3cr [CB060]
Speaking, Listening, Wellness, and the Human Experience -
This learning category develops your ability to communicate effectively individually, in pairs and in groups. Instructors will place an emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking and responding. This learning category also allows you to explore a wide range of courses related to who you are and how you relate to the world. These courses offer an opportunity for you to examine your physical, social, financial, intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic well-being.
Quantitative Reasoning -
This learning category promotes the application of mathematics to increase your ability to solve “real-world” problems. When you are quantitatively literate, you can use logic and critical thinking in new ways.
*Note: If a student takes the four (4) credit hour mathematics course; three (3) of those hours will apply towards the mathematics requirement. The remaining one (1) credit hour from that mathematics course will be applied to the general elective requirement and does not count towards the 42-hour Core.
Self and Society -
This learning category is designed to compare and contrast your knowledge of social behaviors. You will find opportunities to question the roles both you and others play in addressing the issues of our society.
Scientific Discovery and Sustainability -
This learning category enables you to construct and examine the relationship of the natural sciences to the world around you. Becoming a scientifically literate person can develop your ideas of how science and technology influence one another and contribute to modern culture.
Select TWO of the following: 8cr [CB030] (2cr from [CB090])
Integrative Learning improves your ability to evaluate and measure the knowledge and skills which you learned previously from courses in Tiers 1 and 2.
Critical Issues in the State-Federal Relationship -
This learning category focuses on the investigation of various issues and being able to reflect on how these issues affect you and others. You will be asked to reflect on your contributions as a responsible member of society.
