Indiana University Bloomington has revised its undergraduate general education curriculum to give students a strong intellectual foundation for the future.
Charting the next chapter of general education at IUB
The new framework
After several years of conversations guided by faculty and academic units, IUB leaders approved a new General Education framework in April 2026. It creates a 29-30 credit curriculum organized around 6 pillars:
- Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
- Social and Historical Studies (6 credits)
- Natural and Mathematical Sciences (5–6 credits)
- English Composition (3 credits)
- Mathematical Reasoning (3 credits)
- World Languages (6 credits)
At least two courses (6 credits) within Arts and Humanities, Social and Historical Sciences, and/or Natural and Mathematical Sciences also must carry the World Culture attribute.
This framework maintains the broad, interdisciplinary spirit of an IUB education while updating areas such as mathematical reasoning and placing added emphasis on world languages.
Next steps
In Fall 2026, a faculty-led committee will define learning outcomes for IUB General Education and each of its constituent categories. The committee will then review courses for certification in the new Gen Ed scheme, including existing courses and potential new offerings. Undergraduates entering in Fall 2027 will be the first cohort to follow the new framework.
Our aims
The new framework is grounded in three key priorities: simplicity, transparency, and student success. The new model aims to make degree requirements easier to understand and navigate, ensuring that every student—regardless of major—builds from the same foundation for pursuing their degree at IU.
By establishing uniform requirements across all undergraduate programs, IU Bloomington ensures that every student shares a common academic foundation rooted in critical thinking, communication, and global awareness.
The new framework also removes the “shared goals” from the Gen Ed curriculum, entrusting IUB academic units to advance them.
What this means for our campus
For students
The redesigned IUB General Education curriculum is built to make your path clear, flexible, and more connected to real-world learning.
Simpler structure
Clearer requirements mean less confusion and more opportunity for electives, minors, double majors, and interdisciplinary study.
Transfer-ready and consistent
Your credits will transfer more smoothly across IU campuses and partner institutions, ensuring your progress counts wherever you study.
Connected learning
New “inquiry” and “integration” courses help you connect ideas across disciplines—seeing how different fields come together to solve real-world problems.
Transition support
Current students will stay under existing requirements. The new Gen Ed launches for incoming students in Fall 2027, with advisors ready to guide you through your options.
A stronger foundation
You’ll graduate with skills and experiences that prepare you for success—whether in advanced study, your career, or your community.
For faculty and advisors
The Gen Ed redesign is a faculty-driven effort to strengthen student learning and create a more coherent, equitable undergraduate experience.
Aligning courses
Faculty can align existing courses—or propose new ones—to fit the new Gen Ed categories.
Ongoing renewal
Gen Ed courses will be reviewed and recertified on a regular cycle to ensure they meet evolving goals and standards.
Resources and support
The Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education will offer workshops, sample syllabi, and consultation sessions to help with course design and approval. Faculty development grants may support innovative redesigns.
Advising tools
Advisors will receive updated training and resources, with systems like Stellic and Degree Map reflecting the new Gen Ed requirements.
Collaboration and recognition
The redesign invites creativity and teamwork across disciplines. Faculty and advisors who innovate in Gen Ed teaching will be recognized for their contributions to student success.
How we got here
For several years, IU Bloomington faculty have engaged in thoughtful conversations about the future of general education on campus. After a comprehensive review launched in 2019, faculty groups worked from 2019 to 2023 and presented a final report in 2024. The Bloomington Faculty Council’s Long Range Planning committee then undertook a study to identify what principles and framework should guide Gen Ed reforms, presenting its report in spring 2025.
In fall 2025, the IUB Chancellor and Provost formed a committee and to recommend a revised structure for Gen Ed at IUB. They charged the committee with devising a scheme that is simple and clear, enables students to transfer easily between IU campuses, and provides the academic and intellectual foundation students need to succeed.
The committee shared a proposed update to the GenEd curriculum, invited and received faculty feedback, prepared a revised draft, and held a series of town hall meetings. The committee then finalized the proposal, which the Campus Curriculum Committee and campus leaders approved.