Core Curriculum & Uniform Graduation Requirements

The Core Curriculum and Uniform Graduation Requirements are designed to give every Texas Tech student a strong academic foundation while preparing them for success beyond graduation. These requirements ensure that all students develop critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning, while also gaining a broad understanding of the world through study in the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

This site provides information on the courses and categories that meet these requirements, guidance for faculty and students, and links to policies and resources. Whether you are planning your degree path or reviewing curriculum options, this is your central resource for understanding how the core and graduation requirements support your academic journey at Texas Tech.

Core Foundational Component Areas 

The Texas Higher Education Coordiating Board (THECB) decides which Foundational Component Areas comprise the core curriculum. All undergraduate students must complete a 42 semester credit hour program of general education core curriculum courses, which serves as the common foundation for all majors. 

• Communication (9 hours)
• Mathematics (6 hours)
• Life and Physical Sciences (6 hours) + Lab Sciences (2 hours, University Graduation Requirement)
• Language, Philosophy, and Culture (3 hours)
• Creative Arts (3 hours)
• American History (6 hours)
• Government/Political Science (6 hours)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 hours)

Updates to the core are made periodically, and a complete list of Texas Tech University's Core Curriculum courses can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

The Texas Tech University core curriculum complies with Texas statutes and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules.