Office of General Education

The Office of General Education (OGE or GenEd) provides campus-wide leadership in undergraduate education and administers the general education policy enacted by the Council of General Education. SMU’s educational philosophy is that intellectual and professional excellence rises from the solid foundation of a liberal arts education.

General education provides an intellectual foundation consisting of the broad outlines of human knowledge, a context for discipline-specific study, and a framework for lifelong learning.

 

Common Curriculum students talking

Common Curriculum

SMU established the Common Curriculum (CC) in the fall of 2020. This curriculum and its requirements applies to students who entered (matriculated into) the University beginning Fall 2020 and later. 
University Curriculum students at a desk

University Curriculum

The University Curriculum (UC) requirements are for students who entered (matriculated into) SMU between Fall 2012 and Spring 2020.
General Education Curriculum students sitting in front of SMU sign

General Education Curriculum

The General Education Curriculum (GEC) applies to students who entered (matriculation into) SMU prior to Fall 2012. 
 

Upcoming events

  • PALs Present: UDH Study Session

    Monday, February 09, 2026, 4:00pmMartin Hall Lounge Drop in for a snack, have a chat, or settle in and study with Hannah, UDH’s Peer Academic Leader. Whether you need academic support or simply want a...

  • PALs Present: Too Hot 2 Handle!

    Monday, February 09, 2026, 7:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) Come destress from classes with Buldak Spicy Noodles! Compete with your commons residents and neighbor commons residents! Ice cream and milk will be...

  • PALs Present: UDH PAL-entine's Day

    Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 4:00pmMartin Hall Lounge Join Hannah, the UDH Peer Academic Leader, on Wednesday, February 11th, at 4 PM in the Martin Hall Lounge to grab a Valentine's Day-themed candy bag!

News & announcements