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: MHPS Study Session

    Thursday, February 12, 2026, 10:00amPrivate Location (sign in to display) PALS will host a study session to allow students to ask any academic questions or have company in studying!

  • PALs Present: McElvaney Study Sesh!

    Sunday, February 15, 2026, 6:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) Come stop by for academic support and advice, free snacks, and to study/take a break with fellow McElvaney residents!

  • Boaz Break - Mardi Gras

    Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) Join the Boaz FiR and PAL in celebrating Mardi Gras in the Boaz Family Room

News & announcements