General Education

ERC’s Educational Philosophy is based on the belief that to be educated in our world today means to understand one’s own history and cultural heritage and the history and thought of other major cultural traditions as well. All ERC undergraduates will include in their academic programs a series of general requirements designed to provide a broad, multi-cultural perspective. As graduates, they will carry with them a strong international orientation and understanding as well as expertise in their chosen academic disciplines.

General Education Requirements

for students entering as freshmen:

Making of the Modern World:
Six course sequence that includes two quarters of intensive writing.

Quantitative & Formal Skills:
Two courses from an approved list.

Natural Sciences:
Two courses from an approved list.

Language:
Proficiency in a language other than English.

Fine Arts:
Two courses, one must be non-western in content.

Regional Specialization:
Three courses (at least two upper division) from an approved list; focusing on one specific geographic region of the world.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:
Proof of significant writing at the upper-division level

Optional Study or Experience Abroad:
Not a requirement, but strongly encouraged!

for students entering as transfers:

Transferred under:	Requirements:
Articulation (or other transfer)	Complete all remaining GE courses not already fulfilled by transfer courses Earn a minimum of 180 units (60 of which must be upper division) with a minimum UC GPA of 2.00
IGETC Certified or IGETC partial* (either are noted on Academic History)	Complete any three MMW courses (all other GE courses will be waived) Earn a minimum of 180 units (60 of which must be upper division) with a minimum UC GPA of 2.00
TAG (noted on Academic History)	Complete any three MMW courses Earn a minimum of 180 units (60 of which must be upper division) with a minimum UC GPA of 2.00
UC Reciprocity (letter on file at ERC Advising)	Complete any three MMW courses Earn a minimum of 180 units (60 of which must be upper division) with a minimum UC GPA of 2.00

*Pending official approval.

Application of Courses to More than One Requirement

Acceptable Overlap	Not Acceptable Overlap
Lower-division courses taken for your major may overlap with ERC general education requirements.	Upper-division courses taken for your major may NOT overlap with any other requirements. (There are exceptions if you are a double major.)
Lower-division courses taken for your minor may overlap with ERC general education requirements.	Upper-division courses used for one minor may NOT be used for any other minor.
Lower-division courses used for your major may overlap with minor requirements.	A course may NOT be used to fulfill more than one ERC general education requirement (except upper-division writing.)
Upper-division courses taken for your minor may be used to satisfy the ERC Regional Specialization requirement.	Upper-division courses applied toward a minor may NOT be used to meet major requirements.

Useful Links:

Fine Art Lists:

Regional Specialization Lists:

Global Seminar Lists:

Petitioning GEs

Undergraduate Student Petition

You must petition a GE exception prior to taking the course.

Location & Hours

Third Floor, ERC Administration Building
Weekdays 8:30-12:00; 1:00-4:30 p.m.
858-534-9864

General Education