What Is Core Curriculum?
Core Curriculum is a way to set up your course of study that saves you time and money while providing guaranteed transfer to any Texas public college or university.
The concept of a “core” curriculum is based on the idea that the mastery of certain basic skills is crucial to the learning process, no matter what you choose to study. We call them intellectual competencies; you can call them the six building blocks of a solid education:
| • Reading |
• Writing |
• Speaking |
| • Listening |
• Critical Thinking |
• Computer Literacy |
These courses provide the foundation for the rest of your college career. After successfully finishing these courses, you can take more specialized courses in your chosen field. This solid foundation of Core courses enables you to meet the challenges of your college career head-on, and transfer important credits to another college or university while saving yourself a lot of time and money.
Why Should You “Join the Core”?
- Transfer Is Guaranteed
It’s a state law that students who complete DCCCD’s Core Curriculum with at least a 2.0 GPA are guaranteed that their courses will transfer as a block of credit to any Texas public college or university. Successful completion of the Core Curriculum satisfies your general education requirements, and receiving institutions cannot require additional Core courses if completed with a grade of C or higher.
This means that successfully finishing our Core Curriculum course block at DCCCD’s low tuition rates will guarantee transfer credit of those hours to any Texas public college or university. You won’t have to take English 101 again! |
- Core + 13 Hours Can Earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Sciences Degree
The Core is the very basis of the Associate in Sciences (A.S.), Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degrees. You can earn one of these degrees with approximately 13 hours beyond the Core Curriculum, usually four to six additional courses. |
- Get the Most for Your Education Dollars
Get a top-quality education without breaking the bank. DCCCD’s low tuition rates are the best educational bargain around! One three-hour credit course for in-county students is just $117. Compare a three-hour course for Texas residents at these state universities:
| DCCCD |
$117 |
| UNT |
$799 |
| UTA |
$916 |
| UTD |
$1,492 |
- Our No. 1 Goal Is Student Success!
Our primary objectives for student success are listed in the DCCCD Strategic Plan. Check out DCCCD’s Core Curriculum today and see how you can get more with the Core! |
Want to know more about the Core?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Seven DCCCD Colleges to Choose From
Use our locator map or zip code locator to check out the DCCCD college that’s most convenient to your home or work. Apply to the college of your choice, and then set up an appointment with an advisor to help you through the admissions process. Be sure to mention your interest in Core Curriculum.