“Smart starts here ” — with the Core Curriculum, that is — for all Dallas County Community College District students.
The core of learning in college is a set of courses that will provide you with the skills and educational foundation you need to succeed in higher education. Those classes — called the Core Curriculum — are the courses that lead to an associate degree from DCCCD and which then transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Change Is Coming to the DCCCD Core Curriculum!
A new Core Curriculum (PDF - 201KB) will be launching in Fall 2010. You can choose to follow the current Core or the new Core, but we think you’ll be excited about the benefits of the new Core.
Why choose the new Core?
- Transfer is guaranteed. Just like with the current Core, the new Core transfers as a block of credit to any Texas public college or university — guaranteed!
- Fewer credit hours are required. You can complete the new Core with just 42 to 45 credit hours vs. the 48 credit hours required for the current Core.
- You’ll enjoy more options and flexibility. Students and advisors requested more course options and greater flexibility in the Core, and the new Core is designed to offer you exactly that. You’ll be able to take more courses that will apply to your chosen field of study while completing your Core requirements.
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Want more information? The district has scheduled a series of question-and-answer sessions at each college throughout the month of November that every student is invited to attend.
“We want all of our students, at every college, to bring their questions, share their thoughts and learn more about the new Core Curriculum,” said Becki Williams, who chairs the DCCCD Core Curriculum steering committee. “These sessions will help our students make better decisions about transferring, scheduling and career planning.”
Attend a Question-And-Answer Session
The student-oriented “Smart starts here” sessions will be held:
- Thursday, Nov. 5 – Cedar Valley College, L117, 11 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, Nov. 10 – North Lake College, G401, 11 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 11 – El Centro College, C131, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 12 – Richland College, C140, 2 to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Brookhaven College, X1091, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 19 – Mountain View College, S1029/1030, 11 a.m. to noon
- Friday, Nov. 20 – Eastfield College, LC101/102, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
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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.
These courses provide the foundation for the rest of your college career. 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 Complete the Core Curriculum?
- 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. If you pass English 1301 with a grade of C or higher, you won’t have to take it 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 (as well as DCCCD’s Field of Study and Emphasis degrees). You can earn one of these degrees with approximately 13 hours beyond the current Core Curriculum, usually four to six additional courses.
Note: Degree requirements for the new Core will be finalized early in 2010. Check this Web site for updated information.
- 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 $123. Compare a three-hour course for Texas residents at these state universities:
| DCCCD |
$123 |
| UNT |
$904 |
| UTA |
$928 |
| UTD |
$1,805 | |
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.