University Core Curriculum

Ball State's Cardinal Core

What is the Cardinal Core?

ENGAGING, PRACTICAL, DISTINCTIVE

The Cardinal Core is our unique approach to the university core curriculum (UCC) required at all higher education institutions. It provides ideas and skills to help all students pursue meaningful lives and careers through multiple disciplinary perspectives. Through the Cardinal Core, students will build strong foundations in written communication, speaking and listening, and quantitative reasoning and explore ways of knowing in the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the sciences.

View the Course Catalog

Logo: Cardinal Core, Engaging, Practical, Distinctive

Information for Students

What should you know about the Cardinal Core Curriculum as a student? Learn more about your role with the UCC and how it can benefit your personal and academic goals.

UCC for Students

Information for Faculty

How does the Cardinal Core Curriculum play a role in your classroom? Learn how to utilize the Cardinal Core with your classes to ensure your students gain the most from their education.

UCC for Faculty

Information for Advisors

How should you be informing students about the Cardinal Core? Discover how to help them navigate their own paths and how to best utilize the UCC with their academic goals.

UCC for Advisors

The Pillars of the Cardinal Core

The classes students take for their core curriculum are derived from our four pillars:

Icon: red user behind a cog wheel

Foundational Skills

Icon: red lightbulb

Ways of Knowing

Icon: red book

Research-Based Writing

icon: red hand with a heart floating above it

Beneficence Themes

Foundational Skills9 credits

Students take one course in each of the following areas:

Written Communication
Speaking and Listening
Quantitative Reasoning

Ways of Knowing9 credits

Courses offered in this category should be broad and of interest to all students. All courses must align clearly with the ICC learning objectives for the specific way of knowing.

Students take one course in each of the following areas:

Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
Social and Behavioral Science Ways of Knowing
Scientific Ways of Knowing

Research Based Writing3 credits

Either ENG 104 or a research-based writing course offered by a College that introduces students to the research-based writing conventions in one of the Ways of Knowing fields.

Beneficence Themes9 credits

Beneficence Themes highlight values, goals, and skills and allow students to participate in transdisciplinary conversations; all courses proposed must fulfill the ICC learning objectives for the way of knowing selected by the proposing department.

Students take three courses (one focusing on Humanities and Arts, one focusing on Social and Behavioral Science, and one focusing on Science) in one of the following themes:

Social Responsibility: Engaging responsibly with historical and contemporary frameworks to build and sustain stronger communities.
Sustainability:Fostering growth, environmental stewardship, care for human and nonhuman life, and quality of place.
Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging imagination and advancement in the arts, sciences, and technology.
Global Connections: Recognizing our interdependence and appreciating the varied cultural voices and experiences that shape our world.
Being Human: Exploring what makes us human, including the cultures and values that guide us in an interconnected and rapidly changing universe.
Personal and Financial Wellness: Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, professional success, and economic responsibility.
Honors in Practice: Fostering student-directed discovery through high-impact learning opportunities.

Overhead shot of graduates dressed in black caps and gowns seated a graduation ceremony

Alignment with the Indiana Core Curriculum

The Indiana College Core is a competency-based block of 30 general education credit hours, established by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in partnership with postsecondary institutions across the state. The ICC Certificate is guaranteed to transfer to any public college in the state of Indiana. Some private colleges in the state also offer and accept the ICC.

Explore the ICC

THE STRATEGIC PLAN

Ball State’s Strategic Plan makes it clear that we are committed to offering a core curriculum that “incorporates innovative pedagogy, transdisciplinary approaches to learning and problem-solving, and the development of cultural competencies, global awareness, and transferable skills so that our graduates are prepared for a fulfilling career and meaningful life in the 21st century.” Learn more.