Information for Advisors | University Core Curriculum

A man and young woman sit across from each other at a table while looking at a computer screen together

Logo: Cardinal Core, Engaging, Practical, Distinctive

Helpful Resources

Fly Further, Sooner

How is the Cardinal Core engaging, practical and distinctive for Ball State advisors?

Engaging: The Cardinal Core encourages student exploration and choice, enabling students to explore different passions while completing coursework around a meaningful topic.
Practical: The Cardinal Core offers high impact experiences and contributes to career readiness. Only 30-hours. Students can easily transfer a complete or partial ICC certificate.
Distinctive: Our core embodies BSU’s enduring values by organizing courses into interdisciplinary Beneficence Themes.

What your students should know

They will need to take 30 hours distributed across 4 sections:

Foundations (9 credits)
Ways of Knowing (9 credits)
Research-Based Writing (3 credits)
Beneficence Theme (9 credits)

You can look at the undergraduate course catalog for details on Cardinal Core courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view a more comprehensive list of FAQs.

When does the Cardinal Core launch?

The Cardinal Core will be in place for students who matriculate at Ball State beginning in August 2026.

Can students who started at Ball State before fall 2026 opt into the Cardinal Core?

Yes, but switching catalog years will not be appropriate for most students. Students should consult with their advisors to determine how such a change will affect their time to degree.

How will the new Cardinal Core impact students who matriculated prior to Fall 2026?

Students who started at Ball State prior to Fall 2026 should plan to finish their UCC requirements based on the program under which they began. If a student who started under the previous UCC wishes to consider the new Cardinal Core, they should consult with their advisor to find out how opting into the Cardinal Core will impact their graduation timeline. We will continue to offer courses to fulfill the prior UCC requirements through Summer 2031, in line with the university time limit guideline around completion of undergraduate programs (also known as “teaching out” the curriculum). Not all courses offered in the prior UCC must be offered; rather, a reasonable pathway to graduation must continue to be in place for students completing the prior core through Summer 2031.

Does the Cardinal Core include a capstone (Tier 3) experience for students?

Capstone experiences are no longer included in Ball State’s Core Curriculum. However, our Strategic Plan, Goal 1, Imperative G, stipulates, “Every undergraduate student participates in a culminating experience, such as a capstone course, senior thesis or senior project, clinical experience, internship, or student teaching.”

Where can I find a list and descriptions of the Beneficence Themes?

Here you go!

Do some academic programs recommend specific pathways through the Cardinal Core?

Yes, some programs may encourage students to take specific courses in the Cardinal Core.

Can students double count courses between the Core and their majors?

Yes, students can double count 6 credits. Some academic programs may petition to double count additional credits.

Can Cardinal Core courses count toward a student’s major or minor?

Probably, depending on the major or minor. Departments have been encouraged to offer courses that serve as “gateways” to their programs, so students may choose to add an additional credential as a result. Eventually, we hope that the Beneficence Themes will be connected to minors as well.

Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Frank A. Bracken Administration Building (AD)
Room 326
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

Academic Year: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Summer: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

765-285-3716

Questions?

Contact our University Core Curriculum Director for additional information about the Cardinal Core.