Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Core:

1. What is the Integrated Core Experience?
2. How many hours are required of most ACU degrees?
3. Of those 128 hours, how many hours are in the University Core Requirements?
4. What is the course breakdown of the University Core Requirements?
5. Of those 59 hours in the University Core Requirements, how many can be taken only at ACU?
6. When will the new University Core take effect?
7. If I am a current ACU student, will I be required to take the new Core courses?
8. What courses can I transfer in to ACU?
9. How many elective hours are required at ACU?
10. If I am a high school student and wish to take dual credit courses, AP courses, or transfer other college credit in to ACU, what are my best choices for courses that will count in the new University Core?
11. If I bring in more credit than what is mentioned in #10 above, how will those hours count?
12. What about communication courses?
13. Does ACU require a foreign language?
14. How many hours of Bible are required in the University Core Requirements?
    
    

1. What is the integrated Core Experience?   
   Four courses are required of all undergraduate students, regardless of major.
    
2. How many hours are required of most ACU degrees?   
   128 hours
    
3. Of those 128 hours, how many hours are in the University Core Requirements?    
   59 hours
    
4. What is the course breakdown of the University Core Requirements?   

   University Core Requirements	Hours
   Bible	15
   English	9
   Communication	3
   Science	6
   Math	3
   Kinesiology / Nutrition	3
   Social Science / Humanities	9
   Foreign Language / Cultural Awareness	3
   ACU Integrated Core Experience (CORE 210)	6
   Capstone (Hours count in major)
   General Education Selection	2
   Total	59

5. Of those 59 hours in the University Core Requirements,  how many can be taken only at ACU?
   9 hours of ACU's Integrated Core Experience (CORE 210, BCOR 310)
    
6. When will the new university Core take effect?  
   Core began in the Fall of 2010.
    
7. If I am a current ACU student, will I be required to take the new Core courses?  
   No; however, you would be able to take those courses as electives.
    
8. What courses can I transfer in to ACU?  
   Any course taken at any regionally accredited institution in the United States may be transferred to ACU. Those courses may count toward the University Core Requirements, toward the degree, or as electives.
    
9. How many elective hours are required at ACU?  
   The number of elective hours required by an ACU degree is dependent upon the major. Elective hours vary widely among majors (i.e., a B.A. in History has 36 while a B.S. in Biology has 12). Most majors at ACU require 12-18 elective hours beyond the university Core and major requirements. It is best to check individual degree plans or with an academic advisor.
    
10. If I am a high school student and wish to take dual credit courses,  AP courses, or transfer other college credit in to ACU, what are my best choices for courses that will count in the new University Core?
    1. English - 9 hours
    2. Mathematics - 3 hours
    3. Science - 6 hours
    4. Social Science, Humanities and Fine Arts - 6 hours (or two courses) from different disciplines. Taking multiple courses from this block will require those hours to count as the General Education Selection or in other ways besides the University Core Requirements (i.e., in the major or as electives). 
         
11. If I bring in more credit than what is mentioned in #10 above, how will those hours count?   
    This will depend upon your major. Some courses will count in the major, some will count as electives in the major and still others may be credited as electives beyond the major. It is best to consult the specific degree plans or talk with an academic advisor about your particular situation.
     
12. What about communication courses?   
    The required communication course at ACU is at the sophomore level and designed to be taken after ENGL 111 and ENGL 112. Most introductory communication courses will not transfer in as credit for this University Core course.
     
13. Does ACU require a foreign language?   
    This will depend on your current competency in a foreign language when you enter ACU.  You will be given the Foreign Language Competency Exam in the language of your choice when you enter ACU. If you score below the threshold, you will be required to take one to two semesters of a foreign language. 
     
14. How many hours of Bible are required in the University Core Requirements?   
    15 hours. If you are considered a transfer student, that number is reduced depending on the number of overall hours you transfer to ACU.