Components of the Core

Core courses emphasize the development of key skills—like written and oral communication, intercultural awareness, and analytical reasoning—that will directly transfer to your dream career, post-graduation.

Use the links below to explore each component of the Core.

Exemptions

Core Curriculum courses are distinctive in their interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, the pedagogies with which they are taught, and the commitment that faculty have made to offer unique and provocative courses. They diverge significantly from the traditional introductory courses taught at many colleges and universities, as well as from learning experiences offered in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. As a result, Core courses ordinarily will be completed at Butler.

Students, nevertheless, can be exempted from one or more areas of the Core Curriculum. In general, students are exempted from any areas in which they have a specified number of hours of disciplinary courses (typically nine hours). The specific exemptions for each area are outlined on the webpage for each component.

Current students should check their Advisement Report to see whether they have completed, or been exempted from, the various Core Curriculum requirements. Log on to My.Butler click on Self Service, and then from the dropdown under Other Academics, select Academic Requirements and click the blue button with the double right arrows.

Some Core Curriculum requirements have provisions which allow for completion via transfer credit, AP, or other exemptions. View our Core Curriculum brochure. More information about Advanced Placement (AP) credit, International Baccalaureate (IB) credit or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit is available here.

Credit Hours & Requirements

CourseCredit Hours OR REQUIREMENTS
First Year Seminar
2 semesters
6
Global and Historical Studies
2 semesters
6
Analytical Reasoning3
The Natural World5
Perspectives in the Creative Arts3
Well-Being1
The Social World3
Texts and Ideas3
Butler Cultural Requirement8 events required for graduation
Indianapolis Community Requirement1 course
Social Justice and Diversity1 course