KU Core Exemptions

Exemption Information

  • ACT Mathematics Score equal to or greater than 26 - learning outcome complete
  • SAT Mathematics Score equal to or greater than 610 - learning outcome complete
  • International Baccalaureate equal to or greater than 6 - learning outcome complete
  • ACT English equal to or greater than 27 - 1 of 2 learning outcome requirements complete
  • SAT English or Verbal Score equal to or greater than 630 - 1 of 2 learning outcome requirements complete
  • Advanced Placement Language or Composition Exam of 3 - 1 of 2 learning outcome requirements complete
  • Advanced Placement Language or Composition Exam equal to or greater than 4 - learning outcome complete
  • Advanced Placement Literature or Composition Exam of 3 - 1 of 2 learning outcome requirements complete
  • Advanced Placement Literature or Composition Exam equal to or greater than 4 - learning outcome complete
  • International Baccalaureate (English A, HL) of 5 - 1 of 2 learning outcome requirements complete
  • International Baccalaureate (English A, HL) equal to or great than 6 - learning outcome complete

Students with two high school courses in speech (totaling two semesters) with a grade of B or higher may be exempt from the oral communication learning outcome. Students who believe they qualify for this exemption should complete the form at this link to petition the exemption: Goal 2.2 Exemption Petition.

Please note: debate and forensics courses will not be considered for students entering in Fall 2020 or after.

International students who have met all of the following three requirements will be granted an exemption from completion of Goal 4, Learning Outcome 2.

  1. Students must have begun their studies at KU with a non-immigrant visa (visa categories A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, NATO, O, P, Q, R, or TN);
  2. Students must have met the KU English Proficiency Requirement; and
  3. Students must have completed one semester of full-time study in a degree program at KU.

Approved by the University Core Curriculum Committee 4/11/13.

Students who have earned an Associate degree from the following list will be considered to have met Goals 1-3 of the KU Core (general education). Additional postsecondary institutions may be added as KU continues to create formal partnerships.

  • An Associate of Arts degree from a regionally accredited Kansas public college, Kansas public university, or Kansas public community college
  • An Associate of Arts degree from Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, Missouri
  • An Associate of Science degree from Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas

Associate of Arts degree holders to whom this policy applies must meet all additional requirements of their chosen program of study as well as the requirements of goals 4-6 of the KU Core. Requirements may include additional lower-division coursework or minimum grades for specific courses.

This policy does not apply to students with an initial KU entry term prior to Fall 2013.

Policy on Applicability of Associate of Arts Degree to the KU Core.

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. institution shall be exempted from the KU Core when enrolling in an undergraduate degree program at KU. The U.S. Department of Education provides a list of approved regional accrediting agencies. All degree requirements for the bachelor’s degree being earned at KU must be completed; such requirements will be defined by the academic unit.

KU Core policy as revised October 9, 2015.