Program Core: The Program Core consists of the central program elements in each degree.

Requirements of the Major: The major focuses specialization within each degree. Most programs offer majors, and some allow a double major. In those programs, one or two majors must be declared (see Note)

Requirements of Minors: Minors provide structured customization of the degree. Not all programs and majors include minors. Whether minors are optional or required, students who will complete a minor must declare it (see Note).

Approved Program Electives (APEs): APEs build on the requirements of the major and allow some customization of the learning experience. These groupings further develop depth of knowledge in key aspects of the major. Most APEs are taken at the senior level; normally only 6 APEs are allowed at the 100- and 200-level. APEs should be selected from lists developed annually by the Faculty; additional assistance is available from Undergraduate Student Services (see Note).

Free Electives: Free Electives allow students to broaden their background and knowledge base. These courses may build on their discipline or be of personal interest but unrelated to their program.

Capstone Courses: Capstone Courses synthesize knowledge and skills learned throughout the four years of the program. These courses are integrative and experiential, and are taken in the final year. The Faculty reviews potential Capstone Courses annually to ensure that specific criteria are met. Some programs and majors specify the Capstone Course that must be taken (see Note under individual programs or majors); others allow selection from a list of courses or specify a given course in a given year (see Note below).

Course Sequencing: Students should complete all junior requirements before taking senior courses. 100-level courses from Program Cores should be taken in first year. Prerequisites must be followed and considered when planning course sequencing. Prerequisites and corequisites for each course are found in the Courses Listings section of the Calendar.