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General Education Program

General Education Program
Program Requirements

Purpose of General Education

Three students on laptops in classroom

General Education at the University of North Florida is designed to equip students with the keys to success in college, career, and life. Our program encourages the development of broad, transferable skills that support advanced study, informed citizenship, and career adaptability.

The world is changing, and universities are adapting their general education programs to focus on important skills for the future. Instead of just introducing students to different subjects, the UNF General Education program helps students develop key abilities that will be important both during and after their time in college. Through exposure to high-impact practices such as undergraduate research, service learning, collaborative projects, and learning communities, to name a few, students build both competence and confidence.

Core Skills for a Changing World

In our general education program, students will develop:

  • Clear and effective written and speaking skills

  • Critical and creative thinking

  • Quantitative reasoning and data literacy

  • Scientific and empirical inquiry

  • Civic literacy and awareness

  • Digital literacy, including responsible, informed use of AI

These skills lay the groundwork for:

  • Success in upper-division coursework

  • Graduate and professional school preparation

  • Life-long learning and the ability to adapt

What Employers Are Looking For

Employers across Florida and beyond seek graduates who can:

  • Communicate clearly and persuasively

  • Analyze, interpret, and use data and information

  • Solve complex problems

  • Work in teams and be collaborative

  • Employ digital tools with fluency and accountability

  • Demonstrate awareness of the world around them

Why General Education Matters

General education is not simply a checklist. General education is a transformative journey that equips students with the foundational skills to combine real-world applications, core curriculum, and technological confidence. Students will graduate with the intellectual tools, social skills, and civic responsiveness they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.