University Requirements

In order to graduate, students must fulfill a set of requirements designed by the University which serve as the backbone of undergraduate study at Stanford. All programs of study should achieve balance between depth of knowledge acquired in specialization and breadth of knowledge acquired through exploration.

Unit Requirements

The University mandates a minimum number of units for each degree. Note however, that individual majors have varying unit requirements for completion of the specific  undergraduate major.

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Arts and Science (B.A.S): Students pursuing these degrees must complete a minimum of 180 units of allowable coursework.
  • Dual Bachelor’s Degrees (concurrent B.A. and B.S.): Students who work concurrently toward both a B.A. and a B.S. degree must complete a minimum of 225 units of University work.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

The General Education Requirements are an integral part of undergraduate education at Stanford. While the concentration of courses in the major provides depth, the GERs have the complementary purpose of providing breadth to a student’s undergraduate program.

The Registrar’s Office maintains the most complete and accurate information about the General Education Requirements. 

 

Introduction to the Humanities Requirement

Students fulfill the Introduction to the Humanities requirement by completing a three-quarter series of courses during their freshman year. The courses promote vital analytical development through studying an evocative array of human thoughts, values, beliefs, creativity and cultures. 

Students can fulfill this requirement in one of two ways:

Writing and Rhetoric Requirement

The purpose of the Writing Requirement is to promote effective communication by ensuring that every undergraduate can write clear and effective English prose. Words are the vehicles for thought, and clear thinking requires facility in writing and speech. The Stanford writing and rhetoric requirements comprise three courses:

  • WR 1 is taken during freshman year
  • WR 2 is taken during sophomore year
  • WIM (Writing in the Major) is taken once a student has declared a major 

These courses are designed to provide all Stanford students with opportunities to polish their written and oral expression. In addition, students develop the advanced research skills required for academic success across all fields of study. 

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Language Requirement

The Language Requirement ensures that every student gains a basic familiarity with a foreign language. Foreign language study extends students’ range of knowledge and expression significantly, providing access to materials and cultures that otherwise would be out of reach. Students are required to complete one year of college-level study (or the equivalent) in a foreign language.  Unlike GERs, foreign language courses may be taken on a CR / NP basis to fill the requirement.

Major Requirement

Depth, the intensive study of one subject or area, is provided through specialization in a major field. The major relates more specifically to a student’s personal goals and interests than do the general requirements. The Stanford curriculum provides a wide range of standard majors through its discipline-oriented departments and a number of interdisciplinary majors, in addition to department offerings. Students must declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. Each degree program specifies the courses necessary for completion of the major, including prerequisites, core courses, electives and sometimes a senior project or thesis.

Finding Specific Courses to Satisfy Requirements

  • Time Schedule: Consult the beginning of the quarterly Time Schedule for a list of courses certified as fulfilling GERs.
  • Stanford Bulletin: Look through the Bulletin by individual Department or Program. Courses that satisfy GERs will have a specific notation after the course description, indicating which GER that course fulfills. Each department also lists courses required for its majors.
  • Axess: Use the Advanced Search tool in Axess to quickly sort course offerings according to GERs, IHUM courses, or PWR sections.
  • IHUM Courses. Browse IHUM course offerings.
  • PWR Sections. Read detailed section descriptions and instructor profiles.
  • Choosing Courses. Review advice on this page about how to choose classes to fulfill your University requirements.

Checking on Student Progress in Satisfying Requirements

  • Axess: Log on to Axess and review your Undergraduate Degree Progress Report.
  • Advising: Consult with your academic advisor or make an advising appointment through UAR.

Office of the Registrar

Consult the Office of the Registrar website to petition to use work from another college or university to satisfy Stanford General Education Requirements.

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