General Education at Iowa: The CLAS Core

Schaeffer Hall at The University of Iowa

The CLAS Core gives students the opportunity to experience the essential values of a liberal arts education: curiosity, exploration, and discovery.

The curriculum focuses on “learning how to learn,” helping students to sharpen the academic skills they need to achieve excellence.

To earn a degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must complete the CLAS Core requirements.

Student working in an Art class

CLAS Core

In CLAS Core courses—whether in creative writing, biology, dance, psychology, or many other subjects—students and faculty share their knowledge through discussion, debate, research, and the creation of new works.