Core Curriculum Assessment
TCU Core Curriculum
Assessing Student Learning Across the Core
The TCU Core Curriculum provides a shared foundation of knowledge and skills for all undergraduate students. Core Curriculum Assessment examines how well students demonstrate four essential learning outcomes across courses and disciplines.
Faculty committees use shared rubrics in a juried review of student work. Results are reported at the institutional level and guide improvements in assignments, curriculum, teaching, and student learning. They are not used to evaluate individual instructors, courses, or departments.
What Do You Need?
I Teach a Core Course
Review what participating faculty need to know about assignment selection, D2L collection, and assessment.
I Need the Schedule
See when each Core competency is planned, assessed, and reported.
I Need a Rubric
Find the assessment rubric and current cycle information for each competency.
I Want to See Results
Read institutional findings, improvement priorities, and complete assessment reports.
Four Essential Learning Outcomes
The Core Curriculum is organized around four institution-wide learning outcomes. Select a competency to view its rubric, assessment schedule, committee, and available reports.
Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
Apply mathematical and scientific literacy skills or concepts.
Responsible Citizenship
Describe concepts or theories of social responsibility in diverse or global communities.
Current Assessment Activity
Summer 2026: Communication student work is being evaluated through the faculty assessment workshop. Critical and Creative Thinking and Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning results from the 2024-2025 assessment cycle are available. Responsible Citizenship is preparing for data collection during 2026-2027.
Latest Results
Critical and Creative Thinking
2024-2025 baseline: 1,314 student artifacts were assessed, with 75.8% rated Accomplished or Proficient.
Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
2024-2025: 466 student artifacts were assessed, with approximately 80% rated Accomplished or Proficient.
Reports and Improvement
Assessment findings are used to strengthen assignment alignment, rubrics, faculty preparation, and student learning.
Looking for Core Curriculum Requirements?
Students seeking course requirements, advising information, transfer guidance, or help tracking Core completion should visit the TCU Core Curriculum website.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Theresa Gaul, Director of the TCU Core Curriculum, at t.gaul@tcu.edu.