All universities require at least two courses in the communication category, typically a two-course sequence in composition. At some universities, such as Texas A&M, the second course can be in another discipline such as public speaking or creative writing. Many universities also require a third communication course from speech communication, foreign language, or one of the aformentioned subjects.
All universities require at least one college-level math class appropriate to a student's individual major, with some universities requiring two courses. At some schools, courses in statistics, computer science, or logic satisfy all or part of the math requirement. For example, at Lamar University, students must take one course at the level of college algebra or higher, and a second course that is either a statistics or a math course above college algebra.
All universities require at least two science courses. At some schools, both courses must have a laboratory component, while other schools require only one lab science. Some universities, such as the University of Texas at Austin, require both courses to be in the same subject.
All universities require at least one course in humanities, with some requiring two. This requirement can take several forms. For example, Lamar University requires one course in literature and one Philosophy of Knowledge course. At Midwestern State University, students take two courses in literature, history, philosophy, or a foreign language. Tarleton State University requires one course in literature or introductory philosophy.
All universities require one course in fine arts. This can include disciplines such as theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
All Texas universities require students to take two courses in United States history. At some schools, such as the University of Texas at Austin, a course in Texas history can be substituted for one of the US history courses.
All universities require two courses in United States government. Some universities, such as Tarleton State University, require that one of these courses focuses on Texas state government.
All universities require at least one course in the social sciences, but this requirement can take several forms. For example, the University of North Texas requires one course from a choice of disciplines ranging from anthropology to criminal justice. Midwestern State University requires two courses, one in economics and one in psychology or sociology.
Each university may have its own required classes to complete the core curriculum. For example, Texas A&M requires two credits of Health and Fitness. At the University of North Texas, students must take two courses in human diversity.