General Education (GE) / Baccalaureate Degree (BD) Exceptions

A GE/BD exception allows a course not previously approved for a General Education (GE) or Baccalaureate Degree (BD) designation to fulfill a requirement if it meets the learning outcome criteria for the designated area.

Qualifications for an Exception

To be considered, the course must meet the following criteria:
  • Be submitted under an eligible appeal category (Transfer, University of Utah*, or Learning Abroad pre‑approval)
  • Be 2.6 or more credit hours
  • Address the Requirement Area Learning Outcomes (GE or BD) for the requested designation
  • Fulfill one of the following:
    • One Core GE: AI, WR1, WR2, QL
    • One Breadth GE: FF, HF, LS, PS, BF
    • Some courses may also fulfill a BD requirement: CW, DV, IR, QI, DI, LR
  • May double‑count toward major or minor requirements

*Exceptions for University of Utah Courses

Students are strongly encouraged to choose GE and BD courses already approved and listed in the class schedule and course catalog.
  • Exceptions for University of Utah courses are rare
  • They are considered only under unique circumstances
  • All requests must go through the appeal process

Process for Requesting an Exception

Step 1: Review the Criteria

  • Review the Requirement Area Learning Outcomes for GE and BD requirements

Step 2: Compare Your Course

  • Compare the course syllabus to the GE/BD learning outcomes

Step 3: Confirm Transfer Credit (if applicable)

  • Ensure transfer courses are posted in the “Summary of Transfer Credit” section of your Degree Audit
  • Only officially posted courses can be evaluated

*Special Note for Math (QL) Courses

Instructions on Submitting your Appeal Form

Submit a Gen Ed Exception Form

Submit the form with the Required Information

Section 1: Student Information

  • Since you must log in through your CIS account, most fields will autofill
  • Add your major then click “Lookup Major” to complete the College Name field

Section 2: Course Information

Include the following:
  • Appeal type: Transfer, University of Utah, or Learning Abroad (pre‑approval)
  • Institution where the course was completed
  • Course details (e.g., PSY 1010: Intro to Psychology - Must match how it is listed on your degree audit!)
  • Requested GE/BD code (e.g., AI, FF)
  • Personal statement explaining how the course meets the criteria
  • For University of Utah courses only: Describe the unique circumstances supporting the appeal

Section 3: Attachments

Upload the following documents:
  • Course syllabus (strongly recommended; increases approval likelihood)
  • Degree Audit PDF (instructions provided in the form)
  • Any additional supporting documentation

Questions?

Contact Abby Harris at abby.harris@utah.edu.

Abby Harris

Price College of Engineering

Student Services Program Coordinator
Make Appointment