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 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

Access the 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

General Education Exception Form

Please note, this form is for students who are in the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering.

Students who are not majoring within the College of Engineering should contact their major advisor or the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students.

If you have not attended your orientation, please contact coeadvisor@utah.edu with any questions related to general education exceptions.

For more information about general education requirements and content criteria please visit the following pages

Submit a Gen Ed Exception Form