General Education: A Roadmap for Success
General education distinguishes a university education from a technical or professional education, and it sets the course for lifelong learning, for exploration beyond the major, and for humanistic, artistic, and scientific inquiry. General education serves as a compass for students as they navigate their university experience.
East Tennessee State University’s general education curriculum is called Compass Core Curriculum.
What is Compass Core Curriculum?
The Compass Core Curriculum was designed with three central values: (1) do what is best for student learning, (2) provide students with greater flexibility and choice, and (3) maintain appropriate academic rigor in the general education program to meet student needs for the 21st century. Compass was designed to empower students by providing a foundation for professional success as well as success in their journey of lifelong learning.
All Compass classes include high-impact teaching practices to engage students in the learning experience in ways that make coursework relevant, meaningful, and connected to students’ lives through reflective and thoughtful connections. Explore Compass and begin your pathway to success.
Explore Compass
The Compass Core Curriculum general education requirement at ETSU offers students flexibility and choice to tailor their educational journey to their interests, while developing essential skills for professional success and responsible citizenship.
For more information about courses, see Academic Catalogs.
NOTE: Compass applies to students who are under the 2024 catalog or newer. Students under
older catalogs should refer to those catalogs for their general education requirements.
View the 2024 or older catalogs.