Core Curriculum

The core is the set of classes vertically aligned through four years required of all Mines students. Students complete courses in the core curriculum to develop and strengthen scientific and engineering knowledge, and to explore the contextualization of that knowledge in a sociotechnical, professional, and global community. In addition to foundational knowledge in math and science, the core curriculum also facilitates student success in crucial areas, including personal and professional development, understanding of global and societal contexts, ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings, and capacity for critical and creative problem solving. To achieve these goals, the core content will be aligned with 26 core competencies. They are designed to advance the integration of pathways for the signature student experience in a way that is scaffolded from the core curriculum through to graduation.  

The core curriculum as of academic year 23 - 24 builds on existing strengths within the curriculum, while also providing an expanded range of opportunities for integrative, exploratory, experiential, interdisciplinary, and enhanced hands-on learning. It includes a greater focus on student wellness, with a process for recognizing the importance of activities that facilitate personal growth and encourage a balanced and healthy campus lifestyle. Continuing students should refer to the Appendix section at the bottom of this page to understand updates and review guidelines for degree completion.

The courses in the core curriculum are organized in the following topical areas: 

All students are required to complete the following core course requirements, and they are strongly encouraged to do so in accordance with the schedule outlined by your degree program. Failure to do so may delay a student’s ability to graduate. Students should check out Degree Works to verify requirements for your program. 

Table 1: List of Core Course Requirements

In accordance with the statement on Curriculum Change (above), the Colorado School of Mines is entering a process of core curriculum revision. The table below shows the effects of the revision to the core launched in 23 – 24. The core curriculum may see further revisions in future catalog years after the new core goes through an assessment cycle of measuring how well the competencies are being met, and to meet any future needs to keep the curriculum relevant. To confirm that they are progressing according to the requirements of the revised curriculum, students should consult their CASA academic advisor and/or departmental faculty mentor on a regular basis and should carefully consult any Catalog Addenda that may be published during this period. 

Old Core and Credit Hour (CH) Changes

• PHGN100 Credit Hour change from 4.5 to 4
• HASS Credit Hour change from 4 to 3
• Addition of CSM202 at 1 Credit Hour
• Addition of CSCI128 at 3 Credit Hours
• Free Elective minimum Credit Hours reduced from 9 to 6
• All PAGN courses Credit Hour change from .5 to 1
• CSM 101 Credit Hour change from .5 to 1

Table 8: New Core

All students are required to complete all core requirements and are strongly encouraged to do so in accordance with the schedule outlined by your degree program. Failure to do so may delay a student’s ability to graduate. Students are encouraged to consult Degree Works to verify requirements for your program.  

All first year incoming students will be required to complete the core requirements as outlined in Table 1: List of Core Course Requirements. Flexibility may be needed in when students are able to take CSCI128 and CSM202.   

Guidelines for Continuing Students

Students who have already completed one or more semesters at Mines should consult with their academic advisors or departmental faculty mentors to determine if they would like to switch to a newer catalog. The following set of guidelines should be able to help students have these conversations and make informed decisions.  

Continuing Students Switching to New Catalog