Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you want to know “what does open curriculum mean?” An open curriculum allows students greater flexibility in regard to course selection. Rather than have strict course requirements, especially in terms of general education, open curriculum colleges encourage students to design a course schedule tailored to their specific interests. This empowers students to take greater initiative and feel more responsible for their unique education path.
It’s worth noting that open curriculum colleges still have general education requirements and courses for declared majors; these requirements will be less rigid, however, and will vary from school to school. That being said, regardless of specifics, there is considerable room for students to select courses based on passion and curiosity at open curriculum schools.
With guidance from academic advisors, students can pursue their goals and interests in a unique and highly personalized way. This is particularly beneficial for students interested in interdisciplinary work. Overall, the open curriculum model gives students the freedom to study what excites them while gaining a well-rounded education. This allows for a more personalized college experience, focused on intellectual discovery and personal growth.
What is the difference between an open curriculum and a core curriculum?
A core curriculum refers to a set of college courses that all students are required to complete, regardless of their major. Typical core curriculum requirements include classes in writing, math, sciences, humanities, arts, history, social sciences, and diversity studies. For example, a Literature major may be required to take introductory courses in biology, economics, and world religions — regardless of their individual interests.
Colleges with core curriculums believe that taking a variety of subjects fosters critical thinking skills while providing students with a strong educational foundation. Conversely, open curriculum schools believe that students should have more agency and flexibility in regards to their schedules. Neither model is right or wrong. It all comes down to preference and educational philosophy.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive in a bit further. What’s a core curriculum? And how is it different from an open curriculum?
A core curriculum refers to a set of college courses that all students are required to complete, regardless of their major. Typical core curriculum requirements include classes in writing, math, sciences, humanities, arts, history, social sciences, and diversity studies. For example, a Literature major may be required to take introductory courses in biology, economics, and world religions — regardless of their individual interests.
Colleges with core curriculums believe that taking a variety of subjects fosters critical thinking skills while providing students with a strong educational foundation. Conversely, open curriculum schools believe that students should have more agency and flexibility in regards to their schedules. Neither model is right or wrong. It all comes down to preference and educational philosophy.
Pros of open curriculum schools
At this point, you may have an inkling about what educational model you prefer: colleges with core curriculums or colleges with open curriculums. That being said, we should probably explore some more specifics before you make up your mind completely.
Let’s start with some of the pros of open curriculum schools:
Open curriculum colleges can be a great fit for students who have a clear understanding of their educational and career goals. Check out the following articles on college majors so that you can reflect on your own goals: What Is a College Major and How to Choose One and Does Your Major Affect Your College Acceptance?.
Cons of open curriculum schools
While there are lots of advantages when it comes to open curriculums, there are disadvantages as well. Consider some of the cons of open curriculum schools listed below:
Students who decide to transfer to a school with a core curriculum model may have difficulty transferring credits.
List of 30 open curriculum colleges
So, what colleges have an open curriculum? Check out these 30 open curriculum universities and colleges. If you’re interested in the open curriculum at Brown, check out our article: How To Get Into Brown University: Complete Guide. For more information about the remaining colleges, click on the websites listed in the table below.
| College | Location | Undergraduate Population | Overall Acceptance Rate | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst College | Amherst, MA | 1,898 | 7% | $67,280 |
| Brown University | Providence, RI | 7,639 | 5% | $68,230 |
| CUNY | New York City, NY | 11,929 | 62% | $7,340 (in-state) |
| California College of the Arts | San Francisco, CA | 1,249 | 78% | $57,946 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 2,241 | 14% | $65,028 |
| The Evergreen State College | Olympia, WA | 1,871 | 96% | $8,965 (in-state) |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1,759 | 11% | $64,862 |
| Hamilton College | Clinton, NY | 2,075 | 12% | $65,740 |
| Hampshire College | Amherst, MA | 508 | 69% | $56,990 |
| Hanover College | Hanover, IN | 951 | 74% | $41,441 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 35,660 | 82% | $11,790 (in-state) |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | 20,346 | 78% | $13,576 (in-state) |
| Lesley University | Cambridge, MA | 1,757 | 87% | $31,364 |
| NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study | New York City, NY | 1,600 | 30% | $54,516 |
| Oberlin College and Conservatory | Oberlin, OH | 2,986 | 35% | $64,646 |
| Sarah Lawrence College | Bronxville, NY | 1,462 | 50% | $63,678 |
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | 2,523 | 23% | $61,568 |
| St. Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 3,046 | 56% | $56,970 |
| Swarthmore College | Swarthmore, PA | 1,625 | 7% | $62,412 |
| University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | 39,248 | 75% | $16,488 (in-state) |
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | 32,831 | 11% | $15,891 (in-state) |
| University of California, San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 33,096 | 24% | $16,056 (in-state) |
| University of Maryland | College Park, MD | 30,353 | 44% | $11,505 (in-state) |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | 32,695 | 18% | $17,786 (in-state) |
| University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | 6,767 | 39% | $64,384 |
| University of Washington | Seattle, WA | 36,872 | 48% | $12,643 (in-state) |
| Vassar College | Poughkeepsie, NY | 2,459 | 19% | $67,805 |
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | 5,447 | 21% | $64,758 |
| Warren Wilson College | Asheville, NC | 723 | 84% | $40,290 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 3,069 | 14% | $67,016 |
Key takeaways and moving forward
There are lots of advantages to attending an open curriculum school. Students are given more agency, creativity, and greater overall flexibility. This flexibility may allow students to pursue a double major, college minor, internship, or study abroad experience. That being said, all of these possibilities are still possible at core curriculum colleges; they just might be a bit more difficult. Open curriculum schools may be a great fit for students who value independence and thrive in self-directed settings. Students who benefit from having more structure and guidance may prefer attending a school with a core curriculum, as opposed to an open curriculum.
For more information on how to find a school that’s the best fit for your individual needs, check out our article, College Search Process: Finding the Right University or College For You. You may also be interested in reviewing our College Planning Checklist For Seniors.
For more information on how to find a school that’s the best fit for your individual needs, check out our article, College Search Process: Finding the Right University or College For You. You may also be interested in reviewing our College Planning Checklist For Seniors.
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