Reimagining the AGEC: Arizona General Education Curriculum for the 21st Century
In February 2021, the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) approved a new policy regarding general education at ABOR universities. Policy 2-210 requires Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona to redesign their general education programs. In light of the new ABOR policy, advances in both general education strategies and guided pathways, and emerging 21st-century skills, the AZTransfer Steering Committee is leading an effort to reimagine the structure and requirements of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC).
Effective Fall 2025, Arizona Western College will adopt the updated AGEC requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AGEC?
AGEC stands for the Arizona General Education Curriculum. The AGEC is the foundation of a community college education in Arizona. Successfully completing the AGEC means that all AGEC courses will transfer as a block to ASU, NAU, and UA. If the AGEC is completed with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, the student is guaranteed admission to ASU, NAU, and UA.
What does the AGEC consist of?
For new students enrolling in Fall 2025, the AGEC will consist of 32 to 35 credits in the following categories:
- Written and Oral Communication (9-10 credits; the first 6 must be composition/technical writing, and the remaining 3-4 credits can be in communication studies or languages)
- Arts & Humanities (6-9 credits)
- Quantitative Reasoning (3-4 credits)
- Natural Sciences (4-8 credits)
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (6-9 credits)
- Institutions in the Americas (3 credits)
Note: Students will choose courses to align with the college or university they intend to transfer to.
How do the latest changes affect current students?
Current students are not affected by these changes. Students who maintain continuous enrollment will follow the requirements outlined by the catalog in effect when they first enrolled at Arizona Western College. A student may choose to follow the requirements outlined by any single catalog in effect during subsequent terms of continuous enrollment.
What are the benefits of switching to the new catalog and AGEC?
The new AGEC does not include the awareness requirements, such as Writing Intensive, Cultural, Historical, or Global courses.
How can I switch to the new catalog with the new AGEC?
Students can fill out a Change of Major form and return it to the Office of Admission and Registration. A Change of Major is only allowed during the add/drop period of the first class of the semester.
It is recommended that students meet with an advisor to determine which program plans better align with their academic goals.
What if I have additional questions?
Students can meet with an advisor to further discuss their academic plans. To schedule an appointment, please visit the advisement services booking site.