What is Cap Core?
Cap Core is a framework to help students select and tailor their coursework in a way that provides them with the intellectual experiences necessary for success in their university studies and beyond. It is organized into thematic clusters representing coursework to be completed throughout a student's time at CapU. Cap Core is designed to give graduates both the foundational and professional knowledge needed for success in their chosen careers as well as the breadth of knowledge that will set them apart as well-rounded professionals.
Why Cap Core?
At CapU, we are committed to providing an excellent education that prepares students to be successful in their chosen fields. We know that the world is changing in many ways, including advances in technology and the demands of a new economy. In response, we are changing the way we deliver elective courses to enhance our graduates’ expertise and give them a breadth of knowledge beyond their specializations.
Cap Core addresses the fact employers need educated graduates who are also socially, interpersonally, and environmentally aware. Employers want to hire graduates with broad-based knowledge and understanding, who are critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, and problem-solvers. The Cap Core curriculum will introduce students to multiple perspectives and helps to prepare them for meaningful engagement with the world, no matter what their area of expertise or interest.
How Does Cap Core Work?
As students move through their baccalaureate, they will complete a total of 30 credits in Cap Core across all four undergraduate years. At least 15 credits must be outside a student's program of study.
Foundation (3 credits Literacy and 3 credits Numeracy)
Courses in Numeracy and Literacy ensure that students have a solid base for success as they complete the majority of their studies. Students are expected to complete these courses within their first 30 credits at CapU.
Integration (18 credits)
Organized into three subject-matter themes (Self and Society; Science and Technology; Culture and Creative Expression) these courses introduce students to ways of understanding our world from a variety of perspectives. Integration courses may be completed across all four years of an undergraduate program at CapU; students must complete at least three credits in each of the subject-matter themes.
Professional Practice (6 credits)
As students reach the final year in their program of study, they will complete a Professional Practice requirement that will typically include a three-credit Experiential learning opportunity and a three-credit Capstone course in which they will put all of their learning into practice. Students are expected to complete these courses within their final 30 credits at CapU.
Summary
Students in bachelor degree programs must complete at least 30 credits total in Cap Core across all four undergraduate years in the following areas:
- Six credits Foundation (usually 100 level)
- Three credits in Numeracy
- Three credits in Literacy
- Eighteen credits Integration (courses available at all levels) with a minimum of three credits in each of the following areas:
- Self and Society
- Science and Technology
- Culture and Creative Expression
- Six credits Professional Practice (usually 400 level)
- Three credits Experiential
- Three credits Capstone
The full list of courses designated in Cap Core categories can be found on the university's Cap Core website. Courses will continue to be added to the list of approved options monthly.
Cap Core Program Requirement
Students starting in their baccalaureate degree on or after Fall 2018 and graduating on or after June 2022 must meet Cap Core graduation requirements in addition to their program requirements. Please visit the Cap Core website and individual program pages for detailed requirements.
Beginning in fall 2021, students in certificate and diploma programs laddering into CapU baccalaureate degrees will typically complete their foundational requirements and a portion of their integration courses while fulfilling their certificate and diploma program requirements. The remaining Cap Core requirements will be met while completing their baccalaureate degree requirements. Specifics will vary from program to program.
For more information, please contact Academic Advising.
Cap Core for Transfer Students
Students who transfer in to Capilano University can apply to transfer up to 60 credits toward their baccalaureate degree. Courses that receive assigned credit at CapU will automatically be granted Cap Core attributes as defined by the CapU course (e.g. if a course transfers in as ENGL 100 the student would meet the Cap Core Literacy requirement). Unassigned credit will be assessed for Cap Core on an individual basis as requested by the student.
For additional information or questions contact capcore@capilanou.ca.