Pathways to General Education

Pathways to General Education is the General Education curriculum at Virginia Tech. Every student must complete their pathways to general education course requirements, in addition to the courses required for their major/degree. You must finish pathways course requirements before you graduate.

University Studies/Explore Technology students usually take a majority of their courses within Pathways to General Education. These courses can help you explore and start the journey towards your perfect major.

The Pathways curriculum consists of 45 credit hours over 7 core concepts. Depending on your major, you may be required to take specific pathways courses in certain areas or get to choose courses from the different concepts to fulfill the credit hour requirements if your major allows you to. Many AP, IB, dual enrollment, and transfer courses may count for Pathways credit. Your academic advisor will go over this in detail with you at orientation.

This video will show you the number of hours required per concept following the chart below.

Pathways Concept 1: 6 Credit Hours Foundational + 3 Advanced Credit Hours
Pathways Concept 2: 6 Credit Hours
Pathways Concept 3: 6 Credit Hours
Pathways Concept 4: 6-8 Credit Hours depending on major
Pathways Concept 5: 6 Credit Hours Foundational + 3 Advanced Credit Hours
Pathways Concept 6: 3 Credit Hours of Arts + 3 Credit Hours of Design
Pathways Concept 7: 3 Credit Hours

Learn how Pathways Minors can work with University Studies

Want to learn more about Pathways to General Education?

View a list of all courses within each concept and the number of hours required per concept.