University of Rochester Curriculum Flexibility

Hey, I'm curious about the curriculum flexibility at the University of Rochester. Can anyone give me a rundown of how it works, and what kind of freedom students have in selecting their courses?

University of Rochester is known for its flexible and unique curriculum, called the Rochester Curriculum. Its open nature allows students to tailor their academic experience according to their interests and goals. There are three main components of the curriculum: the major, the cluster, and the writing requirement.

1. Major: Like at most institutions, you'll choose a major and complete the required courses for that discipline. U of R offers over 75 majors spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

2. Cluster: Instead of a traditional distribution requirement or general education, the University of Rochester has a "cluster" system. You must complete a cluster in each of the other two divisions not represented by your major. Clusters consist of at least three related courses with a theme, allowing you to build an interdisciplinary understanding of the subjects.

For example, if you major in physics (natural sciences), you'll need to complete one cluster in humanities and another in social sciences. This approach ensures exposure to diverse disciplines without forcing you to take pre-determined general education classes in areas that don't align with your interests.

3. Writing Requirement: You'll need to complete a Primary Writing Requirement (PWR), typically achieved through a writing-intensive course in your freshman year, fulfilling foundational writing and communication skills. Additionally, there's an Upper-Level Writing Requirement (ULWR) within your major, ensuring the development of discipline-specific communication abilities.

The Rochester Curriculum fosters personalized learning and gives students the freedom to explore various academic areas, while still ensuring that they attain a broad-based education. This flexibility is especially beneficial if you have multiple interests or are still unsure of your academic path. You'll have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses and discover the subjects that truly ignite your passion.