The REAL Curriculum, implemented in 2021, emerged from a three-year, faculty-led general education reform process. It emphasized that students could develop general education learning competencies through courses embedded across majors, minors, and certificates throughout their Radford University experience.
REAL reshaped how we think about learning—and the next model will go even further!
As we transition into the REAL 2025–27 model, we maintain this commitment to student-centered learning while streamlining requirements and preparing for the launch of a new general education framework in Fall 2027.
REAL continues to put students in the driver’s seat of their education—encouraging intentional exploration, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application.
With a focus on departmental strengths and faculty innovation, this page offers resources to support academic units during the REAL 2025–27 transition. For background on the development and evolution of the REAL Curriculum, see the REAL Journey section below.
REAL 2025–27 General Education
This transitional model applies to students entering Radford University under the
2025–26 or 2026–27 catalogs. It serves as a bridge between the REAL curriculum (2021–2025)
and the new general education model launching in Fall 2027.
What’s Required Under REAL 2025–27
Students must fulfill the following requirements to graduate:
Completion of All Four REAL Areas
Foundational Math and Writing Requirements
Breadth Requirement
Minimum of 15 credit hours outside the student’s major department
REAL 2025–27 Faculty FAQ
Can a course count for more than one REAL area?
No. Under REAL 2025–27, a single course can only fulfill one REAL area (R, E, A, or
L). Double-counting across areas is not permitted.
Can a Writing Intensive (WI) course also meet a REAL area requirement?
It depends.
Can we propose new courses for REAL 2025–27?
Generally, no. REAL 2025–27 is a transitional model, and new course proposals should
align with the upcoming new general education model (launching Fall 2027). If you
are proposing a course for both REAL 2025–27 and the new model, consult with the General
Education Curriculum Subcommittee.
What happens if a student switches catalog years?
Their general education requirements will change to match their new catalog year:
Encourage students to consult with the Registrar and Advising to understand the implications of switching catalogs.
Do students need to complete a 300+ course in each REAL area?
No. Unlike the REAL (2021–25) model, there is no upper-level requirement in each REAL
area under REAL 2025–27. Only the Writing Intensive requirement mandates at least
one 300+ level course.
Can students use minor courses to fulfill REAL areas?
Yes, if the courses carry REAL area designations. However, minors—even double-area
minors—do not substitute for completing all four REAL areas.
How do we know if a course counts in a REAL area?
Check the REAL 2025–27 course list published by the Registrar or Undergraduate Curriculum
Office. Course designations are also visible in Degree Works.
Are transfer students treated differently?
Yes. Transfer students may qualify for waivers under the Legacy Transfer Policy (based
on credit hours and key courses). All other transfer students must complete the REAL
2025–27 model in full, including:
Dr. Jessica Stowell
Assistant Provost for Faculty and Curriculum
jstowell1@radford.edu
Dr. David Beach
Director of Undergraduate Curriculum
dbeach6@radford.edu
Artis College of Science and Technology
Dr. Eric Choate
echoate2@radford.edu
Dr. Christopher Monceaux
cmonceau@radford.edu
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Anna Devito
adevito@radford.edu
open
College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Laurie Cubbison
lcubbiso@radford.edu
Dr. Kurt Gingrich
kgingric@radford.edu
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Dr. Bruce Mahin
bmahin@radford.edu
open
Davis College of Business and Economics
Dr. Art Carter
aecarter@radford.edu
Dr. Eftila Tanellari
tduncan13@radford.edu
College of Nursing
Dr. Sarah Keaton
skkeaton@radford.edu
LeAnna Ratliff
lratliff1@radford.edu
Waldron College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Michele Lenhart
mlenhart@radford.edu
Dr. Douglas Wright
dwright1@radford.edu
Ex officio
Noah Elbaor, Institutional Effectiveness and Quality Improvement
nelbaor@radford.edu
Artis College of Science and Technology
Dr. Jake Fox
jfox32@radford.edu
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Michael Moore
mbmoore@radford.edu
Dr. Ryan Smith
rsmith630@radford.edu
College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Courtney Bosworth
cbosworth@radford.edu
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Ms. Julie Temple
jtemple5@radford.edu
Davis College of Business and Economics
Dr. Tom Duncan
tduncan13@radford.edu
Waldron College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Glen Mayhew
gmayhew@radford.edu
Links to the REAL Assessment Guide, detailed assessment plan proposal templates, and sample assessment plan proposal are below.
Note: This is archived information which pertains to REAL 2021-25
In the Fall 2017, the Radford University faculty began the process of reconsidering their existing approach to general education. Over the course of the next few years, faculty from every academic college would participate in committees that reviewed the Core Curriculum and assessed the best general education path forward for students and the university. By determining the academic values that underlie general education and developing a set of guiding principles, the Radford University faculty established the strong foundation upon which to build their innovative approach. The resulting REAL Curriculum gives students choice to determine their pathways to degree completion and documents the development of traditional general education competencies within majors, minors, and certificates. This model puts the student at the center of the university experience and draws on expertise from every academic discipline, recognizing there are many ways to build critical knowledge and skills. The REAL Curriculum establishes campus-wide learning goals and outcomes to help students develop a lifelong love for learning. The links below provide the milestone documents that record this journey.