The Common Academic Program (CAP) is an innovative curriculum that is the foundation of a University of Dayton education. It is a learning experience that is shared in common among all undergraduate students, regardless of their major. Some CAP requirements must be fulfilled by courses taken at UD (e.g., Capstone and Diversity and Social Justice). Some major requirements must also be fulfilled by courses taken at UD. Students should consult with their advisor regarding applicability of transfer credit to fulfill CAP and major program requirements. 

Common Academic Program (CAP) 1
First-Year Humanities Commons 2		12 cr. hrs.
HST 103	Introduction to Global Historical Studies
REL 103	Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies
PHL 103	Introduction to Philosophy
ENG 100	Writing Seminar I 3
Second-Year Writing Seminar 4		0-3 cr. hrs.
ENG 200	Writing Seminar II
Oral Communication		3 cr. hrs.
CMM 100	Principles of Oral Communication
Mathematics		3 cr. hrs.
Social Science		3 cr. hrs.
Arts		3 cr. hrs.
Natural Sciences 5		7 cr. hrs.
Crossing Boundaries		up to 12 cr. hrs.
Faith Traditions
Practical Ethical Action
Inquiry
Integrative
Advanced Study
Philosophy and/or Religious Studies (6 cr. hrs.)
Historical Studies (3 cr. hrs.) 6
Diversity and Social Justice 7		3 cr. hrs.
Major Capstone 8		0-6 cr. hrs.

¹

The credit hours listed reflect what is needed to complete each CAP component. However, they should not be viewed as a cumulative addition to a student's degree requirements because many CAP courses are designed to satisfy more than one CAP component (e.g., Crossing Boundaries and Advanced Studies) and may also satisfy requirements in the student's major.

²

May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.

³

May be completed with ENG 100A and ENG 100B, by placement.

⁴

May be completed with ENG 114 or ENG 198 or ASI 120.

⁵

Must include two different disciplines and at least one accompanying lab.

⁶

May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program. 

⁷

May not double count with First-Year Humanities Commons, Second-Year Writing, Oral Communication, Social Science, Arts, or Natural Sciences CAP components, but may double count with courses taken to satisfy other CAP components and/or courses taken in the student's major.

⁸

The course or experience is designed by faculty in each major; it may, or may not, be assigned credit hours.

The University of Dayton's CAP Tier system was designed to establish an equitable and meaningful Common Academic Program experience that honors the diverse prior learning experiences of students, ensuring a reflective and respectful approach that accommodates students from all walks of life. 

CAP Tiers:

• CAP Tiers are determined by the number of transfer credit hours a student has at the beginning of their first term of attendance at the university.
• A student's CAP Tier is finalized at the end of their first semester of enrollment at the University of Dayton. Once a student’s tier is set, it remains fixed and does not change, even if catalog years or policies are updated after their admission. 
• CAP Tiers are assigned as follows based on transfer and other forms of credit hours earned:
  • 0-29: Under 30 hours
  • 30-59: 30 to 59 hours
  • 60-89: 60 to 89 hours
  • 90+: 90 or more hours 

Impact of CAP Transfer Procedures Adoption (2022-23):

• Students who attended prior to the adoption of the CAP Transfer Procedures (2022-23) and wish to change their catalog year should speak with their academic advisor.
• If a student who did not already have a CAP Tier changes their catalog year, their records will be assessed, and their CAP Tier will be assigned based on the number of transfer hours they had at the time of their initial semester of enrollment at the university.
• Any transfer hours acquired during enrollment as a degree-seeking student at the University of Dayton will be excluded from the CAP Tier calculation.

Readmission and Transfer Credits:

• Students who were admitted and/or enrolled at the university prior to the 2022-23 catalog year, left the university, and remained unenrolled can apply for readmission.
• Upon readmission, students can request that all transfer credits acquired during the intervening years be evaluated and applied towards their CAP Tier determination.