The development of a national database describing the real undergraduate curriculum, the courses that college and university students actually take, is reported. Based on analyses of student transcripts from 30 public and private institutions of varying sizes, this report provides a rationale for the database; analyzes student choices across the curriculum and within the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, including mathematics; presents a method of describing the curriculum within and across institutions; and offers preliminary statistical conclusions. The basic finding is that there is a notable absence of structure and coherence in college and university curricula, indicating a continued fragmentation of education. Contains eight references. (KM)