At present, the application-oriented university exists many neglected problems in curriculum system, teaching aim, content and methods. This paper analyzes above problems and starts from the concept of the core ability, puts forward the view that these universities should be based on students' core ability to design and optimize the curriculum system from the unified angle which meets students' needs, professional demand and social needs. It can make the application-oriented undergraduate talents have open knowledge view, outstanding practice ability, the solid foundation of specialized knowledge, the strong learning innovation ability and the ability of communication and coordination and higher physical and mental adjustment ability. Finally, using financial management professional as an example, the paper has constructed the corresponding relation among professional core ability, curriculum type, the curriculum arrangement and the curriculum contents.