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University Program

The University Program introduces students to the major fields of human knowledge and teaches students how to think like a humanist, a natural scientist, and a social scientist. The goal is to equip students with skills they can use to provide order and meaning to new information they will encounter over the rest of their lives. Courses in the University Program aid students in developing a broad conceptual understanding that ultimately helps graduates function as educated and thoughtful citizens.  

Students will typically take one course from each subgroup. Please see the appropriate Bulletin for details on requirements and contact an academic advisor for additional guidance. 

I. Humanities (6 hours) 

Explore human experiences and achievements in order to understand the essential characteristics of the human condition and human values. 

  • A. Human Events and Ideas (3 hours)
    Studies concerned with discerning order, meaning, and significance in human events and ideas. 
  • B. The Arts (3 hours)
    Studies concerned with the aesthetic dimensions of human creative activity. 

II. Natural Sciences (6 hours) 

Examine the natural phenomena in order to understand basic principles concerning the material universe.

  • A. Descriptive Science (3 hours)
    Understanding natural phenomena through observation, description, and classification. 
  • B. Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences (3 hours)
    Understanding phenomena through experimentation, simplification, quantification, and deduction.

III. Social Sciences (6 hours)  

Explore the social dimensions of human life to understand the behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions.  

  • A. Behavioral Sciences (3 hours)
    Analysis of individual human behavior. 
  • B. Studies in Social Structures (3 hours)
    Analysis of the function and change of social structures. 

IV. Studies in Culture and Diversity (9 hours) 

Explore the cultures and societies outside the United States or the history and continuing effects of racism and other forms of discrimination for groups within the United States. 

  • A. Studies in Discrimination (3 hours)
    Interact with or explore groups that experience social and/or political marginalization. 
  • B. Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition (3 hours)
    Explore geographical cultures and political units outside the Anglo-American cultural tradition.  
  • C. Studies in Racism and Cultural Diversity in the United States (3 hours)
    Examine the groups that experience racism and discrimination in the United States. 
Credit toward any subgroup within Studies in Culture and Diversity may be earned through an applied experience or faculty-led experience. Please submit the appropriate form to the Academic Senate office to apply.  

Applied Experience Application for students to earn credit for an internship, service-based experience, or experience at another institution.  

Faculty-led Experience Application for faculty to get pre-approval for a special topic or study abroad course to count toward the relevant subgroup.