Introduction
Marquette University’s Core Curriculum is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. The curriculum is based on the belief that a well-rounded education is essential for personal and professional success in today’s global society.
Core Goals and Objectives
The Marquette Core Curriculum has four primary goals:
1. To develop students’ intellectual skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
2. To introduce students to a broad range of knowledge and perspectives from the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
3. To foster students’ ethical and moral development.
4. To prepare students for lifelong learning and success in their chosen careers.
Curriculum Structure
The Marquette Core Curriculum consists of six core knowledge areas:
- Arts and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Theology
- Communication
Students must complete a certain number of courses in each core area to graduate. In addition to the core courses, students can also choose to take elective courses from any of the university’s academic departments.
Benefits of the Core Curriculum
The Marquette Core Curriculum offers a number of benefits to students, including:
- A solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences
- Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Enhanced communication and writing skills
- A broader understanding of the world around them
- Increased ethical and moral development
- Preparation for lifelong learning and success in their chosen careers
How the Core Curriculum Works
The Marquette Core Curriculum is a flexible program that allows students to tailor their education to their individual interests and goals. Students can choose to take courses in any order and can complete the curriculum in four years or longer.
Core Curriculum Requirements
The Marquette Core Curriculum requires students to complete 39 credits of coursework in the six core knowledge areas. The following table shows the specific course requirements for each core area:
| Core Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 9 |
| Natural Sciences | 9 |
| Social Sciences | 9 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 6 |
| Theology | 3 |
| Communication | 3 |
Honors Core Curriculum
The Marquette Core Curriculum also offers an honors option for students who want to challenge themselves academically. The honors core curriculum requires students to complete an additional 6 credits of coursework in the core knowledge areas.
Core Curriculum and Career Readiness
The Marquette Core Curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. A study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that graduates with a strong liberal arts education are more likely to be employed, have higher salaries, and be promoted more quickly than graduates without a liberal arts education.
Conclusion
The Marquette Core Curriculum is a valuable educational program that provides students with a solid foundation for success in college and beyond. The curriculum is based on the belief that a well-rounded education is essential for personal and professional success in today’s global society.