Academic Catalog 2024-25 > Undergraduate Degree Programs- CORE, Majors and Minors > CORE Curriculum > Undergraduate Day Program CORE Curriculum Overview

Undergraduate Day Program CORE Curriculum Overview

*Specific major requirements may include CORE equivalent courses. Please check major requirements and consult an academic advisor.

1. For General Education requirements for Adult Degree Completion Program students, see the Adult Degree Completion Program General Education section of this catalog.
2. Once Day undergraduate students have matriculated, they must complete the CORE Curriculum as outlined above or in the Honors Program section of this catalog. Students must obtain permission in advance to take a course off campus by obtaining the approval of their academic advisor and submitting a completed Authorization to Take a Class Off Campus form to the Registrar’s Office for approval, prior to enrolling in the course and subject to the parameters in Item 3 below.
3. After matriculation, Day program undergraduate students may not take more than 3 classes off campus that are intended to meet CORE Curriculum requirements. Courses taken off campus must be comparable in course content and Student Learning Outcomes to those required by the university, as determined by the Articulation Officer and the Dean of General Studies. Failure to obtain prior authorization may result in off campus coursework being denied for transfer.
4. The CORE Curriculum requirements develop specific academic skills and/or examine content knowledge. The number of units required in each category is indicated above. There may be variations in requirements for transfer students as explained in the Special Conditions section below or for students in the Honors Program.
5. A course which satisfies both a CORE Curriculum requirement and a requirement in a student’s major may satisfy the requirement for both. When one course is applied to satisfy the two requirements, students receive units for the course only once.

Core Category Descriptions:

Effective Communication (EC)

Dominican’s EC courses pave the way for you to become thoughtful and adaptive communicators amid the constantly changing landscape of new media in the twenty-first century. The EC sequence prepares you for communicative success in your college career and beyond. You will focus on building fundamental skills in writing essays, designing oral and visual presentations, as well as cultivating skills in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, research, and information literacy.

Quantitative Literacy and Social Issues (QL)

Dominican graduates live in an increasingly complex world where information and data analysis requires literacy in applied quantitative methods. The QL Core classes are designed to introduce you to using quantitative methods to interpret data, infer solutions, and apply the tools and models to real-world problems.

Civic Knowledge and Engagement (CKE)

Civic knowledge is foundational for becoming an informed and engaged member of society. CKE courses provide opportunities for you to deepen your understanding of political structures, history, social systems, cultural trends, and current affairs. Practical applications include analyzing complex issues through multiple lenses, engaging with diverse perspectives, and practicing democratic participation.

Artistic and Creative Expression (ACE)

ACE courses are designed to empower you as both individual creators and collaborators. ACE courses place a strong emphasis on the practical application of artistic skills and hands-on instruction, while providing a solid foundation in such disciplines as visual art, design, music, and creative writing. As you gain proficiency in a chosen artistic medium, you will be able to create and share meaningful artistic expressions and communicate your creative intentions and insights effectively.

Science for Global Citizens (SCI)

Our world is increasingly complex, and individual actions and elections impact society and how we as a species interact with the environment. The SCI Core classes are designed to introduce you to thinking about your connections with the world through Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, or Physics. These classes all have a hands-on component where you participate in data collection, manipulation, and analysis to gain an understanding of how science advances our understanding of the natural world.

An Examined Life (EL)

In our interconnected society with many social injustices and environmental crises, the capacity to engage critically, creatively, and ethically is important. In the EL Core classes you will analyze current issues within society, understand differing values and worldviews, and form ethical arguments to advocate for socially just and sustainable communities.

Social Sciences: Understanding Human Behavior (SSHB)

Understanding human behavior provides opportunities to function effectively in society. In SSHB classes you will learn to critically evaluate theories that have been put forth to explain aspects of human society, human behavior, and reflect on individual identity and our responsibilities as citizens of diverse communities.

Purpose and Meaning (PM)

Religious and philosophical belief systems form the basis for our individual and societal worldviews. In the PM Core classes you will develop an understanding of different religious and philosophical perspectives; contextualize aspects of these traditions historically, culturally, and politically; and analyze the relevance of religious and philosophical frameworks to societal issues.