University Core Curriculum
Johnson & Wales University is committed to providing its students with the learning necessary for professional and personal success. A Johnson & Wales University education prepares students to become engaged citizens equipped with the intellectual and practical skills needed to address complex issues in a diverse and dynamic world. Beginning in the first year of study, the foundational skills of oral and written communication, quantitative literacy, critical thinking, ethical reasoning and integrative learning are introduced and reinforced through the University Core Curriculum. JWU students practice communicating, measuring, interacting, experiencing, exploring and connecting through courses categorized by these attributes.
Why the University Core Curriculum Matters
In addition to developing lifelong learning skills, the University Core Curriculum provides breadth of learning by introducing students to multiple ways of understanding the world through explorations in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Scientists ask questions, make observations and test ideas to explain the world and to address problems facing the globe. In science courses, students gather data, solve problems and draw conclusions. Social scientists study human behavior and how people interact with one another. Courses in the social sciences broaden views by developing critical thinking and research skills. The humanities address questions such as who you are, how you should live and what is the right thing to do. Courses in history, literature, philosophy and religion explore the unique features, transformations and concerns of human existence.
Communication courses sharpen skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. They show students how to evaluate information in the digital age and craft and deliver engaging content of their own. All students must fulfill a university graduation requirement for college-level writing proficiency. Additionally, mathematics helps students in their lives and careers, whether they are planning a budget, scaling a recipe or calculating square footage for a DIY project. Analytical by nature, math courses help students become creative problem-solvers.
An essential component of the University Core Curriculum is the development of integrative learning that requires thinking across boundaries, applying knowledge and skills in new situations, and synthesizing information from various perspectives to explore complex issues or problems. All Johnson & Wales University undergraduates are required to complete two Integrative Learning courses, one during the second year and another in the final year. Integrative learning courses encourage students to explore big questions and to think critically about their lives, societies and places in the world. By drawing connections across the humanities, social sciences, math and sciences, and by discovering the interconnectedness of knowledge, students learn how to approach problems from new and varied perspectives, preparing them to meet the professional and personal challenges of the future.
Through the University Core Curriculum, JWU students practice communicating, measuring, interacting, experiencing, exploring, and connecting. JWU graduates can:
- Effectively apply oral and written communication strategies appropriate for a particular situation and/or audience.
- Apply logical and quantitative reasoning skills to evaluate authentic situations and develop effective solutions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the complexities of human behavior and society. Interpret human behavior from a social science perspective.
- Analyze connections among intellectual and creative expressions in literature, philosophy, ethics, history and/or culture to determine what they reveal about the diversity of human experience and perception.
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the scientific principles that govern the natural world.
- Use multiple perspectives, synthesizing and applying knowledge, to assess complex issues in the world.
Regardless of their majors, all undergraduates are required to complete at least 42 credit hours of general education. Some of these courses may be determined by specific program requirements. The University Core Curriculum requirements are summarized below.
University Core Curriculum
Credits Communicating | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills (or other Communicating course required by program) | ||
| Connecting | 6 | |
Two courses with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Experiencing | 6 | |
One course with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP) as required by program | ||
Additional course with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP) in a different discipline | ||
| Measuring | 6 | |
One course with the Measuring attribute (EMEA) at level of placement, 1002 or higher, minimum set by program | ||
| Statistics I (or other Measuring course required by program) | ||
| Exploring | 3 | |
One course with the Exploring attribute (EEPL) as required by program | ||
| Interacting | 6 | |
One course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) as required by program | ||
Additional course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) in a different discipline | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
Two courses with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC), which may be required by the program* | ||
| Total Credits | 42.0 | |
- *
Programs with required A&S credits beyond 42 semester credit hours may designate one or two 3 semester credit courses in general education electives to program-specific general education courses. If only one course is required, the other A&S elective remains as a choice for students.
Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.
In collaboration with academic colleges Study Abroad offer several options, direct enroll with international universities, domestic and digital options meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about how your major, minor, free electives, experiential learning and transferable courses would benefit by a Study Abroad program. There are many options for students during a semester, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!