The General Education Program is designed to ensure that liberal arts and sciences graduates develop important, fundamental skills and a breadth of knowledge.

By completing the program, students acquire important proficiencies and skills in the use of language (both English and a second language), in the manipulation and analysis of symbols (both mathematical and verbal), and in critical reasoning. Students also gain familiarity with modes of thinking and basic information across the liberal arts and sciences disciplines.

The General Education Program as a whole aims to develop in every student enduring qualities that mark a liberally educated person:

• Open-mindedness, tolerance, and the ability to question and evaluate one’s own attitudes and beliefs.
• Sufficient general knowledge and proficiencies to adapt to new opportunities and vocations.
• The ability to understand and to cope with the complexity and diversity of contemporary life.
• A lifetime pursuit of personal intellectual growth and a lifetime practice of social responsibility.

Every member of the faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a responsibility to help maintain the General Education Program’s commitment to excellence and to participate in the achievement of the Program’s goals.