Exploring the Natural World:
Lab Science - 3-4 credits
Students practice scientific inquiry as a means for learning about life by completing 3-4 credits of lab science in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Mathematics - 3 credits
To develop mathematical proficiency and applications in contemporary life, students complete 3 credits in mathematics other than MAT 100 .
Culture and Language:
World Languages - 6 credits
Six credits in sequence in one world language (other than English) promote an appreciation of language and culture in a diverse world.
Communication - 3 credits
Students practice the art of effective communication in all forms by completing 3 credits in a communication course other than COM 101 .
Individuals and Communities:
History and Political Science - 3 credits
Students complete 3 credits from History or Political Science to cultivate analysis of societies, political systems, and cultures of all eras.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
Students develop problem-solving strategies in analyzing and gaining an understanding of human behavior and social interaction by completing 3 credits in Psychology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Social Sciences or Economics.
Creative Expressions:
Literature - 3 credits
Students complete 3 credits in any LIT to gain an appreciation of human expression manifested in literature.
Fine and Performing Arts - 3 credits
Promoting an awareness of creative process and creativity, students complete 3 credits in art, music, or theatre courses.
Ethical Leaders and Followers - 6 Credits:
Theology or Philosophy - 3 credits
Building upon the First-Year Core Curriculum, students advance their studies by completing one Theology or Philosophy course at the 200-400 level. THE 105 or PHI 105 is a prerequisite.
Ethics and Morality - 3 credits
Advancing the examination of ethical leadership and moral courage, students complete one 200-400 level Philosophy or Theology course designated Ethics (E). THE 105 or PHI 105 is a prerequisite.
Human Diversity - one course
Students complete one Human Diversity (D) designate course to develop sensitivity towards the richness of cultures in the United States and worldwide in our increasingly interdependent global community.
Writing Enhanced - one course
Building upon skills learned in COM 101 , students complete one Writing Enhanced (WE) designated course at the 200-level or higher, preferably in the major. This course provides scaffolding between COM 101 and Capstone writing experience.
Community Service - 40 hours
Service and civic engagement is central to the mission of Alvernia University. Students complete 40 community service hours through credit-bearing service- learning courses, service trips and/or volunteer work. Community Service hours are pro-rated for transfer students based on the credits accepted in transfer.
Concentrated Paths of Knowledge
Students continue their exploration of Enduring Questions and supplement study in their major by choosing from three paths of knowledge designed to integrate learning and promote problem-solving at more advanced levels. Students with a double major in which one major is in a Liberal Arts discipline satisfy this requirement. Liberal arts disciplines are represented across three of the four colleges, and include: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, History, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre and World Languages.
Path 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)
Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media Marketing, Community and Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, or Pre-Law.
Path 2: Multidisciplinary Study (MS)
Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology. Thematic courses are listed below.
Path 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)
Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, History, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre and World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines.
Senior Capstone - one course
One capstone designated course (CAP), typically within the major. Designated Capstone courses will incorporate reflection on a student’s academic journey through the SEARCH curriculum.