Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

SEARCH: General Education

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

SEARCH is the name of Alvernia University’s General Education program. The SEARCH program is grounded in the liberal arts tradition of rigorous, open inquiry into the Enduring Questions that shape the human experience. So that students are exposed to the nature of this inquiry from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, the first-year experience and the mid-level explorations draw heavily upon the liberal arts traditions. Knowledge gained from multiple disciplinary perspectives, integrated with a chosen major at Alvernia, prepares graduates to navigate change in the twenty-first century. SEARCH requirements span the undergraduate experience at Alvernia, incorporating curricular and co- curricular elements.

Note: Mid-Degree Transfer students should refer to the section in the catalog under Academic Information: Mid-Degree Program.

Course Number System

Course Level	Designed for
100	first-year undergraduates or qualified students
200	sophomores
300	juniors
400	seniors

First-Year Core Curriculum: Enduring Questions 12 Credits

SRH 101 - SEARCH Seminar: Enduring Questions - 3 credits or HNR 160 - Honors SEARCH-Enduring Questions

Designed specifically for new college students and based around contemporary themes, SEARCH Seminar promotes academic success, personal development, interpersonal connections, and awareness of current events. The course will introduce students to the expectations and values of an academic community, the Liberal Arts tradition, and to Alvernia’s Franciscan mission and heritage. Preparing students for a successful transition to the university, SRH 101 will teach students how to become active learners, strengthen their critical reading and thinking skills, and develop an educational plan.

Note: There is no exemption from the SEARCH Seminar for new incoming students coming directly from high school.

COM 101 - Composition and Research - 3 credits

This course is an introduction to the critical thinking, reading, researching, and writing skills that a student will encounter in an academic setting. Students will learn to develop their own ideas and respond to the ideas of others. Students will write essays in a variety of academic modes: exposition, analysis, argumentation, and research. Students will learn both APA and MLA citation styles. The course is available only after placement by departmental faculty. Students must achieve “C” or better to fulfill core requirements.

THE 105 - Foundations of Theology - 3 credits

Students examine the nature of religion and its relation to other areas of human experience.

PHI 105 - Introduction to Philosophy - 3 credits

A historical introduction to the fundamental problems and methods of philosophy based on readings in ancient, medieval, and modern literature.

Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration: 28/29 Credits

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 two of the three 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.

Human Diversity (D)

Diversity-designated courses may have either a global or domestic focus. In order for a course to be given a diversity designation, the majority of course content and assignments should meet the following guidelines:

Global Focus: Courses will provide students with a critical awareness and understanding of the histories, values, beliefs, and perspectives of populations outside of the U.S.; illustrate the importance of peacemaking and social justice; and encourage students to recognize that moral and ethical leadership requires knowledge and appreciation of difference.

Domestic Focus: Courses will provide students with a critical awareness and understanding of how historically marginalized individuals and non-dominant populations within the U.S. are defined by factors such as geography, economics, religion, language, age, ability, gender, sexuality, and race; illustrate the importance of peacemaking and social justice; and encourage students to recognize that moral and ethical leadership requires knowledge and appreciation of difference.

Ethics (E)

Advancing the examination of ethical leadership and moral courage, students complete one 200-400 level Philosophy or Theology course designated Ethics (E).

Capstone (CAP)

One capstone designated course typically within the major.

WE - Writing Enhanced

Path 2 (MS) Course Lists:

Students complete nine credits, at least two courses from Liberal Arts disciplines and not in the major.

Imagination and Creativity

What is creativity? How is imagination integral to the human experience? How can imagination and creativity be useful to people in professions outside of the arts? This IDT investigates these questions, exploring ideas like: what should the future be like, how is change possible, what is beauty, what is the role of arts in society?

May Use Only One Course From:

Cultural and Global Issues

As the world moves closer together through increased globalization, migration, and technological advancement, humans are recognizing the importance of the role of culture within all aspects of human existence. Cultural and Global issues include a diverse array of subjects, such as Religious Freedom, Political Ideologies, Education, Technology, Gender Equality, Cultural Diversity, Migration and Indigenous Peoples, Global Citizenship, Economic Interdependence, Languages, and Intercultural Communication. By approaching these issues from an interdisciplinary perspective, the complexities of these issues can be addressed in ways that yield well-informed solutions. Such an approach can also engender a critical mindset about the effects of cultural practices, norms, and traditions; thus, we may be able to think more deeply about “who we are” and “where we have come from.”

May Use Only One Course From:

Poverty and Wealth

What is a good society? What is fair? How should we treat each other? What is the best economic system? How do politics and societal norms impact perceptions of poverty and wealth? How do diverse cultures allocate resources differently? What is the relationship of wealth and conflict to conflict and cooperation? How does education impact socio-economic status? By reflecting upon these questions, we, as human beings, are able to recognize what is most valuable in our lives and in our personal and societal interactions with others. The issues are also matter of social justice, which requires establishing systems of values, rights, and practices based upon fairness and equality.

Sustainability, Science and Technology

This theme asks questions about the role of science and technology in our world, particularly as they relate to our quest to achieve cultural, political, economic, and environmental sustainability. More than simply finding scientific solutions to issues like global warming, pollution, or urbanization, sustainability requires the ability to reflect on questions of equality and justice. Thus, some of the Enduring Questions around the issue of sustainability include: How can we allot a limited amount of global resources in ways that are equitable to all communities, both future and present? How do we simultaneously grow our economies while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples? Do businesses have a responsibility to be sustainable? What are our responsibilities as citizens of the global community?

May Use Only One Course From:

Peace and Conflict

Individuals and communities are significantly impacted by their exposure to acts of violence and conflict. Understanding the underlying causes of violence is imperative to establishing more peaceful communities and providing solutions to conflict. Enduring questions about peace and conflict center around human nature, cause of war, and methods of peacemaking. What causes war? How can we limit acts of violence, and how should we respond to them? What has been the role or religion in conflict and in peacemaking? Can there be ‘rules’ or war? What are the lessons of history for future conflict resolution?