Undergraduate General Education Policy

General education is the component of the undergraduate curriculum devoted to those areas of knowledge, methods of inquiry, and ideas that the Purdue University North Central academic community believes are fundamental and common to all well-educated individuals. General education provides knowledge and understanding of the world, which serves as the basis for continued learning. This educational experience encourages students to develop the ability to represent views and ideas clearly and cogently, analyze, think critically, and formulate reasoned conclusions. Thus, the fundamental and common general education concepts and experiences are infused and enhanced within all program curricula, whenever possible, to assist students in the acquisition of skills, knowledge, attitudes and competencies required to live and serve meaningfully in an uncertain and complex society.

As a result of the general education curricular component at Purdue University North Central, a student shall have acquired appropriate skill, knowledge and competencies to:

• Communicate clearly and cogently in written, oral, interpersonal and collaborative forms;

• Use quantitative and analytical reasoning; use problem solving and critical thinking techniques; approach problems using methods of inquiry appropriate to the discipline;

• Have a working and functional knowledge within the area of computer technology, especially as it relates to communication skills, reasoning skills, problem solving/critical thinking skills and methods of inquiry.

Furthermore, as a result of the general education curricular component at Purdue University North Central, a student shall have had the opportunity to acquire the appropriate skills, knowledge, and competencies to:

• Understand and recognize the significance of human interactions and cultural diversities;

• Understand and recognize the significance of the historical, contemporary, political, cultural and artistic events that have shaped cultures and societies;

• Understand and recognize the significance of moral and ethical values in the decision making process.