Core Curriculum
The University of New Haven's core curriculum challenges you to think critically and prepares you to live and work as a global citizen. Alongside your major, you will develop the broad skills that employers value most, from communication and data analysis to intercultural awareness and ethical reasoning.
Become a lifelong learner
The core curriculum is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning that enables you to develop as an educated individual, succeed in your chosen career, and become a lifelong learner.
What makes the core curriculum so valuable? It was built around the central goal of instilling the key attributes that employers seek: communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, the ability to analyze data, and intercultural awareness. These are essential to success in any career and to being an engaged citizen.
What is the core curriculum?
Every undergraduate student at the University of New Haven takes a combination of core curriculum courses and major courses. The core curriculum provides your general education, covering a broad range of subjects and skills. Your major provides the specialist knowledge and expertise in your chosen field.
An educated person at the University of New Haven demonstrates a balance of liberal arts, professional, and experiential education. The core curriculum sits at the heart of this, ensuring that every graduate leaves with the well-rounded skills the modern workplace demands.
Core curriculum
General education and broad skills
Major courses
Specialist knowledge in your field
Experiential learning
Real-world application
Nine competency areas
The core curriculum is organized around nine competency areas. Each area has two tiers: Tier 1 provides breadth through foundational outcomes that every student completes, while Tier 2 provides depth through more focused content. In consultation with your academic advisor, you will select courses from each category.
Written communication
Develop clear, persuasive, and professional writing skills for academic and professional contexts.
Oral communication
Build confidence in public speaking, presentations, and professional dialogue.
Quantitative reasoning
Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to derive useful information from data.
Critical and creative thinking
Analyze complex problems, evaluate evidence, and develop innovative solutions.
Scientific inquiry
Understand scientific methods and appreciate the exploration of the natural world.
Social and civic responsibility
Recognize your role and responsibilities within society and contribute as an engaged citizen.
Intercultural awareness
Understand and appreciate cultural differences in a diverse, interconnected world.
Global citizenship
Participate effectively as a citizen of Saudi Arabia and the wider world.
Aesthetic appreciation
Engage with creative and artistic works and understand their cultural significance.
Experiential education
All University of New Haven undergraduates complete at least one form of experiential education before graduation. This ensures that every student applies their learning in real-world settings.
Academic service learning
Engage with community organizations to apply classroom learning to real social challenges.
Internships
Gain professional experience with leading employers in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Faculty-mentored research
Work alongside professors on original research that contributes to your field.
Study opportunities
Take advantage of exchange and study opportunities at the University of New Haven's main campus in Connecticut or its campus in Prato, Italy.
Writing across the curriculum
Strong writing is essential in every profession. All University of New Haven undergraduates take at least one writing-intensive course, marked with a 'W' designation, as part of their degree. This requirement ensures that graduates can communicate complex ideas clearly and professionally.
The full core curriculum, including specific course requirements for each competency area and tier, is available in the University's academic catalog. View the academic catalog
Interested in learning more?
Request information and our admissions team will be in touch.
Request Information Start Your Application