General Education Requirements

As a Christian Liberal Arts University whose mission is to prepare students for service and leadership, Northwest believes that God has a desire and design for every individual. His purpose and plan can best be realized when the person is prepared with a broad foundation of personal skills and intellectual content. More than mere acquisition of knowledge – knowing must be combined with informed reasoning and appropriate attitudes. The General Education program at Northwest insures that graduates possess certain knowledge, attitudes, and skills identified as critical to be effective servant-leaders in today’s dynamic world community.

Background

Northwest University is in the process of clarifying the foundational knowledge and skills that every graduate should be able to demonstrate. These essential elements form a foundation for every major and each discipline. Having formed the six requirements in 2003, the University is currently finalizing a timeline for their initiation. Since each requirement has several sub-points with specific associated competencies and measurement strategies, it is anticipated that their launching will occur over several semesters. These directly affect what students learn, how they learn, and what they demonstrate while at Northwest. Ultimately, they are directly connected to how prepared students are for their chosen vocational field.

Purpose

The General Education portion of Northwest University’s curriculum provides a broad exposure to the foundational disciplines commonly expected of students who have earned a university degree. Each of these disciplines could be reviewed in more depth and often are in a student’s major field of study. In some situations, the student’s division and/or department may require additional study. However, the General Education requirements listed below are required by all students to earn a degree from Northwest University, regardless of their major.

General Education Requirements

To be prepared for service and leadership, Northwest University graduates must be able to think critically, to integrate their faith and learning, and to apply theory and knowledge in addressing life’s complex issues. Therefore, the goal of Northwest University is for its graduates to demonstrate the following knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

  • Spiritual Development - Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the processes of spiritual and intellectual development that lead toward the goal of Christ-likeness.
  • Communication Skills - Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Moral and Ethical Reasoning - Graduates will demonstrate an ability to employ ethical reasoning in making moral judgments.
  • Scientific Reasoning and Computational Skills - Graduates will demonstrate scientific reasoning and computational skills.
  • Humanity and Human Interaction - Graduates will demonstrate understanding of human psychological development, creative expression, and social interaction.
  • Global Awareness and Cultural Understanding -Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of human cultural diversity and interdependency by effectively interacting and engaging with a culture other than their own.

Humanities (18 credits)

Science & Mathematics (10 credits)

  • Must include one quantitative reasoning course in Mathematics (above the Intermediate Algebra level) or Logic
  • Must include one lab science

Social Science (12 credits)

  • HIST xxx3 Any Course in History
  • 3 additional areas from the following
    • Church History or Political Science
    • Economics (BUSM 2303 or
      BUSM 2353
    • Geography
    • Philosophy (except PHIL 2703)
    • Physical Education
    • PSYC 1013 General Psychology (recommended)
    • SOCI 1113 Survey of Sociology (recommended)

Biblical Studies Requirements (16 credits)
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