Cougar Core

Explore, Innovate, Grow

At the heart of our academic community lies the Cougar Core, designed to foster academic distinction through a liberal arts foundation. This curriculum is rooted in the principles of exploration, innovation, integration, transformation, and diversity, ensuring that every student engages in a comprehensive journey of intellectual and personal growth.

Through the Cougar Core, students are encouraged to explore new disciplines, innovate and think creatively, integrate knowledge across fields, undergo personal and intellectual transformation, and appreciate the rich diversity of human experience. By embracing this holistic liberal arts approach, our students are prepared to navigate and contribute to an ever-evolving global society with confidence and insight.

Core Courses

Five Principles of the Cougar Core

The Cougar Core's Five Principles offer a unique opportunity for students to enhance their major in creative and meaningful ways. By engaging with the principles of Exploration, Innovation, Integration, Transformation, and Diversity, students expand their worldview and develop additional skills that are invaluable in their future careers. These principles encourage students to explore beyond their primary field of study, think innovatively, integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines, undergo personal transformation, and embrace the rich diversity of human experience. Through this comprehensive approach, the Cougar Core not only broadens academic horizons but also equips students with the versatile skills necessary for success in a dynamic and interconnected world.
  • Explore

    Through courses in First Year Writing, students develop essential communication skills, while History classes offer a deep dive into the past, helping them understand the context of current events. Humanities and Social Sciences expand their worldview, encouraging critical thinking and cultural awareness. By exploring Natural Science and Mathematics/Logic, students learn to question, analyze, and understand the world around them. Foreign Language courses further broaden their horizons, providing insights into different cultures and perspectives.

  • Innovate

    In First Year Writing, students hone their ability to articulate innovative ideas effectively. Mathematics/Logic courses sharpen problem-solving skills, while Natural Science classes foster a spirit of inquiry and experimentation. Humanities and History courses reveal how past innovations have shaped our present, encouraging students to contribute to future advancements. Social Sciences explore the impact of innovation on society, and Foreign Language studies open up new ways of thinking and communicating in an increasingly interconnected world.

  • Integrate

    Students learn to weave together insights from First Year Writing, where clear communication of complex ideas is key. Mathematics/Logic and Natural Science provide foundational skills for understanding and integrating technical and scientific concepts. History and Humanities offer perspectives on the interconnectedness of human experiences and ideas. Social Sciences help students understand the relationships between individuals and societies, while Foreign Languages enhance their ability to integrate cultural and linguistic diversity into their academic and professional lives.

  • Transform

    First Year Writing courses challenge students to refine their voice and express transformative ideas. Mathematics/Logic and Natural Science classes push students to question assumptions and embrace new ways of thinking. Humanities and History encourage a deeper understanding of human experiences and transformative events that have shaped societies. Social Sciences offer insights into societal change and development, while Foreign Languages provide tools for students to transform their global understanding and engagement.

  • Diversify

    In First Year Writing, students learn to appreciate and articulate diverse viewpoints. Humanities and History courses offer rich explorations of different cultures and eras. Social Sciences delve into the dynamics of diverse societies and the importance of equity and inclusion. Natural Science and Mathematics/Logic encourage students to value diverse approaches to problem-solving and inquiry. Foreign Languages open doors to understanding and appreciating the linguistic and cultural diversity of the global community.