The Core Curriculum in Liberal Studies

General Education Requirements

Merrimack College prepares students to thrive as productive, responsible citizens in the increasingly complex, competitive and diverse world of the 21st century.

Across the five schools of the College — Girard School of Business, Winston School of Education and Social Policy, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Computational Sciences, and School of Nursing and Health Sciences — the curriculum provides the knowledge and skills that a well-educated person requires to succeed personally and professionally in an ever-changing and challenging global environment.

Merrimack graduates are prepared both for productive careers and for global citizenship. Students learn to take responsibility for themselves, for others, and for the world.

Whether they major in business or history, chemistry or psychology, engineering or English, all students gain a common educational foundation by completing a general education program in which they explore essential knowledge about the world through the varied lenses of the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Science students read literature, business students learn about gender and culture, and English and history majors study the scientific method.

As they progress through their college wide general education program, students take courses designed to develop their ability to communicate effectively, think critically, understand and respect cultural differences, exercise ethical responsibility, reflect on their experiences, and take charge of their own intellectual, creative, personal and spiritual growth. Individual development and learning are enhanced by small classes, close interaction with faculty and active learning, both inside and outside the classroom.