At Puget Sound, you don’t just get a major, you get a unique perspective on the world. Our core curriculum is rooted in the tradition of the liberal arts, so no matter what you choose to study, you’ll have opportunities throughout your undergraduate education to explore branches of knowledge you never even knew existed.

 

Benefits of the Core Curriculum

  • The core curriculum is intertwined with your area of focus for all four years of college, offering chances to branch out and make connections between different disciplines.
  • You have freedom to choose courses that fulfill the core requirements—you choose your own path.
  • A liberal arts education never goes out of style. For over a century, Puget Sound has helped students expand their horizons and develop foundational skills that can be applied to any career or further education.
  • Graduate with a well-rounded education that prepares you for the challenges of a changing world and emerging opportunities.

 

 

 

Tree graphic with lines and labels for the various aspects of the GROW core curriculum, including: Connections Course, Critical Conversations Seminar, another Connections Course, Major Courses, Study Abroad, Internship, Other Core Courses, Minor Courses, Summer Research, KNOW Requirement, Connections Course, Major Capstone

 

 

How It Works

Phase 1: Put Down Roots | The First Year Experience

Start with a strong foundation in the liberal arts. You’ll start with your first Connections course, where you’ll be introduced to your fellow students, meet faculty, and discover different facets of campus. Through these courses, you’ll glimpse the interconnected nature of each discipline, from the sciences to the humanities, and cultivate a spirit of curiosity. Then, in your Critical Conversations course, you’ll sharpen your communication skills, setting yourself up for success in college and beyond.

Phase 2: Grow | Find Your Focus

Anchor yourself by honing in on a major and minor(s)/emphasis that challenges and excites you. Guided by expert faculty, you’ll dive deep into your chosen area of study and apply what you’re learning outside the classroom through research projects, internships, field trips, and more. From there, you can expand into new fields and interests, adding an interdisciplinary lens to your studies.

Phase 3: Branch Out | Continue Exploring

Flourish beyond the confines of a single discipline with core classes woven throughout your Puget Sound experience. Where other universities ask you to narrow down to a single point of focus, our flexible core curriculum gives you the freedom to explore and grow your knowledge during your whole undergraduate career from first semester to final class. You never know when you’ll discover a new favorite subject.

Your Growth Journey

The core curriculum gives you freedom to follow your passions wherever they lead. Your journey through the branches of the core is tailored to your interests and goals. The core gives you opportunities to form unexpected connections—sparking a new love or nudging you toward a whole new career path.

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