Integrative Core Curriculum
Your major is just the beginning. At John Carroll, every student builds a foundation of skills that employers value and graduate schools expect—critical thinking, clear communication, ethical reasoning, and the ability to see problems from multiple perspectives.
That's what the Integrative Core delivers: a flexible set of courses woven throughout your four years that connects your major to the bigger picture and prepares you for whatever comes next.
What Makes JCU Different
Linked Courses
Only at John Carroll: you'll take two courses in the same semester that explore one topic from completely different disciplines. Biology and philosophy. History and economics. Literature and psychology. It's the kind of thinking that solves real problems—because real problems don't fit neatly into one field.
A Global Perspective
Every student takes a course focused on engaging the global community. You'll learn to work across cultures and think beyond borders—skills that matter in every career.
Ethics and Justice Woven Throughout
Philosophy. Theology. Social justice. These aren't electives at JCU—they're central to your education. You'll graduate knowing not just how to do your job, but how to do it with integrity and purpose. That's the Jesuit difference.
What You'll Build
By the time you graduate, you'll have developed:
- Communication skills — Write clearly, speak persuasively, and present with confidence
- Analytical thinking — Interpret data, weigh evidence, and make reasoned arguments
- Ethical reasoning — Navigate dilemmas with a framework grounded in justice and integrity
- Cultural competence — Work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from your own
- Integrative thinking — Connect ideas across disciplines to solve complex problems
700+ courses across the curriculum count toward Core requirements. You'll find options that fit your interests and schedule—this isn't a rigid checklist.
More Details
Academic Learning Goals
The Integrative Core is built on nine learning goals rooted in John Carroll's Jesuit heritage. These goals guide what we teach and how we assess student growth:
- Demonstrate an integrative knowledge of the human and natural world
- Develop habits of critical analysis and aesthetic appreciation
- Apply creative and innovative thinking
- Communicate skillfully in multiple forms of expression
- Act competently in a global and diverse world
- Understand and promote social justice
- Apply a framework for examining ethical dilemmas
- Employ leadership and collaborative skills
- Understand the religious dimensions of human experience
Detailed Requirements by Component
Foundational Competencies (9–12 credits)
Written Expression (3–6 cr.): EN 1250 or the sequence EN 1200/1210, depending on placement. Honors students may complete HP 1010.
Oral Expression (3 cr.): COM 1251.
Quantitative Analysis (3 cr.): One designated QA course from any department.
Language (0–9 credits)
Complete through the 1030 level in a continuing language, or a two-course sequence (1010–1020) in a new language. Students placing above 1030 are exempt.
Distribution Courses (9 credits)
One course each in Humanities (HUM), Social Science (SOC), and Natural Science (SCI). Lab courses require both lecture and lab for credit.
Integrated Courses (9 credits)
Engaging the Global Community (3 cr.): One EGC course.
Linked Courses (6 cr.): Two co-requisite courses from different departments, taken the same semester. Both must be passed for Core credit.
Prerequisite for all integrated courses: foundational writing (EN 1250 or EN 1200/1210).
Jesuit Heritage (16+ credits)
Philosophy (6 cr.): One PLKR course (Knowledge & Reality) and one PLVS course (Values & Society).
Theology & Religious Studies (6 cr.): Two TRS courses; at least one at the 3000 level.
Issues in Social Justice (3 cr.): One ISJ course.
Creative & Performing Arts (1+ cr.): One CAPA course.
Core Requirements in the Major
Each major includes a capstone experience, an additional writing-intensive course, and an oral presentation requirement.
Transfer Students
Transferring 0–44 Credits
You're responsible for all Core requirements not met through transferred coursework. Jesuit Heritage transfers are limited to 6 credits (max 3 Philosophy, max 3 TRS).
Transferring 45+ Credits
Most Core requirements may be waived. You must still complete:
- EN 1250 (Seminar on Academic Writing) or equivalent
- Program prerequisites in oral communication, foreign language, or quantitative analysis
- One linked course pair
- One Engaging the Global Community course
- Two Jesuit Heritage courses (6 credits) from different categories
See the full transfer policy in the University Bulletin.
Questions?
Core Curriculum Office
core@jcu.edu | 216.397.4365
