General Education

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General Education at Westfield State University 2024 and Beyond

General Education has different names at different institutions. Sometimes it is called the core, or shared experience, but at all colleges it is the foundational curriculum that all students complete. General education represents about one-third of a student’s college education and provides students with the basic skills they need for success in their major, as well as life after higher education. At Westfield State, our general education curriculum represents the values and mission of our University.

As the first co-educational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, creed, or economic status, Westfield State has always been a leader in the field of education, and our approach to general education continues this tradition of innovation and leadership in education and commitment to social justice. Our curriculum is based on active learning approaches and has students tackle authentic problems early and often. The following General Education Statement describes the foundation of the entire general education curriculum, and the four broad learning goals provide a structure for our general education curriculum.

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General Education Statement

General education at Westfield State University places curiosity, excitement, and a commitment to social justice and cultural understanding at the heart of our curriculum. In the classroom and across communities, students draw on diverse areas of knowledge to integrate ideas, identify and pursue meaningful questions, tackle complex problems from the local to the global, think critically and creatively, communicate and collaborate effectively, and promote well-being for all of our community members. Students develop the self-awareness and confidence necessary to engage meaningfully with and care for others; to navigate their personal, professional, and civic lives; and to build a more just and kind world.

Broad Learning Goals

Westfield State Journey: WSU students grow as self-aware, creative, curious, and confident individuals who are invested in the well-being of themselves and others.

Analysis, Practice, and Inquiry: WSU students use the tools of multiple fields of study, critically evaluate sources of information, and apply logical reasoning, critical thinking, and appropriate methodology to draw conclusions and communicate effectively.

Exploring Complex Issues: WSU students identify and pursue meaningful questions where there is no single correct answer, and it is necessary to consider diverse areas of knowledge and ways of knowing in order to integrate knowledge and tackle complex problems.

Perspectives: WSU students develop cultural curiosity and humility alongside interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate within and across diverse communities. They act as conscientious, ethical, and responsible community members who address issues of social justice, work for positive change, and care for others and the planet.

University Wide Requirements

All students complete two University Wide Requirements, Exploring Writing in the Major and Integrative Experience, which are housed in their major. Unlike general education, which focuses on foundational skills, these requirements provide a clear bridge between general education and the more advanced skills encountered in major courses, and they prepare students for their future goals. University wide requirements are completed by all students, but each major/program approaches them in a manner aligned with the discipline of the major.

How Do We Accomplish These Goals?

Students complete 41 credits of general education representing 13 'areas' that fall under the four Broad Learning Goals. Within each area students select courses that match their interests and goals. Some general education classes can also count toward the student’s major, minor, or concentration, so the curriculum is designed to support students’ degree completion in a timely manner.

Westfield State Journey

Select three classes from the following areas:

First Year Journey: Academic Inquiry (3 credits)
Wellbeing: Caring for the Holistic Self (2 courses at 1.5 credits each, total 3 credits)
Integrative Experience: A University Wide Requirement completed within the major and credits vary by major.

Learn more about Westfield State Journey

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Analysis, Practice, and Inquiry

Select four classes from the following areas:

Rhetoric and Inquiry (4 credits)
Inquiry into Patterns, Data, and Reasoning (3 credits)
Creative Arts Practice (3 credits)
Inquiry into the Natural World (4 credits)
Exploring Writing in the Major: A University Wide Requirement completed within the major and credits vary by major.

Learn more about Analysis, Practice & Inquiry

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Exploring Complex Issues

Select three classes from the following areas:

Exploring Complex Issues anchored in Mathematics, Computing and Natural Science (3 credits)
Exploring Complex Issues anchored in Arts and Humanities (3 credits)
Exploring Complex Issues anchored in Social and Health Sciences (3 credits)

Learn more about Exploring Complex Issues

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Perspectives

Select four classes from the following areas:

Individuals in Context (3 credits)
Social Groups and Culture (3 credits)
Civic Learning (3 credits)
Power and Perspectives (3 credits)

Learn more about Perspectives

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What Makes Our General Education Special?

At its heart, the goal of general education at WSU is to foster student growth, development, and resilience. It requires students to tackle authentic complex problems early and often. We teach problem solving, analytical skills, communication skills, critical thinking, and provide opportunities for students to explore various disciplines. We foster cultural understanding, civic engagement, and wellbeing. Our curriculum uses High Impact Practices (HIPs), which are evidence-based active learning approaches that increase students’ knowledge, engagement, and retention. General education is where we prepare students for their major, and life after graduation!

General Education and Transfer Students

At Westfield State, all students engage in a common set of learning experiences. Transfer students bring diverse credits, impacting general education requirements and degree completion timelines.