All students in associate and baccalaureate degree programs complete a core curriculum as part of their degree requirements. The core curriculum is derived from the mission of the College and reflects what the institution believes is important and elemental to students' education and development. In general, the core should instill in students critical thinking skills, values appropriate to an educated person, the ability to communicate, and it should provide context for advanced learning. The baccalaureate core consists of three components:

• Academic skills: 13 credits, including a year of English composition, a course in oral communication, and pre-calculus
• Liberal arts: 12 credits, including a year of world and American literature
• Math and science: 15 credits