The Curriculum
Informed by the mission of the university, the curriculum of the University of Saint Mary seeks to prepare graduates to engage in the challenges of a complex, changing world with confidence in their ability to reason systematically, to communicate ideas clearly, to view the world locally and globally, and to make effective decisions that are morally and spiritually grounded.
The University of Saint Mary challenges each student to take responsibility for his or her own education within a caring community of faculty, staff, and student learners so that curiosity, intellectual rigor, and appreciation of the arts and sciences flourish.
University Learning Outcomes
The University of Saint Mary is committed to providing a liberal arts education that exemplifies the core values and mission of the institution. The University of Saint Mary understands that critical intelligence, depth and breadth of learning, and liberating aspects of the humanities and sciences are more important than ever in a diverse, interdependent, global society. Thus, the University's concept of applied liberal arts embraces the rich history and meaning of liberal arts with intentional connections to learning in the real world through concrete and practical ways while making positive contributions to the world.
1.a Quantitative Literacy: The University of Saint Mary graduate will effectively access, evaluate, and apply information appropriately for a specific purpose.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Interpretation; representation; calculation; application and integration; assumptions, communication
1.b Qualitative Literacy: The University of Saint Mary graduate will effectively access, evaluate, and apply information appropriately for a specific purpose.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Plan; search; evaluate; utilize; cite ethically and legally
2. Analytical Skills: The University of Saint Mary graduate will demonstrate analytical skills.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Explanation of issue(s)/definition of problem(s); existing knowledge/previous research; student's position/creation of hypothesis; evidence; design process; analysis, conclusions and related implications
3. Integrative and Synthetic Thinking: The University of Saint Mary graduate will be a broad integrative and synthetic thinker.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Connections to discipline and experience; synthetic thinking; integrated communication; defines and solves problems, takes risks; reflect and evaluate; transfer
4. Civic and Global Learning: The University of Saint Mary graduate will engage in civic and global learning through diverse perspectives.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Culture and global self-awareness; curiosity and openness; cultural diversity/diversity of communities and cultures; personal and social responsibility; civic communication; civic and global action
5. Catholic and Vincentian: The University of Saint Mary graduate will explore their own spirituality as it relates to the Vincentian and broader Catholic Tradition.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Faith and culture; sources and persons; personal experience, beliefs, and practices
6. Communication: The University of Saint Mary graduate will communicate effectively.
SUBGOAL CONCEPTS: Organization and content development; language; delivery and style; supporting material; central message; genre conventions
7. Specialized Knowledge and Skills: The University of Saint Mary graduate will demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills as evidenced by meeting the Program Learning Outcomes of their selected program of study.