Students explore ‘Big Questions’ with E&H’s new undergrad general education curriculum (copy) (copy) (copy)
First-year students will begin the new general education curriculum by asking “Big Questions,” in which they will explore the importance of all academic fields – including the sciences, social sciences, and art and humanities — and find solutions through multiple lenses.
Emory & Henry University has launched a new general education curriculum focused on building real-world outcomes. The new curriculum will begin in the Fall 2026 semester as first-year undergraduate students arrive on campus.
Inspired by the ever-evolving career and workforce landscape, the new curriculum will prepare students to apply skills to regional challenges and global issues. Students will develop skills and abilities in the classroom to solve problems in the “real world” all while award-winning Emory & Henry faculty provide mentorship and guidance.
“I am thrilled to introduce the new general education curriculum to incoming students this Fall,” said Emory & Henry University Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences Lisa Withers. “I feel confident that this new curriculum will prepare our students to thrive in their chosen career field.”
First-year students will begin the new general education curriculum by asking “Big Questions,” in which they will explore the importance of all academic fields – including the sciences, social sciences, and art and humanities — and find solutions through multiple lenses.
Courses in their sophomore, junior and senior years will cover skills essential for the workforce, including communication, an understanding of different cultures, well-being, ethics and the ability to understand and apply data. These skills will be built both inside and outside of the classroom, preparing graduates for success after graduation.
Junior and senior students will apply what they learn in the core curriculum to their individual majors as part of the Bridge course and will complete a Capstone project, a team-based, problem-focused project that partners with nonprofits and organizations across Southwest Virginia.
With the new curriculum, students are expected to be rooted in the region, but ready for anywhere.
Learn more about Emory & Henry University’s academic programs at www.emoryhenry.edu/academics.
