Most degrees offered in Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies require you to take a core set of courses as you pursue your degree. Degree programs in aviation, nursing and social work have different core curricula.
The core curriculum offers an integrated selection of courses that:
- Help you master communication skills in writing, speaking and interpersonal relations.
- Provide you with a broad liberal arts education through different disciplines.
- Promote the practical knowledge and the theoretical framework required for competent performance in the changing workplace.
- Expose you to emerging workplace technology.
- Develop an understanding of the ethical and moral principles that reflect the Christian values of the Jesuit tradition.
- Educate your whole person in habits of critical thinking, leadership, respect for cultural diversity, services to others and lifelong learning.
Core Curriculum Courses
You will take a total of 48 credit hours as part of the core.
Communication and Technology
- CIS 1150: Concepts and Applications of Technology (3 credit hours)
- CMMK 1210: Public Speaking in Organizational Life (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 2005: Writing and Research Methods (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 4005: Business and Professional Writing (3 credit hours)
Total Credit Hours: 12
History
- HIST 1115: Origins of Modern World to 1500 (3 credit hours)
or
HIST 1125: Origins Modern World 1500 to Present (3 credit hours)
or
HIST 3485: U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction (3 credit hours)
or
HIST 3525: Contemporary America, 1945-Present (3 credit hours)
Total Credit Hours: 3
Fine Arts and Literature
- Any three-hour fine and performing arts course
- Any three-hour literature course
Total Credit Hours: 6
Philosophy
- PHIL 1055: Intro to Philosophy: Self and Reality (3 credit hours)
or
PHIL 1105: Intro to Philosophy: Critical Thinking (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 2055: Ethics (3 credit hours)
Total Credit Hours: 6
Theology
- THEO 1005: Theological Foundations (3 credit hours)
- Any three-hour theology course level 2000 or higher
Total Credit Hours: 6
Social Science
Take any two of the following courses below based on the requirements of your degree program. The courses you select must be in different disciplines.
- POLS 1105: American Politics (3 credit hours)
- PSYK 1010: General Psychology (3 credit hours) PSYK 1010 is required for degrees in security and strategic intelligence and organizational studies.
- PST 1900: Survey of Economics (3 credit hours) PST 1900 is required for an organizational studies degree.
- SOC 1105: Introduction to Sociology (3 credit hours)
SOC 1105 is required for degree in security and strategic intelligence. - SOC 1205: Introduction to Anthropology (3 credit hours)
Total Credit Hours: 6
Natural Science and Quantitative Reasoning
Pick one science course, one quantitative reasoning course (two options are listed below) and an additional course from either discipline.
- CIS 2850: Principles of Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
- MATH 1205: College Algebra (3 credit hours)
Total Credit Hours: 9
Diversity
One of the courses listed above or one of your general elective courses must meet the diversity requirement. Below are examples of courses that count the diversity core. Contact your advisor for an updated list.
- ENGL 3335: World Literary Traditions III (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 3545: Literature of the African Diaspora (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 3565: Ethnic American Literature (3 credit hours)
- HIST 3825: Islamic Middle East (3 credit hours)
- SOC 1205: Introduction to Anthropology (3 credit hours)
- THEO 3795: Studies in Non-Christian Religious Traditions (3 credit hours)
- SPR 3800: Eastern Spirituality (3 credit hours)
- SPR 3840: Women, Religion and Spirituality (3 credit hours)