General Education

IU Northwest General Education Principles

The following general education principles guide the achievement of excellence in undergraduate education at IU Northwest.  They describe university level capabilities, knowledge across disciplines, awareness of diversity and ethics that we believe every graduate of an IU Northwest Baccalaureate degree program should attain.  These principles embrace learning experiences that prepare students for lifelong learning, ethical practices, successful careers, and effective citizenship. 

In 2012 the Indiana legislature enacted Senate Enrolled Act 182, thereby establishing the requirement for a Statewide Transfer General Education Core (STGEC) of at least 30 credit hours. IN 2021 the ICHE has rebranded the STGEC to the Indiana College Core (ICC). The Indiana College Core does not change any requirements for a major or other degree objective. It is absolutely critical that students work closely with their academic advisors to determine what relationship, if any, exists between requirements for general education and requirements for a specific major and/or other degree objective.  The mapping of the IU Northwest general education requirements onto the ICC can be found here

Principle

Definition

1. Foundations for Effective Learning and Communication

Fluency in reading, writing, and oral communication; mastery of the basic principles of logical, mathematical, and scientific reasoning; literacy in information resources and learning technologies.

2. Breadth of Learning

Mastery of the core concepts, principles, and methods in arts and humanities, the social sciences, cultural and historical studies, and the mathematical, physical, and life sciences.

3. Critical Thinking, Integration, and Application of Knowledge

Logical analysis and synthesis of information and ideas from multiple perspectives; critical acquisition, integration, and application of knowledge in students’ intellectual, personal, professional, and community lives.

4. Diversity

Valuing the diversity of human experience, as exemplified in race, ethnicity, social class, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disabilities; understanding how these categories are often used to create injustice; recognizing our common human heritage and the interconnectedness of communities in the region, the nation, and the world.

5. Ethics and Citizenship

The application of the principles of ethics and governance to the larger society, one’s immediate community, and to individual conduct on campus and in society.