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Core Curriculum

Core curriculum

At North Park, a significant part of your education is shaped by the Core Curriculum. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, it provides a broad foundation across disciplines like the natural sciences, arts, culture, and Christian faith.

Rather than viewing Core courses as a checklist, see them as opportunities to explore, discover your vocation, and develop critical, creative thinking skills. These courses help you connect diverse ideas, making you adaptable and prepared for a wide range of careers. Employers value graduates who are not only specialists but also creative thinkers with a broad knowledge base. By completing the Core Curriculum, you’ll develop the flexibility to succeed in an unpredictable future.

The big picture

Symbolized by an arch, the Core Curriculum represents the support and structure for your complete education. It’s based on a design by architect Louis Sullivan, whose 1893 arch symbolizes the connection between arts, science, and commerce—reflecting the breadth of human culture. The Core serves as your gateway to both career success and personal transformation.

Core Curriculum Structure

  • Foundations courses: The base of your education, starting with the Cornerstone course.
  • Explorations courses: Broadening your knowledge in various disciplines.
  • Keystone course: Tying your learning together in your final years.
  • Electives & co-curriculum: Supporting your journey toward specialized study in your major.

 

Foundations courses

The Foundations Curriculum focuses on key literacies and values essential to a Christian Liberal Arts education. At its core is the Cornerstone Seminar, a discussion-based course that fosters critical thinking and written communication, while also forming your first academic community. In this course, you’ll tackle life’s big questions: “Who am I?” and “What does it mean to be human?”
Along with the Cornerstone, you will take introductory courses in the Bible, modern languages, mathematics, health, and global histories during your first three semesters, establishing a strong academic foundation.

 

Explorations courses

In the middle years of your studies, Explorations Courses help you discover your passion and broaden your knowledge. These courses connect different disciplines and can inspire you to explore new areas of interest, consider a double major, or deepen your understanding of topics that intrigue you. You’ll study a variety of subjects, from the sciences to the arts to ethical reasoning, each addressing the complexities of contemporary life.

 

Keystone courses

In your junior and senior years, the Keystone Seminar helps you apply your learning to the next stage of your life—whether that’s a job, graduate school, or another adventure. Like the keystone of an arch, this course ties together the knowledge from your previous Core courses, helping you integrate your education into a life of service. You’ll explore questions like “How should I live responsibly?” while engaging in community projects focused on social justice, intercultural dialogue, or environmental stewardship.

 

Writing curriculum

Writing and research are integral to North Park’s Core. Regardless of your major, effective written communication is key to your future career success. Employers consistently rank writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving as essential skills. To support this, North Park embeds writing and research instruction throughout the Core. This starts in the Cornerstone Seminar, continues with 4 semester hours (sh) of Writing Intensive (WI) courses and 4 sh of Writing & Research (WR) coursework, and concludes with your Keystone Seminar. WI and WR courses are available in both Core and major courses.

 

Course requirements

The Core Curriculum requirements are designed to guide you, but you’re ultimately responsible for managing your course selections and ensuring you meet the graduation requirements. Faculty and staff advisors are here to help, especially during the registration periods in Fall and Spring. Be sure to meet with your advisor regularly to stay on track. For a complete list of courses, refer to the university’s academic catalog (https://northpark.smartcatalogiq.com/).

Foundations requirements
Cornerstone Seminar: 4 sh
Biblical Studies: 4 sh
Health and Well-Being: 2 sh
Analytical and Quantitative Reasoning: 4 sh
Global History: 4 sh
Modern Languages (to meet proficiency requirement): 8 sh
Total Foundations credits: 26 sh

Explorations requirements
Aesthetic Interpretation and the Arts: 2 sh
Christian Life and Thought: 4 sh
Life Science: 2 sh
Physical Science: 2 sh
Culture and Society: 4 sh
Ethical Reasoning (may be a major-specific course): 2 sh
Total Explorations credits: 16 sh

Keystone requirements
Keystone Seminar: 4 sh

Writing curriculum requirements
Writing Intensive Course: 4 sh
Research Writing Course: 4 sh

 

 

Frequently asked questions

No. The Core Curriculum is designed to be spread across your first three years. Some majors require you to take Core courses alongside introductory courses in your field of study. However, all students should aim to complete the Foundations courses within their first three semesters. The timing for the rest of the Core can be adjusted based on your major. If you’re unsure, consult your advisor.

The Core Seminars, Cornerstone (CORE 1000) and Keystone (CORE 3000), are key components of your liberal arts education at North Park. They reflect the university’s Christian and liberal arts philosophy and integrate various academic disciplines, intercultural materials, and experiences in Chicago. Cornerstone focuses on foundational writing skills, while Keystone develops advanced research, argumentation, and critical thinking. These courses are unique because they are designed to connect and challenge students in ways other courses may not.

Note: CORE 1000 is a prerequisite for other Core Curriculum courses.

Take Cornerstone (CORE 1000) in your freshman year, ideally in the fall, but spring is also an option. It’s a prerequisite for other General Education courses. Plan to take Keystone (CORE 3000) in your junior year, ideally in the fall or spring, though it can be taken in your senior year if necessary.

Note: Many Keystone courses are cross-listed by department. Be sure to register under the CORE designation, as it cannot be changed later. You may only take one CORE 3000 course.

Start with courses from the “Foundations” section, especially Quantitative Reasoning, Modern Languages, and BTS 1850 (Introduction to the Bible), ideally in your first year. BTS 1850 is foundational for the upper-level Christian Life and Thought course.

Most majors require a CORE 3000 class (Keystone), except for Athletic Training, BS in Business, Education, Music, and Nursing.

Note: If you switch to a major that requires Keystone, you’ll need to take it to graduate.

Keystone is a CORE course usually taken in your junior year, while a Capstone course is typically taken in your senior year as part of your major. Senior Capstones do not count toward Core Curriculum credits.

No, you can choose from a variety of courses, including English, Creative Writing, Theatre, Music, and Art.

For most majors, you can choose any course from the “Ethical Reasoning” list. However, some majors, like Business and Nursing, require specific courses (e.g., Business Ethics or Health Care Ethics). It’s a good idea to choose a course that aligns with your interests or complements your major. You can even take multiple courses to broaden your perspective.

WI and WR courses are part of the liberal arts curriculum and may be offered within your major, though not exclusively. It’s best to spread these courses out over your college years to develop your writing skills alongside your studies. After completing CORE 1000 (Cornerstone), take a WI course. You can take the WR course in your sophomore year, and CORE 3000 (Keystone) is ideally taken in your junior year.

There are science courses tailored for non-science majors and others suited for science majors. Choose the course that aligns with your major and academic year. If you’re unsure, consult your advisor to help determine the best option for your interests.

Core Curriculum courses may be either 4-credit full-semester courses or 2-credit Quad courses that meet for half a semester. Be sure to check if the course is 4 or 2 credits and whether it meets in A Quad, B Quad, or the full semester.

Note: Writing Intensive (WI) and Writing and Research (WR) courses require 8 total credits (4 for WI and 4 for WR). Some majors split these into two 2-credit courses, meaning you’ll need to take both to fulfill the 4-credit requirement.