At La Sierra University, general education distinctively deals with nothing less than our common humanity -- those essential capacities and qualities that enable us to participate effectively and responsibly in a variety of shared intellectual, social, and moral contexts -- and contributes to the creation of a recognizable “La Sierra graduate.” Only then can the University fulfill its goal to mold citizens fitted with “recognized excellence, integrity and compassion.”

As the centerpiece of this distinctive approach to general education, the University has developed an integrated curriculum that stimulates the meaning-centered development of its students, familiarizes them with the various academic disciplines, exposes them to intercultural, international, and interethnic concerns, and encourages them to recognize the importance of individually developing a value system that will allow them to distinguish between right and wrong. As part of the general studies program, students have the opportunity to engage in community service activities related to their major disciplines. Only then can they come to realize that civic, political, and religious responsibility is not only the clearest evidence of moral commitment but also essential to the survival of a democratic society. University Studies includes coursework in the various fields of academic learning -- humanities, fine arts, natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences and religion.

Additionally, La Sierra University is committed to testable levels of competency in the fundamental skills necessary for a productive life. These include demonstrated proficiency in English language composition; the successful completion of minimum requirements in the language and skills of mathematics; demonstrated proficiency in a non-English language; and an established understanding of the principles of personal health and fitness and of their relationship to public health.

SPECIFIC PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. UNIVERSITY STUDIES STUDENT GOALS
   1. Personal development and educational habits of mind are overarching goals. Students fulfill these goals through:
      • Satisfaction with overall university experience
      • Program relevance to career direction
      • Opportunity for creative self-expression
      • Constructive relationships with faculty
      • Enriched environment of intelligent stimulation
      • Availability of challenging programming
      • Sufficient support in areas of greatest need
      • Opportunity for practical application

    

2. Students will demonstrate responsibility in life through ethical, active, and compassionate responses to their respective communities and the diverse global society.

 

3. Students are empowered to become:
   1. Communicators
   2. Community members engaged in service
   3. Researchers/Scholars
   4. Responsible wage earners

 

4. Students will acquire competencies essential for informed inquiry in:
1. Biblical Studies
2. Fine Arts and aesthetics
3. Foundational Studies
4. Healthful living
5. Humanities/Social Sciences/Natural Sciences
6. Locating, evaluation, and using resources
7. Religious and spiritual dynamics in human experience

 

5. Students will interconnect skills, knowledge and experience.

 

2. MORAL/ETHICAL FRAMEWORK
   1. Students frame goals and accomplishments through ethical and moral perspectives.

    

   2. Students develop personal integrity, critical thinking, and religious beliefs to define their worldview and academic journey.

 

3. DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
   1. Students will acquire a global perspective of diversity and understand diversity as a multi-dimensional paradigm.

    

   2. Students will experience a multi-dimensional diversity that prepares students to seek and embrace differences to positively influence and effect change in society.

    

   3. Students will demonstrate the ability to create community from the perspective of multi-dimensional diversity.