Liberal Arts Core Outcomes

In our liberal arts core we integrate interdisciplinary inquiry, a Christian worldview, and personal and spiritual formation to assist students in pursuit of wisdom for living and engaging in the world with humility, compassion, and honesty, in light of God's redemptive purposes.  Thus, the liberal arts core serves as the foundation for the undergraduate curriculum at Multnomah University.

In keeping with the University Mission, the Liberal Arts requirement helps produce culturally aware and biblically competent servants of Jesus Christ who are equipped and motivated to be a transforming force in the church and world. Liberal Arts courses seek to inform this mission by laying a foundation for lifelong learning, enhancing and complementing the academic majors, and providing an integrated Christian worldview. 

Undergraduate students will complete a course of studies that achieves broad educational outcomes­. Intellectual inquiry in the humanities and fine arts, the social sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, and biblical studies provides necessary exposure to broad domains of knowledge. Liberal Arts education is an important part of equipping students to be responsible stewards of God’s creation.

Liberal Arts education is that part of the college experience required of all Multnomah undergraduates that provides them with a common, coherent­ educational experience forming a cornerstone for lifelong learning. Both the Christian tradition and the needs of contemporary society mandate that undergraduate students develop the versatility of mind that comes from a broad foundation of knowledge. Famil­iarity­ with the human condition through studies in history, literature, scientific paradigms, social sciences, the arts, as well as philosophical and theological ideas, enables students to grow personally and to contribute positively to the church and world.

At Multnomah, a liberal arts undergraduate education is conceived of as a process, not a product. While at the college, students should develop the habit of learning, the kind of learning­ broad enough to permit changes in vocational direction and thoughtful integrated engagement with complex issues in our world. Therefore, the most effective academic community is an open one, a place where scholars and students together explore the multiple disciplines that make up the college curriculum. Students grow from association with mature men and women committed to Christian scholarship.

Liberal arts education requirements total 48 semester hours. Certain lower- and upper-division courses in liberal arts education are required of all students. The specified course options listed below provide broad knowledge and skills to support major programs­. Since some majors require specific courses, students must check with their major advisor for details regarding individual department requirements.

The following list identifies and relates learning outcomes to the various disciplines within the Liberal Arts core.

Liberal Arts Core Outcomes:

In light of our commitment to scholarship in relationship with Christ, students will gain competency in the following areas upon completion of the Liberal Arts Core:

1. Communicate effectively in speaking and writing. (ULA.1)
   Disciplines: All (special emphasis in Communication, English Composition, Literature)
2. Employ critical thinking skills. (ULA.2)
   Disciplines: All (special emphasis Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Literature, Philosophy)
3. Apply scientific and mathematical analysis to the study of complex issues in the natural world. (ULA.3)
   Disciplines: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Research Methodology
4. Examine issues of personal development and the principles of human relationships in a culturally diverse world. (ULA.4)
   Disciplines: Social Sciences, Global Studies, History, TESOL, Foreign Languages
5. Analyze concepts from the arts, literature, and history to understand how they reflect on our shared humanity. (ULA.5)
   Disciplines: Fine Arts, History, English Composition and Literature, Communication
6. Apply ethical frameworks for constructive engagement of contemporary issues. (ULA.6)
   Disciplines: Philosophy, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Bible/Theology