Mississippi University for Women strongly believes in the necessity of a core curriculum that prepares students to be active citizens in a continually changing world. The General Education Core is designed to provide a common body of knowledge, to strengthen essential skills, and to facilitate the exploration of self, relationships, and values. An individual with a liberal arts education should have an understanding and appreciation of many areas of intellectual endeavor. Knowledge is enhanced through exposure to historical, literary, artistic, scientific and cultural traditions that have shaped societies, both antiquated and contemporary. An understanding of varied cultures, languages and ideas reveals the interconnectedness of world cultures, both western and non-western, and promotes compassion and good will among people of diverse origins and backgrounds.

A liberal arts education also should develop those skills requisite to life in a rapidly-changing environment. All individuals should be able to reason critically and to express themselves clearly; thus, MUW’s core curriculum blends basic knowledge with essential skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking. In addition, computer and quantifying skills are essential in an increasingly technical world; therefore, the MUW core requirements seek to enhance the student’s proficiency in accessing information and utilizing technologies in settings both academic and professional. Each of the above critical skills is introduced through core courses and is reinforced in the various majors.

A liberal arts education strives to transform students into independent, productive, and responsible members of society, with the ability to negotiate complex moral and ethical dilemmas with both rigor and compassion. MUW’s goal is to produce well-educated individuals who will enjoy a life of fulfilling personal successes, but who will also make selfless contributions to the society in which they live.