University Core Curriculum
The Cardinal Core
- Engaging: Students discover their passions and prepare for their professions as they learn with faculty and peers from different areas of study.
- Practical: These classes offer students the opportunity to explore new fields and may lead to a minor or major. Indiana College Core credits are easily transferrable as well.
- Distinctive: Students choose the Beneficence Theme and courses that fit their personal and professional interests.
The Cardinal Core is Ball State’s unique approach to the university core curriculum (UCC) required at all higher education institutions. It is aligned with the Indiana College Core (ICC). The Cardinal Core provides ideas and skills to help all students pursue meaningful lives and careers through multiple disciplinary perspectives. Through the Cardinal Core, students build strong foundations in written communication, speaking and listening, and quantitative reasoning and explore ways of knowing in the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the sciences. The Cardinal Core Beneficence Themes highlight values, goals, and skills, and they allow students to participate in transdisciplinary conversations.
The Pillars of the Cardinal Core
Foundational Skills (3 courses)
Take one approved course in each of the following categories:
- Written Communication
- Speaking and Listening
- Quantitative Reasoning
Ways of Knowing (3 courses)
Take one approved course from each of the following categories:
- Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
- Scientific Ways of Knowing
- Social and Behavioral Science Ways of Knowing
Research-Based Writing (1 course)
Take one approved course
Beneficence Theme (3 courses)
Take three approved courses, one from each Way of Knowing category, in one of the following themes:
- Being Human: Exploring what makes us human, including the cultures and values that guide us in an interconnected and rapidly changing universe.
- Global Connections: Recognizing our interdependence and appreciating the varied cultural voices and experiences that shape our world.
- Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging imagination and advancement in the arts, sciences, and technology.
- Personal and Financial Wellness: Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, professional success, and economic responsibility.
- Social Responsibility: Engaging responsibly with historical and contemporary frameworks to build and sustain stronger communities.
- Sustainability: Fostering growth, environmental stewardship, care for human and nonhuman life, and quality of place.
- Honors in Practice: Fostering student-directed discovery through high-impact learning opportunities.
For the full curriculum with specific course options, please see Cardinal Core below.