"Dordt has cultivated a love for learning within me, not only in my field of interest (biology), but in other areas (theology, literature, and poetry) that helps me to see the world from a holistic perspective."
Chloe Hansum, biology major
Core Program
The Core Program, the set of requirements that all students must take to graduate, lies at the heart of a Dordt education.
At Dordt, we want you to be prepared to think critically beyond your major. We want you to learn to participate meaningfully in the communities you belong to, bringing insight and wisdom to every area of your life. We help you to become not just good professionals, but good parents, faithful church members, and responsible citizens.
This gives you a stronger foundation than you would have by simply taking courses that add variety to your studies. The Core provides a broader context to your studies and will prepare you for shared areas of life.
The Program
Curriculum development at Dordt is guided by a document titled "The Educational Framework of Dordt University." The program will help you understand what it means to have a Reformed worldview or Christian perspective on life. You will read and reflect on writings by John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, and other Reformed thinkers, as well as contemporary Reformed thinkers. This will help you engage with what's happening in the world today.
Requirements and Courses
The Core Program requirements for Bachelor's degrees is 38 - 60 credits.
These courses will help you understand what it means to have a Reformed worldview or Christian perspective on life. In foundational courses, you will read and reflect on writings from both historical and contemporary reformed thinkers. This can help you know why you think the way you do or understand why you might not agree with ideas you encounter. You will engage in advanced reformed thought throughout your major, applying a Reformed perspective.
Core Program Expectations
The Core Program supports Dordt's mission. Through the Core Program, you will learn to:
You will take courses that will help you examine your faith, consider key theological ideas and their cultural-historical background, and reflect upon issues you encounter as a Christian.
COURSES INCLUDE:
- Kingdom, Identity, and Calling
- Biblical Foundations
- Core Program Capstone Course
Review history, examine your own life, and dive into understanding how theological perspectives have been established.
Courses include:
- Roots of Western Culture
- Introduction to Christian Philosophy
We want you to be able to think critically in every area of life—whether within your academic discipline or using other skills.
Courses include:
- English Composition
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Communication Foundations
In these courses you will evaluate and respond to cultural themes in our increasingly global society.
Courses include:
- Cross-Cultural Studies
- Responding to Literature
- Western Culture in a Global Context
- Introduction to the Arts
Learn to explore, understand, and respond carefully within our relationships with other people and the broader creation.
Courses include:
- Core Science
- Persons in Community
- Justice and Stewardship
Flexible
The Core Program offers some flexibility for students to meet the requirements. Many students will meet several of their Core Program requirements as part of their desired major. Often, requirements can also be fulfilled by choosing from among several courses the one that will best meet their needs or interests. For example, students with weaker writing skills need to take the basic writing course, but students with stronger writing skills can meet the writing requirement by taking a course that will help them further develop the skills they already have.
Making Connections
At Dordt, you will be able to take what you've learned in the classroom and use it in practical learning situations such as internships, practicums, and research and design projects.
For many students, spending a semester in an off-campus study program is a favorite way to be immersed in hands-on learning. Students can travel to major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., or to other countries like Nicaragua and New Zealand.
Our aim is to weave experiences and classroom learning, curricular and co-curricular activities, core courses, and major courses into a seamless whole. Such an education, rooted in a commitment to Christ, can lead to a rich life of effective Christian discipleship.
