Jun 16, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Wesleyan Core


The curriculum of North Carolina Wesleyan University is designed around the belief that the liberal arts constitute the foundation of a just and democratic society. The Wesleyan Core empowers students by fostering their breadth of knowledge, developing their critical and analytical reasoning skills and promoting their ability to make sound judgments that are historically, ethically and scientifically informed. It emphasizes students’ ability to synthesize knowledge from various disciplinary perspectives and diverse cultures. Upon graduation, students demonstrate skills in critical thinking, creative and digital communication, ethical, historical and analytical reasoning, collaborative and independent problem-solving and transcultural literacy. The University considers these competencies as indispensable to students’ intellectual and personal growth.

INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES

CRITICAL THINKING: Students will analyze information and ideas carefully and logically in the context of the discipline and/or develop reasoned solutions to problems.

QUANTITATIVE AND SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS: Students will gain competence in mathematical problem-solving, analytical reasoning and the theory and application of scientific methods.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Students will reflect on complex topics and synthesize their own and others’ ideas in formal, clearly written and well organized Standard Edited English, tailored to an intended audience.

ETHICAL AND HISTORICAL REASONING: Students will be able to articulate their own moral reasoning in response to past and/or current issues arising in social life while cultivating an ethical framework that includes consideration for people whose traditions and values differ from students’ own backgrounds.

INFORMATION LITERACY: Students will develop an understanding of information retrieval tools and practices, as well as hone their ability to evaluate and synthesize information ethically.

SPOKEN COMMUNICATION: Students will apply public speaking practices and/or create presentations based on their own thoughts and/or research..

Unless otherwise specified, transferred credits may be used to fulfill the general requirements at the Registrar’s discretion.

Foundations


First-Year Experience


Student Learning Outcome: Spoken Communication

Semester Hours: 4


Critical Thinking and Writing


Student Learning Outcomes: Written Communication (ENG 111) and Critical Thinking (ENG 112).

Take both courses.

Semester Hours: 6


Analytical Reasoning


Student Learning Outcome: Quantitative and Scientific Analysis

Pick one course.

Semester Hours: 3


Religious Foundations


Student Learning Outcome: Ethical and Historical Reasoning

Pick one course.

Semester Hours: 3


Lifetime Health


Student Learning Outcome: Information Literacy

Semester Hours: 2


Explorations


Artistic & Interpretative Inquiries


Literature


Student Learning Outcome: Written Communication

Pick one course.

Semester Hours: 3

Applied Arts


Student Learning Outcome: Spoken Communication

Pick one course.

Semester Hours: 3

Semester Hours: 6


Semester Hours: 6


Studies in Human Behavior


Student Learning Outcome: Critical Thinking

Pick one course.

Semester Hours: 3


Global Perspectives & Ethics


Student Learning Outcome: Ethical and Historical Reasoning

Natural Science Investigations


Student Learning Outcome: Quantitative and Scientific Analysis

Natural Sciences


To receive credit, students must complete either two courses with their accompanying labs or one science course with its accompanying lab and SCI 200.

Semester Hours: 7-8