Need Help Understanding Core Curriculum

Hi all, I'm kind of conflicted because I've heard both good and bad things about colleges with core curriculums. What's the deal with that? Currently trying to discern between colleges with the most and least core curriculum. Any thoughts?

Good question, it's important to understand a university's core curriculum as it forms the backbone of your undergraduate study. A core curriculum refers to a set of courses that all students at a college are required to take, regardless of their major. The main goal of a core curriculum is to ensure that students are exposed to a broad range of topics and disciplines, fostering a comprehensive educational experience.

The larger the core curriculum, the more a university values a well-rounded education based on exposure to multiple academic disciplines. For example, Columbia University is famous for its extensive Core Curriculum where students take classes in literature, social sciences, humanities, science, arts, and more. This aims to develop critical thinking across various disciplines.

On the other hand, colleges with smaller or no core curriculum (like Brown University's Open Curriculum, for instance) allow students more freedom to choose courses that align with their academic and career interests. This can be really beneficial if you have a clear idea of what you want to study and want to deeply dive into your area of interest from the get-go.

There's no universal "better" between the two; it just comes down to personal preference and what you want out of your college experience. If you enjoy variety and getting a taste of many fields of study, a college with a comprehensive core curriculum could suit you. If you'd rather have more control over your educational experience and focus on your major or main area of interest, you might be better suited to a college with a small or nonexistent core curriculum.

It's crucial to research each prospective college's core curriculum and understand what's required so that you choose a college that aligns with your personal approach to learning. It could also be a good idea to speak to current or former students from the colleges you're considering to get an idea of what they think about the core curriculum at their college. This could give you a first-hand account of what to expect.