student holding a backpack talks with a professor

A Not-So-General Education

Most schools teach subjects one at a time¡ªyou learn history in one class and psychology in another. But at Champlain, our Core Curriculum connects different subjects to help you think critically and stay curious. Instead of just memorizing facts, you’ll work on projects that explore issues from multiple angles¡ªlooking at both historical facts and how people’s thoughts and culture affected what happened.

We believe technical skills alone aren’t enough. You need to ask good questions and communicate clearly¡ªskills that help you understand the world with empathy and honesty.

Each semester, our Core classes build on what you learned before, giving you these important human skills that will help you get your first job and succeed throughout your career. When you graduate from Champlain, you’ll be ready not just for work, but for life.

professor points to student in outdoor classroom setting

How does Core work?

First Year

The focus of the first year is to help you acclimate to college life and spark your curiosity. Core classes during this year are designed to ease the transition to college and build a strong foundation for academic success.

Second Year

In your second year, you¡¯ll explore the history and social influences that shape your perspectives. You¡¯ll investigate topics of personal interest, developing new mindsets and ways of thinking.

Third Year

Committed to cultural exploration, in your third year you¡¯ll have the opportunity to experience cultures different from your own by participating in a study abroad?or in the local Ê¢¾©ÆåÅÆ community.

Fourth Year

In your fourth year, you¡¯ll focus on your passions and what matters most to you. You¡¯ll work on your capstone project, bringing together the knowledge and skills you¡¯ve gained in your core courses and chosen major.

My technical classes were great, but it was in my core classes where I discovered a knack for weaving together seemingly disconnected information into comprehensive understanding.
Megg Daudelin
Megg Daudelin, ’12 Computer & Digital Forensics BS , ’16 Digital Forensic Management MS
Core touched on a lot of topics that made me challenge my own beliefs and learn about how my actions impact those around me. In the end, it’s made me think in a more global and open-minded way that I can now apply into my field.
Caitlin Allen
Caitlin Allen, Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Major

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