What is truly special about an Aquinas education is our unique areas of study, experiential learning opportunities, and our flexibility to tailor education to meet students’ needs.
Aquinas College Undergraduate Academics
Undergraduate
Majors
Liberal Arts are the cornerstone of the Aquinas College educational experience. St. Thomas Aquinas believed one should consider all things in pursuit of the truth. Our Dominican Heritage includes the practice of disputatio – a debate technique that engages written authorities and depends on a thorough understanding of the each side’s view to uncover truth.
Liberal Arts are most clearly reflected in our General Education experience which emphasizes the skills, knowledge, values and ethics which are important preparation for a career and life in a rapidly changing world.
The distribution areas (below) have been carefully designed by our Aquinas faculty to offer students the best foundation for their future.
The Core
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, graduates of private colleges place at a higher rate than public college graduates. Aquinas graduates place at a rate well above the national average for private schools.
Oral & written communication and career management skills are among the top eight competencies desired by employers according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Cross-Cultural Awareness
People function as better societal partners when they are open and sensitive to larger world issues. The ability to navigate a global environment creates opportunities to increase problem-solving creativity while the appreciation of cultures creates a rich life experience.
Global & intercultural fluency are among the top eight competencies desired by employers according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Humanities
In the humanities disciplines, students study how people document and express culture. Exploration of humanities topics allows students to view the world from varying perspectives which allows them to be better abstract and critical thinkers.
Critical thinking & problem solving are among the top eight competencies desired by employers according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Social Sciences
In the social science disciplines, students study human society, social relationships between individuals, and the science of society. The social sciences allow students to explore the intersections of critical thinking and problem solving the context of social, cultural and commerce perspectives.
These intersections of these viewpoints create well-rounded, career-ready individuals who can access a variety of knowledge bases to apply to the problems of work and life.
Natural World
Our ability to understand the natural world and our bodies makes us healthier and more equipped to function in daily life and work. In these courses, students learn to critically assess information and evidence which allows them to be better decision makers and problem solvers.
Mathematics
All good decision making is derived from careful analysis of data. In order for numerical data to be meaningful, mathematical formulas must be applied. Many functions of daily life and work require a functional knowledge of mathematical principles to make proper assessments.
Theology
The foundation of Dominican Catholic education is an understanding the theological underpinnings which guide moral function, help us explore our relationship with God, and our commitment to doing good works in the world.