Hawk Core Curriculum provides focused, practical learning
Dunwoody College of Technology, a leader in hands-on, applied learning, is changing the way it approaches general education requirements. The newly designed Hawk Core Curriculum will provide students with relevant, practical, and focused arts and science courses that are applicable to their chosen field of study.
“Our students are asking for general education courses that are applicable to their degree,” said Dean of Instruction Bridget Reynolds. “In their technical education courses, students learn the skills and theory they need to be successful in their career. They want their general education courses to do the same. The Hawk Core Curriculum is allowing us to meet that need and ensure that general education courses are just as relevant, related, and practical.”
For students, this means that a School of Design student can take a “History of Design” humanities credit to learn how design has evolved in fields like graphics and architecture. It can mean that an Automotive Service Technology student takes “Professional Communication,” so they learn the skills needed to effectively communicate issues and repairs with a potential client. Construction Project Management students could take “Sustainable Communities” as their social science credit, and learn about walkable neighborhoods, efficient transportation, and green spaces, all things that are relevant to their field.
The Hawk Core Curriculum prepares students to translate their passion for a future profession into career success by learning to communicate effectively, construct professional behaviors, form ethical decisions, and solve problems.
“When students can relate what they are learning to their future career, we see higher levels of engagement and interest in the subject,” Reynolds said. “Dunwoody students are focused and they want their education to be the best use of their time and resources. By designing general education courses that not only meet the degree standards set by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, but do so in a way that directly benefits students professionally, we can provide a higher level of return on investment.”
Core Curriculum courses meet the needs of industry as well. Many employers are looking for professionals with the soft skills needed to be successful on the job – things like effective communication, ethical decision making, and collaborative problem solving. The Hawk Core Curriculum has been designed with that in mind, reinforcing the valuable communication and problem-solving skills that can set a job candidate apart.
All Core Curriculum courses are taught by faculty holding advanced degrees and professional experience and a passion for applying their expertise in technical fields and the skilled trades. “You’re going to learn things that matter, from faculty who care,” Reynolds added.
As part of Dunwoody’s Core Curriculum, students complete COMM1000, SSCI1000, HUMN1000 (School of Design students complete ARTS1250), and math or science course based on their program. All students follow their academic plans and complete any additional program-specified courses or select from elective courses that align with their degree path and career plans.
Dunwoody faculty, advisors, and registrar works with students to ensure their Hawk Core Curriculum courses meet their degree requirements and are taken in the order that benefits their course of study.