The mission of liberal arts at Harding University is to develop the whole person through a Christ-honoring community of learning. Through 47 hours of coursework required for all students, The Core fosters critical thinking, creativity and ethical reasoning in all undergraduate programs, preparing students to communicate effectively and collaborate in interdisciplinary and multicultural environments.

Anchored in The Big Questions, The Core skills are designed to cultivate a broad worldview and develop an ethical core centered on the person and teachings of Christ, as taught throughout the Bible, and to equip students to thrive in a dynamic job market as they pursue lives of purpose.

Explore The Big Questions

Scripture, truth and ethics
You’ll be prepared to know, live and share God’s word and understand love, and serve God’s world through and beyond your chosen career.

Literacy and expression
You’ll learn to read, contemplate, write, speak and listen skillfully and charitably. You’ll gain the wisdom and critical thinking skills you need to understand and articulate responses to humanity’s biggest questions.

Inquiry, investigation and reasoning
You’ll gain a mature perspective on science as a dynamic process of inquiry, discovery and reason that addresses real-world uncertainties regardless of academic discipline. Foundational skills in independent thinking, analytical reason and effective communication will set you apart from your peers.

The historical and literary perspective
You’ll be prepared to understand thoroughly, examine carefully and participate conscientiously in the long evolution of human history by exploring significant historical texts and literary works of peoples both past and present.

Aesthetics and the creative spirit
You’ll learn to see the world as an opportunity to express your imagination and ideas and engage with the opinions of others as God’s image-bearers. You’ll be prepared to articulate informed judgments about the aesthetic value of the world around you and to approach individual and collective endeavors creatively.

Self and society
You’ll learn to appreciate your own and others’ cultures while demonstrating Christian stewardship in your personal and social wellness at both local and global levels.