Core curriculum

UST's unique core curriculum offers you an entrance into the great conversation unfolding across human history, a conversation about the fundamental questions we must all consider if we hope to live fully human lives. But it is about more than questions. The wisdom you discover—animated by faith and reason—and the skills you cultivate prepare you to serve society with conviction and become a leader known for your integrity, insight, and courage.

Two undergraduate students walking on campus at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas with the Catholic Chapel of St. Basil visible in the background

Subject areas include:

Theology
Philosophy
English
History
Social and behavioral sciences
Natural science
Mathematics
Fine arts

To learn more about UST’s core, enjoy the podcast “Spelunking with Plato” and visit the “Arts and Sciences” blog, both of which feature faculty, ideas, texts, and themes that are central to the core. Visit our podcast and blog to learn more about the vision that animates both Core and the School of Arts and Sciences.

View Core Courses And Goals

We want you to find the professional path aligned with your purpose, so when that alarm rings every day, you wake up excited to do great things.

Dr. Christopher Evans Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Theology

BE A LIGHT SHINING THROUGH DARKNESS

Student standing with hands clasped inside Catholic Chapel of St. Basil on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas Within the secular world that increasingly reduces people to their mere material worth – physical ability, financial capacity, appearance and influence – UST offers a sanctuary where you will develop your mind, body and spirit.

Imagine a halo of light embracing our campus, shining out into the broader world as a beacon of hope. The teachings within the core curriculum affirm that everyone can contribute to society regardless of material qualities, and transcend toward excellence.

UST gave me a strong science foundation. The core classes helped me understand my patients’ beliefs so I can fully serve their needs.

Andrew Li-Yung Hing, MD Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Houston, TX | B.A. Biology and B.A. Chemistry, 2005

SOLVE OLD PROBLEMS WITH NEW THINKING

Two undergraduate STEM students seated at microscopes in classroom at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas Through learning about everything from theology to math, art to science, you’ll build a broad base of knowledge that connects ideas across disciplines, giving you deeper powers of thinking and understanding.

Today’s employers prize innovators who drive progress and tangible growth. You’ll stand out from the crowd as you enter the professional sphere with strong critical and creative thinking skills, writing skills and excitement to solve unsolved problems.

My UST philosophy training taught me how to be persuasive and communicate well. Writing ability is so important to employers.

Melissa Prazak B.A. Philosophy and M.A. Thomistic Philosophy from the Center of Thomistic Studies, 2016 | Evangelization Consultant for the Archdiocese of Boston

CORE CURRICULUM SAMPLE COURSESCORE CURRICULUM SAMPLE COURSES

Philosophy: Ethics

Learn how to weigh the moral implications of your decisions.

Theology: Christ and the Moral Life

Study fundamental Catholic teachings on how to live a moral life inspired by the divine grace of Christ.

English: Classical Lit and Comp I

Examine major Greek and Roman literary works while developing rhetoric and academic writing skills.

Communications: Public Speaking

Develop your ability to communicate clearly on your feet.

History: World Community II

Discover how social, political and technological revolutions have shaped the world.

Synthesis: Faith and Reason

Study the relationship between faith and reason, and possible conflicts between what science discovers and what faith believes.

LIBERAL ARTS TRADITION

Students in classroom at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the core curriculum at UST revolves around the seven classical liberal arts. Liberal arts education is the oldest method of higher education in Western history, spanning almost 2,000 years.

The goal is to educate and prepare you to be a wise and virtuous participant in civic life. Wisdom is understanding the truth. Virtue is living in accordance with it. Through our teaching, we nurture growth of your mind, body and spirit.

The 7 Classical Liberal ArtsThe 7 Classical Liberal Arts