Dominican University’s North Star Core Curriculum

The beginning of every great journey starts with a purpose. At Dominican University, we have a history of guiding generations of students toward their true calling while empowering them to make their mark on the world. That’s why we’ve created our North Star Core Curriculum, an innovative set of courses designed to be your roadmap to success.

Our reimagined approach to general education will prepare you for every aspect of your professional life. You’ll be ready to achieve your most ambitious goals—and begin a lifetime of purpose. All you have to do is follow the guidance and direction of your north star: your personalized path to fulfilling your ambition.  

Your gateway to exploration 

At Dominican, you’ll experience the power of a well-rounded liberal arts education that will increase your capacity for personal growth by deepening your learning experiences. You’ll be equipped with the tools you need to succeed in college—and in your career and life. Here’s how:

Envision the endless possibilities: As part of your North Star Curriculum, you’ll uncover your true calling through purposefully designed courses built with your interests in mind. You’ll explore your passions and refine your skills so you can chart your path to a fulfilling career alongside a group of dedicated supporters who’ll help guide you toward your goals.

Spark your curiosity: You’ll select liberal arts and sciences courses that align with your interests throughout your four years at Dominican. These courses are designed to prepare you with critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication expertise while introducing you to new areas of study. Whatever your passion, you’ll find the exploration you’re looking for through your North Star Curriculum.

Career-focused coursework

Gaining the skills you need to make your mark on the world shouldn’t wait until after graduation. Here, our priority is setting you up for success well before you leave campus. That’s why our award-winning Career and Vocation courses are directly woven into your general education requirements. Through your North Star curriculum, you’ll:

  • Take an engaging, career-focused course each of your four years that’s taught by industry experts across multiple disciplines, preparing you for the profession of your dreams. You’ll master crucial skills in key areas of the professional world like networking, interviewing, negotiating and applying for jobs and internships, ensuring you’re ready to make an impact well before graduation
  • Experience hands-on learning projects in each career development course throughout your four years, ensuring you build foundational skills. 
    • Year 1: Informational interviews with professionals in your desired field—get a feel for what your future career might look like and how you can best prepare.  
    • Year 2: Mock interview experience—conduct practice interviews with real-world employers so you can hone your skills.
    • Year 3: Industry-specific presentation—you’ll connect with professionals in your desired field and present your portfolio and experience in front of them. 
    • Year 4: Senior showcase—a reverse job-fair-style event where the area’s top employers come to campus to connect with you. 
  • Practice the job you hope to have—before graduation. You’ll complete a required career practicum experience, ideally by or during your junior year, so that you’re equipped with real-world experience. And you’ll begin creating professional relationships and networks that will set you up with access to high-impact opportunities after graduation. 
  • Meet with career mentors as part of our hallmark Expert or Executive in Residence program, where you’ll find unparalleled one-on-one career guidance and support.

Your education, your way. 

The North Star Curriculum is all about you. We offer an unmatched level of flexibility that lets students craft their own personalized journeys.

  • Choose coursework in areas that interest you while exploring the liberal arts and sciences.
  • Explore pathways that align with your career interests, so you’re ready to jump right into a meaningful profession after graduation. 
    • You may choose Career and Vocation courses in seven pathways: Arts and Creative, Business, Education and Training, Government and Nonprofit, Health Sciences, Human Services, and STEM. And you may change your pathway each year, allowing you to stay on track even if your passions and interests evolve. 
  • Experience a seamless course to completion. Because our career experiences are part of the core curriculum, you won’t need to find extra time outside of class to participate. This offers all our students an equitable approach to professional development.

Your future knows no limits

We believe that earning your degree should not just be about checking boxes. That’s why we’ve intentionally designed a flexible path that’s built around your ultimate goals, putting you on a course that will make you stand out as you enter the professional world.

At Dominican, you’ll find a college experience that is infused with our hallmark wraparound support resources every step of the way. Our biggest goal? Helping you reach all yours.

Your Dominican experience is about finding your passion and discovering how you’ll change the world. We’ve put the foundation in place—but the path to making a difference is yours to build. Together, we’ll embark on your journey toward extraordinary impact.