EMU Core Outline

Owned by Jenni Piper
Last updated: Aug 28, 2024 by Amber Tobey
15 min read

This outline applies to traditional undergraduates seeking baccalaureate degrees. See EMU Core requirements for associate's degrees in academic and degree information. See program-specific EMU Core requirements for Leadership and Organizational Management, and Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program within the program descriptions. 

The EMU Portfolio

Students will develop a portfolio of work documenting their skills, learning, and application of learning demonstrated while at EMU. Material for the portfolio will come from EMU Core general education courses and experiences, as well as courses within the major and co-curricular engagement. This portfolio is designed around a set of outcomes that characterize wise, bridge-building leaders, including four important themes: faith and meaning, intercultural understanding, power and equity, and environmental sustainability.

Core Classes (10 SH)

  • ABP 260 Questions of Faith and Ethics (3)

  • CORE 103 Big Questions, Deep Connections (3 + 1 EEC)
    OR CORE 301 Transfer Portfolio (1) (Core 301 not required in 2024-25)

  • CORE 300 Power, Systems, and Justice (3)

  • CORE 402 Senior Portfolio (1)

Core Skills (10-16 SH + intensives)

  • Writing and Research (3, 6, or 7; depends on placement)

  • Communication Foundations course (3)

  • Language Learning course (3)

  • Quantitative Reasoning course (1-3)

  • Writing Intensive course (one course)

  • Additional Writing Intensive OR Communication Intensive course (one course)

  • Technology Intensive course (one course)

Core Themes Across the Disciplines (11-16 SH)

  • History course (2-3)

  • Literature course (2-3)

  • Natural Science course (2-4)

  • Social and Behavioral Science course (2-3)

  • Theology and Religion course (3)

Experiential and Co-Curricular Learning (4+ SH, 6 EMU Engage credits, and qualitative credentials)

  • Intercultural Experience (1-3*)

  • Creative Arts Exploration (1-4)

  • CORE 202 Living Well (2)

  • Community Experience (one course)

  • EMU Engage credits (6 EEC)

*1 SH reflective option available in the context of a significant intercultural immersion; most students complete 3 SH options

Total: minimum of 35 semester hours/credits, plus 6 EMU Engage credits,
plus writing/communication intensive, community experience, and technology intensive courses.

A course may be applied to only one EMU Core requirement, with the following exceptions: a course which meets an EMU Core requirement may also count as a writing intensive, communication intensive, technology intensive, or community experience course. (See clarification related to language learning and communication intensives below.) 

Codes used to indicate EMU Core designate courses in the schedule of undergraduate course offerings are listed with the designate descriptions below.

2024-25 Transfers: Transfers and re-admits may contact the registrar’s office for details about alternative courses that fulfill the CORE 300 Power, Systems, and Justice and CORE 402 Senior Portfolio requirements in 2024-25.

Core Classes (8-10 SH)

Students take portfolio courses at the beginning and end of their time at EMU, where they set up and curate the EMU portfolio. These courses provide space for integrative reflection on EMU themes as well as professional and vocational planning and preparation. ABP 260 and CORE 300 provide students with a shared space to discuss issues of Faith & Meaning and Power & Equity.

  • ABP 260 Questions of Faith and Ethics (3)

  • CORE 103 Big Questions, Deep Connections (3 academic credits + 1 EMU Engage Credit)

OR CORE 301 Transfer Portfolio (1 + 1 EMU Engage Credit) not required in 2024-25

  • CORE 300 Power, Systems, and Justice (3) May also be fulfilled by:

    • SOWK 360 Race and Gender (3)

    • WCSC 387 Race, Space, and Inequality (3) 

    • WCSC 388 La Lucha Latina (3)

  • CORE 402 Senior Portfolio (1)

Core Skills Courses (9-15 SH + intensives)

In these courses, students develop skills for effective Communication and Innovative & Applied Learning.

Writing and Research (3, 6, or 7 SH; depends on placement)

  • WRIT 125 College Writing I (3)

  • WRIT 135 College Writing II (3)

  • WRIT 140 Advanced College Writing (3)

  • CORE 302 University Research (1)

These courses for students in their first year at EMU develop academic reading, thinking, and writing skills in various discourse communities. The following are guidelines to follow for writing placement. Decisions are made on an individual basis.

  1. As part of guided self-placement, students will complete a questionnaire to determine appropriate placement in WRIT 125, WRIT 135, or WRIT 140. Placement will be confirmed in consultation with academic advisors.

  2. In the first week of class, a diagnostic essay will be written in WRIT 125, WRIT 135, and WRIT 140 to confirm placement. Adjustments may be made to writing placement at that time.

  3. A student who scores 4 or 5 on the AP Language and Composition exam earns 3 hours of credit, satisfies the writing course requirement, and will enroll in CORE 302 University Research.

  4. Students who wish to meet the EMU Core writing requirement through dual enrollment writing courses may be asked to demonstrate writing and research skills equivalent to the objectives of the EMU course WRIT 135 College Writing II. The following points apply to instances where a student wishes to meet the EMU Core writing requirement through dual enrollment writing courses:

    1. Students with a grade below B in their dual enrollment writing course (or in the second semester of a two-part writing sequence) will be placed in WRIT 125 or WRIT 135 based on their ACT/SAT English scores and grades in junior and senior year high school English courses.

    2. The director of the writing program may, upon review of a student's overall record, recommend that a student with a grade of B or better in dual enrollment writing enroll in a first-year writing course at EMU.

    3. The director of the writing program may request a writing sample from a student in the process of deciding which EMU writing course/s to recommend. Additional methods for determining writing placements may be introduced as needed.

    4. Students who have satisfied the writing course requirement through dual enrollment will enroll in CORE 302 University Research.

  5. CORE 302 University Research is strongly recommended for students who transfer credit fulfilling WRIT 135 College Writing II from other schools or through Transfer Virginia's Undergraduate Certificate of General Studies. If in doubt about whether to take University Research, transfer students should consult with the academic advisor in their programs of study. Transfer students should enroll in the course prior to or in the same semester that they take their first Writing Intensive course at EMU.

  6. If a student takes WRIT 110, WRIT 125, or WRIT 135 two times and does not pass, the director of the writing program, in consultation with the academic deans, will provide a recommendation regarding next steps for the student to gain readiness for our writing courses.

Communication Foundations (one course; 3 SH)

These courses provide students with the opportunity to further develop their communication skills beyond the College Writing sequence. In these courses, they will practice strategies needed to execute successful communication for a variety of audiences, occasions, and purposes.

 May be fulfilled by:

  • COMF 150 Public Communication (3)

  • COMF 160 Communication and the Environment (3)

  • COMF 170 Foundations of Sports Communication (3)

  • Additional 200-level language course beyond the required Language Learning course. (May not simultaneously fulfill a Communication Intensive requirement). 

Language Learning (one course; 3 SH)

Students complete at least one 3 SH course in language learning, developing their Intercultural Understanding and skills in Communication. Additional language courses may be taken to fulfill the Communication Intensive requirement or (at the 200+ level) to fulfill the Communication Foundations course requirement. 

Course offerings are linked with cross-cultural programs at EMU, and a variety of languages are offered each year. Students place into 100-, 200-, or 300-level Spanish courses based on years' experience with the language, test scores, and a placement assessment conducted the first day of class.

Note that heritage or native speakers or students that have lived in a Spanish-speaking country, scored a 4 or a 5 on the AP Spanish Exam, a 5, 6, or 7 on the higher-level IB Spanish Exam (A1 or A2), or a 7 on the IB Exam (Spanish B), must enroll in a 300-level Spanish course. Please see Spanish faculty for more information on placement into Spanish courses. Testing is available through EMU Career Services for students who wish to receive credit for languages in which they are fluent. See the academic policies section for details about obtaining language credit through testing.

See an extensive list of Spanish Language (SPAN) courses and occasional courses in additional languages (LANG) in the course descriptions section of the catalog.

Quantitative Reasoning (one course; 1-4 SH)

These courses emphasize decision-making through quantitative reasoning and support the Core Innovative and Applied Learning outcome.

  • CIS 211 Spreadsheet and Data Management (1) 

  • FIN 289 Personal Finance and Investing (1) - intended for juniors and seniors

  • MATH 120 Math for Social Decision Making (2)

  • PHYS 151 College Physics I (3, plus lab)

  • PHYS 252 University Physics I (3, plus lab)

  • STAT 120 Descriptive Statistics (2)

  • STAT 133 Topics in Statistics (2)

  • STAT 150 Data Visualization (2)

  • STAT 220 Inferential Statistics (2)

Students may receive credit and fulfill the quantitative reasoning requirement through the Advanced Placement exams in either statistics or calculus.

Writing Intensive (one course; 1-4 SH)

Students complete one or two Writing Intensive (WI) designate courses in addition to College Writing. A Writing Intensive course may also fulfill other EMU Core requirements. WI courses emphasize writing as a way of learning and development of the writing process. Prerequisite for all WI courses: WRIT 135 or WRIT 140.

  • ACTG 422 Intermediate Accounting III (3) 

  • BIOCH 398 Advanced Cell Biology (3) 

  • BIOL 235 Ecology: Adaptation and Environment (4) 

  • BIOL 485 Faith, Science, and Ethics (2) 

  • BUAD 331 Organizational Behavior (3) 

  • CMUS 250 Music History I (3) 

  • CMUS 260 Music History II (3) 

  • CS 365 System Administration (2) 

  • ECON 311 Contemporary Economic Issues (3) 

  • ECON 401 Development Economics (3) 

  • ED 235 Curriculum and Organization in Early Education (4) 

  • ED 401 Examining Foundations of Education (2) 

  • ENGR 325 Engineering Ethics (2) 

  • ENVS 430 Environmental Sustainability Capstone (2) 

  • HIST 411 The History of Recent America, 1941-Present (3) 

  • HUM 200 Foundations of Humanities (2) 

  • HUM 490 Seminar in Humanities (4) 

  • MATH 450 Introduction to Analysis (3)

  • MATH 460 Abstract Algebra (3)

  • MKTG 410 Strategic Marketing Management (3) 

  • NURS 310 Conceptual Framework of Nursing (2) 

  • NURS 311 Conceptual Framework Bridge Course (3) 

  • NURS 440 Transition to Practice (3) 

  • PE 415 Exercise Physiology of Sport (3) 

  • PPX 371 Peace and Security in East Asia (3) 

  • PPX 401 Human Rights and Dignity (4) 

  • PPX 405 Topics: International Security (4)

  • PPX 421 Genocide in the 20th Century (4) 

  • PPX 431 Political Reconciliation (4) 

  • PSYC 312 Psych Research Design and Analysis (4) 

  • PSYC 472 Research in Psychology (2) 

  • PXD/SOC 225 Theories of Social Change (3) 

  • PXD 365 Social and Political Economy (3) 

  • RSM 309 Recreation and Sport Program and Event Planning (3) 

  • SOC/PXD 225 Theories of Social Change (3) 

  • SOC 392 Junior Seminar in Social Research (3) 

  • SOWK 330 Social Policy Analysis (3) 

  • SOWK 400 Social Work Practice II (3) 

  • SPAN 320 Constructing Identities (3) 

  • SPAN 325 The Latino Experience (3) 

  • THR 360 Playwriting (2) 

  • THR 361 Screenwriting (2) 

  • VACA 283 Art History-Western (4) 

  • WCSC 387 Race, Space, and Inequality  (3) 

  • WCSC 388 La Lucha Latina (3)

  • WRIT 200 Introduction to Creative Writing (3) 

  • WRIT 210 News and Feature Writing (3) 

  • WRIT 351 Fiction Writing Workshop (3) 

  • WRIT 352 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3) 

  • WRIT 380 Expository Writing (1) 

  • WRIT 381 Argumentative Writing (1) 

  • WRIT 383 Professional Writing (1) 

Second Writing Intensive OR Communication Intensive (one course; 1-4 SH) 

Communication Intensive courses support the EMU Core Communication outcome, recognizing visual, oral, and field-specific modes of communication. Communication Intensive courses may also fulfill other EMU Core requirements.

  • ACTG 445 Seminar in Accounting (2)

  • CS 445 Analysis of Algorithms (2)

  • CS 460 Big Data Analysis (4)

  • ECON 300 Environmental and Ecological Economics (3)

  • ENGR 491 Senior Capstone Project (2) 

  • LEAD 300 Leadership Theory and Practice (3)

  • MATH 364 Geometry (2)

  • PXD 341 Mediation and Facilitation (3)

  • SPAN Any Spanish language course beyond first required language course. (May not simultaneously fulfill the Communication Foundations requirement.)

  • VACA 168 Digital Media I: Video Production (2)

  • VACA 332 Intermediate Ceramics (2)

  • VACA 354 Conservation Photography (4)

  • VACA 368 Digital Media 3: Hybrid Storytelling (4)

  • VACA 434 Advanced Drawing (2)

  • VACA 435 Advanced Painting (2)

Technology Intensive (one course; 1-4 SH)

Technology Intensive courses support EMU Core outcomes related to Innovative and Applied Learning and/or Communication. Adapting to and leveraging the potentials of current technologies will prepare students to continue to do so throughout their careers as technologies evolve. A Technology Intensive course may also fulfill other EMU Core requirements.

  • CHEM 320 Analytical Chemistry I (3) 

  • CHEM 340 Analytical Chemistry II (3) 

  • CIS 211 Spreadsheet and Data Management (1)

  • CMUS 204 Intro to Music Technology (2)

  • CS 145 Intro to Programming (2)

  • CS 155 Programming in Python (2)

  • ED 275 Instructional Technology and Assessment (3)

  • ENGR 110 Introduction to Engineering and Design (4)

  • ENVS 205 Environmental Application of GIS (3) 

  • FIN 289 Personal Finance and Investing (1) - intended for juniors and seniors

  • PHYS 253 University Physics I Lab (1)

  • PSYC 312 Research Design and Analysis (4)

  • SOC 336 Methods of Social Research (3)

  • SPAN 415 Intro to Spanish Phonetics (3)

  • STAT 120 Descriptive Statistics (2)

  • STAT 150 Data Visualization (2)

  • STAT 220 Inferential Statistics (2)

  • THR 210 Technical Theater (2)

  • THR 350 Technical Theater Practicum (1-3)

  • VACA 151 Photography 1 (2)

Core Themes Across the Disciplines (11-16 SH)

Students choose a course from each content area of History; Literature; Natural Sciences; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Theology and Religion. To support Integrative Learning, each of these Core liberal arts courses engages with one of the EMU values outcomes: Power & Equity, Environmental Sustainability, Intercultural Understanding, or Faith & Meaning. Students will have the opportunity to engage with these themes across disciplines. Consult advising materials to identify the relevant courses if you are interested in building your EMU portfolio around a particular theme.

History (one course; 2-3 SH)

History coursework cultivates analysis and empathic learning across societies, political systems, and cultures of all times.

  • GEOG 231 Cultural Geography (3)

  • HIST 101 US History I (2)

  • HIST 102 US History II (2)

  • HIST 103 US History III (2)

  • HIST 121 Global Past I: Civilizations (2)

  • HIST 122 Global Past II: Modernization (2)

  • HIST 123 Global Past III: Epics (2)

  • HIST 124 Global Past III: Revolutions (2)

  • HIST 125 Global Past III: Food History (2)

  • HIST 126 Global Past III: Colonialisms (2)

  • HIST 182 Global Past (Lancaster) (3)

  • HIST 222 African American History (3)

  • HIST 231 Medieval Europe (3)

  • HIST 251 History of Africa (3)

  • HIST 312 19th Century America, a Novel History (3)

  • HIST 321 Modernizing America (3)

  • HIST 352 History of Women-Global Perspectives (3)

  • HIST 362 Renaissance and Reformation Europe (3)

  • HIST 365/REL 365 Mennonite History and Thought (3)

  • HIST 391 Birth of Modernity in Europe (1550-1815) (3)

  • HIST 411 The History of Recent America (3)

  • HIST 432 History of the Middle East (3)

  • HIST 462 Modern Europe (1815-present) (3)

  • PPX 371 Peace and Security in East Asia (3)

  • REL 365/HIST 365 Mennonite History and Thought (3)

  • SPAN 303 Dictatorships and Social Movements (3)

  • SPAN 425 Indigenous People and Conquest (3)

Literature (one course; 2-3 SH)

Literature coursework cultivates analysis and empathic learning across societies, political systems and cultures through texts.

  • ENGL 261 Global Literatures 1: Gods and Monsters (2)

  • ENGL 262 Global Literatures 2: Freedom and Loss (2)

  • ENGL 263 Global Literatures 3: Intimacy and Independence (2)

  • ENGL 210 Reading Fiction (2)

  • ENGL 250 Reading Poetry (2)

  • ENGL 290-295 Topics in Literature (2-3)

  • ENGL 312 Ecology and Science Fiction (3)

  • ENGL 315 Global Conflicts, Global Novels (3)

  • ENGL 344 Ways of War and Peace (3)

  • ENGL 346 Rooms of Their Own (3)

  • ENGL 348 American Manhood (3)

  • ENGL 350 Children's Literature (3)

  • ENGL 355 Young Adult Literature (3)

  • ENGL 361 Global Lit Intensive 1: Gods and Monsters (3)

  • ENGL 362 Global Lit Intensive 2: Freedom and Loss (3)

  • ENGL 363 Global Lit Intensive 3: Intimacy and Independence (3)

  • ENGL 390-395 Topics in Literature (2-3)

  • (Other 200- and 300-level ENGL Topics courses, as announced)

  • SPAN 301 The Art of Storytelling (3)

  • SPAN 395 Survey of Hispanic Literature (3)

  • THR 200 Survey of World Theater History (2)

Natural Science (one course; 2-4 SH)

Natural science coursework emphasizes scientific inquiry as a method for learning about life. 

  • BIOL 105 Science in Society (2)

  • BIOL 145 Nutrition Fundamentals (2)

  • BIOL 155 Biological Explorations (3)

  • BIOL 173 Concepts in Biology (4)

  • BIOL 451/PSYC 451 Neuropsychology (3)

  • CHEM 155 Matter and Energy (3)

  • CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry I (4)

  • ENVS 135 Earth Science (2)

  • ENVS 145 Environmental Science (2)

  • ENVS 235 Sustainable Food Systems (2)

  • PH 175 Introduction to Public Health (3) 

  • PSYC/BIOL 451 Neuropsychology (3)

Note: PHYS 252 University Physics I fulfills the Natural Science requirement for Engineering majors

Social and Behavioral Science (one course; 2-3 SH)

Social and behavioral science coursework develops problem-solving strategies by inviting students to analyze and respond to real world situations.

  • BUAD 221 Principles of Management (3)

  • ECON 201 Survey of Economics (3)

  • ECON 211 Principles of Microeconomics (3)

  • ECON 212 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

  • GS 101 Introduction to Global Studies (2)

  • LEAD 300 Leadership Theory and Practice (3)

  • POL 111 Comparative Politics (2)

  • POL 112 American Politics (2)

  • POL 113 International Relations (2)

  • PSYC 101 General Psychology (3)

  • PSYC 202 Developmental Psychology (3)

  • PSYC 221 Social Psychology (3)

  • PXD 151 Exploring Conflict and Peace (3)

  • PXD 365 Social and Political Economy (3)

  • PXD 375 Globalization and Justice (3)

  • SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3)

  • SOC 210/SOWK 210 Social Stratification (3)

  • SOC 245 Environment and Society (3)

  • SOC 255 Social Movements (3)

  • SOC 334 Cultural Anthropology (3)

  • SOC 340 The Family in Social Context (3)

  • SOC 350 Urban Sociology (3)

  • SOC 375 Community Development (WCSC) (3)

  • SOC 470 Community Organizing (3)

  • SOWK 101 Exploring Social Work (3)

  • SOWK 200 Social Behavior and Diversity (3)

  • SOWK 210/SOC 210 Social Stratification (3)

Theology and Religion (one course; 3 SH)

  • PHIL 201 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

  • PHIL 412 Philosophy of Religion (3)

  • REL 201 Introduction to Religious Studies (3)

  • REL 202 Reading the Bible (3)

  • REL 205 Introduction to Theology (3)

  • REL 212 Faith, Meaning, Adolescence (3)

  • REL 231 Jewish and Islamic Traditions (3)

  • REL 232 Hinduisms and Buddhisms (3)

  • REL 233 East Asian Traditions: Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto (3)

  • REL 234 Indigenous Traditions (3)

  • REL 235 Spiritual Formation, Sacred Pauses (3)

  • REL 301 Gender in the Bible (3)

  • REL 302 Jesus, God, and Film (3)

  • REL 303 Money in the Bible (3)

  • REL 304 Politics in the Bible (3)

  • REL 310-315 Topics in Religion (3)

  • REL 323 Jesus, Justice, and Violence (3)

  • REL 334 Ministry with Children and Adolescents (3)

  • REL 338 Missiology (3)

  • REL 341 African American Religions (3)

  • REL 342 Sex, Love, God: Religion and Sexuality (3)

  • REL 343 Witches, Cripples, and Other Monsters: Religion and Disability (3)

  • REL 350-355 Topics is Theology (3)

  • REL 412 Liberation Theologies (3)

Experiential and Co-Curricular Learning (4+ SH, 6 EMU Engage credits, and qualitative credentials)

In experiential learning opportunities, students further develop their skills in the areas of Intercultural Understanding, Innovative and Applied Learning, and Reflective Collaboration.

Intercultural Experience (one course; 1-3* SH)

Students deepen their Intercultural Understanding and Reflective Collaboration through one of the following learning experiences:

  • ICSSC 201 Intercultural Social Science (3) 
    Most students fulfill their intercultural experience through this experiential course linked with an intensive summer or semester study program.

  • ICSSC 202 Intercultural Learning and Integration (1) 
    For qualifying students with significant intercultural immersion experience.

  • ICSSC 203 Intercultural Immersion (1) 
    Paired with other credits in a 3+ week intercultural immersion.

  • ICSSC 211 Intercultural Community Immersion (3) 
    For students who transfer at least 58 credits earned prior to matriculation at EMU.

  • ICSSC 300 Career, Culture, and Community (3)
    Taken in association with a semester at Washington Community Scholars Center

  • ICSSC 305 Career, Culture, and Community (2)
    Taken in association with a summer session at Washington Community Scholars Center

For this year’s intercultural experience offerings, consult the Intercultural Programs section of the catalog. For future programs and further details, contact the Intercultural Programs office.

*1 SH reflective option available in the context of a significant intercultural immersion; most students complete 3 SH options

Creative Arts Exploration (one course; 1-4 SH)

Students practice Innovative and Applied Learning as they engage with the creative process.

  • CHMUS 211 Music for the Congregation (3) 

  • CMUS 116 Appreciating Music Making (2) 

  • CMUS 201 Topics in Music-World Music (2) 

  • CMUS 202 Topics in Music-Folk Rock to Hip Hop (2) 

  • CMUS 203 Topics in Music-Music of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2) 

  • CMUS 204 Topics in Music-Introduction to Music Technology (2) 

  • MUED 131 Class Piano I (1) 

  • MUED 132 Class Piano II (1) 

  • MUED 341 Elementary School Music (2-3) 

  • MUED 342 Secondary School Music (3) 

  • MUES 310 The University Choir (1) 

  • MUES 321 Chamber Singers (1) 

  • MUES 331 Chamber Orchestra (1) 

  • MUES 332 Wind Ensemble (1) 

  • MUES 333 Chamber Ensemble (1) 

  • MUES 341 EMU Jazz (1) 

  • MUES 351 EMU Pep Band (1)

  • MUPS 121 Class Voice (1)

  • MUPS 202 Improvisation (1)

  • MUPS 203 Songwriting (1)

  • MUPS 204 Digital Songwriting (1)

  • MUPS 2xx, 3xx all Private Music Lessons (1-2) 

  • PEM 145 Rhythmic Activities (1) 

  • THR 100 Acting for the Stage and Screen (2) 

  • THR 210 Technical Theater (2) 

  • THR 230-235 Topics in Theater (2) 

  • THR 300 Directing for the Theater (2) 

  • THR 360 Playwriting (2) 

  • THR 361 Screenwriting (2) 

  • VACA 112 Digital Photography (3) 

  • VACA 121 Drawing I (4) 

  • VACA 131 Three-Dimensional Design (4) 

  • VACA 143 Foundations of Design I: 2-D (2)

  • VACA 151 Photography I (2) 

  • VACA 221 Watercolor Painting (3)

  • VACA 222 Painting I (4) 

  • VACA 232 Ceramics I (4) 

  • VACA 323 Printmaking and Watercolor (4) 

  • VACA 397 Elementary School Art Methods (2-3) 

  • WRIT 200 Introduction to Creative Writing (3) 

  • WRIT 351 Fiction Writing Workshop (3) 

  • WRIT 352 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3) 

  • WRIT 370 Poetry Workshop (3)

CORE 202 Living Well (2 SH)

Living Well supports the Reflective Collaboration outcome of the EMU Core. This largely experiential course invites students to explore their own wellness and well being through the lens of holistic wellness, and supports them in pursuing goals for well-being in a personal growth project. Students will consider various intersecting dimensions of well-being, including physical, social, community, emotional/mental, faith, spiritual, financial, and occupational. Through community-building activities, conversations with expert guests, and work towards individual goals related to various dimensions of health, students will integrate and apply their understandings about well-being in college and beyond as part of their journey to become wise, bridge-building leaders. (Education students seeking PreK-3, PreK-6, SPED, or Health and Physical Education [PreK-12] licensure, substitute HE 202 Health and Safety for CORE 202 Living Well.)

Community Experience (one course; 1-12 SH)

Community Experience courses integrate at least 15 hours of experiential learning in a community setting. Students practice Innovative and Applied Learning and Reflective Collaboration in these experiences. A Community Experience course may also fulfill other EMU Core requirements.

  • ABP 360 Good Questions (1)

  • ACTG 481 Accounting Internship (1-3) 

  • BIOL 219 Life Science Practicum (1) 

  • BIOL 429 Biology Internship (1-3)

  • BUAD 461 Strategic Leadership in Organizations (3) 

  • BUAD 481 Business Internship (1-3) 

  • BUAN 481 Business Analytics Internship (1-3)

  • CHEM 285 Environmental Chemistry (4) 

  • CMUS 490 Music Internship (1-2) 

  • CS 488 Computer Science Internship (1-3) 

  • ECON 481 Economics Internship (1-3)

  • ED 101 Exploring Teaching (2) 

  • ED 252 Learning and Classroom Environments Professional Field Experience (6-12) (1) 

  • ENGL 290 Topics: Recovery and Resilience (2)

  • ENGL 344 Ways of War and Peace (3) 

  • ENGL 391 Topics: Bibliotherapy (2)

  • ENGL 470 English Internship (1-3) 

  • ENGR 488 Engineering Internship (1-3)

  • ENVS 429 Environmental Sustainability Internship (3) 

  • FIN 481 Finance Internship (1-3) 

  • HIST 441 History Internship (1-3) 

  • HONRS 431 Honors Teaching and Leadership (0-2) 

  • ICSSC 300 Career, Culture, and Community (WCSC) (3)

  • ICSSC 305 Career, Culture, and Community (WCSC) (2)

  • LARTS 256 Commuter Cycling (1) 

  • LARTS 281 Student Life and Student Leadership (1)

  • LARTS 390 Writing Peer Tutoring Practicum (1-3)

  • LARTS 391 Peer Tutoring in the Discipline (1-3)

  • LARTS 410 Liberal Arts Internship (1-3)

  • LEAD 281 Leadership Practicum (1) 

  • LEAD 481 Leadership Internship (1-3) 

  • MKTG 481 Marketing Internship (1-3) 

  • MUED 341 Elementary School Music (2-3) 

  • MUED 342 Secondary School Music (3) 

  • MUED 412 Vocal Pedagogy (2) 

  • MUED 413 Piano Pedagogy (2) 

  • MUED 415 String Pedagogy (2)

  • MUES 333 Chamber Ensemble (1) 

  • NURS 426 Nursing and the Family in Community (3) 

  • NURS 432 Community Health (3) 

  • PE 203 Coaching Practicum (1)

  • PE 210 Sophomore Practicum-KES (1) 

  • PE 301 Adapted Physical Education (3) 

  • POL 250 Law, Justice and the Local Context (3) 

  • PSYC 203 Developmental Case Study (1) 

  • PSYC 483 Psychology Internship II (2)

  • PXD 431 Peacebuilding and Development Practicum (1-3)

  • REL 338 Missiology (3) 

  • REL 451 Church Work Practicum (3) 

  • REL 462 Mission Practicum (3)

  • RSM 211 Sophomore Recreation Practicum (1) 

  • RSM 411 Senior Internship (4) 

  • SOC 409 Field Experience in Sociology (3) 

  • SOWK 101 Exploring Social Work (3) 

  • SOWK 430 Senior Practicum in Social Work (12) 

  • SPAN 330 Immigration Issues (3) 

  • SPAN 360 Spanish for Health Care Professionals (3) 

  • SPAN 470 Spanish Internship (1-3) 

  • THR 281 Acting Practicum (1-3)

  • THR 350 Technical Theater Practicum (1-3)

  • THR 351 Stage Management Practicum (1-3)

  • THR 352 Assistant Directing (1-3)

  • THR 353 Dramaturgy  (1-3)

  • VACA 168 Digital Media I: Video Production (4) 

  • VACA 354 Conservation Photography (4) 

  • VACA 368 Digital Media III: Hybrid Storytelling (4) 

  • VACA 397 Elementary School Art Methods (2-3) 

  • VACA 398 Secondary School Art Methods (3) 

  • VACA 468 Digital Media IV: Advanced Video Production (4) 

  • VACA 491 Internship (1-4) 

  • WRIT 390 Literary Arts Journal-Phoenix (1)

  • WRIT 391 Editing and Publishing-Weather Vane (1-3)

  • WRIT 470 Writing Internship (1-3) 

  • Also fulfilled by medical laboratory science program

EMU Engage Credits (6 EEC)

Students engage with EMU values and integrative learning as they participate in co-curricular events. Students earn 1 EMU Engage credit each semester that they collect 10 EMU Engage points through attending designated campus events. A total of six credits is required for graduation. See the EMU Engage website or contact the office of Student Life for further details, schedule, and FAQ.

Significant semester-long experiences that keep students off campus on Wednesday mornings may fulfill an EMU Engage credit. 

  • Student teaching 

  • Social work practicum 

  • Intercultural 

  • WCSC semester 

  • Medical laboratory science program 

Transfer students will receive Engage credits based on prior academic credits as follows:

  • 30 SH = 2 EMU Engage credit 

  • 45 SH = 3 EMU Engage credits 

  • 60 SH = 4 EMU Engage credits 

  • 75 SH = 5 EMU Engage credits 

  • 90 SH = fulfilled