Core Curriculum

Core curriculum is an important component of an Augustana University education — ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in the liberal arts.

The core curriculum aims to cultivate lifelong learners who are curious, informed and critical thinkers. Rooted in the Lutheran scholarly tradition, the curriculum develops crucial skills essential in a changing world and nurtures personal, social and civic responsibility. As students engage with this curriculum, they will forge essential connections among various areas of study, become innovative problem solvers and deepen their ability to thrive in a world of diverse peoples, ideas and cultures. Prepared with this liberal arts foundation, Augustana graduates will shape a world in which all may flourish.

Augustana's core curriculum, Via Viking, provides students with a set of courses that prepares them for other college courses. Via Viking also ensures that students have a shared experience — something they all have in common — that helps them create and maintain a community.

Augustana’s core curriculum, Via Viking, consists of three categories: Foundational, Selective and Signature Experiences.

• With the introduction of Augustana's Core Values, Foundational Experiences, which include First-Year Seminar (FYS), Christian Traditions, Critical Thinking & Oral Communication and Well-Being, provides students with the skills necessary to be successful in college.
• Aside from the traditional knowledge students gain from a course, Selective Experiences are those tagged with additional skills they can expect to learn, such as "Effective Written Communication" or "Engaging With Diverse Value Systems."
• Signature Experiences allow students to apply their knowledge and skills outside of the classroom. Opportunities, such as internships, Capstone Courses, undergraduate research and study away programs capture the unique experiences students have at Augustana and gives them space to reflect on how their experiences might be applied after college.