The Cougar Core: A New General Education Experience at Kean
Centered around real‑world learning communities, writing across the first two years, and a sophomore-level ‘Passion Project,' the Cougar Core helps students spark curiosity, deepen their learning, and build the essential skills they'll need for college, career, and life. — all in 31–32 credits.
What is the Cougar Core?
Rooted in Kean University’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, equity, wellness, social mobility, public impact, and forward‑thinking vision, the Cougar Core prepares students for a life of purpose and success. Through dynamic courses, innovative teaching, and a supportive learning environment, this General Education program is where every student’s journey begins. By creating a sense of belonging that extends across campus, the Cougar Core helps students feel connected and welcomed from day one.
From the start of their time at Kean, students will build the skills employers want most as they learn in collaborative settings that connect what they're studying to the world around them. This integrated approach brings learning to life through hands‑on experiences, collaboration, and meaningful engagement inside and outside the classroom.
The 10 Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Every course or cohort learning experience in Cougar Core connects to at least one of these essential skills. They’re the abilities you’ll use every day — in class, in your career, and in life.
- Integrative Learning – Connecting ideas across your courses and experiences
- Critical Reading and Academic Study Skills – Understanding and interpreting complex texts
- Written Communication – Writing clearly for different audiences
- Speech Communication – Presenting your ideas with confidence
- Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning – Making sense of data and evidence
- Intercultural Knowledge & Understanding – Working across cultures and perspectives
- Critical & Creative Thinking – Asking good questions and finding new solutions
- Ethical Reasoning – Understanding and evaluating ethical issues
- Wellness – Developing holistic well‑being across multiple dimensions
- Inquiry & Analysis – Conducting research and drawing evidence‑based conclusions
Requirements at a Glance
Kean first-year students enroll in theme-based Learning Communities to build connections and deepen learning in essential skills while examining contemporary topics. This is a cornerstone of the Cougar Core experience.
Every Kean student will complete 31–32 credits of Cougar Core courses, which fall into three main areas:
- Essential Learning (First‑Year Focus)
- Build a strong academic foundation through courses in:
- Writing
- Speech communication
- Critical reading and academic study skills
- Quantitative and scientific reasoning
- Build a strong academic foundation through courses in:
- Core Competencies (Across Your First Two Years)
- Explore courses aligned with 10 Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), including areas like:
- Creative and critical thinking
- Ethics
- Intercultural understanding
- Wellness
- Explore courses aligned with 10 Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), including areas like:
- The Passion Project (Sophomore Year) or GE202X Research and Technology
- a 3‑credit research experience where you investigate a topic that matters to you.
It’s your chance to ask big questions, explore your interests, and build skills that support your major.
- a 3‑credit research experience where you investigate a topic that matters to you.
In all, your Cougar Core experience will look like this: a Theme-based Learning Community & Essential Learning → Core Competencies → Passion Project → Major Coursework & Capstone. Think of it as your skill‑building ladder, with each step preparing you to take the next!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cougar Core, and is it different from General Education (GE)?
No — the Cougar Core is what we call Kean University's General Education program.
Does Cougar Core change my major?
No — Cougar Core is your General Education pathway. Your major stays the same.Can a course count for both my major and Cougar Core?
Usually not — a course will fulfill either a GE requirement or a major requirement.How do transfer credits fit into Cougar Core?
Your advisor will evaluate your existing credits and help map them to the new structure.Will Cougar Core affect my graduation timeline?
No — it’s designed to keep you on track and make your GE experience clearer and more engaging.Who can I talk to for help choosing courses?
Your advisor is your first stop, and your GEM mentor and coaches can support you, too.
Have a question that is not answered here? Email the Division of General Education and Interdisciplinary Studies (DGEIS) team to learn more.