Harcum’s core curriculum provides each student with a body of knowledge and a set of skills that will lead to the growth of independent and lifelong learning. As each Harcum student embarks on gaining the knowledge and experience necessary for a successful career, the core curriculum provides the liberal arts component to the education that the College considers essential for the development of each student.

The combination of a general education and liberal arts and sciences core curriculum produces in students, an intellectual outlook that: 

• Fosters respect for achievement
• Regard for and sensitivity to creativity and aesthetic values
• Confidence in one’s ability to solve problems and make responsible choices
• A sense of individual and social responsibility
• A lifelong commitment to learning and the development of one’s potential

Core Curriculum Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 21 credits. These requirements include the following minimum number of credits in seven core areas: 

English Composition I and II	6 credits
Mathematics	3 credits
Science	3 or 4 credits
Social Science	3 credits
Humanities	3 credits
Diversity	3 credits

                                                                                      
        
Students entering directly from High School are strongly encouraged to complete:

IDS 101 Harcum 101

1 credit

    
Basic Skill Standards

All incoming students must demonstrate basic skill requirements in English, mathematics and reading prior to registering for college-level English and math. Students who are not prepared to succeed in college-level English and math are registered for foundation-level courses. The College only offers preparatory courses in math, English and reading.

English
Students must meet skill levels that are required for enrollment in ENG 101. These skill levels may be verified by scores on the English component of the college placement exam or by passing ENG 100 with a grade of C or higher.

Mathematics
Students must meet skill levels that certify eligibility to register in any mathematics course numbered 100 or above. The skill levels may be verified by scores on the mathematics component of the college placement exam or by passing MTH 100 with a grade of C or higher.

Reading
Students must meet the minimum skill levels required to pass the reading component of the college placement exam. These skill levels may be verified by passing RDG 100 with a grade of C or higher.

NOTE: ENG 050, MTH 050, RDG 050, ENG 100, MTH 100, RDG 100 are foundation-level courses; these courses do not satisfy core curriculum requirements and do not count toward graduation requirements. Students assigned to these foundation-level courses will need more than the required number of academic credits to qualify for graduation. The successful completion of these courses provides the student with the academic foundation necessary to pursue the associate’s degree. Students must complete these courses within the first two semesters at Harcum.