The courses seek to develop a board base of knowledge and incorporate critical thinking and problem-solving skills which students can apply throughout their lives. The liberal arts are focused on giving students the ability to comprehend and enrich their lives. Today's workplace has a renewed appreciation for employees with a liberal arts degree. Opportunities are available through the liberal arts to enroll in cooperative education, to participate in volunteer service to the community and to receive work-study grants.
Classes are small enough that attention can be given to students on an individual basis.
In each of the interdisciplinary models, students and faculty focus their time on a central issue or theme. Using seminars, small group discussions, and traditional lecture methods, these learning communities enable a team of faculty and students to study important issues and ideas for an entire quarter. Instead of registering for a series of unrelated classes, students enroll in a single 5 - 18 credit program that makes connections among the disciplines involved. Although courses are listed individually on transcripts, these programs are generally conducted as one integrated course. In addition, many of the state's private institutions recognize the two-year associate degree as well.