The curriculum is planned to ensure that students obtain a strong foundation in the liberal arts, with emphasis on developing writing, oral presentation, and quantitative skills. The core curriculum includes applied human development, group dynamics, organizational theory and behavior, public policy, economics, statistics, and research methodology. Students acquire an understanding of human behavior in groups, organizations, and larger systems.

In addition to the core curriculum, students select one of five areas of concentration that provides a focus for their study during the junior and senior years: Community Leadership and Development, Health and Human Services, International Leadership and Development, Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, or Education Policy. The program utilizes various pedagogical approaches, as action-research and experiential education, to support and encourage student learning and exploration. Students learn new ideas and methods through seminars, simulation, case studies, field experiences, and interaction with professionals in the field.