The curriculum is developmental in character.

• Introductory courses expose students to basic concepts.
• Theory and research courses hone skills in data gathering and analysis of complex problems, and policy formulation.
• Substantive topic courses apply disciplinary concepts and analytical tools to real world problems.
• Outward bound experiences, such as special projects and internships related to, among other things, policy formulation and program implementation, as available for students who are close to graduation.

They pursue a developmental curriculum in the spirit of the Jesuit goals of educating for competence, conscience, and compassion. Students in our program prepare to help shape a more humane world by putting their disciplinary knowledge, tools, and sensibilities to work in business, social services, government, law, and the media, or by pursuing graduate studies leading to a college teaching career.