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Goldey-Beacom College Revitalizes General Education Curriculum for Career and Lifelong Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

by Janine G. Sorbello

Wilmington, DE (09/18/2026) — Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) has launched a new iteration of its General Education curriculum for students entering the College in fall 2026.

Developed to better align the College's curriculum with its mission and the evolving needs of students and employers, the new 39-credit General Education curriculum reframes traditional academic requirements as a foundation for career readiness. The curriculum intentionally connects classroom learning to the durable, transferable skills employers consistently seek, including critical thinking, communication, ethical decision-making, collaboration, technological fluency and problem solving.

The curriculum is organized around six learning pillars:

* Critical Thinking, Innovation & Problem Solving

* Effective Communication

* Technological & Information Fluency

* Ethics & Cultural Awareness

* Personal Development & Professional Identity

* Meaningful Collaboration

Together, the pillars connect courses in the humanities, mathematics, technology, social sciences and communication to measurable outcomes that help students become adaptable professionals, engaged citizens and lifelong learners. The framework emphasizes the competencies most frequently identified by employers as essential for workplace success in a rapidly changing economy.

"The General Education curriculum is meant to provide first- and second-year students with a really strong base from which to launch into their majors," said Dr. Joel Worden, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the College. "Just as importantly, it helps students develop the professional competencies that employers value most. Whether graduates pursue careers in business, psychology, information technology, accounting or another field, these foundational skills will help them succeed in the workplace and adapt throughout their careers."

Students will encounter those skills in an intentionally interconnected way. Quantitative reasoning, data management and problem-solving are integrated with meaningful collaboration, strategic communication and ethical decision-making, helping students understand not simply which courses they are required to take, but why those courses matter to their education and future careers.

The College's First Year Experience (FYE) is also part of the General Education curriculum, introducing students to concepts reflected throughout the six pillars and establishing a foundation that is strengthened as they progress through their degree programs.

The revitalization was informed by research, employer feedback, input from GBC faculty and the Board of Trustees as well as discussions with business leaders about the knowledge and skills expected of today's college graduates.

Feedback from GBC's Career and Employer Advisory Board reinforced the importance of combining quantitative abilities with problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and communication. Board members consistently emphasized that technical knowledge alone is not enough; graduates must also demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, teamwork and the ability to navigate complex workplace challenges.

The curriculum also provides students with a significant opportunity to focus within their majors. Certain courses are required of all students because they address multiple learning-outcome categories, while students select additional courses within each category to complete the 39-credit Gen Ed requirement.

Beginning this academic year, faculty will continue strengthening the connections between the six General Education pillars and individual degree programs so students can clearly see how foundational skills developed during their first and second years translate into success in upper-level coursework, internships, professional experiences and future careers. The result is a more intentional educational pathway from classroom learning to workforce readiness.

About Goldey-Beacom College

Founded in 1886, Goldey-Beacom College has approximately 1,100 students enrolled from 22 states and 60 countries. The College offers 50 degree options and 23 certificates across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Areas of study include information technology, psychology, economics, criminal justice, communication & media, human services, English, as well as business disciplines including business analytics, accounting, digital marketing, entrepreneurship and finance.

The College is committed to preparing graduates for successful careers and lifelong achievement. For more than a decade, GBC has reported a positive outcome rate of more than 90% for graduates. Goldey-Beacom College is located in Pike Creek Valley, a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware, and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

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