Daemen’s General Education Program offers a set of classes that all students take, regardless of their major. It gives students a strong foundation upon which they can build their focus. 
 
Through these classes and experiences, students gain general knowledge, learn critical thinking skills, and are better prepared to problem solve. 
 
The program includes a total of 36 credits and is designed to prepare students for success in both their academics and careers. 

Daemen accepts Advanced Placement (AP) and college credits to support general education studies.
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First-year Experience (9 Credits

The first-year experience is designed to help students transition to college.

It includes a seminar (3 credits) that helps students build a foundation of critical thinking, information literacy, and communications for academic success.

Students also complete a learning community experience (6 credits) by completing two related courses from different disciplines.

  • Gearing Up – Students gain valuable skills through in person and web-based/experiential learning activities (not credit bearing).
  • Writing Instructive Courses – Students complete at least three Writing Instructive (WIN) courses that focus on deliberative discussion and writing skills. Students who bring in AP English credit will have the opportunity to select two alternate courses designated as WIN in areas that interest them.

Students will also participate in hands-on, experiential learning activities both in-person and online. 

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Breadth Exploration of the Liberal Arts (18 credits)

Students take two courses (6 credits each) in three different areas, including natural science and mathematics; social science; and the humanities.

These courses help them build a well-rounded, liberal arts foundation to stand out when applying for jobs or graduate school. 

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Depth Discovery (9 Credits)

Students take three courses that focus on a specific topic. They can fulfill this requirement through an approved depth discovery topic, an approved interdisciplinary minor, or studying abroad.

Approved Interdisciplinary Minors
  • Black Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Forensic Studies
  • Global and Local Sustainability
  • Global Studies
  • Medical Humanities
  • Pre-Law
  • Public Administration
  • Refugee and Migration Studies
  • Women Studies
Approved Depth Discovery Topics
  • Art and Human Expression
  • Bodies, Mind and Health
  • Building and Disrupting Community
  • Challenges to Human Survival
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Gender and Sexuality
  • Making Sense of the News
  • Power, Conflicts, and Politics