Mercy Core Curriculum
Where Leadership Begins
The Mercy Core is the heart of a College of Saint Mary education. It’s the integrated coursework where every student develops the knowledge, values, and skills to lead with integrity and purpose. Grounded in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, the Mercy Core will challenge you to think deeply, act justly, and grow into bold leaders who create change—in your professions and in the world.
Real Skills. Real Outcomes.
The Mercy Core is designed to give you the skills to be successful in today's, complex world.
- Writing & Literacy. Write clearly, research responsibly, and spot misinformation.
- Creative Thinking & Expression. Innovate, problem-solve, and communicate with purpose.
- Critical Reading & Analysis. Evaluate ideas and identify credible sources in a noisy world.
- Global Citizenship. Work across differences and advocate for equity and justice.
- Human Behavior & Social Systems. Understand how people, cultures, and systems shape society.
- Quantitative Reasoning. Use data to solve problems, make decisions, and understand trends.
- Scientific Thinking. Apply evidence and inquiry to real-world challenges.
Personalized Pathway
The Mercy Core is comprised of 39-credit hours individually tailored to your personal mission and prospective career.
Courses:
- CORE 101: Leading with Mercy
- CORE 199: Theology and the Critical Concerns
- CORE 400: Women of Impact
- PHL 200: Moral Reasoning
- ENG 101 or ENG 102: Composition / Advanced Composition
- Choice of Theology course
- Choice of Humanities course
- Choice of Fine Arts course
- Choice of Social Science course
- Choice of Math, Philosophy, or Business course
- Choice of Global Citizen
- Choice of Science course + lab
