General Education Curriculum

Bryant’s general education curriculum — known as the Impact Core — gives students a holistic education rooted in social impact, while also preparing graduates for successful and purpose-driven careers.

Adapting to college. Choosing a course of study. Preparing for your career. Finding your purpose. These are transformational events for our Bulldogs as they transition into life at Bryant and beyond. Through our holistic general education program, known as the Impact Core, we take a unique approach to the standard requirements by embedding the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum. This program differentiator helps our students make sense of their place in the world — and find their path to success within it. 

Empowering Ethical Leaders

Designed as a cohesive program rather than a series of disconnected courses, the Impact Core uses the framework of social impact to bring the curriculum together, centering around the Sustainable Development Goals to help you understand how you fit within a global society. You’ll be introduced to the complex challenges impacting our world today — such as barriers to economic stability or how to promote sustainability and address climate change — and build problem-solving and leadership skills to create positive change.

Purposeful and Engaging Curriculum

Every course in the Impact Core is intended to help you develop critical skills and prepare for life after Bryant. In your first year, you’ll take classes to support your transition into the college environment, explore areas of study, and even begin planning for your future career. You’ll also take a combination of required courses and approved electives across the liberal arts, sciences, and business, giving you the flexibility to discover new interests or start your major requirements earlier in your studies. The program culminates with a capstone course where you’ll collaborate with a community partner to address a real-world problem.

Through this solid educational foundation, you’ll leave Bryant ready to excel as an ethically engaged leader and changemaker — no matter what career path you take. 

Latest News

General Education (News Feed)

Bryant University Impact Core.

Rooted in social impact, Bryant’s new gen ed curriculum prepares undergrads for purposeful leadership on a global scale

University reimagines general education through U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

August 15, 2024
Denise Horn sits at office desk.

New to Bryant, CAS Associate Dean Denise Horn focuses on global impact

Helping students understand the difference they can make in the world

August 14, 2024
Empty classroom with desks and chalkboard.

One data point at a time, Bryant econ expert is advancing research on poverty, inequality

Jongsung Kim digs into 3 U.S. Sustainable Development Goals

July 17, 2024
Members of the Class of 2028 at Bryant New Student Orientation

Class of 2028 discovers Bulldog energy, supportive community, at New Student Orientation

New students introduced to academics, life on campus, and brand-new friends

June 13, 2024
Alex Klein

From hoops to sleighs: Basketball star shifts gears to prepare for '26 Olympics

Bryant basketball star training for the ’26 Olympics in bobsled

May 9, 2024
Bryant's Carrie Kell.

Should students leverage AI in the writing process? Intro course explores best practices

First-year students use ChatGPT as collaborative partner

April 1, 2024
Bryant alum Kurt Deion holds a copy of his new book.

Working at America’s ‘hippest cemetery,’ alum shares career journey with undergrads

‘Always pursue your passions,’ says Kurt Deion ’16

February 29, 2024
IDEA 2024

At IDEA 2024, first-year students find passion and purpose in design thinking

The signature Bryant program is in its twelfth year

January 27, 2024
Amber Day headshot

From Second City to political satire, Amber Day adds edge to the arts in, out of classroom

A year of program development, dept. reorganization, and a new book

December 14, 2023

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Our curriculum was developed through the lens of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the many challenges facing our society and how to address these challenges. Every course in the Impact Core engages with at least one SDG, while the full curriculum gives students the opportunity to view all the SDGs through a wide range of viewpoints.
Learn About the SDGs

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Building

Impact Core Curriculum

Center for Program Innovation

Impact Core Curriculum

The Impact Core includes both mandatory courses as well as a variety of social science, science and laboratory, history, and literary and cultural studies course options to match your interests. Many courses also count toward major and minor requirements.
View the Course Catalog

Experiential Learning

From the IDEA program to capstone courses, experiential learning is a critical component of your entire academic experience. Participate in competitions, work with local businesses, and collaborate with your peers to solve real problems.
Engage in Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Bryant students pose with their prototype during the IDEA program.

Career Planning

A Bryant student receives support from the Amica Center for Career Education.

Career Planning

The first-year Career Launch course is just the beginning. Professional development and advanced career planning are woven throughout your entire student journey — so you’ll be well-equipped for life after graduation.
Career Planning at Bryant