Our Liberal Arts Core

All students at Otterbein College take a core of courses in the liberal arts. The largest piece in this core is the Integrative Studies (INST) program, which focuses on the theme of human nature. Through the Integrative Studies program, students take courses in the social sciences; the arts; the natural sciences; religion and philosophy; and literature and composition. Through the variety of disciplines integrated in the program, the college ensures that Otterbein graduates have a breadth of knowledge and experiences in different approaches to a common theme.

Otterbein College also requires experience and knowledge in mathematics and in foreign languages. Students are exposed to the importance of mathematics in building analytic and logical power; in understanding the physical world; and in coping with the quantitative and technical information which increasingly governs society. The study of a foreign language prepares students to participate more fully as citizens of an increasingly interconnected world community and develops an appreciation of cultures other than their own.

The Integrative Studies program also requires a three-course writing sequence designed to develop writing skills in presentation and support of ideas. Otterbein has also made the commitment to support the physical as well as the mental skills of its students, and requires three one-credit hour courses in Health and Physical Education.

During their senior year, candidates for all Bachelor’s degrees must meet the Senior Year Experience (SYE) requirement. The requirement is designed to allow students to bring together the learning gained in their majors and their liberal arts core courses. The SYE requirement can be met through a variety of choices; all provide closure for the four years of a liberal arts education and ensure the opportunity for personal and college assessment.