Establishing a Foundation
General education courses are required at all 2- and 4-year colleges. They are designed to ensure that every student receives a well-rounded education. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is Mitchell College’s accrediting body, mandates that one-third of a student’s education be in general education, which they define as the arts and humanities, the sciences (including mathematics), and the social sciences (NECHE 4.16-4.18).
General Education Credits and Coursework
At Mitchell, every student completes 42 credits in general education. First-Year Experience (FYE) and Integrative Career Development (ICD) courses are included as part of general education, as well as some electives. In addition, all students must complete a sequence of three thematic courses as part of general education.
Currently students may choose between two themes: Social Justice Studies and Dis/Ability Studies. Courses in these themes are offered on a rotating basis.
Sample General Education Courses
Social Justice Studies |
Dis/Ability Studies |
|
| Prison Literature | Introduction to Neurodiversity | |
| LGBTQ Studies | Neurodiversity in Literature | |
| Life Writing and Social Change | Difference and Disability in Literature | |
| Jazz, Blues, and Rock | Courses in Communications | |
| When People Take to the Streets | Courses in Sport Management | |
| African American History | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Race, Ethnicity, and Culture |
Mitchell and High Hopes Equine-Assisted Wellness Course
For the Spring 2025 semester, Mitchell College students from diverse majors had the extraordinary opportunity to travel weekly by school van to an equine facility in Old Lyme to work with Rolex, Blessing, and several other horses for a new general education course.
‘Understanding Neurodiversity’ Course Expands Perspectives
With the terms ‘neurodiversity’ and ‘neurodivergence’ gaining prominence in conversations today, Dr. Nancy Parent’s Introduction to Neurodiversity course offers a comprehensive overview of the concepts to her students.
