Core Competencies

At CSU, we believe it is important that all graduates are prepared not just for their intended career but also for the ever-increasing possibility of changing careers. As our society and economy rapidly change, new opportunities arise, and our graduates should be prepared to take them. The CSU Core Competencies are built around both long-lasting skills and new skills of increasing importance. These skills track those regularly requested by employers and that are applicable to any career or occupation. They are also the skills that will support you in living a well-balanced and fulfilling life.

Every course in the core curriculum will provide you the opportunity to develop one or more core competencies. And upon completion of the CSU Core Curriculum, you will have had multiple opportunities to develop nearly every core competency.

The CSU Core Competencies are intentionally designed to emphasize essential in-demand skills. In every annual survey of employers conducted by the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), skills like oral and written communication, collaboration, and critical thinking were highly ranked as "very important" for prospective job candidates. These durable skills consistently outrank technical knowledge being vital for successful job candidates. Further, the CSU Core Competencies align with many of the Career Ready Competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

All this means that upon successful completion of the CSU Core Curriculum, you will have the in-demand durable skills necessary to thrive no matter where your future takes you.

The CSU Core Competencies