Dickinson State University (DSU) received a rating of “B,” the highest of all North Dakota University System institutions, on the recent What Will They Learn? survey conducted in 2022. The survey recognized the institution for its adherence to identified core topics in composition, literature, mathematics, and science, as part of DSU’s general education requirements for graduation.
According to the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), the What Will They Learn? survey is designed to assess the core curricular requirements at over 1,100 US higher education institutions. The results are used to assign grades “A” through “F” based on whether institutions require all students to complete courses in seven priority subjects: composition, literature, foreign language, US government or history, economics, mathematics, and natural science.
Of the 1,133 schools surveyed, 67% scored a “C” or below, 31% scored a “B” rating, and only 24 institutions nationwide received and “A” rating, making DSU’s performance impressive compared to peer institutions. Jonathan Pidluzny, vice president of academic affairs at ACTA shared, “Colleges and universities have a responsibility to prepare students for successful and rewarding careers by cultivating the skills and abilities that employers demand. A rigorous and coherent general education program, rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, is the best way to achieve this goal.”
“Dickinson State University proudly offers a liberal arts education that is responsive to the needs of our students, employers, and community,” said Debora Dragseth, provost and vice president for academic affairs at DSU. “We are pleased to be recognized by the ACTA as one of the top institutions in its annual What Will They Learn? survey. This honor demonstrates the commitment of our faculty and staff to a core curriculum that supports our students in developing their critical thinking and communication skills.”
Information regarding the ACTA rating can be found at www.whatwilltheylearn.com.
To learn about Dickinson State University’s general education and academic programs, please visit www.dickinsonstate.edu.