The Essential Abilities

Essential Education was developed around four undergraduate student learning goals and 12 performance criteria. These performance criteria are the Essential Abilities. By design, these abilities are centered throughout the curriculum in coursework, hands-on experiences, and more.

The Essential Abilities are critical skills for tomorrow's workforce needs—and they are what will prepare students for success after Tech, both personally and professionally, no matter which undergraduate degree they earn.

Think Critically

Critical thinking empowers students to analyze complex issues, examine their own assumptions and those of others, and assess the ethical aspects of both problems and proposed solutions. These skills result in greater awareness and the ability to synthesize different ideas and perspectives.

To achieve this learning goal, students will develop the Essential Abilities to:

Question Assumptions Icon

Question Assumptions

Evauate Information Icon

Evaluate Information

Analyze Ethical Implications Icon

Analyze Ethical Implications

Communicate

Navigating modern challenges demands intentional, strategic, and responsible communication. Students will prepare for these challenges by developing proficiency in multiple communication modes; being mindful of global, local, and intercultural contexts; and connecting with others through interpersonal and group communication skills.

To achieve this learning goal, students will develop the Essential Abilities to:

Communicate Quantitatively Icon

Communicate Quantitatively

Communicate Contextually Icon

Communicate Contextually

Foster Collaboration Icon

Foster Collaboration

Adapt

Thriving in a diverse, fast-paced world requires skills and mindsets that support lifelong learning, personal and professional growth, agility, and resilience. Students will learn to embrace challenges, reflect on their experiences, and consider different perspectives.

To achieve this learning goal, students will develop the Essential Abilities to:

Reflect Icon

Reflect

Welcome Challenge Icon

Welcome Challenge

Explore Diverse Perspectives Icon

Explore Diverse Perspectives

Contribute/Transform

Solutions to societal challenges emerge at the intersection of diverse fields. To drive positive change and make impactful contributions, students will be encouraged to develop, share, and inspire creativity through collaboration and engagement with local and global communities.

To achieve this learning goal, students will develop the Essential Abilities to:

Engage in Civic Life Icon

Engage in Civic Life

Innovate Solutions Icon

Innovate Solutions

Create Icon

Create