Core Pathways
Highlights
- An innovative, multidisciplinary curricular pilot that reimagined how students could fulfill core requirements while deeply engaging with global challenges—particularly climate change
- Introduced a modular, interdisciplinary approach to learning, enabling students to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives
- Designed as a flexible, experimental model, integrating problem-based learning, faculty collaboration, and cross-disciplinary experiences
- Enrolled 1,100+ students from 2017–2024
Background
Launched in 2017, Core Pathways created an innovative approach to fulfilling core curriculum requirements. The program developed a year-long, modular format where students took two disciplines per semester. Through Core Pathways, the Red House designed integrative learning experiences including simulations, site visits, and community-based projects. Core Pathways grew into a thriving learning community, with a waitlist exceeding 100 students in recent semesters.
Student partners were integral to the Core Pathways design. Each year ~7 undergraduate fellows helped to shape the program based on their experiences. This led to a continual process of iterative feedback, keeping the design in touch with emerging interests and challenges facing students in environmental work. Through partnerships with 14 academic departments, the Office of Sustainability, the Registrar’s Office, the Library, advising deans, and community organizations, the program created a new way of structuring learning at Georgetown.
While Core Pathways has been composted—concluding in Fall 2024—it has left a lasting impact on Georgetown’s educational landscape. The lessons, structures, and interdisciplinary approach piloted by the program have been woven into new educational models, particularly the design of the new Bachelor of Science in Environment and Sustainability (BS-ES). In this way, Core Pathways continues to shape the university’s approach to experiential, problem-based learning, ensuring that students engage with pressing global challenges in meaningful and transformative ways.
Team
Collaborators
- Faculty32 teaching faculty from 14 departments.
- Students20+ student fellows
- Campus & External PartnersOffice of Sustainability, advising deans, the registrar’s office, and guest speakers including Al Gore, Kate Marvel, and David Wallace-Wells.
Impact
The Core Pathways program introduced a new modular model for fulfilling core requirements into Georgetown University. Additionally, it fostered new faculty collaborations and a community of practice around interdisciplinary teaching with increased student engagement in climate change education, inspiring action beyond the classroom.
3,000+
credits fulfilled through Core Pathways courses.
50+
different majors represented by Core Pathways students.
Connections to other projects
BSES Degree
The new Bachelor of Science in Environment and Sustainability expands opportunities for students interested in environmental studies, incorporating lessons, values, and curricular approaches from Core Pathways.
Future Red House Initiatives
While Core Pathways ended in the Fall of 2024, its core ideas—modular learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential education—will continue to shape the Red House’s work in designing the future of learning at Georgetown.
News & Updates
common home
Climate Change and Curriculum: Georgetown’s Core Pathways Initiative at Five Years
science, technology & international affairs
Climate Core Pathways
Georgetown News
Students Tackle Complex, Interdisciplinary Aspects of Climate Change in New Core Pathways Program
Core Pathways
Core Pathways Podcasts
Office of the Provost