The 2025-2026 academic year has been one of thoughtful planning as Carroll College explores new ways to expand academic opportunities and strengthen the student experience. Guided by the vision adopted by the Board of Trustees in November 2025 and aligned with the College's strategic plan, Carroll has been exploring new ways to serve students through innovative, mission-driven academic programming.
As part of that effort, several new undergraduate academic offerings will launch in the 2026-2027 academic year, providing students with additional opportunities to develop skills, explore emerging fields, and complement their major areas of study.
Microcredential: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Liberal Arts
This microcredential will prepare students on two fronts: First, it will prepare them to meet the increasing demand for AI-literate employees on the part of prospective employers in a variety of industries. Second, it will prepare students to engage AI-driven technologies not only productively but also in an ethical, human-centered way that facilitates continued intellectual growth.
Minor in Financial Planning
Modified from the existing Certificate, this minor is designed specifically for Carroll degree-seeking students rather than professionals. The courses are identical and both types of students may be in the same class at the same time.
Minor in Healthcare and Human Connection
This social science and humanities-based minor complements and enhances the coursework required by the science majors that are most common for Carroll students who are future health care professionals. While clinical knowledge and mastery of therapeutic procedures are invaluable for professionals in the medical field, capacities for interpersonal communication, relationship building, cultural sensitivity, systems-level critical thinking, and historical consciousness are also essential for day-to-day work in health care settings.
Minor in Sustainability Studies
As a part of Carroll's Laudato Si' initiative, this minor is designed to serve as a 'value-added' supplement to any of the academic majors at the college. Today's young people are increasingly concerned for the future of our planet and for humanity, they are seeking opportunities to integrate sustainability into their academic programs, campus operations, and communities. Across disciplines and with a mind to their future career paths, students want to learn how to address climate change, social injustice, related issues and future challenges through both coursework and practical, hands-on experiences. There is a strong service-learning component that is supported by the part-time Service-Learning Coordinator position added this year.
These additions reflect Carroll's ongoing commitment to offering academic programs that are responsive to student interests, workforce needs, and the college's goal of preparing students to respond creatively and ethically to an ever-changing world.
