Every liberally educated person should have familiarity with and facility in natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, the arts, and the humanities. To achieve this goal, the purpose of general education at Keene State College is to help students cultivate:

• general knowledge in the natural world, the social world, and the world of arts and letters;
• an understanding of their own cultural background and place in human history;
• an understanding of and respect for diversity and cultural differences;
• familiarity with the practice of creative expression;
• an appreciation for the critical importance of ethical and civil behavior and personal responsibility;
• the knowledge and skills necessary to engage as an informed and involved citizen in a democratic society;
• the development of social and personal values;
• life skills which will promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Keene State College students will demonstrate the following basic competencies:

• an ability to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing;
• an ability to read critically and effectively;
• an ability to reason quantitatively;
• an ability to think critically and creatively;
• fundamental computer skills;
• fundamental research skills.