The basic task of education is to make one's journey through life meaningful. This is accomplished by passing on to succeeding generations the accumulated thoughts, values, and insights of culture and learning, including accomplishments in art, history, language, literature, music, and philosophy; studies which are referred to collectively as the humanities. Education also encompasses scientific questions about the nature of the universe and life on this planet as well as the kinds of people and societies that find such questions important in the first place. These studies are known as the natural and social sciences.

All of this describes the "liberal arts"-the intellectual foundation of a university. That foundation is not viewed as something that is immutable and permanent any more than the bricks and mortar that comprise the buildings and classrooms are. Indeed, learning brings change and the development of new ideas. Being ready to participate in this exciting and ongoing process is a fundamental educational goal of the general studies curriculum at New Jersey City University.

 The faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences offer students a broad foundation in the liberal arts through the general studies program.   Many students who attend the University are interested immediately in pursuing a course of study that will lead to a professional career. Achievement in the liberal arts contributes to the realization of this goal.