Build skills. Gain a competitive edge.
Today’s employers aren’t just looking for knowledge. They’re looking for adaptable, skilled problem-solvers.
That’s why Signature intentionally builds six critical, in-demand skills into your academic journey through the common curriculum and Skill Stacks.
Six Critical Skills
These aren’t just skills — they’re game-changers. Our program builds them into your undergraduate experience so you graduate ready to lead, create, and succeed.
Communication is the most requested skill in the job market, appearing in nearly 34% of U.S. job postings (Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 2024).
We build it into your undergraduate experience — so you graduate ready to communicate clearly and stand out to employers.
75% of employers say problem-solving is crucial when hiring (Wifitalents, 2023).
That’s why our program pushes you to analyze, adapt, and solve real-world challenges — so you graduate ready to make smart decisions and drive results.
87% of workers say empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity are essential for career growth (Deloitte, 2023).
That’s why we intentionally develop these skills throughout your undergraduate experience — so you graduate ready to lead, work well with others, and grow in any career.
86% of employees and executives say poor collaboration derails workplaces (Salesforce, 2023).
We make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Our program builds real teamwork skills into your undergraduate experience — so you graduate ready to collaborate, contribute, and crush it from day one.
44% of business leaders need employees with data analysis skills now or soon (Gallup, 2023).
Our program gives you hands-on experience with data — so you graduate ready to interpret, analyze, and make smart decisions that matter.
Leadership consistently ranks among the top skills employers seek, alongside communication and problem-solving (NACE, 2023).
Our program helps you develop leadership through real experiences — so you graduate ready to guide, inspire, and make an impact.
Building Confidence: Common Curriculum
Mary Baldwin offers an exciting common curriculum that helps you build confidence in six skills employers value most. These aren’t your standard Gen Ed classes — they’re innovative, interdisciplinary, and designed to ignite your curiosity while giving you a practical foundation for career and life success.
Building Mastery: Skill Stacks
Skill Stacks let you build on what you learned in the Common Curriculum. Pick one of the six essential skills and complete three or more courses, extracurriculars, or on-the-job experiences to master it. These interdisciplinary opportunities let you explore beyond your Neighborhood while ensuring everything you do at MBU impacts your degree and career goals.
Skill Stacks can include courses and experiences like the following:
Communication
COMM 100: Public Speaking
ENG 251: Professional Writing
Intern for Outrageous Fortune Magazine
Collaboration
THEA 121: Acting I
REL 237: Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Become a peer mentor or tutor
Problem-Solving
PHIL 102: Introduction to Ethics
BUAD 364: Product Design & Innovation
Compete in the Ethics Debate Bowl
Data Fluency
ECON 301: Data Visualization
POLS 301: Advanced Data Analysis
CS 311: Data Structures
Inclusivity
ANTH 202: Gender & Sexuality
ENG 264: African American Literature
Communicate across faiths with Quest
Leadership
INT 230: History and Theories of Leadership
PHIL 235: Ethics, Community, & Leadership
Join a cadet program like VWIL or ROTC
