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Writer & Editor Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple … Edited by
Editor & Writer Raneem Taleb-Agha is a copy editor for BestColleges. Previously, she worked as a bilingual educator in both the U.S. and Spain before transitioning to editing and writing. She holds a BA in Spanish and Near Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley…. • Reviewed by
Reviewer & Writer Stephanie DeBord has spent the past eight years working in higher education. She has held various academic advising roles, and she currently works as a quality assurance manager at the College Credit in High School program at the Metropolitan State U… Updated on April 23, 2024 Learn more about
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Before colleges and universities offered majors and minors, all students took the same courses — a type of curriculum called a “liberal education.” Today, all undergraduates must spend time studying literature, history, philosophy, and other liberal arts subjects through general education requirements.
At many universities, gen ed classes take up most of an undergraduates first two years. These include basic liberal arts courses, such as English and history, as well as science and math.
However, which classes are considered essential continues to change and ultimately depends on the institution. Even Within a university, specific schools may interpret those requirements differently. In recent years, more colleges have begun to require general health and P.E. courses, as well as diversity and inclusion subjects.
Understanding the role of gen ed will help you make the most of your college education and prepare you for success in your major and career.
Demystifying General Education Requirements: A Guide for College Students
Many college students feel confused or frustrated when they first encounter the general education requirements for their degree Between major coursework, electives, and general education credits, it can be unclear why so many gen ed classes are required This comprehensive guide demystifies gen ed requirements, explaining what they are, why they matter, and how to make the most of them.
What Are General Education Requirements?
General education requirements, often abbreviated as “gen eds,” refer to a set of courses all students must complete to earn their bachelor’s degree, regardless of major. Gen ed coursework is meant to provide students with a broad, well-rounded education and exposure to subjects outside their area of specialization.
Common general education subject areas include
- English & Writing
- Math
- Science
- Social Sciences
- History
- Foreign Languages
- Arts & Humanities
The specific gen ed curriculum varies by college, but the credits typically account for 30-60% of the total required for graduation. Some colleges have very structured gen ed programs, while others offer more flexibility.
Why Are Gen Eds Important?
While some students see gen eds as unrelated hurdles, they serve some key purposes:
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Broaden perspectives: Gen eds expose students to diverse ideas and new subjects they may not otherwise encounter. This expands worldviews.
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Develop core abilities: Courses like math, writing, and language build foundational skills used across disciplines. This benefits students professionally and personally.
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Well-rounded education: Gen eds lead to multi-faceted learning that equips graduates to understand varied perspectives. This is invaluable in life.
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Discover new interests: By sampling different fields through gen eds, students may uncover a passion they want to pursue further. This can shape academic and career paths.
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Interdisciplinary thinking: Tackling concepts from multiple lenses, often through gen eds, leads to richer critical thinking and problem solving.
So while gen ed requirements may seem like an obstacle, they truly provide the cornerstone of the college experience.
How to Choose General Education Courses
With intentional planning, gen eds can be an enriching part of your college journey:
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Consult advisors: Ask academic advisors about the best gen ed options for your major and interests. Their guidance is invaluable.
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Sample new subjects: Use gen eds to gain exposure to topics you’ve never explored but are curious about. Surprise yourself!
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Align with career goals: Select gen eds like statistics, languages, and writing to build skills relevant for your future career.
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Pursue minor/double major: Use gen eds as a springboard to complete the requirements for an additional major or minor that complements your primary field.
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Look for engaging professors: The professor can make all the difference. Check reviews and enroll with ones who inspire passion for their subject.
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Choose interest over ease: Don’t just default to the easiest gen eds. Leverage them to immerse yourself in something that excites you.
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Connect the dots: Find gen eds that tie into your major. For example, a computer science student could take ethics or technical writing gen eds.
With some strategy, gen eds can boost your college experience and career readiness.
Sample General Education Course Plans
To make gen ed requirements less abstract, here are sample gen ed course plans for three hypothetical students with different majors:
Criminal Justice Major
- Freshman Year:
- English Composition 101
- Intro to Statistics
- Intro to Sociology
- Spanish 101
- Sophomore Year:
- Intro to Ethics
- Intro to Psychology
- American Government
- Fundamentals of Communication
Engineering Major
- Freshman Year:
- Calculus 1
- Physics 1
- English Composition
- World History
- Sophomore Year
- Calculus 2
- Physics 2
- Economics
- Literature & Composition
Nursing Major
- Freshman Year:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- English Composition
- Lifespan Development
- Statistics
- Sophomore Year:
- Microbiology
- Ethics
- Nutrition Science
- World Religions
As demonstrated, gen eds allow students to build diverse academic foundations tailored to their goals.
Making the Most of General Education
Here are some tips to get the most value from your gen ed requirements:
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Start early: Complete most gen eds in freshman and sophomore years before major specialization. This builds your base of knowledge.
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Tie themes together: Look for connections between gen eds and your major. An art history class could complement a graphic design major, for example.
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Apply yourself: Don’t blow off gen eds. Engage actively in these courses to benefit from diverse perspectives that supplement your major.
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Select carefully: Don’t just default to easy gen eds to get them over with. Choose thoughtfully to enrich your college experience.
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Embrace the journey: The exploratory nature of gen eds provides a unique learning opportunity. Savor it rather than rushing to check boxes.
Key Takeaways
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General education requirements ensure college graduates have broad-based knowledge outside their major.
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Intentional selection of gen eds can help students flourish in college and their careers.
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Paired with major coursework, gen eds provide diverse academic exposure that engenders multi-dimensional thinking.
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Students should leverage gen eds to discover new interests while building skills for life after college.
Far from being unrelated hurdles, general education courses empower students to get the most from college. Approached purposefully, gen eds can open doors to new passions and give graduates an intellectual edge.
Which general education courses should you take?
Some gen ed classes are required for all undergraduates, but other gen ed subjects may present you with a list of classes from which to choose. Ultimately, its best to pick gen ed classes that interest you and/or that complement your major or minor. Make sure to meet with your academic advisor to fully understand the general education requirements for your school and program.
What happens if you fail a gen ed class?
Failing a gen ed class means you will likely have to retake that class at a later date or take (and pass) another course in that same gen ed subject category.
During your second attempt, dont forget to leverage all support systems, like your colleges learning center, the instructors office hours, and tutoring services, to make sure you succeed in the course.
Is a General studies degree worth it?
What is a general education degree?
Basically, this program provides students with a strong educational footing for an undergraduate degree. General education may also be introduced in some institutions as ‘gen ed,’ ‘core curriculum,’ or ‘shared experience’ (Pearson Accelerated Pathways, 2015).
What is a general education course called?
Widely, you may hear general education courses abbreviated to “gen eds.” But just as colleges differ in their gen ed requirements, they may also have different names for their general education curriculum. At SNHU, for instance, general education courses are known as ” The Commons .”
What are general education credits?
Let’s discuss it together! General education credits, also known as “Gen eds”, are a requirement that you will find when you begin to receive your undergraduate degree. A gen ed is just what it sounds like, it’s a generalized course of study in a certain subject, think classes like:
Why should I get a general education degree?
A general education degree can provide students with a broad educational background in many subjects and help prepare them for different professional concentrations. Learning more about a general education degree can help you research and choose your major.
