There's a good chance you'll quickly plateau in your academic journey if you don't have a solid foundation. General education (gen ed) courses help you build a well-rounded understanding of various topics and disciplines that sets you up for success in more specialized courses once you get further into your field of study.
In this article, we'll answer commonly asked questions about general education requirements and explain in detail what makes general education classes important when you're pursuing your undergraduate degree.
Understanding general education
Sometimes called "the commons," general education courses help students gain an introduction to college-level courses and build soft skills within a variety of academic disciplines.
Although these courses usually aren't related to your specific major or degree program, they will help you become a well-rounded student who is fully prepared for future classes and studies. In addition, you'll build transferable skills that are useful in many different jobs from the gen ed classes you take.
Usually, a college or university will require all students to go through the same general education curriculum regardless of their major or specialization. They may also develop a list of core competencies they hope students will build or develop from their initial coursework. This list can include useful traits like critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills.
Components of general education
Below, you'll learn about some of the most common areas or focuses for gen ed classes. This list isn't meant to be exhaustive but should serve as a good starting point to show you what types of classes you may come across.
Humanities
Humanities courses give students an opportunity to explore the formation and application of various ideas and how they have impacted people, groups, and societies throughout the course of history.
From your gen ed humanities courses, you'll learn about important values such as cultivating empathy, cultural understanding, and the historical context that caused the world to develop and become what it is today. Specific classes may include English, foreign languages, or public speaking, which may also be referred to as communication.
Natural sciences
Natural science courses will give you a baseline fundamental understanding of how the world operates. Specifically, classes like environmental science will help you make more responsible decisions about how you interact with the natural world.
Other options may include courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and nutrition.
Social sciences
After your social sciences classes, you'll have a better idea of what factors influence societal structures and human behavior. The skills you learn in these courses will contribute to better critical thinking and problem-solving skills - two traits necessary for success in any career field or industry.
Colleges often require students to take social science courses in specific fields like American government or political science.
Computer science
Computers are constantly becoming a more important part of our everyday lives, and computer science courses will equip you with the digital literacy you need to maximize the value you receive from digital tools.
Perhaps you'll take a gen ed course in algorithm design and programming, or maybe you'll enroll in technical writing instead. Without computer science courses, you might struggle to fully function and adapt in an increasingly tech-driven society.
The structure of general education programs
Usually, colleges will have a universal gen ed curriculum for all majors. You'll likely take most of your gen ed classes during your freshman and sophomore years, although some juniors and seniors are still wrapping up their gen ed requirements.
Remember that some courses will have prerequisites, meaning you can't enroll in one class without having taken a certain class previously. For example, if you're required to take Communication I and II, you probably can't sign up for Comm II before you take Comm I.
It's also important to remember that different institutions will have different gen ed requirements. Some students will begin their studies at a local or community college before transferring to a four-year college later on. If this is your plan, make sure you're clear about the gen ed requirements at the school where you plan to transfer and do the necessary research to see how classes at your community college can transfer into your new degree program.
You may need to connect with an academic advisor or admissions counselor to find answers to some of these questions about transfer credits or general education credits.
Benefits of general education
Gen ed classes will help you develop holistically by building soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. For many students, gen ed classes are their first exposure to college-level coursework. Rather than jumping in headfirst and starting with advanced classes in your major, gen ed classes allow you to get started with foundational topics that you may have some prior experience in from your high school coursework.
These classes will also fuel your desire to become a lifelong learner and improve your ability to adapt to various professional fields. You'll gain greater exposure to topics and values that are present in many different fields, even though you may not fully appreciate their usefulness until later in life. You'll also form a strong base of general knowledge that you can continue to build on in the coming years as you practice lifelong learning - even when there's not a grade at stake.
General education beyond high school
The move from high school to college is unique for each student. Gen ed classes can help smooth this transition, especially if new college students have an opportunity to take some of these courses while they are still in high school.
It may be worth asking if your high school has a concurrent enrollment program that will allow you to take a few of your gen ed classes during your junior or senior year in high school.
Liberal arts and gen ed
The idea behind a liberal arts education is the belief that there are many ways to see the world, and each perspective has validity. Students who pursue a liberal arts education are learning about many different frameworks or belief systems while also being equipped with the ability to choose for themselves what their worldview will be. To many, this type of education has greater value because students are being taught how to think rather than simply being told what to believe.
Gen ed embodies these principles by emphasizing comprehensive education rather than overspecialization. Students will take classes in various fields like oral communication and critical thinking in addition to learning about various topics that provide a helpful context regardless of the job or career they eventually pursue.
Learning outcomes and gen ed
The desired learning outcome for gen ed courses usually goes beyond simply understanding the content. The ideal takeaways can also include improved communication abilities, enhanced critical thinking skills, and a greater appreciation for history, art, and culture. These outcomes align with most colleges' broader goals for their students' undergraduate experience and overall academic success.
Why gen ed really matters
Gen ed classes are crucial because of how they help students become well-rounded, informed, and adaptable individuals capable of contributing to the workforce and broader society in a variety of ways. While they may not perfectly align with your academic interests, they are a valuable component of your journey, and you'll benefit from approaching them with a high level of engagement and attention.
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