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Articles & Advice > Majors and Academics > Blog

Gen Eds 101: What to Know and How to Pick Them

General education requirements are important to your college career. Here are the basics of what gen eds are and how to choose the right ones for you.

by Ginger Abbot Writer & Editor-in-Chief, Classrooms.com

Last Updated: Oct 9, 2024

Originally Posted: Feb 2, 2022

You're probably wondering what general education requirements in college are all about. At first glance, it may seem like these required courses don’t have much to do with your major. You may be hoping to jump right into your field of study and learn everything you can about it right away. After all, what do English courses have to do with Health Administration or Psychology or Engineering? The truth is that general education courses are significant and important to your studies. Here's why you need to take gen eds in college, what options you can expect, and some tips on how to choose the right ones as you work toward your degree.

The importance of gen eds

General education courses are a requirement for all degrees at most colleges. But they’re required for a reason—they can broaden your knowledge and help you gain valuable skill sets that apply to everyday life, including your major and future career.

They prepare you for a career

General education classes help you adequately prepare for your chosen career. While you need to have a rigorous education, you'll also find that the curriculum can help you focus on developing soft skills . Soft skills are the core skills that give you the ability to succeed in any profession. Employers want to see candidates with certain attributes that keep their company running smoothly. Gen eds can also help you develop skills that are similar to ones you’d gain during internships, which are a great way to show future employers you have experience. Gen eds can do just that by assisting you in certain areas, such as delivering presentations and enhancing critical thinking.

They help you become well versed

You’ll also find that gen eds expose you to a wide range of subjects and ideas, which is important to helping you find a major if you’re undecided or for helping you branch out beyond your field of study—which also looks impressive to future employers. Being well versed in a broad range of perspectives gives you the ability to look at problems from different angles. You'll notice you can navigate through information more effectively and make sound decisions quickly in your more concentrated field of study.

Related: How to Make the Most of Your Education in College

Types of general education courses to consider

What type of classes can you take to fulfill your general education requirements? The sky is the limit at most colleges. Generally, you should choose courses that pique your interest and/or give you an idea of what you'd like to further study in your college career. Gen ed courses include areas such as:

• Arts & Humanities: Classes that satisfy this requirement could include visual arts, theater, writing, dance, and music.
• English Language & Literature: Most colleges require students to take English. This ensures you learn how to write, analyze writing to form educated opinions, and appreciate world literature at a higher level.
• History: History classes offer you the opportunity to learn about worldwide cultures. Specific courses may include Western Civilization or US History.
• Mathematics & Science: Mathematics and science courses are especially helpful if you're interested in a career in the STEM fields. Even if you're majoring in something other than Math or Science, you should still gain basic knowledge of these subjects.
• Social Sciences: These courses teach you how people interact in a society. It can also help you develop meaningful relationships. You might take classes such as public speaking or sociology.

How to choose your gen eds

When choosing which gen eds to take, it helps to think about how they will set the foundation for your future career. Don’t think of them as something you need to “get out of the way.” The purpose is to help you gain transferrable skills that lead to better opportunities later. You should judge them on whether they truly add value to your education. 

You should also avoid choosing classes just because they’re easy . It's vital to find a proper balance between easy and difficult courses. For instance, if you're taking mostly challenging courses, you'll find it harder to succeed in college. On the other hand, easy subjects won't challenge you, and they certainly won't help you learn anything new. Find subjects that speak to you and encourage you to be more engaged so you learn something valuable to take with you. 

Lastly, avoid putting it off ’til the last minute when choosing courses. Gen ed classes are typically taken early on in your college career because students at this stage haven’t yet decided upon a major. But they can fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out on the ones you really want to take. 

Related: 4 Expert Tips for Choosing Your Best–Fit College Major

If you've completed your search and found a school match already, you're most likely dreaming about your time in college. Figuring out which major you should go for can be overwhelming. However, general education courses will help you with that once you enroll. Remember that gen eds will provide you with wonderful opportunities—and it will be exciting to see where they take you.

Learn more about your educational options in college—and maybe even discover your field of study!—in our Majors and Academics section.

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About Ginger Abbot

Ginger Abbot is an education, learning and student life writer, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Classrooms.com. Read more of her work for college students on her Classrooms author page .

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8 Tips to Get Through General Education Courses

• Bachelor’s programs typically require around two years of general education courses.
• Undergrads take gen eds in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Transfer credits and doubling up on requirements can help students complete gen eds.
• Students who focus on soft skills in their gen ed classes may be able to find extra motivation.

A lot of undergrads dread general education (gen ed) courses . Gen ed requirements are why many chem majors take world history and why English majors take math. At many colleges, undergrads spend two years meeting general education requirements.

But why do you need gen eds for a bachelor’s degree? How can you get through years of gen ed courses that may not interest you? And how can you get the most out of these required courses?

Some students just want to survive gen eds. For those learners, maximizing transfer credits , doubling up on requirements, and making a plan with an academic advisor can help cross off gen ed requirements.

But what if you want to take advantage of general education requirements? The following tips and strategies highlight how you can use gen eds to reach your academic and career goals.

Why Do Students Have to Take General Education Courses?

The concept of a broad, interdisciplinary education goes back centuries. But the idea of required courses outside of a student’s major dates back to only the mid-20th century. At the time, colleges sought to find a balance between vocational training and a liberal education.

Colleges adopted general education requirements to ensure students graduated with key skills and knowledge outside their major.

Sometimes called the core curriculum or distribution requirements, general education encourages an interdisciplinary education. Colleges require these courses because they promote critical thinking and provide a well-rounded education.

But not all undergrads agree. Mercer University student K. C. Wetherington argued that “general education courses waste time and money” in a 2021 opinion piece . The same sentiment regularly appears in college newspapers .

Whether you love gen eds or hate them, you’ll almost certainly take them at some point during college. But how can you meet graduation requirements as painlessly as possible?

8 Tips to Survive Gen Ed Courses

Many students show up for their gen ed courses because they need the credits to graduate , not because they’re fascinated by the topic. So how can you survive your gen eds? Here are eight strategies that can help you get through gen ed courses.

1. Complete Gen Ed Classes Early

Prioritize general education requirements during your first two years of college. That will give you more time to take upper-division classes in your major and interesting electives during your final two years.

If you don’t knock out your gen ed courses quickly, you risk filling up your final year with intro-level courses. This might mean missing out on opportunities related to your major.

2. Transfer Community College Credits

Looking to meet general education requirements and save money? Consider transferring credits from a community college . Many four-year colleges and universities partner with local community colleges. That means your credits should transfer seamlessly — and you can also save on tuition.

Before signing up for community college classes, check with an academic advisor about transfer policies and which classes count for gen ed requirements.

3. Meet Two Requirements With One Class

At most schools, general education requirements fall into several categories. You might need a human cultures course plus a writing course, for example.

Talk to an academic advisor about whether one class can be used to fulfill two requirements. A writing-heavy art history class might check off two boxes on your list. However, some schools limit this kind of “double dipping,” so make sure to check with an advisor to see if this is an option.

4. Avoid Assuming Gen Ed Is Easy

Too many college students assume that gen ed classes will be easy. As a result, they fail to put enough time and effort into gen ed courses, risking their GPA .

Avoid assuming that a 100-level class outside your major will be easier than an upper-division course in your major. In gen eds, you’re learning how another discipline operates, which may not be easy depending on your strengths and interests.

5. Talk to Your Professors

Ged ed courses challenge undergrads because each department has different expectations. A great English paper might not be a great economics paper. Talk to your professors to learn more about their expectations.

Read the syllabus to understand the grading policy. Attend review sessions before exams. And visit office hours to ask questions and see how you can improve on subsequent assignments.

6. Use Gen Ed to Explore Majors

Some first-year students arrive on campus with a clear idea of their major. Many others show up as undecided students . For undecided undergrads, gen eds are an opportunity to explore different disciplines.

Most colleges require general education courses in the humanities , social sciences , and natural sciences. Intro courses are a great way to learn more about these fields and explore your options.

It’s also worth visiting career services to learn about your job options with different majors .

7. Work With Academic Advisors

Every spring, academic advisors inform unsuspecting seniors that they’re missing a gen ed requirement. Those seniors may need to sign up for a 100-level class or risk missing graduation.

Avoid this problem by working closely with your academic advisor throughout your program. Ask your advisor for a list of unmet graduation requirements each year to track your progress.

And make sure you receive credit for your gen eds. You don’t want to discover senior year that intro to film studies no longer meets gen ed requirements.

8. Focus on Transferable Skills

Too many students see gen ed classes as a waste of time. But colleges require these courses for a reason. Gen eds strengthen in-demand soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and writing. They also push students to build interdisciplinary skills.

Pay attention to the transferable skills that gen ed classes emphasize. Think about how those skills apply to your major and your career goals.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Gen Ed Courses

First, think strategically about how to meet graduation requirements. Can courses in your major also count toward gen ed? Can you double-up on general education classes? An advisor can help you check off the requirements as painlessly as possible.

Second, use gen ed classes to choose or complement your major . Rather than taking random classes in different departments to explore majors, try out various disciplines while also meeting graduation requirements.

And think about how gen eds can give you a jump start in your career. A STEM major with strong public-speaking skills can stand out on the job market, as can a humanities major with analytics training.

Finally, focus on skills. Sometimes, students struggle to get interested in the course content. If that’s the case, shift your attention to transferable skills. Work on your research and writing abilities in a world history class. Strengthen data analysis abilities in a statistics class.

Keep gen eds in perspective. Ultimately, they can make you a stronger student and a better job candidate.

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What is General Education? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Highlights:

• General education courses cover a broad range of subjects to ensure a well-rounded education.
• These courses are one-third to one-half of an undergraduate degree.
• They’re designed to enhance critical thinking , communication skills, and appreciation for diversity.
• You may be able to save money by taking these courses at a community college .

Congratulations! You have been accepted to the university of your choice, and you are signing up for your first semester’s classes. You can hardly wait to get into your major and well on your way to your future career.

But, wait. Your academic advisor tells you that you need to first take gen ed courses.

What are these gen ed classes?

Why are they required?

What can be gained from them?

Most colleges and universities require their students to take general education courses, such as psychology, social sciences, and foreign language. You may be thinking gen ed courses are a waste of time, and honestly, some of them may feel like that. But, there are important reasons why college students are required to take gen ed courses.

Let’s explore this topic in depth.

Here is everything you need to know about general education courses .

See Also: What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

What are General Education Courses?

First, let’s look at the general education requirements’ definition:

General education courses are a broad range of classes in specific categories that meet specific criteria. These categories are your school’s general education requirements.

General education requirements are categories of knowledge your school requires you to gain a working knowledge of before you graduate.

These categories are usually include subjects like:

• Natural Science
• Social Science
• World studies
• Communication

Most of the time, gen ed requirements cover one-third to one-half of an undergraduate degree and are completed before you start working on the core curriculum of your major.

Related Resource: What is an Associate’s Degree?

Why Is General Education Required?

Colleges and universities want “well rounded” graduates. Higher education institutions require these general education courses to help students gain a comprehensive education which they hope will serve you throughout your life after graduation.

Gen ed classes are also a great opportunity for you to try out different topics to see if you like them. Some students don’t decide on their major until after they have taken a fabulous gen ed course. Some students may prepare to study one major, but then take some gen ed courses and decide to change their whole course of study.

Also, gen ed classes teach you valuable skills such as critical thinking and communication. Let’s face it: gen ed courses are ones you may not choose to take if they were not required. However, think of them as a comprehensive set of classes that each add something unique to your skill set. For example, diversity courses teach students how to appreciate and embrace differences and lead to working well in a diverse workplace. 

Many general education courses also afford students the opportunity of expanding their chosen field of study to gain an emphasis in a related aspect of their chosen majors. For example an English major can take some great in-depth general education classes on poetry. Or an engineering major could take general education courses on bio-mechanics.

See Also: Most Popular College Majors

What Can I Gain From Gen Ed Courses?

So much can be gained from taking gen ed classes. General education can give you the foundation you need to become highly intelligent in your field of study and in life after college. 

Gen ed courses can pave the way for you:

• To be better at your chosen field
• To provide you with new hobbies
• To develop meaningful relationships
• To perhaps even change your mind about your chosen field of study

Try to lose the mindset that taking gen ed courses is wasting time. First of all, all university programs require gen ed courses, so you are working your way toward your final goal. Secondly, you will learn new subjects, and you may develop a new passion.

You may also like: Picking a Major

What Is a Good Way to Take General Education Courses?

College is expensive, and some universities have quite lengthy general education requirements. However, there are smarter ways to complete your gen eds.

If you’re going to an expensive university, you might just want to hold off attending until you’ve completed your gen ed courses at an in-state community college . Just make sure you can transfer general education credits before you take them and pay for them.

You can make sure the credits transfer by working with an advisor at both your university and your in-state community college.

Your school may require you to fulfill general education requirements that you know will not interest you or advance your career in any way. When you encounter these types of situations, take the easiest class you possibly can.

For example, if you know you will not ever become a fine arts major, but your school requires a fine arts general course, then pick the fine arts course that will be the simplest to complete for you. There is no reason to bog down your already busy schedule with a class that is more difficult than necessary.

Check out: 10 Best Careers for the Future

What Gen Ed Courses Should I Take?

Choosing gen ed courses can be a fun part of attending college. If you have chosen a field of study, look to see if there are any requirements that overlap with your gen ed courses (it happens sometimes), and then fill in the gaps with classes that interest you.

If you have not chosen a major, then it would be wise to take general education classes that cover subjects that interest you and could be potential majors.

Common gen ed courses include:

• English composition
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Social sciences
• Foreign languages
• Diversity and Inclusion

However, take a wide variety of courses so that you can experience as many possible fields of study as you can.

Remember, your college or university requires a certain number of general education credits. There’s no way of getting out of them, so you might as well have fun with them.

How Can I Know If A Gen Ed Class Will Work For Me?

When signing up for a gen course , you will see a description of the class. Additionally, there are many websites you can find that rate your professor, the course, and the course load. Do your research before committing to a class to make sure that you will be able to complete your gen eds, work well with your professor, and handle the course load.

Also, most colleges and universities make professor and course evaluation results available for you to see if the class would work well for you.

Do I Have to Complete Gen Eds Before Declaring My Major?

You do not have to complete all of your gen eds before declaring your major. In fact, if you know your major it would be good to check to see if any of the required courses in our major double as courses for your general education requirements.

If you do not have a chosen major, don’t worry. Most students don’t choose their majors right away. It is good to explore your options to be sure of your path.

Where Can I Get Advice On Which Gen Ed Courses Would Be Good For Me?

Your school will provide you with an academic advisor. These professionals can help you discuss your general education requirements, and if you would like they can suggest some great general education courses that will help you explore your options. Your advisors are also great resources on gaining information on specific classes.

When Should I Complete My General Education Classes?

For most majors, there is no specific time frame for completing your general education credits. Some students don’t complete them until their last semester, while others have them completed by their junior year.

Talk to your advisor to see if your major has any time frame requirements for completing your general education requirements.

Keep in mind that college majors with time frames for completing your general education are highly specified. For example, Med school, law school, and some teaching programs require you to have completed all generals before your senior year, or before a completion of an internship, or practicum.

How Do I Know If A General Education Course Is Worth the Effort?

Some general education courses are more difficult than others, but often they are all worth the effort. If a gen ed course interests you, advances your career, or makes you feel passionate about the work you are doing, then the extra effort is definitely worth it.

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > What is General Education? An Overview

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What is General Education? An Overview

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: April 23, 2021

Aside from your major, most colleges require all students to take a certain number of general education courses. As a new student, you may be excited to begin learning subjects related to your chosen major, but it’s important not to overlook the general education classes you have to take and their potential value to your education.

General education classes cover a wide range of topics, and while they’re not always related to your main focus of studies, they do help by rounding out your knowledge and your education.

Let’s take a closer look at general education, including its purpose, classes you can take, and how to choose them.

What is General Education?

Just like you had required classes in high school, like math, science, and history, there are also similar required courses in college.

General education, often abbreviated as gen ed or GE, are courses that are part of your required curriculum that are necessary in order to complete an undergraduate degree.

What are General Education Credits?

General education credits are the credits you earn upon completing your gen ed requirements. Some schools treat these as elective credits, so you have a lot more freedom to choose which types of classes you take to complete your gen ed credits.

In other cases, schools will require you to acquire gen ed credits from specific fields of study, such as English, humanities, math, or foreign languages. Even if these subjects are completely unrelated to your field of study, these gen ed credits are necessary if you want to finish your degree.

Additionally, some students start their studies by completing general education classes before they declare a major. That way, they’re able to work towards earning their degree while studying different topics and deciding what they want to study long-term.

Purpose of General Education Courses

General education classes are meant to round out every student’s degree by exposing them to more topics that are relevant to society. Gen ed helps students become better members of society and more well-informed citizens.

It may seem counterintuitive to have to study something like English or social studies if you’re in a field like business or biology, but learning these subjects can have an impact on your future career.

For example, learning the basics of a foreign language can help if your career involves working with the public. Additionally, understanding things like socioeconomic backgrounds and history can make you a better doctor, lawyer, or employee in almost any other field.

A lot of colleges use general education courses to promote culture diversity and acceptance, as well as to instill an appreciation of arts and culture in the student body. This can be especially important for students with majors that don’t touch otherwise upon these issues so that they’re more aware of social issues that can impact them and their work.

What Courses are Considered General Education?

Normally, general education courses are more or less standardized across most colleges. However, there are some colleges that offer some different or unique gen ed classes based on things like their location, the background of their student body, or even current events.

The subjects listed here are ones that you’ll usually find in most gen ed course lists, so you can expect to take classes in a few of these concentrations:

Whether or not you enjoyed English lessons in high school, completing your GE requirements with credits in English can be one of the best things you do for your degree. Since most degrees will require you to submit some form of written work, either as an exam, essay, or written assignment, it’s important to understand how to write well and structure your work properly.

Gen ed English classes often cover topics like composition and essay structure, so taking this course can really help you develop your writing skills and earn higher grades in other classes.

Math may not be everyone’s favorite subject, but it’s definitely a topic that will follow you throughout your life. Developing your math skills, even basic ones, can be extremely helpful when you work in a business or even run your own. While it doesn’t equate to accounting, studying math will make your life easier whenever you need to work with numbers.

Even if you plan on a career in the arts, everyone has to deal with math and managing finances in their lives, so taking this general education course is a win-win.

Natural Sciences

Natural sciences covers a variety of different courses and interests. Most general education science courses aren’t very technical and don’t have strict prerequisites, making these ideal introductory classes for anyone who is curious about the field but doesn’t want it to be their main area of study.

Some natural science classes include biology, astronomy, physics, environmental sciences, astronomy, and more.

Social Sciences

Anyone can benefit from studying social sciences. Social sciences refers to the study of human society and relationships. While some people choose this as their major and make entire careers out of social science-related subjects, classes in their field are often of interest to a lot of students just because of sheer curiosity.

Social sciences classes can include courses in psychology, sociology, anthropology, political sciences, archaeology, geography, history, and more.

While social sciences focuses more on humanity in society, the humanities are more focused on studying human culture and expression in all its forms. Studying humanities can give you a closer insight into how humans express themselves in different cultures and often includes the study of different mediums of art.

Some general education courses in humanities include music, art, literature, ethics, philosophy, or religion. Since these classes tend to focus more on creativity, it can be a welcomed break to take humanities courses if your major is very analytical or demanding.

Foreign Languages

Foreign languages courses are often found as part of social sciences or humanities departments, however, the benefit of taking a language course to fulfill your general education requirements has its own set of benefits.

If you plan on traveling or moving abroad for an exchange or even for your career, then studying a language, even just an introductory course, can be very practical. Even if you don’t intend to use your second language skills right away, learning a new language is always fun, challenging, and can come in handy when you least expect it.

Can You Transfer Gen Ed Courses?

You might be surprised to learn how easily transferable gen ed courses are. Since a lot of colleges offer the same or similar general education classes, it’s quite easy to transfer credits if you decide you want to switch schools at any point.

Not only that, but if you decide during your degree that you want to switch majors, you might even be able to use relevant general education courses towards your new major, if it’s part of that degree’s curriculum.

Can You Take Gen Ed Courses Online?

Yes, you can.

If you’re working full time but you want to start a degree, or if you simply want to complete courses from home for any reason, a lot of general education classes are available online as well.

The online gen ed courses available to you will depend on your university. However, since it’s so easy to transfer general education credits, you can always complete your GE requirements elsewhere before starting at your chosen university.

University of the People offers tuition-free online general education courses so that you can study at your own pace and from your preferred location.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Gen Ed Courses?

Aside from your interests or passions when it comes to your education, there are a few other things to think about before choosing a gen ed class.

For starters, if you know you’re going to be transferring schools next year or next semester, then you might want to take as many general education classes as you can since you know they’ll transfer easily.

Furthermore, you should check the requirements for the program you’re applying to at your new school to see if you can start earning credits with gen ed classes.

From a more practical standpoint, you want to make sure your general education courses don’t cause too much of a burden on your studies. Your main focus is still your major, so you want to choose gen ed courses that are easy enough to ensure you’ll get a good grade.

Some students select their general education classes based on their academic strengths so that they’re more likely to get a good grade and increase their final GPA. While this shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when making your GE choices, it’s certainly an important one.

To Summarize

General education classes can be a fun addition to your time at university, but to ensure you’re getting the most out of your degree, make sure you’re studying something that can be relevant to your major and that aligns with your overall academic goals.

Finally, don’t be afraid to explore online learning , especially when it comes to general education credits. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by switching to online courses for your GE requirements. Pursuing a specialized certificate program online can also be potentially beneficial.

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What is General Education? Its Purpose and Impact Explained

While looking over a course list in the past, you may have wondered why certain courses are required when they’re unrelated to the direction of the degree program you were considering. These general education requirements serve an important purpose. They can reshape your outlook on learning, teach you soft skills, introduce you to a variety of disciplines and more.

So, What Are General Education Courses?

The general education curriculum focuses on the interdisciplinary lens, including courses in history, natural and social sciences, technology and humanities. Dr. Priscilla Hobbs , a senior associate dean of general education, first-year experience and special programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), described general education as a well-rounded learning experience to help develop a well-rounded student.

Thinking about general education courses as "extra" is a common misnomer, according to Hobbs. Their connection to your career goals may not be as obvious as the courses within your field of study, but they're still relevant. "They are the courses that are actually addressing many of the skills that employers value, especially in regards to interpersonal connections and diversity," Hobbs said.

Anthony Siciliano , the associate vice president of general education, first-year experience, education and special programs at SNHU, said that general education credits make up “the largest allocation of credits” across undergraduate degree programs .

“The general education curriculum is a standard, required part of every bachelor degree program  in the country and is meant to foster greater accessibility, a clear and relevant academic pathway for students to attain their degree credential and to provide students with the necessary core skills in order to be successful in their lives and chosen career paths ,” he said.

What Are the Main Components of General Education?

Although specific general education requirements can differ depending on your college and your program, you'll need to demonstrate competency in several fields of study to earn a bachelor's degree.

You'll likely be required to take general education courses in some of these areas:

• English composition
• Humanities and social sciences
• Mathematics
• Natural sciences

You might need to take multiple courses in these broader categories to fulfill your program's requirements. Certain schools also have requirements that other schools don't. For example, some schools require foreign language coursework.

To learn more about your options and program requirements, Healow recommended speaking with an academic advisor.

What is Another Name for General Education Courses?

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 ." This is because the courses involved are applicable to all undergraduate students, regardless of major. They are an opportunity to grow skills, knowledge and perspectives that are relevant to all members of society.

Meanwhile, each individual navigating their general education courses can get something different from the experience. "They have the opportunity to choose their own topics and lean into content in a way that they find beneficial to their own growth," Hobbs said.

What is the Purpose of General Education?

You might be wondering what the true purpose of general education is in the academic setting as you prepare to join the workforce, advance in your job or change careers .

While they can help you gain important professional skills, the answer goes beyond work. It connects to a foundation of education: "Our general education follows the model of a traditional liberal education, which assumes that education is fundamentally about helping students to prosper in their lives, both professionally and personally," Healow said.

Together, the courses form a holistic approach to learning and developing. "General education is there so you can enjoy different perspectives on your life as a human being, not solely as a participant in our economy," Healow said.

What is the Benefit of Taking General Education Courses?

Here are four ways general education courses can help you succeed.

1. Reshape Your Outlook on Learning

“For students to be adequately prepared to do well in their chosen career, they need to have not only the rigor of an academic education but also an applied, relevant and practical curriculum that focuses on the development of these core skills,” Siciliano said.

General education can also offer a deeper understanding and appreciation of humankind, according to Healow. "Students will be better served if they have an opportunity to learn about history, about philosophy, about art and literature, about science and mathematics, regardless of their chosen majors," he said. "Because these disciplines invite you to use your mind in different ways and constitute a legacy of human achievements that belongs to all of us."

2. Learn Soft Skills Desired by Employers

To impress employers and prove yourself as a member of a team, it’s important you learn interpersonal skills. These include things such as empathy, conflict resolution  and being able to communicate effectively .

Siciliano said the general education courses “encourage an aptitude for empathy  infused with objectivity and curiosity” and “develop a strong sense of self in one’s capabilities and the ability to reflect and learn from one’s experiences” — skills employers seek in the people they hire.

“These soft skills , or core skills, are the knowledge, dispositions and abilities needed by students to be successful in their chosen professions and for becoming an immediate contributor to a rapidly changing global workforce,” Siciliano said.

Hiring employees with these attributes is essential to keep a company running smoothly. “Numerous self-help books and professional development opportunities are designed to help employees develop their soft skills,” Hobbs said. “Each day, our paths cross with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and we need to be able to manage those interactions in a positive way rather than in a way that promotes conflict."

3. Be Well-Versed in a Wide Variety of Disciplines

“We may look at an issue historically, or we may put on the hat of social scientists,” Hobbs said. “Being able to see through these lenses helps us critically navigate through all the information that surrounds us at any given second. It helps us make decisions about what to filter, what we find interesting and what we need to do about anything. Without that, the world and all the information passing through it can quickly seem overwhelming.”

Siciliano said the interdisciplinary general education courses provide students with different perspectives from which to view the world, giving them the ability to:

• Analyze information for accuracy
• Communicate effectively with different audiences
• Display literacy in digital technology
• Tackle a variety of real-world problems

Some schools use their general education curriculum to consider the impact of cultural events on students, according to Hobbs. "These courses help students understand and process through their experiences," she said.

4. Learn with People From Diverse Disciplines

Because general education courses are shared across undergraduate programs, it's likely you'll find yourself taking classes with and learning from people outside of your main discipline.

"These courses tend to be filled by a very diverse set of students, who have very different backgrounds, perspectives and aspirations," Healow said. "Providing such students with an occasion to come together and share educational experiences with those outside their programs tends to be enriching and rewarding for everyone involved."

These interactions and interchange of ideas can lead to an exciting and perhaps transformative college experience, according to Hobbs.

It's possible you'll also develop personal and professional relationships with people that you otherwise may not have met. Healow met his wife in a choir class, which he took to meet a general education requirement.

What is a General Education Degree Called?

While general education typically refers to the common curriculum that undergraduate students complete, it's also a type of degree. A general education degree is usually called a bachelor’s in general studies. This Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree  can provide you with a strong educational background across many fields.

Siciliano said a general studies degree “provides greater flexibility (for students) to complete their degree according to their work, career and family life.” Whether you’re transferring universities or looking to earn a degree that reflects your broad range of skills, a bachelor’s in general studies can prepare you for the next step in your career.

You can often choose an area of focus within your general studies degree . For instance, SNHU's general studies degree offers dozens of potential concentrations, including:

• Business administration
• Communication
• Information technology
• Sport management

Whether or not you choose a concentration, this bachelor's degree can well prepare you for a wide range of careers. It can also ready you for further education if you are pursuing a career that typically requires a master's degree .

If you're interested, you can learn more about what a general studies degree is .

Transferring to a General Studies Program

The BA in General Studies program can help students who are continuing their education apply prior coursework or work experiences  toward a degree. “This can include placement tests, previous classes and military credit,” Hobbs said. “Essentially, the general studies degree is designed to help students achieve their goal of a degree without having to start over because they transferred universities.”

Some schools offer free transfer credit evaluations so prospective students can find out how many of their existing credits will be accepted. If you want to know how many courses you have left to finish your degree in general studies, it's as simple as this at SNHU:

• Complete the free 5-minute online application . There’s no obligation after filling it out.
• Get your transcripts requested — for free. Chat with an admission counselor, and we'll request your transcripts on your behalf.
• Receive your free evaluation. Soon after all your transcripts are in, you'll get your official evaluation. It will show you what was transferred in – and what classes you need to complete.

You might be surprised to learn how close you are to graduation. Hobbs said most general studies students are within 15 classes of completing their degree.

Online. On campus. Choose your program  from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Ashley Wallis is an Army veteran and writer with a BA in English Language and Literature from SNHU. She is currently living in the Denver area. Find her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AshDWallis .

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About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

Program in General Education

The Program in General Education is the cornerstone of the Harvard College curriculum.

Learn about the requirement

Background photo of a student speaking into a microphone during Gen Ed 1131: Loss.

Explore new ideas. Expand your horizons. Engage with the world.

Focusing on  urgent problems and enduring questions , Gen Ed courses are unusually explicit in connecting the subjects you study to the people you will become and the world beyond the classroom.

Transcending disciplinary divisions, they demonstrate the value of embedding what you will learn in your concentrations within the broader context of the liberal arts. In Gen Ed courses, you engage in activities that have the potential to shape the world around you.

Learn more about the General Education requirements and find answers to frequently asked questions.

Explore the courses being offered for the 2024-2025 academic year in each of the four Gen Ed categories.

Find resources specific to teaching in the Program in General Education, from course proposal to reapproval.

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• General Education

Harvard's Program in General Education provides a broad foundation that enables students to make meaningful connections across disciplines. Students are required to take one course in each of four perspectives: Aesthetics & Culture; Ethics & Civics; Histories, Societies, Individuals; as well as Science & Technology in Society.

Questions? Visit  https://gened.college.harvard.edu

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SUNY General Education empowers students to meet the changing demands of the 21st-century by creating a system-wide framework-applicable to all SUNY undergraduate degree programs-that addresses the fundamental aims of postsecondary undergraduate education, including proficiency with essential skills and competencies, familiarization with disciplinary and interdisciplinary ways of knowing, and enhancement of the values and disposition of an engaged 21st century global citizenry.

 New Requirements starting Fall 2023

New SUNY General Education requirements became effective with the start of the fall 2023 semester- all new first-time students entering AA- and AS- degree programs in or after the fall 2023 semester will be subject to these requirements.

Continuing, returning, and transfer students who first entered SUNY as new students prior to the fall 2023 semester, who have not had an interruption of study lasting more than two academic years, are subject to the General Education requirements in place at the time of first enrollment. Previous General Education requirements are available HERE. These students also have the option of choosing the new General Education requirements.

Returning students who had an interruption of study lasting more than two years have the option to choose either the requirements in place at the original time of matriculation, or the requirements in place at time of re-entry. Students who enrolled as non-matriculated prior to fall 2023 are subject to the requirements in place at the time of matriculation. .

SUNY General Education Requirement for A.A. and A.S. Degrees

The SUNY General Education (GE) Requirement is a 30-credit requirement for SUNY baccalaureate, A.A. and A.S. degree recipients, which supports academic excellence as well as student choice, mobility and degree attainment by expecting students to demonstrate achievement of SUNY-wide learning outcomes.

30 credits in a minimum of 7 of 10 SUNY GE knowledge and skills areas are required for all students in programs leading to A.A., A.S. and baccalaureate degrees.

Courses in each of the 4 SUNY- GE knowledge and skills areas of Mathematics; Written and Oral Communication; Natural Sciences; and Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice are all required. Courses in at least 3 of the remaining 6 areas are required.

General Education Knowledge and Skills Areas

Communication - written and oral.

Students will research a topic, develop an argument, organize supporting details, and demonstrate coherent college-level communication (written and oral) that informs, persuades, or otherwise engages with an audience, while also demonstrating the ability to revise and improve written and oral communication. They will additionally evaluate communication for substance, bias, and intended effect.

DIVERSITY: EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Students will describe the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape the development of individual and group identity involving race, class, and gender, and will analyze the role that complex networks of social structures and systems play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity. They will also apply the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomous participation to past, current, or future social justice action.

MATHEMATICS (AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING)

Students will demonstrate mathematical skills and quantitative reasoning, including the ability to interpret and draw inferences from appropriate mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, or schematics, and will employ quantitative methods such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve problems. They will represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, or verbally as appropriate.

NATURAL SCIENCES (AND SCIENTIFIC REASONING)

Students will demonstrate understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical analysis; and application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural sciences.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the conventions and methods of at least one of the humanities, and recognize and analyze nuance and complexity of meaning through critical reflections on text, visual images, or artifacts.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Students will describe major concepts and theories of at least one discipline in the social sciences, and will demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena.

Students will demonstrate understanding of at least one principal form of artistic expression and the creative process inherent therein.

US HISTORY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Students will demonstrate understanding of United States’ society and/or history, and apply historical and contemporary evidence to draw, support, or verify conclusions. They will also demonstrate understanding of the diversity of individuals and communities that make up the nation, and understand the role of individual participation in US communities and government.

 WORLD HISTORY AND GLOBAL AWARENESS

Students will demonstrate knowledge of a broad outline of world history and/or the development of the distinctive features of at least one civilization or culture in relation to other regions of the world. They will also demonstrate an understanding of the structures, systems, and interrelationships among civilizations and cultures within historical and/or contemporary contexts, and their impact on wellbeing and sustainability.

WORLD LANGUAGES

Students will demonstrate basic proficiency in the understanding and use of a world language and knowledge of the distinctive features of culture(s) associated with the language they are studying.

General Education Core Competencies

Reinforcement of the two core competencies can be found throughout any program of study, however students are required to take courses that are specifically designated as supporting the requirements of these competencies.

CRITICAL THINKING AND REASONING

Students will clearly articulate an issue or problem and develop well-reasoned (logical) arguments to form judgments and/or draw conclusions. They will also identify, analyze, and evaluate ideas, data, and arguments as they occur in their own or others’ work and acknowledge limitations such as perspective and bias.

INFORMATION LITERACY

Students will locate information effectively using tools appropriate to their need and discipline and evaluate information with an awareness of authority, validity, and bias. They will also demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dimensions of information use, creation, and dissemination.

Knowledge Areas

1. Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning)

• MAT 101 - College Mathematics 3 cr.
• MAT 110 - Quantitative Reasoning 3 cr.
• MAT 115 - College Algebra and Trigonometry 4 cr.
• MAT 140 - Foundations of Elementary School Mathematics 3 cr.
• MAT 150- Interpreting Statistics 3 cr.
• MAT 160 - Pre‐Calculus 4 cr.
• MAT 170 - Calculus I 4 cr.
• MAT 180 - Calculus II 4 cr.
• MAT 203 - Calculus III 4 cr.
• MAT 211 - Elementary Statistics 3 cr.
• MAT 240 - Elem. School Geometry 3 cr.

2. Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning)

• AST 101 - Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies 3 cr.
• AST 102 - Solar System Astronomy 3 cr.
• AST 105 - Ancient Astronomy 3 cr.
• BIO 101 - Biology I for Nonscience Majors 3 cr.
• BIO 105 - General Biology I 4 cr.
• BIO 106 - General Biology II 4 cr.
• BIO 107 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr.
• BIO 108 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr.
• BIO 109 - Human Biology 3 cr.
• BIO 201 - Microbiology 4 cr.
• BIO 206 - Genetics 4 cr.
• BIO 207 - General Ecology 4 cr.
• CHE 101 - Introductory Chemistry I 4 cr.
• CHE 102 - Introductory Chemistry II 4 cr.
• CHE 103 - General Chemistry I 4 cr.
• CHE 104 - General Chemistry II 4 cr.
• CHE 111 - Energy Alternatives 3 cr.
• CHE 201 - Organic Chemistry I 3 cr.
• CHE 202 - Organic Chemistry II 3 cr.
• ESC 101 - Earth’s Atmosphere & Oceans 3 cr.
• ESC 102 - Planet Earth 3 cr.
• ESC 103 - History of Life 3 cr.
• ESC 104 - Physical Geology 4 cr.
• ESC 105 - Earth History 4 cr.
• ESC 106 - Energy and the Earth History 3 cr.
• ESC 109 - Introduction to Meteorology 4 cr.
• ESC 114 - Geology of the National Parks 3 cr.
• ESC 140 - Earth’s Environment 3 cr.
• ESC 230 - Geology of New York State 3 cr.
• PHY 101 - Physics I 4 cr.
• PHY 102 - Physics II 4 cr.
• PHY 109 - General Physics I 4 cr.
• PHY 110 - General Physics II 4 cr.
• SCI 104 - Environmental Themes 3 cr.
• SCI 110 - Introduction to Food and Nutrition 3 cr.
• SCI 171 - Honors Environmental Themes 4 cr.

3. Social Sciences

• ECO 101 - Introduction to Macroeconomics 3 cr.
• ECO 102 - Introduction to Microeconomics 3 cr.
• ECO 171 - Honors Macroeconomics 3 cr.
• CRJ 230 - Understanding Crime and Criminal Behavior 3 cr.
• HUS 103 - Intro to Human Services 3 cr.
• POS 201 - American Government 3 cr.
• POS 202 - Comparitive Government 3 cr.
• POS 206 - Introduction to International Relations 3 cr.
• PSY 101 - General Psychology 3 cr.
• PSY 171 - Honors Psychology 3 cr.
• PSY 200 - Psychology Child Development 3 cr.
• PSY 201 - Social Psychology 3 cr.
• PSY 203 - Abnormal Psychology 3 cr.
• PSY 206 - Psychology of Adolescence 3 cr.
• PSY 209 - Forensic Psychology 3 cr.
• PSY 210 - Life Span Development 3 cr.
• PSY 220 - Personality Theory 3 cr.
• SOC 101 - Principles of Sociology 3 cr.
• SOC 203 - Criminology 3 cr.
• SOC 206 - Social Problems 3 cr.
• SOC 207 - Sociology of the Family 3 cr.
• SOC 213 - Cultural Diversity 3 cr.

4. US History and Civic Engagement

• HIS 103 - American History I 3 cr.
• HIS 104 - American History II 3 cr.
• HIS 206 - Immigration and Ethnicity in American History 3 cr.
• HIS 265 - African-American History 3 cr.
• HIS 266 - Native American History 3 cr.    

5. World History and Global Awareness

• ART 101 - Introduction to Visual Arts I 3 cr.
• ART 107 - Art History I 3 cr.
• ART 108 - Art History II 3 cr.
• ART 110 -  20th Century Art History 3 cr
• ART 220 - History of 20th Century Design 3 cr.
• COM 219 - World Cinema 3 cr.
• ENG 214 - Contemporary World Literature 3 cr.
• ENG 222 - African Literature 3 cr. 
• FAS 130 - Costume History 3 cr.
• HIS 101 - Western Civilization I 3 cr.
• HIS 102 - Western Civilization II 3 cr.
• HIS 171 - Honors History I 3 cr.
• HIS 173 - Honors History II 3 cr.
• HIS 213 - Ancien Rome: Republic and Empire 3 cr.
• HIS 223 - The Early Middle Ages 3 cr.

6. Humanities

• ART 110 - 20th Century Art History 3 cr.
• BUS 249 - Business Ethics 3 cr.
• COM 124 - Media and Society 3 cr.
• COM 171 - Honors Public Speaking 3 cr.
• COM 203 - Oral Interpretation 3 cr.
• COM 209 - Art of the Film 3 cr.
• CRJ 233 - Ethics in Criminal Justice 3 cr.
• ENG 102 - English Composition II 3 cr.
• ENG 201 - British Literature I 3 cr.
• ENG 202 - British Literature II 3 cr.
• ENG 203 - American Literature I 3 cr.
• ENG 204 - American Literature II 3 cr.
• ENG 206 - Literature: Selected Topics 3 cr.
• ENG 207 - Contemporary Literature 3 cr.
• ENG 212 - The Short Story 3 cr.
• ENG 215 - Shakespeare 3 cr.
• ENG 218 - Classics of Children’s Literature 3 cr.
• ENG 220 - Introduction to Drama 3 cr.
• ENG 223 - Introduction to Poetry 3 cr.
• ENG 225 - Creative Writing 3 cr.
• ENG 245 - Multiethnic Literature 3 cr.
• HUS 209 - Ethics and Standards for Human Services 3 cr.
• MUS 101 - Music Theory I 3 cr.
• MUS 102 - Music Theory II 3 cr.
• MUS 105 - Music Appreciation 3 cr.
• THE 101 - Introduction to the Theatre 3 cr.

7. The Arts

• ART 103 - Drawing & Composition I 3 cr.
• ART 104 - Drawing & Composition II 3 cr.
• ART 105 - Painting I 3 cr.
• ART 106 - Painting II 3 cr.
• ART 111 - Printmaking 3 cr.
• ART 112 - Fashion Drawing & Design I 3 cr.
• ART 113 - Fashion Drawing & Design II 3 cr.
• ART 114 - Watercolor Painting 3 cr.
• ART 117 - Introduction to Drawing I 3 cr.
• ART 122 - Curatorial Studies 3 cr.
• ART 124 - Introduction to Design Foundation 3 cr.
• ART 130 - Photography I 3 cr.
• ART 131 - Photography II 3 cr.
• ART 150 - Two‐Dimensional Design 3 cr.
• ART 161 - Graphic Design I 3 cr.
• ART 165 - Digital Imaging I 3 cr.
• ART 209 - Life Drawing/Anatomy I 3 cr.
• ART 210 - Life Drawing/Anatomy II 3 cr.
• ART 262 - Branding Identity and Strategy 3 cr.
• ART 263 - Digital Visual Narrative 3 cr.
• COM 204 - Oral Interpretation - Children’s Literature 3 cr.
• MUS 107 - College Chorus 2 cr. *
• MUS 111 - Vocal Ensemble 1 cr. *
• MUS 116 - Small Instrumental Music Groups 1 cr. *
• MUS 118- College/Community Concert Band 1 cr.*
• MUS 117 - Multiple Small Instrumental Music Groups 2 cr. *
• MUS 124 - Introduction to Music Theory 3 cr.
• MUS 126 - Applied Music 1 cr. *
• MUS 127 - Applied Music 1 cr. *
• MUS 128 - Applied Music 2 cr. *
• MUS 129 - Applied Music 2 cr. *
• MUS 136 - Introduction to Guitar 2 cr. *
• MUS 141 - Class Piano I 2 cr. *
• MUS 142 - Class Piano II 2 cr. *
• MUS 153 - The Computer and the MIDI Keyboard I 3 cr.
• MUS 175 - History of Rock Music 3 cr.
• THE 101 - Intro to the Theatre 3 cr.
• THE 109 - Production Participation 1 cr*. 
• THE 110 - Intro to Acting 3 cr.
• THE 121 - Acting I 3 cr.

8. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice (DEISJ)

• BUS 208 - DESIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Socail Justice) in the Workplace 3 cr.
• EDU 203 - Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education 3 cr.
• ENG 203 - American Literature I 3 cr.
• ENG 222 - African Literature 3 cr.
• ENG 245 - Multiethnic Literature 3 cr. 
• HIS 206 - Immigration and Ethnicity in American History 3 cr.
• HIS 265 - African‐American History 3 cr.
• HIS 266 - Native American History 3 cr.
• HUS 103 - Introduction to Human Services 3 cr.
• SCI 104 - Environmental Themes 3 cr.

9. World Languages

• SGN 113 - Beginning Sign Language I 3 cr. 
• SGN 114 - Beginning Sign Language II 3 cr.
• SGN 115 - Intermediate Sign Language I 3 cr. 
• SGN 116 - Intermediate Sign Language II 3 cr.
• FRE 101 - Elementary French I 4 cr.
• FRE 102 - Elementary French II 4 cr.
• FRE 111 - Basic Conversational French II 3 cr.
• FRE 115 - Accelerated Elementary French I and II 6 cr.
• FRE 201 - Intermediate French I 4 cr.
• FRE 202 - Intermediate French II 4 cr.
• FRE 207 - Advanced Conversational French 4 cr.
• FRE 208 - Advanced French Grammar and Composition 3 cr.
• FRE 215 - Accelerated Intermediate French I and II 6 cr.
• SPA 101 - Elementary Spanish I 4 cr.
• SPA 102 - Elementary Spanish II 4 cr.
• SPA 110 - Basic Conversational Spanish I 3 cr.
• SPA 111 - Basic Conversational Spanish II 3 cr.
• SPA 112 - Elementary Spanish Review 3 cr.
• SPA 115 - Accelerated Elementary Spanish I and II 6 cr.
• SPA 201 - Intermediate Spanish I 4 cr.
• SPA 202 - Intermediate Spanish II 4 cr.
• SPA 207 - Advanced Conversational Spanish I 4 cr.
• SPA 208 - Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition 3 cr.

10. Basic Communication

• COM 103 - Oral Communication 3 cr. and 
• ENG 101 - College English I 3 cr. 
• COM 105 - Public Speaking 3 cr.  and
• ENG 101 - College English I 3 cr.  
• COM 171 and ENG 101
• NUR 254 and ENG 101
• COM 123 - Resolving Conflict Through Communication 3 cr.
• ENG 227 - Technical Writing 3 cr.

Skill Areas

1. Critical Thinking

• COM 103 - Oral Communication 3 cr.
• COM 105 - Public Speaking 3 cr.
• ENG 101 -  English Composition I 3 cr.

2. Information Management

• LIB 111 - Information Literacy 1 cr.

* Fewer than 3 credits  

New Requirements for Fall 2024 General Education Requirements for the A.A.S. Degree

Students must complete at least 20 credits of General Education courses. This must include courses from each of the following four areas 1: Communication - Written & Oral; 2: Mathematics; 3: Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice and 4: Natural Sciences. Additionally, courses must be taken which fulfill the two Core Competencies of Critical Thinking & Reasoning and Information Literacy. 

1. Basic Communication-Written and Oral

• ENG 101 - College English I 3 cr.
• COM 105 - Public Speaking 3 cr.  and  

2. Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning)

3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice (DEISJ)

4. Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning)

Skills Areas-Core Competencies

When electives are specified in the curriculum listings on the following pages, electives may be chosen from the following:

Humanities Electives

Any course from the following disciplines:

• Communications and Media Arts (COM)
• 200-Level English (except ENG 227, ENG 209) (ENG)
• French (FRE)
• German (GER)
• Humanities (HUM)
• Music (MUS)
• Philosophy (PHI)
• Sign Language (SGN)
• Spanish (SPA)
• Theater (THE)

Math Electives

Math electives are curriculum-specific. 

Science Electives

Any course in the following disciplines:

• Astronomy (AST)
• Biology (Except BIO 100) (BIO)
• Chemistry (Except CHE 100) (CHE)
• Earth Science (ESC)
• Physics (PHY)
• Science (SCI)

Social Science Electives

• Economics (ECO)
• History (HIS)
• Political Science (POS)
• Psychology (PSY)
• Social Science (SOS)
• Sociology (SOC)

Liberal Arts Electives

Any courses listed above under the following:

• Computer Science (CSC)
• Geography (GEG)
• Social Sciences

More information about Liberal Arts courses at SUNY Ulster is available in the Course Descriptions portion of this catalog.

Open Electives

Any credit-bearing courses and a maximum of 2 credits in Physical Education courses (PED).

General Education at RIC

The liberal arts courses that make up your RIC bachelor's degree are known as "General Education."

At RIC, General Education Courses Aren't Just a Requirement

Incoming college students often think of general education courses (gen ed courses) as classes they just have to get through before starting their more interesting major courses. At RIC, gen ed courses means exposure, flexibility, and most importantly – preparation for success.

Preparation for Success

Gen ed courses provide you with exposure to college-level academics while allowing you the space to acclimate, become inquisitive, and hone your skills for critical thinking. What you gain are the foundational skills and habits necessary for success in your major program and beyond. Although there are requirements, to introduce you to many different topics and offerings, we offer as much choice and flexibility as possible in course selection.

Everyone Takes These First

• First-Year Writing – Professors will help you sharpen your writing skills, skills you'll need for success in most other college courses.
• First-Year Seminar – A professor and scholar will engage you and your peers in a small discussion-based class on a topic they are passionate about. You will choose the individual First-Year Seminar course based on the topic, so the discussion and course should appeal to you.
• Connections Course – You will select 1 course from a broad selection of courses in 20 different subjects.

Lots of Choices with Distribution Courses and Electives

With our distribution courses you will have lots of freedom. You will pick one course in each of these categories: Arts – Visual and Performing, History or Philosophy, Literature or Language, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, and each category offers many course choices within it. You can use additional Distribution Courses and Elective Courses to reach the 40 credit General Education requirement. And with 23 different subjects offered via Elective Courses, you'll be able to choose what's right for you.

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general education

The broader a student’s educational experiences, the better equipped they will be for the personal, professional, and educational challenges they will face in the future. Parkland College is committed to deepening students’ knowledge, skills, and values both as individuals and global citizens through general education classes.

All degree programs and some certificate programs at Parkland College include a general education component. No matter a student’s area of study, when they complete a degree at Parkland College, they will have gained skills needed to communicate effectively, think through problems, and seek out new information.

Students planning on transferring to a four-year university in Illinois should visit the General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) page to see how their general education requirements at Parkland College can transfer as a package to their target university.

In addition to general education classes, all courses at Parkland College include one or more of the college’s General Learning Outcomes (GLOs).

General Learning Outcomes (GLOs)

The six GLOs were designed by Parkland College faculty to give students a broad knowledge and skill base that will benefit them whatever their future plans may be. A course containing a particular GLO will include assignments that develop student skills in that area:

Communication

• Read, write, listen, and speak effectively.

Creativity and Innovative Thinking

• Students will design, present, and interpret materials, information and ideas in innovative ways. 

Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

• Evaluate perspectives, evidence, and implications, and locate, assess, and use information effectively.

Reasoning and Inquiry

• Solve problems using deductive reasoning and logic, quantitative reasoning, or the scientific method.
• Evaluate, select, and appropriately use current and emerging tools.

Global Awareness and Cultural Reasoning

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of global issues, gender and sexual orientation, and multicultural perspectives. 
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