general education what is it

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What Is General Education (Gen Ed)?

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

If you’ve looked at your own college transcript, friends, or even siblings, you’ve likely seen something listed on it that says general education. In fact, you likely saw a lot of spots that said that, but what does that actually mean? And why do you need to take so many of those classes? Let’s discuss it together! 

General education definition

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:

• English I and II
• Basic college math courses 
• Science (including social sciences)
• Arts and humanities

These are all some subject areas of general education classes that you might take throughout the course of your degree.

The purpose of gen eds

The gen ed classes you take in college won’t be all that different from the courses you took in high school. In high school, you likely had a certain number of classes you had to take in basic subjects such as math, English, history, science, and maybe even foreign language. Well, college is no different. No matter what subject you are majoring in, your school will want to make sure that you have a strong and balanced foundation in all areas of academics. 

It may feel like they’re just keeping you from major specific courses as many gen eds need to be completed before you enter higher level major specific classes. However, general education classes are expanding your foundation and exposing you to subjects that you may have never otherwise been exposed to!

Gen ed classes

Let’s take a look at more specific classes that you may come across at your college. Unfortunately, each college will have their own general education classes and requirements, which means there is no universal list of courses you’ll have to take. However, the range of courses you can take is what makes gen eds so great! Below are just a few examples of some classes that were recently offered that thanks to gen eds, you may have the chance to take! 

Conflict resolution in a divided world

Conflict Resolution in a Divided World is a class offered at Harvard . The goal of this course is to help prepare students in a practical way for something that they will face in all areas of their life!

Introduction to Scandinavian Folklore

Yes, you read the title of this class correctly. Introduction to Scandinavian Folklore is a course offered by UCLA . In this course you can expect to learn about all things fairy tales, but also explore a deeper side that asks why people tell the stories that they tell.

Mafia Movies 

Just like the previous class, this course is exactly what it sounds like, watching mafia movies . In this Ohio State University class you’ll get a chance to learn about all things mafia! Alongside watching movies you’ll get to learn about the real history behind the Italian and Italian American mafias!

There are literally hundreds of other courses available that are just as interesting and surprising as the ones listed above. Our point is that these classes don’t need to feel like they are just wasting your time. Take your time to look for classes that really interest you. We promise you will find some! 

When do you take gen eds

Most of your gen eds will be taken during your freshman and sophomore year of college. However, if you find that you still have a few leftovers during junior and senior year , that’s completely fine as well. Some of your last semesters in undergraduate can get quite heavy with major specific courses. When you have the option, adding in a gen ed that is about another topic can be a nice way to break up your mix of classes. 

Shouldn’t you just take easy gen eds?

If you’re at all familiar with gen eds, then you may have had people give you advice in the past that you should just take the easiest ones you can. While it’s true that taking hard, high level gen ed classes isn’t always the best option, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t challenge yourself or take your time finding classes that really interest you. Each semester you can assess what sort of classes you need to take for your major. If you have a particularly heavy or light semester in terms of credit hours and degree of difficulty in classes, you can use that to measure the amount of time you’d be able to put into gen eds.  

Key Takeaways

• General education courses are classes that every college will require students to take throughout the course of their undergraduate degree
• The purpose of general education classes is to provide you a strong foundation and expose you to classes outside of your major
• General education classes are a part of your college journey that you can use to broaden your horizons and expand your portfolio 
• Take risks and explore some subjects that are out of your comfort zone, you never know what classes may lead you to something great

Frequently asked questions about general education 

What if my college doesn’t have general education courses, do gen eds matter in college, does yale have gen eds, scholarships360 recommended.

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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: Mar 16, 2023

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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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.

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What is General Education? An Overview

Updated: August 30, 2022

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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General Education Program

Home » What is General Education?

What is General Education?

General Education is a system of courses designed to help you build skills and habits of mind that will help you flourish in your chosen profession and as a citizen of the global community. They are centered four common themes:

• Intellectual foundations and breadth of exposure
• Critical thinking
• Citizenship
• Multidisciplinary learning

Your required General Education credits will be distributed across four different categories.  Below, you can see how your total General Education credit count will breakdown into these four course categories.

Pursue diverse interests and gain fundamental skills for lifelong learning, apply, communicate, and integrate ideas from a variety of disciplines, and gain abilities to think and act critically as citizens of a complex and ever-changing world

First Year Seminars

Explore interesting topics in small classes while building foundational skills for college success

Foundations

Practice lifelong learning skills applicable throughout your college career

Exploring Knowledge

Discover new content and ideas through exploration of a wide variety of scholarly topics, while beginning your major and gaining knowledge beyond it

Integrating Knowledge

Use high impact practices and make connections between different areas of interest for deeper comprehension, as well as prepare for a dynamic, complex and interconnected world.

View the full breakdown of General Education categories, as well as links to approved courses, here:

First Year Seminars are a staple part of the General Education program. They offer students the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics while building foundational skills that are crucial to college success. Topics explored include The Arts, Historical Perspectives, Science, Tech & Data, and more. Click the button on the left to find the current term offerings, as well as the academic year course catalog.

Making the perfect schedule can be difficult. Luckily, some General Education courses offer sections online. Click on the button to the right to find some of the offerings. You can also use the “Distance Delivery” search function in the Schedule Planner (WOU Portal → WolfWeb → Schedule Planner) in conjunction with the “Search by Attribute” to search for online Gen Ed courses.

Additional General Education Resources:

If you have further questions about General Education, you can check out our Frequently Asked Questions page:

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What Is General Education?

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• M.Ed., Special Education, West Chester University
• B.A., Elementary Education, University of Pittsburgh

General Education is the program of education that typically developing children should receive, based on state standards and evaluated by the annual state educational standards test. It is the preferred way of describing its synonym, " regular education ." It is preferred because the term "regular" connotes that children receiving special education services are somehow "irregular."

General Education is now the default position since the passage of the reauthorization of IDEA, now called IDEIA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.) All children should spend a significant amount of time in a general education classroom, unless it is in the best interest of the child, or because the child is a danger to him/herself or others. The amount of time a child spends in the general education program is part of his or her Placement.

Once again, General Education is the curriculum designed for all children which is meant to meet state standards, or if adopted, the Common Core State Standards. The General Education program is also the program which the state's annual test, required by NCLB (No Child Left Behind,) is designed to evaluate. 

IEP's and "Regular" Education

​In order to provide FAPE for special education students, IEP goals should be "aligned" with the Common Core State Standards . In other words, they should show that a student is being taught to the standards. In some cases, with children whose disabilities are severe, IEP's will reflect a more "functional" program, which will be very loosely aligned with the Common Core State Standards, rather than directly linked to specific grade level standards. These students are most often in self-contained programs. They are also the most likely to be part of the three percent of students allowed to take an alternate test.

Unless students are in the most restrictive environments, they will spend some time in the regular education environment. Often, children in self-contained  programs will participate in "specials" such as physical education, art, and music with students in the "regular" or "general" education programs. When assessing the amount of time spent in regular education (part of the IEP report) time spent with typical students in the lunchroom and on the playground for recess is also credited as time in the "general education" environment. 

Until more states eliminate testing, participation in high stakes state tests aligned to the standards is required of special education students. This is meant to reflect how the student performs alongside their regular education peers. States are also permitted to require that students with severe disabilities are offered an alternate assessment, which should address the state standards. These are required by Federal Law, in the ESEA (Elementary and Secondary education act) and in IDEIA. Only 1 percent of all students are allowed to take an alternate test, and this should represent 3 percent of all students receiving special education services.

• What Is the Concept of Regular Education?
• What Is Inclusion?
• What is Special Education?
• Writing Lesson Plans in the Self-Contained Classroom
• Self Contained Classrooms
• Physical Education Adaptations for Students with Disabilities
• IEP - Individual Education Program
• Introduction to Special Education Resource Rooms
• What is an IEP? A Student Individual Program-Plan
• IEP - Writing an IEP
• The Inclusive Classroom as the Best Placement
• Testing and Assessment for Special Education
• Mathematics for Special Education: Skills for Primary Grades
• What Are Some Pros and Cons of the Common Core State Standards?
• How to Write IEP Goals
• IEP Goals for Place Value

What is General Education?

What is general education:

What is General Education? The word education finds its origins in Latin, specifically from the Latin word education. It was originally meant to raise and to create. But we can focus on the meaning of education only. It is the source of promoting development of the intellect and transmitting knowledge.

It turns the learner indulge into an active subject during the process. At this point, education differs from teaching. Since one consists of an active process for the educated. In which learning is achieved, and the other results in a passive development of the subject.

General education is considered of great importance in all societies. It is very common for a person to receive it intensely in middle years of his life. It does not mean that he cannot be educated throughout his whole life. It is a process by which basic concepts are learned and is generally taught in school and family settings.

General education is a set of subjects through which you will receive comprehensive training in a wide variety of disciplines. General education courses are often introductory. They are designed to provide you with foundational knowledge education through subjects. The subjects include English, Mathematics, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Physical and Biological sciences.

As a lower division (freshman / sophomore) student at community education. You will need to complete most of the General education courses required to receive a bachelor’s degree. After transferring to the upper-division (junior / senior year [junior/senior]) at a university. You will be required to take only a few general education subjects so that you can focus on your career.

Characteristics of general education:

General education is characterized by being:

• A right of every person.
• A social process, that is, outside the social sphere, no one can acquire education.
• An ongoing instructional process.
• A discipline that transmits the values ​​and accumulated knowledge of a society.
• A guide in the learning process that stimulates the development of skills and affects a student’s behavior.
• Formal, informal, face-to-face, or remotely, among other ways.
• Former of the student’s attitude.
• An instrument of subsistence of the human being, from the social, emotional, and labor aspects.

What is the Purpose of general education?

General education provides students with extensive exposure. It is the source to learn new things and apply them in daily routine matters. This type of education lays the foundation for people to prosper and adopt successful behaviors.

General education system:

So, what is general education and its system? In the General Education System, everything related to the development of General Studies is planned and organized. It may also include, Humanities, National Reality Seminars, and Theatres.

Students can go to the offices and request for information related to the courses and the respective teachers.

Why is general education important to your growth as a student?

Education refers to the process of learning and socialization that human beings carry out throughout their lives.

In this sense, education is a fundamental factor both for people and for society in general. On the one hand, because it determines behaviors.

This leads to highlighting the importance of education in all senses. It implements public policies that seek its access. Since a society made up of literate and educated citizens can ensure a better economic, political, social, and cultural future.

Likewise, education has tried to adapt to new technological advances. That have made it possible to create new tools and study methods to make it an interactive, practical, and even self-learning process.

Technology has been key in this development. Because it has enabled access to information, cultural exchange, among others. Technology has made education a more efficient process.

At present, the quality is valued more than the quantity of knowledge. The importance of education is such that national and international organizations establish work agendas. In which the various aspects related to this issue are addressed. It is to seek and improve the foundations of education and its social impact.

In other words, education needs to offer the right tools and mechanisms for people to learn, to do, to live in society. Also to be able to demand more of themselves, being aware of their capacities and limitations.

Within the framework of education, various objectives have been proposed. They may vary depending on the approach under which they are determined.

Here are some of the most important goals and point wise description of what is general education:

• Ensure the comprehensive training of individuals.
• Encourage logical and critical reasoning from an early age.
• Promote research in all areas of human development.
• Encourage creativity and other skills that each person has, for example, artistic or sports.
• Ensure the formulation of policies that emphasize the need for access to education for all citizens equally.
• Promote inclusion.
• Encourage communication, the exchange of opinions and ideas, and the use of various communication channels.
• Educate in family, social, human, ethical, and moral values, among others.
• Strengthen social and cultural integration.
• Promote the correct use and application of new technologies.
• Address the inequalities or deficiencies that students may present. For example, psychological, family, nutritional, among others.
• Ensure better and greater opportunities for employment and individual development.
• Consolidate cultural identity.
• Ensure sustainable development that guarantees the permanence of natural resources and care for the environment.

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General education & IGETC

General education (G.E.) requirements are designed to give UC undergraduates a broad background in all major academic disciplines — natural sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts.

G.E. requirements vary by campus

The G.E. requirement — sometimes called the breadth requirement — lists the specific courses students must take or number of credit hours they must earn in each discipline.

Each school and college at every UC campus has its own general education requirement. With careful planning, students can meet many of the lower-division requirements before they transfer. Students at a California community college also have the option of completing the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) to satisfy the lower-division general education requirements at any UC campus.

What is IGETC?

IGETC is a series of courses that prospective transfer students attending California community colleges may complete to satisfy the lower-division breadth/general education requirements at both the University of California and the California State University.

Students may be IGETC certified if they complete coursework at one or more California community colleges without regard to current enrollment status or number of units accrued at a California community college. Students who enrolled at a UC campus, then enrolled at a California community college and transfer to a different UC campus may use IGETC (students returning to the same UC campus cannot complete IGETC).

Completion options

Students have the option of completing IGETC at their California community college or the specific lower-division breadth/general education requirements of the UC school or college at the campus they plan to attend. 

The UC agreement

UC has an agreement with each California community college that specifies which of its courses may be applied to each category of IGETC. Courses taken at more than one California community college may be used to fulfill IGETC and all courses must be completed with a grade of C or better (or the equivalent).

Which type of student should follow IGETC

IGETC is most helpful to students who want to keep their options open — specifically, those who know they want to transfer but haven't yet decided upon a particular institution, campus or major.

Which type of student should not follow IGETC

Certain students, however, will not be well served by following IGETC. Students who intend to transfer into majors that require extensive lower-division preparation, such as engineering or the physical and natural sciences, should concentrate on completing the prerequisites for the major required by the individual UC campus. However, they can choose to follow the IGETC for STEM pattern of course work in addition to major preparation. IGETC for STEM is a pattern of courses currently only available to students earning an associate degree for transfer (ADT) at a California community college in a major that explicitly offers IGETC for STEM as an option, and only if the UC program allows partial IGETC certification (see below for more information about partial certification).

Not a requirement, but a consideration

IGETC is not an admission requirement. Completing it does not guarantee admission to the campus or program of choice. However, completing the lower-division breadth/general education requirements — whether through IGETC or the campus-specific requirements — may be considered by the campus in selecting among qualified applicants.

Partial certification

Students who do not complete IGETC before transferring will be required to satisfy the lower-division general education/breadth requirements of the UC college or school they attend. However, California community colleges may grant partial certification of IGETC to students who are missing no more than two requirements. Students should verify that their UC school/college/major program will accept partial certification. After transfer, students submitting partial IGETC certification should complete the missing requirements at either UC or a California community college as designated by their department. Students who have been granted partial IGETC certification should not return to the community college for a full certification.

GPA requirement

IGETC courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of credit or pass may be used if the community college's policy states that it is equivalent to a grade of C or better.

Use of AP and IB exams

IGETC course credit may be earned for scores of 3, 4 or 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or scores of 5, 6 or 7 on International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB HL) exams that the community college faculty recognizes as equivalent to its IGETC-approved courses. An acceptable score on an English AP or IB exam may be used to meet the English Composition requirement, but not the Critical Thinking/English Composition requirement. A single exam cannot satisfy multiple requirements, with the exception of language exams which may satisfy a Humanities requirement and the Language other than English proficiency requirement. For more information, refer to the IGETC Standards, Policies, and Procedures Manual .

IGETC course agreements

A community college course can satisfy only one IGETC subject area even if it is listed on the IGETC Course Agreement in more than one area. However, a single course may be counted toward IGETC and a major requirement.

Coursework completed outside the California community colleges may be acceptable to clear some IGETC requirements (with the exception of IGETC area 1B: Critical Thinking) as long as the community college faculty recognizes the course in question as equivalent to one or more of its IGETC-approved courses.

Certification

Certification of IGETC completion is the responsibility of the last community college a student attends prior to transfer, regardless of how many courses or units the student has completed at that community college.

Additional IGETC considerations

Students with a substantial amount of coursework from institutions outside the United States should consult with a community college counselor to determine whether they should complete IGETC or the lower-division breadth/general education requirements at the campus they plan to attend. International coursework cannot be used to satisfy any area of IGETC except the Language other than English proficiency requirement (Area 6/6A).

In addition, some colleges or majors prefer that transfer students follow a more prescribed lower-division curriculum. Refer to the Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions [PDF] for campus/program-specific recommendations.

Proficiency in a language other than English (IGETC Area 6/6A)

Students may demonstrate proficiency for the purpose of fulfilling the Language Other Than English IGETC requirement in one of the following ways:

• Complete two years of high school coursework in one language other than English with a grade of C or better.
• Complete a course or courses at a college or university with a grade of C or better in each course. Any course (excluding conversation courses) considered by the college or university to be equivalent to two years of high school language may be used. Many college catalogs list the prerequisite for the second course in a language as: Language 1 at this college, or two years of high school language. In this case Language 1 clears both years of the requirement.
• Chinese With Listening: not offered before 1995/520
• French/French With Listening: 500/540
• German/German With Listening: 500/510
• Hebrew (Modern): 500/470
• Italian: 500/520
• Japanese With Listening: 500/510
• Korean/Korean With Listening: not offered before 1995/500
• Latin: 500/530
• Spanish/Spanish With Listening: 500/520
• Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on a College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examination in a language other than English.
• Achieve a score of 5 or higher on an International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination in a language other than English.
• Satisfactorily complete a proficiency test administered by a community college, university or other college in a language other than English. The test must assess the student proficiency at a level equivalent to at least two years of high school language.
• Complete, with grades of C or better, two years of formal schooling at the sixth-grade level or higher in an institution where the language of instruction is not English. If secondary school was completed in a non-English-speaking country and the language of instruction of the secondary school was not English, language other than English proficiency can be certified for IGETC without further evaluation. The student must present appropriate documentation of attendance at the secondary school.
• Earn a passing grade on the international A level or O level exam in a language other than English.

If an appropriate achievement test is not available to assert a student's proficiency in a language other than English, a faculty member associated with a California community college can verify competency. The college must provide a document on letterhead asserting that the student's proficiency in the language is equivalent to at least two years of high school study.

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General education

Education that is designed to develop learners’ general knowledge, skills and competencies and literacy and numeracy skills, often to prepare students for more advanced educational programmes at the same or higher ISCED levels and to lay the foundation for lifelong learning. General educational programmes are typically school- or college-based. General education includes educational programmes that are designed to prepare students for entry into vocational education, but that do not prepare for employment in a particular occupation or trade or class of occupations or trades, nor lead directly to a labour market relevant qualification.

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

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.

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General Education: Definition, Requirements, Types & Credits

General education refers to a core curriculum of classes designed to give students a broad and interdisciplinary academic foundation to complement their studies in a specific major. The purpose of gen ed courses is to develop essential academic skills including critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, decision-making and effective communication.

General education requirements differ according to the school and the specific major being pursued. But most include classes in English, math, natural science, social science, arts and humanities and foreign language. More recently, schools have been adding courses in diversity to their general education requirements.

Most schools require 40 to 60 general education credits for a bachelor’s degree and 20 to 40 for an associate’s degree. General education credits are easier to transfer than credits from advanced classes within a major.

Table of Contents

What is General Education (General Education Courses)

General education is a set of classes that form the foundation of a well-rounded education as one of the key benefits. Also called gen ed, general education courses offer each student an interdisciplinary core curriculum regardless of the degree they are pursuing. As a result, students gain an understanding of a wider range of subjects than are covered in courses taken within a specific major.

Gen ed courses make up one-third to one-half of most associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.

General education courses are important because they develop key skills such as analysis, verbal and written communication, collaboration, problem solving, quantitative literacy, decision making and critical thinking required to be a successful student and to succeed in your future career field and as an engaged, ethical and knowledgeable member of society.

General education courses include information that a first-year or second-year student should master. In the third and fourth years of a bachelor’s degree, major courses in the same fields offer advanced learning and understanding of the subjects. For example, general college math is a gen ed core curriculum class while trigonometry and differential equations are courses that math majors must complete.

Gen ed courses are required courses. In that way, they are different from elective courses that the student decides whether to take. However, some college courses can be taken either as required gen ed courses or as elective courses.

What Are General Education Requirements?

General education classes are a set of courses that fulfill the school’s core curriculum objectives required for completing a degree program. The purpose is to provide each student with a foundational education and set of skills that is broader than they will receive in classes required to complete a major.

Each school decides on general education courses to include in its core curriculum. Another factor that determines specifically required gen ed courses are the major you are pursuing. For example, a portion of the gen ed courses for engineering students are often different from those required for liberal arts students.

Gen ed courses account for between one-third and one-half of the credit hours required for the degree. For an associate’s degree, 20-30 general education credits are commonly required. For a bachelor’s degree, from 40 to 60 credits of core curriculum classes must be completed.

Students must also fulfill general education requirements to declare a major and be accepted into the major program. This is because each major has its own set of gen ed class requirements, and the school must ensure that the students it accepts into each major have met those requirements. 

What Are Different Types of General Education Classes?

The general education requirements at most colleges and universities include some or all of the following types of general education classes:

English Language and Literature

Arts and humanities, mathematics, natural science, social sciences, foreign language.

General education classes that form the core curriculum are typically 100 and 200 level classes, though taking upper level courses to fulfill the requirement is allowed at many schools.

These classes are designed to provide general knowledge in each subject. The goal is a general education program covering many different academic disciplines that produces a well-rounded education and prepares the student to gain a depth of knowledge in a specific major.

English language and literature is the study of the English language that enables the student to effectively read, write and verbally communicate in English. English literature provides a broad knowledge of important books and genres in English. A strong grasp of the English language is a core competency in most gen ed programs.

English language and literature includes classes such as:

• English composition
• Creative writing
• Research and writing
• Linguistics
• Literary theory
• English literature
• British literature

English language and literature courses are required for majors such as English, communication, linguistics, journalism, creative writing, technical writing and public relations.

Arts and humanities involve the study of human culture and cultural perspectives, thought, musical and artistic expression.

Classes in the category of arts and humanities include:

• Art history
• Music appreciation
• Visual arts
• Performing arts

Courses in arts and humanities are often prerequisites and good preparation majoring in history, art history, fine arts, music education, performing arts, cultural studies, religious studies, philosophy, literature and comparative literature, and classics.

Mathematics is the science of numbers, quantities, patterns, changes and other numerical processes. It can be studied as pure math or applied math.

Core classes in math include:

• Trigonometry
• Statistics and Probability
• Quantitative reasoning

Majors that rely on classes in math are mathematics, engineering, physics, biology, psychology, business, economics, accounting, finance, computer science and other STEM majors.

Natural science is the branch of science that studies the physical world and scientific principles that apply to it.

Courses that are part of a natural science curriculum are:

• Environmental science

College majors that include a large number of natural sciences courses include physics, biology, chemistry, geology, environmental science and biochemistry.

Social sciences is the study of human society, culture, human behavior and relationships between individuals and groups.

Classes that are part of a social science curriculum include:

• Political science
• Anthropology
• Archaeology

Majors that require taking social science classes include political science, psychology, sociology, economics, history, criminology, social work and anthropology.

Foreign language is the study of modern languages from around the world that are non native to the country where it is studied.

Common foreign language classes included as general education are:

Foreign language studies are useful when majoring in a foreign language or in fields such as international relations, international business, international studies, linguistics, tourism and hospitality management, education and cultural studies. And taking 6 to 12 credits of a foreign language is also required at most schools for a wide range of majors including psychology, sociology, accounting and history. 

The field of diversity is the study of social differences within culture that include gender, race, ethnicity, religion, class, age and other characteristics of identity.

Classes taken as part of diversity studies include:

• Ethnic studies
• Gender studies
• Multicultural studies
• LGBTQ+ studies
• African American studies
• Gender psychology

Classes in diversity are required in majors such as women’s studies, sociology, social work, psychology, education, ethnic studies and human resources.

What are the Differences in General Education Among Different Majors?

Each college major has a unique set of general education courses that serve as prerequisites for the major. There is overlap in the gen ed course requirements for many majors. Here are popular college major categories representing different fields of studies and the differences in the general education classes among them.

It is important to check the specific gen ed requirements at any school for majors you are considering.

Business Majors: General education classes for business majors include college algebra and calculus, introductory business courses, economics, English composition, natural science courses such as biology and chemistry, social science courses like sociology and psychology, humanities classes like history and philosophy, political science, and courses in communication and public speaking, ethics and foreign language.

Computer Science Majors: Required general education courses for computer science majors are heavy in math such as linear algebra, calculus, and analytical skills. Students in this major also take gen ed classes in natural sciences like physics and chemistry, English comp classes, social science courses such as philosophy and economics, courses in humanities such as history, philosophy and literature, foreign language courses, and courses in communication, ethics and philosophy.

English Literature Majors: Students in the English Literature major take gen ed courses in English writing and composition, introduction to English literature, history of literature, foreign language, philosophy, poetry and creative writing, drama or playwriting and cultural studies.

Health and Science Majors: Students that major in health and science programs take general education classes in biology, chemistry, math, healthcare systems, medical research, physics, social sciences, communication, nutrition, medical ethics, public health, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and microbiology.

Humanities Majors: Students that choose a humanities major take core curriculum classes in literature, English writing or composition, environmental studies, social sciences, philosophy, history, foreign language, ethics, cultural studies, visual arts and art history, comparative literature, religious studies and gender or women’s studies.

Social Science Majors: Students seeking a degree in a social science major take general education classes in sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, public health, communication, geography, math, history, philosophy, ethics, social work, English composition, research methods and environmental studies.

STEM Majors: Students in STEM majors take general education classes including English composition or writing, basic and advanced math, physics, computer science, statistics, biology, chemistry, communication, history, research methods, data analytics, foreign language and engineering ethics.

What Are General Education Credits?

General education credits are credits earned in a set of classes required in a student’s degree program with the goal of providing a well-rounded education. Gen ed credits are earned in classes that provide a broad range of knowledge that complements the narrower and deeper education received in classes within the student’s major.

A general education core curriculum is designed to give each student necessary skills for success beyond college in their future career and as an engaged citizen. Skills gained in earning gen ed credits include critical thinking, analysis, effective written and verbal communication, and decision-making.

Students earning an associate degree are required to complete approximately 20 to 30 general education credits. For a bachelor’s degree, 40 to 60 general education credits are required depending on the school and the degree program.

While each major has a unique set of general education credits, common class subjects include English composition, college math, and classes in natural science, social science and humanities.

What Other Methods Can Be Used to Earn General Education Credits?

General education credits can be earned by other methods than taking college courses. Additional ways to earn general education credits are:

• Advanced Placement Exams, or AP Exams
• College-level Examination Program or CLEP
• IB or International Baccalaureate Exams
• TECEP Exams
• University Challenge Exams
• School-specific Exams
• Military Training and Experience
• Portfolio Assessment
• Independent Study

Are General Education Credits Easier to Transfer Between Colleges Compared to Major Course Credits?

Yes, general education credits are more easily transferred than courses required for a specific major.

There are several reasons why it is easier to transfer gen ed courses than major courses. First, most schools have similar gen ed or core curriculum classes. Secondly, general education courses are often numbered the same or similarly, such as algebra 1 and algebra 2 or Spanish 1 and Spanish 2. And many schools have similar or reciprocal transfer policies that make it easier to transfer general education credits.

What Is the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum?

The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum is a set of gen ed requirements for community colleges in California. Known as the IGETC, this curriculum makes it easy for students in 2-year community colleges in California to transfer to 4-year schools within the University of California UC system and California State University CSU system.

What Is a General Education Degree?

A general education degree is a degree program designed to give students a broad educational foundation. Also called a general studies degree, a general education degree provides students with exposure to a wide range of academic disciplines.

Most general education degrees include classes with a high degree of transferability, meaning that the credit hours earned are easily transferred to another college or university.

General education is also a common associate’s degree program. Features of a general education associate’s degree are a broad range of essential courses in math, natural and social sciences, and humanities. General education associate’s degrees are known for their transferability to 4-year schools where the student can complete a bachelor’s degree. 

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The Value of General Education

General education courses are a crucial component of a sound college education..

Posted April 13, 2011 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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While many students take general education to be at best an inconvenience, and at worst a waste of time, there are several reasons for thinking that such courses are valuable for students, and that a reduction of general education hours is usually a very bad idea.

While it is true that college is intended to provide students with the necessary credentials for the career of their choice, it has other important functions as well, especially in this era of globalization.

First, it can and should help one become a better person. From my own experience, my undergraduate and graduate education has helped me to be a better citizen, employee, spouse, and parent than I would otherwise be. We need scientists, lawyers, medical professionals, business people, educators, law enforcement professionals, and others who have cultivated the skills of critical thinking and are familiar with some of the most important elements of human thought. The trend towards narrow specialization at the expense of a general education does not take this into account.

Second, in a democracy, it is essential that citizens vote and participate on the basis of good reasons, and not be at the mercy of the political spin doctors who try to use non-rational and even irrational persuasion to manipulate voters. A solid foundation in the arts, humanities, and sciences can help prevent this. Even if you don't remember much in ten years from a philosophy , psychology, or physics class, the skills in critical thinking that you acquire in these different fields will stay with you and serve you well. And these same skills can also prevent you from being at the mercy of the subtle manipulation used by some advertisers.

Third, while I understand the desire to take more classes and develop more expertise in one's major field of study, there are some problems with this line of thinking. First, many people change careers several times over the course of their lives. The foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills cultivated in general education classes will serve one better over a lifetime than three or four more courses in one's major. Second, in recent years, both the Harvard Business Review and The Atlantic have published articles making the case that companies ought to hire individuals with a humanities education, because they are trained to think in innovative ways. If you want to succeed in business, rather than getting an M.B.A., you should study philosophy, says Matthew Stewart ( The Atlantic , June 2006). The CEO of Cellcom, the leading cell phone provider in Israel, put it this way: "The knowledge I use as CEO can be acquired in two weeks ... The main thing a student needs to be taught is how to study and analyze things (including) history and philosophy."

Fourth, while many colleges and universities have reduced or gutted their general education requirements, it is not necessarily in their best interests to do so. Perhaps universities who maintain rigorous general education requirements could become known as places to provide students with a truly broad and deep education, so that they are better placed to be successful over the entire course of their lives.

In summary, general education requirements have many important purposes. It is in the interests of students, employers, colleges and universities, and society at large to keep this important element of a college education.

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http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/03/want_innovative_thinking_hire.htm

Michael W. Austin, Ph.D. , is a professor of philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University.

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What is it?

Your GenEd ePortfolio is a space for you to collect, reflect, and make meaning of what you have learned as a result of your GenEd experience. Learning is an ongoing process, and your ePortfolio is a tool you will use to capture what you’ve learned and why that matters to you. The ePortfolio you will create and iterate on allows you to highlight what you have learned throughout your GenEd experience, so you will revisit it frequently.

You’ll start creating your GenEd ePortfolio in UNIV 101: Introduction to the General Education Experience. Consider it your "first draft". Throughout your GenEd program, you will add your Signature Assignments as you take more GenEd courses. You will create a final version of your GenEd ePortfolio in the UNIV 301: GenEd ePortfolio course. The final version of the GenEd ePortfolio for UNIV 301 will focus on your personal, academic, and professional goals, while highlighting the knowledge, skills, and competencies you have gained from your GenEd program.

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General education courses for Arts and Humanities

Students must have at least 3 credit hours in arts and humanities courses and a total of 9 credit hours distributed across the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities domains.

Course learning outcomes

Instructors teaching courses in the Arts and Humanities domain include at least half of the following learning goals so students can successfully complete this general education core requirement.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize and describe humanistic, historical, or artistic works or problems and patterns of the human experience
• Apply disciplinary methodologies, epistemologies, and traditions of the humanities and the arts, including the ability to distinguish primary and secondary sources
• Analyze and evaluate texts, objects, events, or ideas in their cultural, intellectual or historical contexts*
• Analyze the concepts and principles of various types of humanistic or artistic expression
• Create, interpret, or reinterpret artistic and/or humanistic works through performance or criticism
• Develop arguments about forms of human agency or expression grounded in rational analysis and in an understanding of and respect for spatial, temporal, and cultural contexts*
• Analyze diverse narratives and evidence in order to explore the complexity of human experience across space and time*

*Cross-listed under Cultural Understanding outcomes

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AG Yost: Student protesters could face felony charges because of 1953 Ohio anti-mask law

In a letter sent Monday to Ohio's public university presidents, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost warned of an obscure law that could affect students who were arrested during recent on-campus protests .

"In our society, there are few more significant career-wreckers than a felony charge," Yost said in the letter. "I write to inform your student bodies of an Ohio law that, in the context of some behavior during the recent pro-Palestinian protests, could have that effect."

Ohio Revised Code 3761.12 makes it a felony to commit a crime with two or more people while wearing white caps, masks or other disguise. "Even a misdemeanor, such as trespass," Yost added.

More: Police confirm 36 arrested at Ohio State anti-Israel protest Thursday night

Wearing face masks at protests became commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained a facet of many campus protests as students toe the line between "the desire for public protest and a fear of professional reprisals," according to a recent article by The Guardian .

The "anti-disguise" law, as Yost called it, is a fourth-degree felony punishable by six to 18 months in prison, up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years on community control.

Ohio's law went into effect on Oct. 1, 1953. Sixteen U.S. states have a form of anti-mask laws, some of which were ratified around the same time to prevent Ku Klux Klan rallies, whose members typically wore white hoods to conceal their identities.

Nineteen Ohio State students were arrested late last month during several on-campus pro-Palestine protests. Some of those students were wearing medical masks and other face coverings when they were arrested.

They were all charged with criminal trespassing, a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $250 fine.

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said last Wednesday that his office will evaluate the evidence in each individual case, including video evidence, to determine the best resolution.

Pete Shipley, a spokesperson for Klein's office, on Monday said charging decisions were made by OSU Police, as they were the arresting department, and questions regarding the decision-making on filed charges should be directed to that police department.

More: Columbus City Attorney says he's reviewing Ohio State arrest cases from April protests

Yost said that the punishment for fourth-degree felonies that could come from an anti-disguise law "is significantly greater than misdemeanors that typically follow minor infractions that accompany student protests."

"I do not wish to see anyone's First Amendment rights abridged, nor see anyone surprised that they violated the law," Yost said. "The First Amendment is a shield against the government, not a sword against fellow students."

Yost said it is likely that some Ohio students would be unaware of this law or "the risk of their conduct."

"You have the tools to fill in that gap," Yost said. "As the semester draws to a close, let's send the students home safely — and without surprise criminal records."

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter,  here .

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