While a college curriculum will mostly contain classes in your area of study, it will also shape your knowledge and skills in ways beyond your major. Of course, this will depend on the college or university you attend, but you’ll most often find that some general education (gen ed) courses are required in order to progress and graduate.

On top of major-specific studies, the required classes in college are usually general education courses that help to build a well-rounded foundation for your future. These courses are designed to help you develop critical thinking, communication strategies, and problem-solving skills, all while giving you a taste of diverse subjects.

Commonly required general education courses

General education courses can expose you to diverse interests and a variety of topics that mesh with your area of expertise in the field. They can also help you navigate your college trajectory more easily by ensuring you have the foundational knowledge needed to advance into more technical subjects.

Understanding that these required courses will support you throughout your career is key as a college student. If you’re still wondering, “What classes do you have to take in college?”, read on. Let’s unpack the most common gen ed courses you’ll see.

1. English composition and communication

English and communication courses take different names depending on the school you’re attending. But they are all introductory courses focused on academic writing, reading, and speaking effectively. In these, most of your class work will include essays, research papers, and presentations, and though for some it can be scary or boring, these classes polish your skills on clear expression, critical thinking, and thoughtful communication in academic settings, the workplace, and everyday life.

2. Mathematics and quantitative reasoning

These cover topics such as algebra, statistics, and problem-solving using numbers and logic. Though to some, math feels intimidating, analytical skills and data interpretation are essential for decision-making in many careers and daily life. Don’t let fear hold you back! Challenging yourself is part of the college experience.

3. Humanities

Humanities courses can be both required and tailored to your major, as they explore human culture, values, ideas, and languages. Some of these classes may be required, like history, and others tailored to your program, like philosophy, history, literature, and foreign languages. These ultimately help you expand your knowledge of the world and yourself.

4. Social sciences

Your curriculum will also require some credits in social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and political science. You will learn social dynamics analytically and understand institutions and human interactions. They prepare you to engage in society with mindfulness.

5. Natural sciences

You will take at least one natural science or laboratory course like biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or other earth sciences. These help you develop critical thinking and scientific literacy, necessary when facing real-world challenges in your health or the environment.

6. Diversity, ethics, and cultural studies

These are required classes in college that explore cultural differences, ethical questions, and social justice issues in local and global communities. They promote community empathy, respect, and ethical decision-making, preparing you to work in different environments and contributing positively to society.

Grow your skills at Goodwin.

At Goodwin University, a minimum of 40 credits in general education is typically required of bachelor’s degree students, providing a well-rounded curriculum. Including English, math, science, humanities, and electives, students graduate with a multifaceted, strong foundation in the world around them.

Why are these classes required in college?

As incoming freshmen, general education courses are what help navigate college most effectively, teaching valuable skills employers look for—critical thinking, communication, analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving, to name a few. Exploring multiple fields and perspectives encourages students’ adaptability and helps them become engaged citizens.

Especially for undecided students, gen ed courses provide a valuable chance to explore different academic fields and help decide which major better suits their goals. General education courses are spaces for students to grow both personally and professionally.

Do different colleges require different classes?

The classes you have to take in college may depend on the school you attend. The most common types of schools are liberal arts colleges and career-focused institutions, and each institution will take a different approach to your “required” general education coursework.

Liberal arts colleges

This type of college provides a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge through courses in humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Liberal arts colleges encourage students to explore multiple disciplines before specializing in a major, sharpening their skills and adaptability, and helping them become well-rounded professionals. With that in mind, you will always find a range of general education courses in a liberal arts college curriculum, with the goal of giving you a versatile education that can be applied to any major or career you pursue. Some might find these programs take a long time to complete (enter, the four-year bachelor’s degree), with the number of required courses involved.

Career-focused institutions

Career-focused institutions serve students who have their sights set on specific professions, such as nursing, business, engineering, or IT. As such, coursework can be tailored completely to the needs and goals of the students, helping to prepare them for a very specific career outcome. In career-focused institutions, like Goodwin University, you’ll typically find fewer general ed course requirements than you would in a traditional liberal arts school. The focus is instead shifted to career preparation and specialized coursework within each area of study.

Required classes in career colleges will include a blend of practical and lecture-based classes, certification prep, and hands-on training experiences. Though career-focused institutions do require general education courses, they are limited and are typically more in tune with your major. This is normally an attractive option for those who’d like to graduate quickly with all the essential skills and experience needed for a certain career field.

The importance of required classes beyond graduation

The knowledge you’ll gain in college transcends graduation. It’s the base of your understanding of the world! General education courses can broaden your worldview, promote continuous learning, and enhance brain health, self-esteem, and fulfillment. Because they expose you to several disciplines and perspectives, they form you into an informed, engaged citizen who can positively engage and navigate complex issues. So, try to see them as more than a “requirement” — these courses can set the stage for a successful career, and make you a more well-rounded professional.

Learn about the career-focused programs at Goodwin University to see if our programs are a good fit for you!