General Education Requirements

General Education Requirements are the courses that all students must take to be awarded a Bachelor’s degree. Although the specific courses for each major and college differ, there are some universal classes that all students must take.

Those classes include English, math, history, humanities, science, and social science. The purpose of these General Education requirements is to create a well rounded student that can think critically about a wide range of subject matter.

It is important for community college students to be aware of these requirements. Although you may not yet know what you plan to major in, taking theses courses can make sure you make progress toward transfer.

The great thing about junior colleges is that the first two years at any college are spent taking classes that have little to no relation to your major. Junior colleges offer nearly all the classes needed to complete your freshman and sophomore years for a fraction of the price. So why spend more for the classes at a four year university that you can take at a community college?

By focusing on the course requirements during your stay at community college, you will continue to make academic progress while locking in the low fees. Otherwise you will pay more for four year university rates.

Many colleges require that transfer students complete all course requirements prior to transfer. Although colleges may accept students who have not completed all of these requirements, you will be required to take the classes at the four year university.

This may delay your progress at your college. By the time you transfer, you will want to focus on courses in your major. If you spend time at your four year college completing general classes, you will have less time for the classes you actually want to take.

When planning your college schedule, be sure to take into account the requirements for the colleges you may want to transfer to. If you are unsure about your major, by completing those courses you may find a subject that interests you. Being undecided is no reason you can’t transfer within two or three years. Focusing on general education classes will put you on your way to being a college graduate.