Why Gen-Eds Can Benefit Your Future

Aubrey Miller
Staff Writer

We have all said it before: “I hate gen-eds.”

What is the point of taking a class that has nothing to do with my major?

Many times students find that these classes are a “waste of time” or “pointless.”

Why should I be taking an art class when I am a biology major? Is something I ask myself all the time.

ESU requires students to take five gen-ed courses in each of the three categories: Arts and Letters, Science and Social Science.

The reality is, these general education courses are actually beneficial.

Taking classes that are outside of your major is actually contributing to your future career and overall well-roundedness, which are things that everyone needs in the “real-world.”

What can these classes do for you?

They can provide a set of skills such as writing effectively, communicating, working as a team, problem solving and an appreciation for established facts.

Future employers are going to be looking for these set of skills, seeking the well-roundedness these classes can give you.

Some information you get from a general psychology course will teach you things that you can use for life.

You will find that you are learning things that are applicable in your everyday life and then perhaps in your future career. Also, it is not uncommon to find that students change their majors.

According to information from the National Center for Education on the University of Iowa’s website, “Studies have shown that almost 80% of college students will change their major at least once.”

This is often due to general education courses.

Students may find that they have a strong interest in a class that they took as a gen-ed and decide that they want to have a career in that particular subject.

While some classes really may not be anything interesting to you, just remember that there are some benefits to them in the long run.

So push through those gen-eds and keep an open mind!

You never know where one class could take you.

Email Aubrey at:
amiller82@live.esu.edu