When it comes to general education classes, it seems like the majority of people are split down the middle in how they feel about them. Some people love them and some people hate them. Normally the people who hate them usually come into school completely decided in what they want to do in life and with their careers; therefore, general education classes seem pointless. Then there is the polar opposite, those who love them because they go into college undecided and having those courses to experiment and help you decide is crucial to finding the right career for you.

The real reason colleges make you take Gen Ed’s though is mainly because they want you to get a general knowledge on a variety of subjects, and not just your intended major. The intention of college is not just to mold you into a professional in your field of study, but also make you a well-rounded citizen in a variety of topics. Solely because of this fact, general education classes will most likely remain a part of the mandatory curriculum for universities for years to come. Most students do not appreciate it now, but there is a chance that some information learned in one of those classes could land them a job opportunity or a promotion in the future.

Kailey Bergman, a sophomore majoring in nursing does not like the fact that she has to take a history course in a nursing path. She said, “If I have to take a history class and I am not a history major, then why should I have to take it? I do not understand the reasoning behind it. If you’re not good at something and you have to take a course in it, it will lower your GPA. In addition, they are much harder then they should be which makes me hate them more.”

The debate on General Education courses will most likely remain split down the middle for many years to come, because there will always be those undecided students who need them and those who arrive at college with a set mindset in what they want to do and find them irrelevant. No matter which type of student you are, remember to keep an open mind when it comes to Gen Ed’s, because they can result to be very helpful, even if it just helps you win an argument with a friend.