Understanding College Required Classes

As I plan for college, I'm trying to get a clear picture of what required classes I might need to take, no matter which major I choose. Are there typical general education courses that every first-year student has to take? How do these requirements differ between schools, and do they change a lot based on the type of degree, like a BA vs. a BS?

Every college or university will have some form of general education requirements, also known as "gen ed" or "core" requirements. These are courses that are designed to introduce students to various disciplines outside of their major and ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Usually, gen ed requirements include subjects such as English (typically composition classes focusing on developing writing skills), humanities (like philosophy or art history), social sciences (like psychology or sociology), natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), and mathematics. Some colleges also require coursework in areas like physical education and foreign languages.

However, the specifics can vary greatly between schools. Some institutions, like liberal arts colleges, tend to have extensive gen ed requirements to promote a broad-based education. For example, Amherst College requires students to take courses in various categories like "historical studies," "language," "natural and physical sciences," and more.

On the other hand, larger universities may have less demanding gen ed requirements. For instance, schools like the University of Minnesota have a menu-like system where students can choose from a broad range of courses to fulfill gen ed requirements in categories like "physical sciences," "social sciences," "art or literature," and more.

In terms of the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, it's best to keep in mind that BS degrees typically require more courses within the major, or in math and sciences, while BA degrees usually allow for a broader range of subjects, with fewer in-depth requirements in the major. Consequently, BA programs tend to have more flexibility to fulfill gen ed requirements, while BS programs might have more specific, comprehensive requirements related to the major itself.

Ultimately, the details of what is required will vary by school and major. It's a good idea to research specific institutions and degrees you're interested in to see what might be expected of you. It can also be beneficial to speak with a college's admissions representative or current students to reveal some of the unique aspects and requirements of their programs.