General Education
General Education requirements differ across colleges and universities.
For example, “STEM” colleges such as Caltech and Harvey Mudd often require at least four science courses as part of their GE program.
That aside, most university GE requirements tend to consist of 8-9 courses in a combination of writing, arts, humanities, and STEM. Depending on the school, foreign language and/or PE may also be required.
Due to the differences, you have a bit of flexibility in choosing what courses to take to count for part of your GEs. If you aren’t sure what you should do, check out IGETC for a good place to start.
English / Writing
Usually a 2-course requirement (freshman composition plus an advanced course).
Advanced Composition
Make sure to complete the following prerequisites first:
- Freshman Composition
Choose a primary course.
Critical Thinking
Choose a primary course.
Mathematics
Usually a 1-course requirement.
Mathematics and Logic
Choose a primary course.
College Algebra
Choose a primary course.
Natural Sciences
Usually a 2-course requirement consisting of a biological science course and a physical science course, and at least one with lab.
Introduction to Biology
Choose a primary course.
FREE Biology (CLEP)
Choose a lab course.
FREE Virtual Biology Labs
Cell Biology
Choose a primary course.
FREE Cell Biology: Mitochondria and
FREE Cell Biology: Cell-Cell Interactions and
General Chemistry I
Choose a primary course.
Choose a lab course.
Algebra-Based Physics II
Make sure to complete the following prerequisites first:
- Algebra-Based Physics I
Choose a primary course.
Social Sciences
Usually a 2-3 course requirement. Sometimes a specific course in civics or American government is required.
American Government
Choose a primary course.
FREE U.S. Government
FREE Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution and
FREE Constitution 201: The Progressive Rejection of the Founding and the Rise of Bureaucratic Despotism
FREE Democracy in America
Economics
Choose a primary course.
Introduction to Psychology
Choose a primary course.
FREE AP Psychology – Course 1: What is Psychology? and
FREE AP Psychology – Course 2: How the Brain Works and
FREE AP Psychology – Course 3: How the Mind Works and
FREE AP Psychology – Course 4: How Behavior Works and
FREE AP Psychology – Course 5: Health and Behavior and
FREE AP Psychology – Course 6: Exam Preparation & Review (optional)
Introduction to Sociology
Choose a primary course.
Overview of American History
Choose a primary course.
FREE Digital History
Arts
Usually a 1-2 course requirement.