The Necessity and Validity of Unnecessary Courses in Unrelated Degrees

Universities often impose a variety of general education requirements that may seem unnecessary to some students. However, these requirements serve several important purposes, contributing to a well-rounded education and preparing students for a multitude of life and career challenges. This article explores both the benefits of these courses and the concerns surrounding their expense and relevance to specialized fields.

The Benefits of General Education

Well-Rounded Education: The primary goal of general education is to provide a broad base of knowledge across multiple disciplines. This exposure helps develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. For instance, a student pursuing a business degree might take a course in psychology to gain insights into consumer behavior, which can be crucial in marketing strategies.

Interdisciplinary Skills: Many industries benefit from a diverse set of skills. In the field of medicine, for example, understanding the basics of history, art, and ethics can enhance a practitioner's ability to relate to patients and make well-rounded decisions.

Core Competencies: Universities aim to ensure that graduates possess essential skills like communication, quantitative reasoning, and ethical reasoning, which are invaluable in any profession. These skills help students navigate various professional environments, from law to engineering, where adaptability and clear communication are key.

Addressing Costs and Relevance Concerns

While the benefits of general education are clear, the high cost of college degrees raises valid concerns about the balance between breadth and depth of learning. Critics argue that the high expenses associated with these additional courses can be a considerable financial burden, especially in the United States, where the cost of tuition has skyrocketed.

For example, a student in the United States may face an average student loan debt of over $37,000 by the time they graduate. Reforming the current system to better align with modern learning needs could significantly alleviate the financial strain on students. This includes evaluating which courses truly add value and reducing costs where possible.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The advent of online learning, globalization, and increased access to information via the internet have changed the landscape of education. Many students can now gain a broad understanding of the world without the need for traditional classroom settings. Programs like the two-year nursing programs in the United States, which are recognized and effective, highlight that specialized education can be achieved with fewer financial burdens.

However, the argument for a well-rounded education remains strong. Universities must find a balance between providing specialized knowledge and equipping students with diverse skills. This could involve reviewing the current curriculum and introducing more flexible options that allow students to explore different subjects without incurring excessive costs.

Critiques and Societal Impact

Is it fair to force students to pay for classes they may find irrelevant or uninteresting? The answer depends on whether these requirements contribute genuinely to their future success. The cynic’s perspective highlights the financial burden imposed by these requirements, suggesting they add significant costs to a degree that may not align with students' career goals.

On the other hand, the optimist sees general education as an essential part of a liberal education, vital for personal growth and societal engagement. If students are required to take courses that provide a broader perspective, it aligns with the principles of liberalism, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute to diverse and complex societies.

Nevertheless, the escalating cost of college degrees in the United States, with an estimated $1.77 trillion in student loan debt as of November 2023, underscores the urgency of reevaluating and reforming these requirements.

Conclusion

The necessity of general education courses in college curricula is a topic of ongoing debate. While they provide valuable educational experiences and broad perspectives, the high costs associated with these requirements can be a significant burden. Society needs to strike a balance between providing a well-rounded education and managing the financial implications for students.

Reforming these curricula to be more cost-effective and relevant to students' future career paths is crucial. This includes incorporating more flexible and varied learning options, reducing the number of required courses where they do not add substantial value, and ensuring that the core competencies required are both aligned with current industry needs and accessible to all students.

Ultimately, higher education should strive to provide the best possible preparation for students' future success while remaining financially feasible and inclusive.