Many students work diligently their entire high school career to embark on a college career that will hopefully develop their work-related skills. But many students argue that the importance of focusing on their career is diminished when they are required to take classes outside their major. Jacqueline Barker, art and sciences senior, said she does not feel like some of the skills she learns in required classes benefit her future career. “Some of the classes I have taken are a waste of time,” Barker said. “Students need their basic classes like math and English, but courses in foreign language and computer science will probably never be used in a student’s career.” The University prides itself on establishing accredited degree programs for students, but it also requires students to take 39 credit hours in subjects some students deem unnecessary and time-consuming – general education courses. Many educators argue that requiring students to gain knowledge in fields outside their specific major helps students become more well-rounded and marketable in the professional world. The University’s course catalog reads, “The University’s General Education requirement represents a conviction on the part of the faculty that all students need to reason logically, communicate effectively and relate to the world around them.” Gary Byerly, associate dean of students for the College of Basic Sciences, said students who pursue careers in science have demanding course loads, but he agrees that students should be required to develop skills in different areas. “Our students only take 50 percent of their courses inside their major and the other half in other fields,” Byerly said. “But I think that reflects the national standard for students who are going into the work world or pursuing a graduate degree. And that standard reflects the desire for students to be able to communicate in several ways and have developed skills in different areas.” Byerly said he has not encountered many students who have not grasped the concept of being a well-rounded professional. “It is very uncommon that I see a student that does not understand why they have to take classes outside their major,” Byerly said. “Most students appreciate the ability to take classes outside their major. I don’t think every student is 100 percent enthusiastic about taking classes the University requires, but that all depends on the personality of the student. Some students may be enthusiastic about using their elective hours to take business classes even though they are biology majors, but some students are not interested in the required subjects at all.” Lacey Deshotel, English junior, said she agrees with the reason for the University requiring her to take classes that do not necessarily apply to her career, but she does not see the importance of some classes. “I understand having to take history, and I understand taking math because you will have to use that at some point in your life,” Deshotel said. “But I do sometimes question why English majors are required to take science classes. I am quite sure science majors wonder why they have to take English courses too.” Many students are not certain about what major they want to pursue and taking a variety of classes allows them to explore their options, Byerly said. “A lot of students, especially those between the age of 18 and 22, change their minds about their major while they are in school,” Byerly said. “The fact that we give them the opportunity to explore outside of their major helps them understand what they can do well and takes them beyond what they thought they could do when they got out of high school. The freedom and flexibility of a typical undergraduate program is a good thing.” Studies say undergraduate degrees allow students to develop an appreciation for many subjects, but some students opt to attend vocational schools to save time and money. According to the U.S. Department’s 2004 Final Report on National Assessment of Vocation Education, as many as 40 million adults engage in short-term, post-secondary occupational training. Though many students choose to pursue a trade rather than a bachelor’s degree, many professionals argue that the corporate world is more likely to recruit students with an undergraduate degree. Paul Ivey, University College associate dean, said University students should appreciate the opportunity to step outside what is usually expected in their major. “In a university setting it is expected that students take courses outside their major because it is not a vocational school where students specialize in a particular trade,” Ivey said. “The work world is looking for students who are more than vocationally trained and who have an appreciation for other subjects as well as their field of expertise.”
—–Contact Garesia Randle at [email protected]