A General Education Degree

Almost every college student groans about GER’s, or General Education Requirements. The courses are taken from every aspect of learning, ranging from sciences to foreign language. Most people find that they excel in one area, but dread working through a subject that they don't feel as confident in. This is precisely the point of general education.
 
The goal of general education requirements is to create well-rounded individuals that have received a true taste of all aspects of education; possessing a diverse body of knowledge may ultimately help a student to have more career options upon graduation. In olden days, people who possessed diverse skills were valued as “renaissance" men or women. In modern times, the general education degree offers an equivalent smattering of knowledge and applicable skills, preparing individuals for a vast number of careers.

General Education Courses

Regardless of the potential major or minor, all college students pursuing a BA must first complete a series of classes from all disciplines. These courses generally include:
  • Applied Science (physics)
  • Arts (performing, visual or musical)
  • Cultural Studies
  • Freshman Seminar (of the student's selection)
  • History
  • Life Sciences (Biology, psychology)
  • Mathematics (Algebra, Accounting).
Traditionally, at a four-year university, these courses are completed in the first two years of study, after which the scholar then chooses a focus for the remainder of the college curriculum. These courses are also meant to fulfill a universal standard to allow the student the flexibility of transferring to another institution.
 
For those setting their sights on a degree in education, a general education degree provides a solid foundation of knowledge that will be necessary for the wide range of information needed to teach children in grades K-12. These scholars must be strong in all areas in order to teach the younger grades, because their attitude towards that particular subject can shape the way a young person will approach it later in life.

Online General Education Degrees

The Internet is a rich source of opportunity for individuals looking to pursue a degree in general education. Online programs offer relief to those who feel they can’t afford to pay for school, let alone stop working long enough to attend a full time master's program. There are several online universities that are geared towards aspiring teachers trying to earn their Master of Education.

Post-Grad Work for General Education Degree Students

After fulfilling your undergraduate degree coursework in general education, there are several advanced degree options you may wish to consider:
  • Master of Arts in Education: combines both theory and practice, for individuals who may wish to either teach or work in educational administration

  • Master of Arts in Teaching:focuses on subjects that will be taught in a classroom, for those who are sure they want to teach

  • Master of Education: geared toward those who might not want to teach in the classrooms, but would like to work in schools on a administrative level

  • Teacher Certification:depending on the state, certification may be required before a teacher can work in secondary school classrooms.

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