Both sides of General Education.

One the one hand I feel like general education isn't important. I don't need to know anything about psychology or sociology to be a Dental Hygienist. Or better, how come some degrees require general history classes? Unless were going to be a historian or a politician why would we ever need to know what happened in historic times? Things are different now, technology has evolved so much that it seems pointless to me to be bothered with our ancestors mistakes. Another great example, is my old roommate. All she wanted to be was an elementary school teacher and she was required to take college algebra! Why? Those kids will never need to know how to do anything from a college algebra class, and I seriously doubt she would ever use it again being an elementary school teacher... Sure if she ever wanted to do something else she might need a higher level math class, but if that becomes the case she could go back to school. Chances are she would have to retake classes many of her gen ed's anyway because they usually can't be transferred after a certain amount of time.

 On the other hand, I do believe having basic math, english, and social skills are important in any job field. How could one ever get hired if they were always unprofessional at interviews or treated customers and patients with ignorance? So I do believe that general education is important and a student shouldn't be able to take only courses pertaining to their desired career. However, I think some classes are a stretch and unnecessary. Certain courses shouldn't be required to obtain a degree if it has absolutely nothing to do with your career choice, it is simply a waste of time.

Jessica Hansen