What Classes Are Required in College? Guide for First-Year Students

Choosing your college classes can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure which ones are required. Whether you’re just starting college or planning your academic journey, it’s essential to understand what classes are required in college to graduate successfully.

Most colleges structure their degree programs around general education requirements, major-specific courses, and electives. These core components ensure that students receive a well-rounded education while gaining in-depth knowledge in their chosen field.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of required college classes, explain their purpose, and help you understand how to plan your academic path strategically. We’ll also answer key questions related to college credit, curriculum design, and how requirements vary by institution.

Classes Are Required in College

1. General Education Classes: The Foundation of All College Degrees

General education courses, also known as “gen eds,” are a set of required classes that every undergraduate student must take, regardless of their major. These classes form the academic foundation of your college experience and aim to build essential skills across various disciplines.

What Subjects Are Included in General Education?

The specific classes can vary slightly by college, but most general education programs include:

• English Composition and Writing

• Mathematics (Algebra, Statistics, or Calculus)

• Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

• Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Economics)

• Humanities (Philosophy, History, Literature)

• Foreign Language or Global Studies

• Arts and Cultural Studies

• Communication and Public Speaking

• Technology or Computer Literacy

Why Are General Education Classes Required?

These classes are designed to help students:

• Develop critical thinking and communication skills

• Become well-informed citizens

• Learn to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives

• Explore different fields before committing to a major

For example, a computer science major might discover a passion for psychology through a required general ed course. That’s one of the reasons colleges mandate a broad curriculum—it fosters intellectual curiosity and cross-disciplinary knowledge.

How Many General Education Classes Do You Need?

Most colleges require 30 to 40 credit hours of general education courses, which typically translates to 10 to 13 classes. These are usually completed during the first two years of college.

Some colleges offer flexibility by allowing students to select from approved course lists in each subject category. This allows for customization while still fulfilling the requirement.

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2. Major-Specific Classes: Specialized Courses for Your Degree

Once general education courses are completed or in progress, students move on to classes related to their chosen major. These classes are often more focused, intensive, and directly connected to your future career or academic goals.

What Are Major Requirements?

Each degree program has a set of required courses that students must complete to earn their degree in that field. For example:

• Biology majors might take Genetics, Ecology, and Molecular Biology

• Engineering students might study Thermodynamics, Circuit Analysis, or Fluid Mechanics

• Business majors typically study Marketing, Accounting, and Business Law

• English majors focus on Literary Analysis, Creative Writing, and Rhetorical Theory

These classes not only build subject matter expertise but also provide practical experience through labs, case studies, group projects, and capstone courses.

How Many Major Classes Are Required?

Most majors require 30 to 60 credit hours, or 10 to 20 classes. These courses are usually taken in the last two to three years of college, although some introductory major courses may be taken earlier.

In many programs, students are also required to maintain a certain minimum GPA in their major classes to graduate. Some schools may require a senior thesis, practicum, or internship as part of the curriculum.

What About Double Majors or Minors?

Students who pursue double majors or academic minors will have additional course requirements. While this adds workload, it can enhance your résumé and broaden your skill set. For instance, a Psychology major with a minor in Data Science may be more appealing to employers in behavioral analytics.

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Understanding your major’s academic roadmap is crucial. Most colleges provide an official curriculum guide or degree audit system to help you track required courses and electives.

3. Elective Courses: Customizing Your College Experience

While general education and major-specific classes are required, most degree programs also allow for elective credits. Electives give students the freedom to explore interests outside of their major and tailor their education to personal or professional goals.

What Counts as an Elective?

An elective is any class that doesn’t fulfill a general education or major requirement but still counts toward your total credit hours for graduation. Electives might include:

• Photography, Art, or Music Appreciation

• Creative Writing or Film Studies

• Personal Finance or Public Speaking

• Environmental Science or Global Issues

• Sports, Health, and Fitness classes

Some students use electives to build complementary skills. For instance, a Computer Science major might take electives in Ethics or Psychology to better understand the social impacts of technology.

Strategic Use of Electives

Electives aren’t just for fun—they can serve strategic purposes:

• Prepare for graduate school

• Develop soft skills like communication or leadership

• Explore career interests before committing

• Earn certifications or credentials (e.g., GIS, Project Management)

Colleges usually require 20 to 30 credit hours of electives, depending on your major. Some programs allow students to convert unused electives into a concentration area or certificate program.

Remember, while electives offer freedom, they still need to fit within your college’s credit system and academic calendar. It’s important to consult your academic advisor to ensure you’re on track to graduate.

Variations by College and Degree Type

Not all colleges follow the same structure when it comes to required classes. There are differences based on:

• Degree Type: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) usually requires more humanities courses, while a Bachelor of Science (BS) focuses more on technical or math-heavy subjects.

• Two-Year vs. Four-Year Programs: Community colleges offer associate degrees that cover general education and basic major courses, often designed to transfer to a four-year institution.

• Accreditation and State Requirements: Some states require specific courses, like American Government or History, for graduation.

• Honors Programs: Students in honors programs may have alternative course paths, more research-focused classes, or extra seminars.

For example, liberal arts colleges often place a heavier emphasis on writing and interdisciplinary studies, while technical institutions may prioritize math and science-based coursework.

Therefore, it’s essential to review your college’s course catalog, student handbook, or academic advisor checklist to understand your personalized requirements.

Conclusion: Planning for Success in College

Understanding what classes are required in college is key to staying on track and making the most of your academic journey. The three main categories—general education, major-specific, and electives—each play an important role in shaping your skills, knowledge, and career readiness.

Key Takeaways:

• General education classes build foundational academic skills.

• Major-specific classes provide depth and expertise in your chosen field.

• Electives offer customization and personal enrichment.

Whether you’re still applying to college or already enrolled, make a plan with your academic advisor early on. Keep track of your degree audit and stay flexible, as your interests may evolve.

By understanding the structure of college course requirements, you’ll not only graduate on time but also create an enriching and meaningful college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Class Requirements

Can I skip general education classes if I already know my major?

No. Most colleges require all students to complete gen eds, regardless of major. However, AP or dual-enrollment credits may help you bypass some.

Are online college classes structured the same?

Yes. Online degree programs typically mirror in-person requirements in terms of general education, major courses, and electives.

What if I change my major—will I lose credits?

Some credits may transfer over, especially general education courses. Major-specific credits may not always apply to your new program.