Call them ‘gen. eds.,’ core curriculum, liberal arts requirements. Whatever the name, most colleges require students to take a range of basic courses in the humanities, arts, social sciences, math and natural sciences. Although these courses tend not to be directly related to many majors, administrators believe the requirements benefit students in the long run, and surprisingly, many students do too.

At the United States Military Academy at West Point, all graduates receive a Bachelor of Science as an Army Officer. Although majors in engineering, math and science or humanities and social sciences are available, all cadets must take the same core classes, which according to the Academy’s website, provide “an essential base of knowledge necessary for all career Army leaders.”

Cadet Private Rob Bucknam explains how general education requirements give students the skills to expand beyond the classroom.

“West Point is all about the military,” Bucknam says. “However, West Point also wants its graduates to become distinguished members of society, both in and out of the Army. The purpose of the general education program is really to ensure that graduates are well-rounded academically. It allows them to better relate to others and interact better and more properly in society.”

Many of West Point’s core classes are similar to those of other colleges: English, history, foreign language, social sciences, math, chemistry and physics. However, Bucknam is required to take other courses that are particular only to the Academy: military science, physical education, law, leadership and information technology.

“Some of our gen. eds. — particularly the physical education classes — teach skills that a soldier must know,” Buckman says. “Boxing, survival swimming, and combatives are all essential skills that an officer in today’s Army must possess.”

Okay, so general education courses seem to have a place in the military. But what about standard four-year colleges?

At the University of Notre Dame, freshman students are admitted into the First Year of Studies program, and don’t begin taking courses for their major until sophomore year. In their first year, all students take the same classes: a university seminar, first year composition, mathematics, natural sciences, and physical education. Additionally, sometime during their four years at Notre Dame, students must take courses in history, social science, philosophy, theology and fine arts or literature.

More than halfway through the First Year of Studies program, freshman Jackie Spengler reflects on her initial attitudes about required courses.

“At first when I found out that I had all these requirements I had to take, I was honestly really mad about it. Science and theology are just not my thing.”