By Caroline Masse, Associate Vice President
Questioning the value of general education courses is not something
new in higher education. Students often feel that the jobs of
today—jobs in the digital economy—require a sole focus on science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while courses outside of
those areas offer little value or linkage to a lucrative career.
However, gen ed courses are a necessary part of a well-rounded
education that prepares you for your entire career journey. They are
also a critical place to build meaningful, lifelong skills that
support innovation, creativity, and empathy—skills that have economic
It’s important that you—the student—can see a clear connection
between these courses and career outcomes. After all, you are
investing your time and money, and the value should be apparent.
So, we did our research. We met with employers to better understand
the skills they’re looking for, and how we can prepare you for those
jobs. From those conversations, we identified a set of 10 essential
skills and embedded those skills into our liberal arts and humanities
courses [see below].
By explicitly linking these skills to coursework such as history or
philosophy, we answer your question about value. You will be able to
see why those courses are important.
FOR EXAMPLE: You are asked to examine a philosophical work and
identify themes. In the process of doing so, you might ask questions,
become curious, explore other resources, and identify patterns. These
skill-building activities will help you navigate ambiguity and adapt
to change—critical skills that employers look for.
In addition to helping you acquire those critical skills, we also
want to help you learn how to promote them. An assessment tool will
help you track your growth in those skill sets, and reward you with
microcredentials as you progress along the skill-building
Before you’ve even graduated, you will be able to show a solid foundation in the skills employers are looking for, and you’ll be more confident in what you can do. You might even look back on those general education courses fondly as you grow your career, expertly navigating complex workplaces and people.
10 essential skills for success in today’s job market that you will learn in gen ed courses
Communication writing, oral communication, persuasion, collaboration, active listening
Problem Solving critical thinking, decision making, ethical reasoning, scientific reasoning, information literacy
Data Analysis mathematical reasoning, quantitative analysis, quantitative communication
Productivity planning, organizing, time management
Digital Proficiency desktop technology, web-based technology
Creativity/Innovation curiosity, divergent thinking
Agility urgency, adaptability, focus
Confidence and Self-Efficacy positive/growth mindset, personal accountability
Self- and Social-Awareness self-reflection, empathy
Drive/Initiative self-motivation, initiative, determination, perseverance