Why do I need this?

Three credits of U.S. diversity, three credits of International Diversity, 12 credits of Arts and Humanities and nine credits of Social Studies. That adds up to 27 non-major credits. That is close to two semesters of tuition for general courses that an average student may flush out of their brain after the course is over. Why is this necessary?

Some will say it is to become that Renaissance man (or woman) and obtain a well-rounded education. This is partially true; learning about another culture or subject can broaden one's viewpoint. Others will say it is so the student can explore and allow them to see if they want to do something else. This may be valid as the average student changes majors two to three times.

But a third option may be needed for those who want to learn a basic skill or talent instead of learning about the importance of the cotton gin. Students should have the ability to switch out a history or psychology course for a course emphasizing real-life knowledge, like basic computer repair or how to interview for a job. This way if a person has a computer meltdown before a presentation, or has a big interview with a Fortune 500 company, that student will have a skill that allows them to advance themselves.

General education classes play a role in a student's education, but a choice between learning a skill or learning about Washington crossing the Delaware could be beneficial.