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Is it important to take classes outside of my major?
When I go to college, I'm probably going to major in a natural science, and, honestly, I don't enjoy English or history class. Is it a good idea to take those courses in college anyways, or can I only take the math and science I enjoy?
#premed
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10 answers
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Richard’s Answer
Take all the AP/IB credit you can from high school to satisfy your school's basic requirements. You could also get the basics out of the way at your local community college so you can focus on the STEM classes that you consider more important.
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KUSHITHA’s Answer
It's always beneficial to take courses outside of you major. I think any technology related courses will help you and give a boost to your resume. In addition trying on a few courses outside of your field of studies will help youto widen your horizon and develop areas of interest. You may end up enjoying the classes.
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Estelle’s Answer
You will probably have to take some classes outside your field of interest to fulfill your university's core curriculum. Try to place out of the courses that you not enjoy with CLEP or AP.
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Blake’s Answer
Hey Henry,
Yes. This will help you separate yourself from others as you apply for jobs.
Thanks,
Blake
Yes. This will help you separate yourself from others as you apply for jobs.
Thanks,
Blake
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Mary’s Answer
College is an opportunity to explore your interests. Take courses in your major and explore other classes/subjects that may open you up to other interests and opportunities.
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Yume’s Answer
Hi Henry! When you go into college, you will have to take your general education courses unless you have satisfied with AP tests that you may have taken with a score of 3 or above. You will have to take these some sort of writing class (generally Writing 1 and 2) and some form of social science. Your school will offer you a huge selection of what you can take, so you can potentially take a course that is interesting to you even though it's a history or English class. Hope this helps!
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Camellia’s Answer
I think it might be beneficial to take courses outside your major, if you have elective credits you need to fulfill. In college, I had credits from my AP Drawing class that I took in High School. I used those credits in combination with some fine art classes that I took on the side to get myself a minor in Fine Art along with my major in Accounting. If you have another interest that might be something to consider as well, but like Yume and Estelle said you most like will have to take a couple classes that you don't enjoy.
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Jamie’s Answer
Hi Henry,
Each of the courses that I took outside of my degree were extremely beneficial! I would suggest two ways for you to choose classes:
1. What is your second passion? Do you have another interest outside of your major? Many schools offer “minors” where you take 3-6 classes that will allow you to receive a secondary degree. This could be complementary to your existing degree or could be completely unrelated. This minor could be a great addition to your resume or a talking point during an interview. It could also broaden your options for careers after college.
2. Choose classes that will give you new skills. If I could go back to college I would choose classes that were focused on Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.), communications, public speaking or photography. While these would not be directly related to my major, these would be helpful skills to have for my job or if I wanted to have a second stream of income.
Each of the courses that I took outside of my degree were extremely beneficial! I would suggest two ways for you to choose classes:
1. What is your second passion? Do you have another interest outside of your major? Many schools offer “minors” where you take 3-6 classes that will allow you to receive a secondary degree. This could be complementary to your existing degree or could be completely unrelated. This minor could be a great addition to your resume or a talking point during an interview. It could also broaden your options for careers after college.
2. Choose classes that will give you new skills. If I could go back to college I would choose classes that were focused on Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.), communications, public speaking or photography. While these would not be directly related to my major, these would be helpful skills to have for my job or if I wanted to have a second stream of income.
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Syed’s Answer
Hi Henry,
Most natural sciences courses will be through the Arts and Sciences school of your respective university/college, so you’ll likely have to take humanities classes outside of your major anyway. You can always take a certain portion of your classes as pass/fail if you’re worried about your GPA but still need the credits to graduate. In general, it is important to have a cursory knowledge of topics outside of your field because this makes you a more knowledgable, well-rounded person who has an easier time engaging with other people in interesting conversations.
Most natural sciences courses will be through the Arts and Sciences school of your respective university/college, so you’ll likely have to take humanities classes outside of your major anyway. You can always take a certain portion of your classes as pass/fail if you’re worried about your GPA but still need the credits to graduate. In general, it is important to have a cursory knowledge of topics outside of your field because this makes you a more knowledgable, well-rounded person who has an easier time engaging with other people in interesting conversations.
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Rachel’s Answer
I would take the basic English and history courses just because these classes serve to make you a more well-rounded educated person. A college degree, while helpful in getting you a job, is also important in making you an educated and well-spoken person. Sometimes it's good to work on your weaknesses even more than your strengths.