Many students often question the relevance of general education courses, wondering, “Why do I need to study subjects like humanities or social science when my focus is on a specific career path, perhaps even in a program like the Ab Tech Career Pilot Program?”. This is a valid question, and understanding the answer is crucial to appreciating the value of your overall education.
General education courses are specifically designed to equip you with a broad spectrum of skills that are essential for success, not just in your chosen major but in all aspects of life. These courses bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Imagine needing to communicate effectively with a future employer, compose a well-structured report in your field, or understand the financial implications of a loan – these are all areas where general education provides a solid foundation. Beyond career-specific skills, general education cultivates critical thinking, broadens your global perspective, and deepens your appreciation for the human experience. These qualities are the hallmarks of a well-rounded individual, contributing to your effectiveness as a member of society and an informed citizen.
General Education Requirements at AB Tech: How Many Hours Do You Need?
The number of general education hours required depends on the type of degree program you are pursuing at AB Tech. Here’s a breakdown for different Associate degrees:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree:
For students in career-focused programs like those potentially feeding into initiatives similar to an “AB Tech career pilot program”, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required, distributed across these categories:
- Communication: Six hours
- Humanities & Fine Arts: Three hours
- Social & Behavioral Science: Three hours
- Natural Science & Mathematics: Three hours
The following table lists pre-selected general education course options for AAS degrees:
| Communication | Humanities & Fine Arts | Social & Behavioral Science | Natural Science & Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM-110 | ART-111 | ECO-251 | BIO-161 |
| COM-120 | ART-114 | ECO-252 | BIO-163 |
| COM-231 | ART-115 | HIS-111 | BIO-168 |
| ENG-110 | HUM-110 | HIS-112 | MAT-110 |
| ENG-111 | HUM-115 | HIS-131 | MAT-121 |
| ENG-112 | MUS-110 | HIS-132 | MAT-143 |
| ENG-114 | MUS-112 | POL-120 | MAT-152 |
| PHI-215 | PSY-150 | MAT-171 | |
| PHI-240 | SOC-210 | PHY-110/110A | |
| SOC-225 | PHY-121 |
Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) Degrees (Transfer Degrees):
Degrees designed for university transfer, such as the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science, require a more extensive general education component. You will need to complete 45 hours in general education categories:
- English Composition: Six hours
- Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts: Six to nine hours
- Social & Behavioral Sciences: Six to nine hours
- Mathematics: Three to eight hours
- Natural Sciences: Four to eight hours
- Additional General Education Hours: 11 to 14 hours
Associate in Engineering (AE) Degree (Transfer Degree):
For students pursuing an Associate in Engineering degree, the general education requirement is 42 hours:
- English Composition: Six hours
- Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts: Six hours
- Social & Behavioral Sciences: Six work hours
- Mathematics: 12 hours
- Natural Sciences: 12 hours
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA) Degree (Transfer Degree):
The Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree requires 25 general education hours:
- English Composition: Six hours
- Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts: Six hours
- Social & Behavioral Sciences: Six hours
- Mathematics: Three to four hours
- Natural Sciences: Four hours
For detailed information regarding general education requirements for transfer degrees, including specific course options for each category, please refer to the current AB Tech College Catalog.
What Skills Will You Gain Through General Education?
At AB Tech, our faculty have meticulously crafted a general education core curriculum to ensure that graduates develop essential competencies, regardless of their chosen field. These core competencies are vital for personal, academic, and professional success, and are highly valued in various career paths, potentially including those accessed through programs like the AB Tech Career Pilot Program. Through general education, you will learn to:
Critically Evaluate Information:
- Information Literacy: You will develop the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from diverse sources.
- Critique of Human Expression: You will learn to analyze and interpret various forms of human expression, such as literature, art, and music, fostering a deeper understanding of culture and creativity.
- Analysis of Scientific Literature: You will gain the skills to understand and critically assess scientific research and findings, crucial in an increasingly science-driven world.
Solve Problems Effectively:
- Process Identification: You will learn to identify and understand complex processes, breaking them down into manageable steps.
- Problem Analysis: You will develop analytical skills to dissect problems, identify root causes, and understand contributing factors.
- Results Interpretation: You will gain the ability to interpret data, evaluate outcomes, and draw meaningful conclusions from information.
- Strategic Recommendations: You will learn to propose appropriate strategies and solutions based on your analysis, applying critical thinking to real-world challenges.
Communicate Effectively:
- Subject-Appropriate Communication: You will learn to communicate clearly and accurately about different subjects, tailoring your language to the specific topic.
- Audience-Appropriate Communication: You will develop the ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences, ensuring your message is understood and well-received.
- Medium-Appropriate Communication: You will learn to choose the most effective communication medium for your message, whether it’s written, verbal, or visual, maximizing impact and clarity.
In conclusion, general education at AB Tech is not simply a set of required courses; it is the cornerstone of a well-rounded education that prepares you for a fulfilling career and an enriched life. It provides you with the essential skills to thrive in any profession and to contribute meaningfully to society. Whether you are aiming for a specific career through a program like the AB Tech Career Pilot Program or pursuing further academic studies, general education is an invaluable investment in your future success.
