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Another value to general education courses is that they are intended to develop in the student the skills needed for success in the higher level, more intense courses required within the discipline of the degree. These are the core, major, and/or concentration courses of the degree.

The skills needed to succeed in core, major, and/or concentration courses, are developed within the general education courses of the degree. Before a student can expect to succeed in his or her core, major and/or concentration, he or she must have developed the writing skills demanded of upper level courses. It is no coincidence that general education courses are lower-level, less intense courses, and core, major and concentration courses, are upper-level, more intense courses.

Think of the general education courses as the crawling stage of your academic development. It makes sense to successfully complete, general courses as you are introduced to the new environment and demands of higher education. While taking your general education courses, you will develop the skills and confidence needed to walk with your core, major, and/or concentration courses.

More specifically general English composition courses should be among the very first courses successfully completed in any degree. Most courses, even most other general education courses, will require the research and writing skills learned in general education English composition courses. Remember, you will need to learn to crawl, before you can walk.

Do some infants walk without ever having crawled? Sure. But most do not. Before attempting upper level courses without having developed the academic skills learned in general education courses, honestly assess your own abilities. Consulting your academic advisor may be a good step to take, to determine if you may be one of the few students ready to walk, without having ever crawled.