The general education component of the associate degree introduce students to the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, applied sciences and technology.
General education is the distinguishing feature of higher education.
It is a broadly-based core of humanistic knowledge and abilities, acquisition of which is the distinctive characteristic of the educated person. General education courses emphasize the ability to reason, to examine issues from different perspectives, to challenge authority, and communicate ideas logically and confidently. They instill open-mindedness, respect for differences among people, and knowledge of self. They provide and understanding of the human condition and of human accomplishments and encourage a lifelong interest in learning. General education courses are not primarily skills-based, nor are they limited to, or more appropriate for, majors in a specialized field of study.