* The college or university: Different schools have different general education requirements (GERs). Some are very broad, others are more specific.
* Your major: Your chosen major will dictate many of your required courses, beyond the general education requirements. A STEM major will have vastly different requirements than a humanities major.
* Your degree type: An Associate's degree will have fewer required courses than a Bachelor's degree.
However, most colleges *do* have some common themes in their general education requirements. These often fall into categories like:
* Composition/Writing: Almost all colleges require at least one course focused on college-level writing.
* Mathematics: Many require at least one math course, often college algebra or a higher level math depending on your major. Some may offer alternatives like statistics.
* Humanities: These courses explore literature, philosophy, history, art, etc., and aim to broaden your cultural understanding. Specific courses vary widely.
* Social Sciences: Courses in sociology, psychology, political science, economics, etc., are common. These explore human behavior and society.
* Natural Sciences: At least one science course with a lab component is typical, often biology, chemistry, or physics. Again, the specific requirements depend on the major.
* Foreign Language: Some colleges require a certain number of credits in a foreign language.
In short: You need to consult the specific college catalog or website for the institution you plan to attend to see their exact general education requirements. This information is usually readily available online. Once you've chosen a major, you'll also need to consult the major's requirements to see the specific courses needed to complete that degree.