Graduates must communicate effectively. Students seeking transfer degrees, such as associate of arts or associate of science, or those in bachelor degree programs typically must take at least two writing courses. One class usually covers expository writing, such as causal analysis and comparison/contrast, while the other focuses on research strategies. An associate of applied science degree may require courses in technical writing as well. Some schools may include a speech or verbal communications course within their general education requirements.
Many colleges require coursework about social understanding and self-awareness. Students can typically choose from general psychology, social psychology, educational psychology, abnormal psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, human development, logic, critical thinking, world history, U.S. history, government, civil liberties, race and ethnic relations, criminology, archaeology, geography and human relations. Such courses may explore sexuality and general gender issues, marriage and family, principles of leadership, aging, legal responsibility and dimensions of the self.
Many colleges require courses in the laboratory sciences, such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, astronomy and geology. Associate and bachelor of arts degree programs typically include one science class while associate and bachelor of science degree programs require two. Math requirements for associate degree programs usually include college algebra or higher (like trigonometry) and an equivalent appropriate for the major (like college math or statistics). Associate of applied science degree majors can often choose applied math or business math instead.
Graduates with well-rounded educational backgrounds appreciate different forms of human expression found within the arts and humanities. Students usually choose several courses from at least two different categories within the arts, such as literature, art, music, theater and languages. Class titles include art history, introduction to theater, world literature, history of jazz, music and worship, ceramics, acting, classical mythology, readings in popular culture, film genre, photography and Western civilization. Some schools also require a foreign language component.