General Education

The General Education (GenEd) requirements at Western Illinois University have been designed for all students and describe the core courses that students must take in order to graduate regardless of their major. They are an important component of a student's education at Western.

In order to help students be well-educated, successful, and valuable participants in our rapidly changing global community, the university offers more than a professional or vocational training. When students graduate, they will enter a world in which they can expect to hold different jobs, and participate in a succession of careers over the course of their lives. Through the General Education curriculum, students will have the opportunity to increase their proficiency in written and oral communication and mathematics, as well as learn an appreciation of the wide range of human thought and experience. Students will learn to think critically, to understand and appreciate multiple perspectives on issues, and to improve skills in research and problem solving.

Your first semester schedule will be a combination of introductory courses from the General Education Curriculum and courses related to your major, if you have declared one. Students entering Western as undeclared will be a part of the General Orientation Program. Your schedule as an undeclared student will include General Education courses and possibly an exploratory course in a major of interest to you.

The General Education Curriculum consists of six categories:

  1. Communication Skills
  2. Natural Science and Math
  3. Social Sciences
  4. Humanities and Fine Arts
  5. Multicultural
  6. Human Well Being