As students, it’s natural to prioritize coursework that directly supports our major. But what happens when we broaden that focus? The GRE Issue essay prompt challenges this mindset by suggesting that universities should require students to take a variety of courses outside their major. The reasoning? Exposure to multiple disciplines is the best way to become truly educated.
In this post, we’ll break down the prompt, explore both sides of the argument, and help you reflect on your own perspective.
Understanding the Prompt
The prompt presents two parts: a claim and a reason.
- Claim: Universities should require every student to take a variety of courses outside their major.
- Reason: Acquiring knowledge of various academic disciplines is the best way to become truly educated.
Your task, whether on the GRE or in personal reflection, is to evaluate both the claim and the reasoning behind it.
Arguments For Requiring Courses Outside the Major
1. Developing a Well-Rounded Perspective
By stepping outside their major, students gain exposure to new subjects, cultures, and ways of thinking. This fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth—core components of a meaningful education.
2. Building Critical Thinking Skills
Each academic discipline approaches problems differently. Studying a mix of subjects strengthens a student’s ability to think flexibly and analyze from multiple angles.
3. Gaining Career Versatility
In a competitive job market, diverse skills matter. A psychology major with coding knowledge or an engineer with communication training is more adaptable—and more employable.
Arguments Against Requiring Courses Outside the Major
1. Time and Credit Constraints
Most students juggle a full load of major requirements. Adding unrelated coursework could delay graduation or increase tuition costs.
2. Diluted Focus
Some students prefer to specialize deeply. Required courses outside their major may feel like distractions rather than enrichment.
3. Uneven Course Quality
Not all general education classes provide equal value. A poorly taught or irrelevant course may feel more like a box to check than a true learning opportunity.
Striking a Balance
So, should universities require courses outside a student’s major? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some students thrive with interdisciplinary learning, while others benefit from a more focused academic path.
What’s clear is that exposure to multiple disciplines offers powerful benefits: broader thinking, stronger communication, and better preparation for a dynamic world.
“True education is about more than mastering one subject—it’s about building the skills to understand, adapt, and contribute across contexts.”
Top-Scoring GRE Issue Essay Example: Why Students Should Take Courses Outside Their Major
A well-rounded education is not merely a lofty ideal—it is a necessity in an increasingly interconnected and complex world. While some argue that university students should have the autonomy to pursue only courses within their field of study, this perspective underestimates the value of interdisciplinary learning. I strongly support the claim that universities should require students to take courses outside their major, as doing so cultivates intellectual versatility, enhances practical skills, and prepares students to engage meaningfully with a diverse and dynamic society.
First, exposure to a broad range of academic disciplines encourages intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Students often enter college with a narrow understanding of their interests and talents. By engaging with unfamiliar fields—whether philosophy, sociology, or the natural sciences—they expand their cognitive frameworks and challenge preconceived notions. For example, a biology student who takes a political science course may gain new insight into public health policy, while a business major studying ethics may develop a more nuanced view of corporate responsibility. These interdisciplinary connections are not peripheral; they are essential to deep and adaptable thinking.
Furthermore, requiring students to step outside their major fosters the acquisition of transferable skills that employers and society value. Technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient in today’s job market. The ability to write clearly, argue persuasively, analyze abstract ideas, and understand cultural contexts are all indispensable. A computer science major who takes a communication course may become a more effective team leader, just as an art student who studies statistics may strengthen their ability to analyze trends and patterns in their work. In this way, a diversified curriculum strengthens not only academic learning but also real-world preparedness.
Beyond personal and professional benefits, interdisciplinary education contributes to a more informed, empathetic citizenry. In a polarized world, the ability to understand multiple perspectives is critical. Courses outside a student’s primary focus can expose them to different ways of thinking, fostering tolerance and constructive dialogue. For instance, a student studying environmental science might gain deeper insight into community concerns by taking a course in cultural anthropology. When students are encouraged to engage with a range of disciplines, they are better equipped to tackle society’s most pressing challenges with thoughtfulness and creativity.
Opponents of this requirement often argue that forcing students to take outside courses imposes unnecessary burdens and detracts from specialization. However, this concern can be addressed by offering students flexibility in choosing from a wide array of elective options, ensuring that coursework complements rather than competes with their primary academic goals. Moreover, the modest investment of time required to complete such courses pays dividends far beyond graduation—in career flexibility, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.
In conclusion, requiring students to take courses beyond their major field of study is not an imposition—it is a gift. It equips students with broader intellectual tools, enhances their adaptability, and contributes to the development of well-informed citizens. In the words of the philosopher John Stuart Mill, “The worth of a state in the long run is the worth of the individuals composing it.” A well-rounded education ensures those individuals are not only skilled in their trades but also capable of thinking deeply, communicating clearly, and acting wisely.
Prefer to Learn by Listening?
Tune into the podcast episode where we break down this prompt, explore sample arguments, and discuss strategies for crafting a high-scoring GRE Issue essay!