Program in General Education
The Program in General Education is the cornerstone of the Harvard College curriculum.
Background photo of a student speaking into a microphone during Gen Ed 1131: Loss.
Explore new ideas. Expand your horizons. Engage with the world.
Focusing on urgent problems and enduring questions, Gen Ed courses are unusually explicit in connecting the subjects you study to the people you will become and the world beyond the classroom.
Transcending disciplinary divisions, they demonstrate the value of embedding what you will learn in your concentrations within the broader context of the liberal arts. In Gen Ed courses, you engage in activities that have the potential to shape the world around you.
Learn more about the General Education requirements and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Explore the courses being offered for the 2025-2026 academic year in each of the four Gen Ed categories.
Find resources specific to teaching in the Program in General Education, from course proposal to reapproval.
News
- 2026 Gen Ed student prize submissions due March 23rd
The Program in General Education has established the General Education Prize to inspire Harvard College students to reflect on the transformational nature of their Gen Ed learning experiences. Up to five $500 prizes will be awarded annually…. - Explore new Gen Ed Courses
Interested in taking a Gen Ed in 2025-26? The Program offers several new courses in the upcoming fall and spring terms: Fall 2025: Spring 2026: Check out our Courses page to learn more about all of our… - Fall Gen Ed Advising Office Hours
Do you have questions about the Gen Ed requirements or fall Gen Ed course selection? The Program in General Education will be offering drop-in advising hours for fall registration at the following times: August 7: 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)…