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General Education
at Harvard

Explore new ideas. Expand your horizons. Engage the world.

Background photo of a student speaking into a microphone during Gen Ed 1131: Loss.

We live in a time of unprecedented change. How will you confront challenges, serve your community, and make ethical decisions as a citizen and leader?  

Through rigorous studies of specific topics, Gen Ed courses foster skills that generalize to the world beyond the classroom and give you the confidence to answer hard questions that fall beyond your own expertise. Ask big questions. Search for answers. Challenge your assumptions. State your case. Navigate disagreement. Think flexibly in new ways. 

Each Gen Ed category will guide you to think differently so you’ll be prepared to tackle new challenges.

Paint palette icon accompanied by the words "Aesthetics & Culture" with crimson border.

Aesthetics & Culture courses foster critical engagement with diverse artistic and creative endeavors and traditions across history and geographical locations, helping students situate themselves and others as participants in and products of art and culture. 

Column icon accompanied by the words "Histories, Societies, Individuals" with blue border.

Histories, Societies, Individuals courses explore the dynamic relationships between individuals and larger social, economic and political structures, both historically and in the present moment. 

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Ethics & Civics courses examine the dilemmas that individuals, communities, and societies face as they explore questions of virtue, justice, equity, inclusion, and the greater good.

A lab flask icon with the words "Science & Technology in Society" with green border.

Science & Technology in Society courses explore scientific and technological ideas and practices in their social and historical contexts, providing a foundation to assess their promise and perils. STS courses engage students in the practice of science, not just the study of scientific findings.

What will you take?

We offer classes in a wide variety of topics so you can develop Gen Ed skills through a subject that interests you.

Explore Gen Ed Courses

What to expect from Gen Ed

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Connection

Courses that bridge from the classroom to world at large.

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Challenge

 Class discussions, materials and assignments push you to think differently.

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Community

Encounter new perspectives from your classmates and instructor.

Your responsibilities

You must take one course from each Gen Ed category. See our FAQs for more information about fulfilling your Gen Ed requirements. 

News

  • 2025 Gen Ed Student Prize winners Avi Zimmerman '28, Onovughakpor Otitigbe-Dangerfield '25, and Addea Gupta '25.
    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….
  • View from the back of a Gen Ed course in an auditorium.
    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…
  • A Gen Ed advisor smiles while sitting at a table.
    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)…
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