What are general education courses like at University of Phoenix?

You can select from a wide variety of courses that can help you develop skills in key areas such as math, science, humanities, arts, social and behavioral sciences, history, sociology and more.

Why do I need to meet prerequisites?

Prerequisites are gathered for individual courses to make sure every student enrolled in the course has the foundational knowledge to be successful. To show you meet the required prerequisite for some courses, you simply have to upload a digital copy of your transcript (official or unofficial) during the checkout process. Then you’re good to go.

Is University of Phoenix accredited?

We’ve been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) and its predecessor for more than 40 years.

General education courses

If you’re missing a class or need to knock out gen-ed requirements, choose from our large collection of general education courses. We’ve got you covered with courses in science, mathematics, arts, humanities, communication, social and behavioral sciences and more.

Convenient online checkout process

Frequent start dates

Short 5-6 week courses

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Find your general education courses


COA Components	Non-degree Single Course
Tuition and Fees¹ Tuition and Fees¹	Tuition and Fees¹ $954
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment Books, course materials, supplies and equipment	Books, course materials, supplies and equipment $141
Transportation Transportation	Transportation $272
Living Expenses² Living Expenses²	Living Expenses²
Food Food	Food $530
Housing³ Housing³	Housing³ $1,024
Dependent care expenses Dependent care expenses	Dependent care expenses $0
Disability related expenses Disability related expenses	Disability related expenses $0
Total COA Total COA	Total COA $2,921

¹The tuition component is based on a per credit weighted average for the credential level across the entire University.

²The University allows the same living expense amounts for students in all living arrangements and dependency statuses.

³The living expense component for students receiving Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) only includes an allowance for food.

Interested in earning a degree or certificate?

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Why take general education courses with us?

With a wide variety of general education courses starting frequently, you can choose the date you want to begin and complete your online general elective courses in 5-7 weeks.

Meet your general education requirements online

Use the course finder tool to search for the general education course you need and enroll today.

Designed with you in mind

Take general education courses in a condensed 5-7 week format to help you get you to the finish line faster.

Get affordable pricing on education requirements

Our courses are priced to be affordable. And, if any general education courses can help you in the workplace, check to see if your employer will help cover the cost.

BUILD TOWARD SOMETHING BIGGER

Consider a bachelor’s degree

General education courses can be your starting point to prepare for a bachelor's degree. Check with an enrollment representative to see if you can apply your gen-ed credits toward a bachelor’s degree program.

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Frequently asked questions

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You can select from a wide variety of general education courses designed to help you develop skills in key areas like math, science, humanities, arts, social and behavioral sciences, history, sociology and more.

General education courses support you in areas such as:

Development of critical and analytical thinking skills
Understanding cultural diversity in society
Communicating clearly using effective logical arguments
Intellectual problem-solving that is effective in a society undergoing constant change
Understanding emerging technologies and how to incorporate traditional information into new perspectives
Appreciation for the arts, humanities, and social sciences
Evaluating biological/physical data, as well as environmental issues, to expand knowledge of the natural sciences

Higher education institutions like University of Phoenix require general education courses to help students gain a comprehensive education which they hope will serve you throughout your life after graduation.

General education courses are a great opportunity for you to explore different topics to see if you like them. Some students don’t decide on their major until after they have taken a general education requirement that ended up gaining their interest. Some students may prepare to study one major, but then take some general education courses that may change their entire course of study.

Here are three 3 ways general education can help you academically and professionally:

Learn soft skills desired by employers
General education courses can improve listening, researching and communication skills. These soft skills are important for many different types of careers and are core skills employers look for in job applicants.
Learn new ways of seeing the world
General education courses give you the opportunity to explore different outlooks on life. You can develop a different perspective, which prepares you for a diversified workplace.
Broaden your knowledge
General education courses can give you the skills to tackle a problem from different angles. With subjects ranging from analytical areas such as math and science to creative perspectives such as arts and literature, you’re prepared to become a more well-rounded individual in your life and in your career.

If you’re still thinking about which field of study to pursue, you can explore the University of Phoenix general education course offering to find subjects that interest you. They may spark your inspiration for a college degree.

Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

To show you have met the required education requirement for some courses, you simply have to upload a digital copy of your transcript (official or unofficial) during the checkout process. Then you’re good to go. If you have a question, contact us at 866-354-1800.