At Embry-Riddle, we prepare students with a strong foundation of core principles to complement their educational journey. Our fundamental General Education courses help students refine life skills in communication, critical thinking and reasoning that will support both their academic and professional careers.

The principles taught in these courses elevate students’ ability to conduct meaningful research, work together in diverse and complex teams, and analyze and communicate both scientific and cultural concepts. Students also develop and enhance their understanding of a range of topics, including economics, history, information technology, psychology, physical sciences and much more.

As they progress into their degree courses and eventually the workplace, students will be challenged to apply these important concepts in unlimited ways, such as graduate research, business presentations, and personal and professional decision-making.

Program Overview

Most Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. Make sure to consult an academic advisor for specific program information.

Typically, the General Education program consists of the following:

  • Communication (9 Hours)                                  
  • Lower-Level Humanities (3-6 Hours)
  • Lower-Level Social Sciences (3-6 Hours)    
  • Upper Level Humanities/Social Sciences Elective (3 Hours)
  • Computer Science/Information Technology (3 Hours)
  • Mathematics (6 Hours)
  • Physical Sciences (6 Hours)

View the 2021-2022 General Education Courses:

General Education Competencies

Students will synthesize and apply knowledge in order to define and solve problems within professional and personal environments.

Students will, through mathematical proficiency and analysis, demonstrate the use of digitally enabled technology in order to interpret data for the purpose of drawing valid conclusions and solving associated mathematical and/or economic problems.

Students will conduct meaningful research, including gathering information from primary and secondary sources as well as incorporating and documenting source material in their writing.

Students will communicate concepts in written, digital, and oral forms for technical and/or non-technical audiences.

Students will analyze scientific evidence as it relates to the physical world and its inhabitants.

Students will analyze historical events, cultures, cultural artifacts, social issues, and/or philosophical concepts.

The student will be able to work effectively with others on diverse teams to produce quality written documents, oral presentations and/or meaningful projects. The student will assist in organizing others to accomplish a shared task, contribute actively to a group, and work to resolve any conflicts that occur.
Students will demonstrate the ability to select, use, manage, and evaluate technologies. Students should understand what technologies and technological processes are, how they work, their constraints and trade-offs, and how they shape society. Students should also be able to apply or integrate technologies and technological systems in solving practical problems.

Contact Us

To learn more about Embry-Riddle’s General Education program, contact Dr. Debra Bourdeau, University General Education Program Coordinator, at  taylo13f@erau.edu.