why do we have to take classes in college that have nothing to do with our major?

Those are general education courses. The concept of an associate's or bachelor's degree includes the notion that you are educated in a core set of classes that "round out" your education. If you don't want that, go to a community college and get a criminal justice certificate. There you will not have to do gen ed courses. Understand, however, that you will also have only a certificate, not a degree. If that doesn't matter to you, go for it!

Much of responses provided the reason why you take courses against your will. I will give at least one example that shows how knowledge of areas other than your major can benefit you!

A business major complained much as you have. I don't need biology! I need to learn business! When he graduated he was hired by a company that makes paper products. His first assignment was to evaluate different ways to dispose of waste products. The EPA had ordered the compsny to quit polluting the river or shut down the plant. Not only did the young man use his biological knowledge, he had to too use the mathematics and the writing from his Composition course to write the report for the CFO. In the report he recommended converting the waste product into an adhesive that could be used in their processes or sold for increased profits! He got a nice fat bonus! You never know what will occur in your life that may require the knowledge you will have acquired!

The point of general education classes is not always to learn that specific subject (although you need to in order to pass). The point is to develop general college level skills in math (although that's really just 9th grade math), reading, research, writing, and communication, things you need in pretty much every single job that requires a college education. So pay attention.

Regardless of your major, general education courses such as math and English are required. So as you can see, you're not the only one having to "tough it out." You should take solace in the fact that you're not alone.

Sadly, we are a capitalistic society. There is no "good" reason for requiring prerequisites to core classes other than wanting to suck more money from your wallet. I think they're also aware that students are less motivated to take these classes and in turn dont do well, causing them to retake the course and spend more money. You seeing the big picture now?

General education classes during the first 2 years will help you become a well rounded individual. You will learn about useful subjects that are applicable regardless of your major.

See this about college education, http://bitly.com/TxWTRi .

Those are general education courses.

It's for the sake of having background skills to go hand in hand with your degree.

For example,

Business needs both good math and writing skills.

If you just take the plain business classes (learn about financing, learn about how to manage projects, etc....) without these general education courses, you might have to work harder to learn how to write or compute correctly later on.

Effective written communication is a mainstay in today's society. If you cannot write, you are NOTHING. Cops need to WRITE REPORTS. Algebra is basic math, we all need it all the time.

American-format tertiary education believes there is great value in a well-rounded university education and that studying only one subject doesn't broaden your intellect.

However, European universities have a different view. Perhaps you should go study in France.

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