Your Path Begins Here
There are multiple ways for undergraduate students to complete their general education requirements at SIUE. Some students will apply and be accepted to either the John Martinson Honors Program or the CODES Program to complete their general education requirements. Most students, however, will complete them through the General Education Program with Changemakers Pathways.
Think of general education classes as the foundation of your degree. These courses help you build skills employers value, such as communication, teamwork , and critical thinking, while also introducing you to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches be yond your major.
With so many options, we’re sure you’ll find something that resonates with you at SIUE!
Three Ways to be a Changemaker
No matter which general education program you pursue, you’ll be part of a community that encourages curiosity, creativity, and purpose. Along the way, you’ll take part in hands-on learning, strengthen your problem-solving skills, develop your professional identity, learn to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives, and gain the tools to make meaningful contributions in your field and beyond.
Connecting Courses Through Pathways
You’ll be introduced to Changemakers Pathways early (e.g., FST 101), use them in ke y courses as you build your skills (e.g., RA 101), and e ventually select a pathway (or two) to explore more deeply through a Changemakers course. Changemakers courses are interdisciplinary, encouraging you to connect ideas across fields and think creatively while learning through hands -on experiences.
Along the way, you can also use Changemakers Pathway themes more informally to guide your course choices, shape assignments and projects, and connect ideas across your classes. By staying intentional about how you use the pathways, you can create a more focused and meaningful college experience that reflects your passions and supports your professional goals.
Putting Pathways Into Practice
Changemakers Pathways extend be yond the classroom through optional experiences that build on your learning. You may be introduced to leadership and career-focused activities in your courses, with the option to explore them further on your own outside of class. You can also use pathway themes to find experiences be yond the classroom that match your interests, as well as to make sense of experiences that may seem unrelated at first , by connecting them to broader ideas and skills.
