Most colleges have made a determination of what it means to them to be educated and fr public unvierities the state weighs in there as well. All colleges, except for a few, follow some sort of core, major, elective system. All students take a few English classes, math, science, etc whatever and how many the university deems to be of value. Universities adjust baed on feedback from employers, students, grad schools etc. 30 years ago Cornell engineering separated itself from the pack by offering writing for engineering majors, after hearing complains from employers that engineers couldn't write reports, CU made it a priority and it became a selling point. Similarly, why so many group projects, because employers have people working in groups! Colleges also have had to figure out what to do with a population who doesn't know certain things - if it's not getting taught in elem, middle or HS and colleges deem it important than remedial effort has to occur. Many colleges offer science and math for non science majors because so many say they aren't good at it or wouldn't take it or couldnt take it.

And as with all things, these are being decided by committee, often made up of people with a stake in it. Just like you can't make the tax code simpler without damaging the tax preparer industry, you will also have lots of less popular majors fighting to say their courses are "essential" to beng an educated person - and sometimes they are right.

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