State Board of Education Approves General Education Course List

January 15, 2025

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State Board of Education Approves General Education Course List

Tallahassee, Fla., January 15, 2025 – Today, the State Board of Education approved the general education courses submitted by Florida’s 28 state colleges. For the very first time, all Florida colleges and state universities were required to submit their general education courses to ensure compliance with Florida statutes. The updated general education course list ensures that students attending our public state colleges are taking high-quality general education courses that provide foundational knowledge and prepare them for lifelong learning and success.

“General education courses should be high-quality courses that provide foundational knowledge,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is ensuring that general education courses help students think critically and develop greater understanding before they move into the courses of their major.”

Today’s approval was established in legislation last year through SB 266 that made it clear that students attending Florida’s public institutions of higher education receive the highest quality education that provides the knowledge and skills they need to be great citizens and succeed in the ever-expanding job market. The approved list represents a 57 percent decrease in the number of general education courses, improving focus on the statute and transferability of courses with the state universities.

In other action taken today, the State Board approved two baccalaureate degree programs in biological science and human services at St. Johns River State College. These bachelor’s programs are in response to local and regional workforce needs and demand, and will reinforce Florida’s national standing as #1 for workforce education.