UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's Office for General Education; Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research; and the Faculty Senate Joint Committee on General Education Assessment have released the most recent General Education Student Survey findings. Conducted in fall 2024, the survey aimed to assess student experiences with General Education (Gen Ed) courses, focusing on course selection and availability, perceived academic growth, and overall educational impact.
The survey included responses from 1,348 students, yielding a 13% response rate. The findings are presented in an interactive online report available on the project webpage. This report allows the Penn State community to explore the data in detail and gain insights into the student experience. The dashboard also includes data from a 2019 survey, so comparisons with similar past surveys can be made.
Key findings:
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Satisfaction: 84% of students were somewhat satisfied or satisfied with their ability to enroll in courses early in their academic careers, and 69% expressed satisfaction with the selection of Gen Ed courses available.
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Growth: 70% of students somewhat or strongly agreed that Gen Ed courses broadened their understanding of national and global events, and 68% agreed these courses helped them comprehend complex ideas and events in new ways.
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Educational Impact: 65% of students reported that Gen Ed classes motivated them to learn about topics beyond their major, and 72% agreed that these courses expanded their perspectives on a range of topics.
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Selection Factors: Scheduling constraints were the primary factor in course selection, with 83% of students rating this as important or very important. Completing requirements and interest in the course topic were also significant factors.
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Ease of Enrollment: 72% of respondents indicated they were unable to enroll in a desired Gen Ed course due to limited availability, and 70% cited scheduling conflicts as a challenge.
“The 2024 General Education Student Survey highlights the significant impact of Gen Ed courses on our students’ academic and personal growth,” said Maggie Slattery, assistant dean for General Education and director of the Office for General Education. “These findings underscore the importance of educational opportunities that broaden and enrich student learning at Penn State.”
The interactive report and supporting documentation allow faculty, staff and students to engage with the findings and explore the data in different ways. This initiative is part of Penn State’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the General Education program to meet students' needs.
For more information and to explore the survey findings, visit the project webpage.