University requirements make student well-rounded, wiser

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Zack Colman believes the college experience would be better without university requirements, as stated in his column, Graduating in four years unlikely plan (SN 3/27).

What Colman fails to appreciate is the true value of a well-rounded education.

He states that “I am taking an ISB lab … instead of becoming a more well-rounded journalist.” Colman; by taking this course you are becoming a more well-rounded journalist.

Ask any science or engineering major about the quality of media articles on scientific issues today — it’s obvious that far too many journalism students have had little to no science classes at all. MSU is a university, not a trade school.

If Colman wishes to go to an institution that would merely put out overspecialized machines designed for one goal, there are numerous trade schools in any profession.

Thankfully, MSU is not a trade school, and is more concerned about putting out well-rounded students and citizens than specialized employees.

As a computer science major, I am required to take a cognate in a non-engineering field, and I chose criminal justice. I have not enjoyed all of these courses and I do not expect much of the knowledge to be relevant to me later in life.

However, I am unquestionably better for having taken them and having been exposed to such viewpoints.

That, more than anything else, is the benefit of a true education. I certainly hope MSU continues to be led by people who can appreciate long-term benefits over short-term convenience.

Brian Beck

East Lansing resident

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