Universities, particularly research universities, are traditionally regarded as places where students gain the intellectual tools necessary to become professional thinkers and leaders. However, this idea is challenged when students are faced with requirements that are not directly related to their majors. Proponents of this policy argue that students should not receive credit for these courses, as they do not contribute to their degree. Unfortunately, this policy creates a dilemma for universities, as they must weigh the necessity of offering the courses, the financial support they require, and the effect on students

The first problem seen in implementing such a policy is that the courses themselves require financial support. Regardless of the subject matter, universities must hire professors to teach the courses, and they must spend money to maintain the facilities in which the classes take place. It is inevitable that a program that has few students will not be profitable, which forces the university to seek an alternative means of funding. This comes in the form of government funding, which institutions must compete for. Increased government funding helps universities offer their students more diverse courses. This serves students in two ways: First, it provides students with more course options. Second, it allows students to explore topics outside of their majors. However, if a university chooses not to offer courses in fields such as computer science, art, or music, then it is less likely that the university will receive the funding needed to provide students with these courses. This in turn limits the options available to students

Due in part to government funding, there are public universities that offer degrees in areas traditionally not associated with academia. For example, students at California State University, Chico can pursue a degree in winemaking, which has proven so popular that the university now teaches over 100 students a year how to farm and process wine. The demand for such courses among students has led to the creation of the Wine Campus of America, which ultimately serves to legitimize the degree. The programs offered there, such as the study of wine marketing, have tremendous potential, and if more universities offered such courses, students would have a greater selection of majors from which to choose. Unfortunately, such programs are costly, and universities are unwilling to incur this expense without significant student interest. Students, on the other hand, are more willing to enroll in such courses if they provide a useful skill or understanding of their major. The usefulness of such courses varies by major, but students must be presented with the option in order for them to consider it

The second problem faced by universities is the effect on students. Many students, particularly those from lower economic backgrounds, are unable to afford the costs associated with attending universities. Most public universities are funded largely by student tuition, and this can make the difference between attending a university and not attending one. Higher tuition rates often dissuade students from attending universities, making them more likely to attend community colleges instead. If students are required to take courses in their major in order to receive a degree, then they may be forced to enroll in a program that is not well-suited to their interests or abilities. This can prove detrimental to the student’s ability to succeed after graduation. A student may be so dissatisfied with the degree that they are unable to find a job in their major, causing them repeated financial stress. If, however, the university offers a course that interests the student, then they are more likely to enroll. As students become more knowledgeable about their major, they are more likely to pursue opportunities to expand their education, which will, in turn, allow them to build a better resume upon graduation

This policy will affect students differently depending on their level of education. For students who are at the beginning of their college careers, the courses they are required to taking may not provide much benefit. If, however, students are working on a four-year degree, then these courses could provide them with a better understanding of the field and allow them to explore new areas of study. Furthermore, these courses may help them gain skills that they will require after graduation. The drawback is that these courses are expensive and take up most of their time, which can prevent them from participating in extracurricular activities. This is often the case in art, music, and computer science programs. For students at this stage, the courses they are required to taking may not be beneficial for their degree, but they are still valuable in their own right

This policy has many consequences for universities. If universities are required to offer courses in fields such as music, art, and computer science, then they are likely to see a decrease in enrollment. The decline in enrollment could force universities to reduce tuition costs, which will make it difficult for them to maintain their current programs. This, in turn, could lead universities to discontinue the programs entirely. If universities refuse to adopt this policy, then students may pursue degrees in fields other than their major, or they may feel pressured to attend community college.