General Education

Students enrolled in two-year associate degree programs at PTI strengthen their career preparation and promotability with industry related General Education courses.

What makes General Education at PTI different?

• Classes are designed to give you the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills you need to succeed in an ever-changing work environment.
• Many of your Gen Ed classmates also are your program-specific classmates, so you can work together and see how Gen Ed relates to your major.
• You may be exempt from some Gen Ed classes based on your prior education and experience.
• You can participate in fun activities like building baseball launchers, catapults and ramp climbers and authoring “In Their Own Words” essays and presentations.

How many General Education classes do I have to take?

• Your typical schedule could include one Gen Ed course per quarter.
• At PTI, 24% of your classes are Gen Ed and 76% are specific to the program you’ve chosen to study. 100% of the classes you take at PTI are what you need to be successful.

Why do I need General Education classes?

• Your communications skills, evident in the way your resume is written and the way you speak during your job interview, can make all the difference in landing your dream job.
• Employers want to hire someone with job-specific skills including report writing and business communications.
• More than 200 members of PTI Advisory Boards – representing employers throughout Western Pennsylvania and neighboring states – help us design curriculum that includes Gen Ed classes that add the most to your education.
• Career specific courses and skills get you in the door to land your job. Career related Gen Ed courses help you stand out, get noticed and earn promotions.