College classes can be tough, but they don’t always have to be! There’s a chance that you’ve asked yourself, “What are the easiest college classes?” because you want to boost your GPA or you just want to take it easy. No matter your reason for wanting to take some of the easiest college classes, you can make it a reality by exploring some of these options.
Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash
9 Easiest College Classes For Success
Take a look over this list and see if anything suits your interests. If so, be sure to check out your college’s catalog to see what’s offered. Also, it may be the case that the difficulty level of these classes varies based on where you’re learning. You can always check online forums or ask peers about their experience in such classes before enrolling.
That being said, here’s a look at some college classes that tend to be easier than some core classes.
1. Film History
If you imagine that you’ll be sitting in a theatre and watching films all the time, then you’re only somewhat wrong. There’s no doubt that you’ll be tasked with watching films in film history, but you’ll go deeper than what meets the eye. You’ll learn about film theory and the ways in which society influences the art of filmmaking. You will look at how films are made behind the scenes, from acting to producing and in between. In fact, you will likely gain so many new perspectives from film history that you may never watch a film the same way again after you complete this class.
2. Creative Writing
There are infinite ways to tell a story. Creative writing classes will help you to unleash the power of storytelling and the art of writing. From journal entries to long-form fiction and poetry, creative writing classes are a fun place to express your creativity. And the best part is, you don’t have to be a great writer to be a part of it! You’ll learn along the way.
3. Physical Education
Boost your GPA and get a workout? Sign up by enrolling in a physical education class. College P.E. classes aren’t like the ones you’re used to from high school. There are different activities that fall into this category, so you can even check for classes like yoga, kickboxing, or rock climbing.
4. Psychology
If you’re interested in understanding more about how people think, then psychology is a great elective course for you. It may even spark an unknown passion and lead you to major in the field! Psychology classes also help you understand communication and the motives behind people’s actions, which can greatly help you along your future professional journey.
5. Public Speaking
This is a class that anyone can benefit from, no matter their major. While public speaking sounds like it may only help you stand in front of a big audience and share a monologue, it actually can prepare you for so much more. Public speaking helps to boost many necessary skills like teaching you how to be articulate, communicate well, and use persuasion as a tool.
6. Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of cultures and societies. Most history majors have to take anthropology, but even if it doesn’t line up with your major, it can provide you with interesting insight behind the formation of societies.
7. Art History
Art history provides you with context surrounding some of your favorite works of art. You’ll learn about different art techniques and certain periods of art. Art informs society and society informs art, so you will learn beyond a painting or sculpture and be able to connect the dots in between.
8. Acting
Like public speaking, acting will provide you with the opportunity to be in front of people! Introduction to acting classes generally gives students time to be on stage with one another and learn how to act or do improv. It’s a very fun, interactive, and engaging elective to choose.
9. Photography
If you’re not in art school or trying to become a professional photographer, taking a photography class can still provide you with valuable lessons. You’ll learn about lighting, framing, perspective, and various techniques to capture the perfect photo. While you can do a lot with cameras on cell phones these days, a photography class will open your lens (pun intended) to different types of cameras.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Ways To Boost Your GPA
If you’re looking for the easiest college classes to boost your GPA, then you may need to also consider trying these methods to keep yourself in good academic standing. Your GPA will matter greatly if you intend to apply to a graduate program, so it’s always the best idea to do as well as you can in school.
Here are some more ideas on how you can achieve success in college:
Don’t Skip Class: Whether you attend an online college or a traditional college, lectures exist for a reason. Don’t skip them even if attendance doesn’t matter because what you learn in class will obviously affect how well you perform. No matter what style of learning you prefer, attending lectures provide you with the foundational knowledge you need in a subject to continue building.
Organization: Try to stay as organized as possible. No matter how many classes you take per quarter or semester, you’ll want to keep your notes and documents organized for easy reference. Label folders on your computer to store notes and study material by subject. Also, try using Post-its or annotating with highlighters and pencils when reading information from a book.
Office Hours: Don’t be afraid to attend your professor or teacher assistant’s office hours. They are there to help you answer questions and understand the material.
Work With Peers: Create study groups and work with your peers! Sometimes, one person may understand a certain topic better than another, and you can help succeed with the power of numbers. Even online schools like the University of the People provide students who are learning digitally with online forums to connect and learn with their peers.
Weekly Study Reviews: Take your education step-by-step. Rather than leaving everything until the last minute to cram and learn before a test, study weekly. That way, you can be sure you fully understand the material as you learn it so it doesn’t become too overwhelming and lead you to give up.
Set Goals: Set short-term goals, achieve them, and repeat them. Every small step to success continues to build upon the last to lead you in the right direction. By setting bite-sized goals, you can make action plans and stay on track to earning good grades.
What to Consider When Choosing the Easiest College Classes
When looking for the easiest college classes to boost your GPA or lighten your academic load, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice for your goals and interests:
Interest and Enjoyment
Choosing classes that genuinely interest you can make the learning process more enjoyable and less stressful. When you’re engaged with the material, you’re more likely to put in the effort and perform well.
Professor Reputation
Research the professors teaching the classes you’re considering. Look for reviews and ratings on websites like RateMyProfessors.com to find instructors known for being fair, approachable, and helpful.
Workload and Assignments
Some classes may seem easy but come with a heavy workload of assignments, projects, or presentations. Review the syllabus if possible, or ask peers about the typical workload to ensure it fits your schedule and capacity.
Class Format
Consider whether the class format suits your learning style. Some students thrive in lecture-based courses, while others prefer interactive or hands-on learning environments. Online classes might offer more flexibility if you have a busy schedule.
Grading Criteria
Understanding how the class is graded can help you choose wisely. Some classes may have multiple smaller assignments that can help cushion your grade, while others may rely heavily on midterms and finals.
Prerequisites and Skills
Ensure you meet any prerequisites for the class and that you have the necessary skills or background knowledge. Even an “easy” class can become challenging if you’re not adequately prepared.
Peer Recommendations
Talk to fellow students who have taken the class before. Their firsthand experience can provide valuable insights into what to expect and whether the class is as easy as it seems.
Taking these factors into account can help you select college classes that are manageable, enjoyable, and beneficial for your academic journey. Remember, the goal is to find a balance between ease and educational value to make the most of your college experience.
The Bottom Line
Finding and enrolling in the easiest college classes can be a way to boost your GPA, explore courses outside your major, or just set yourself up to have some extra fun during college. Indeed, colleges do require students to take classes outside of their major to offer a well-rounded educational experience. It just may be the case that you sign up for an “easy” college class, which lights a spark in you to find your passion!
By considering factors such as interest, professor reputation, workload, and class format, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals and enhance your academic journey.
FAQs
What are the easiest college classes to take?
Some of the easiest college classes include Film History, Creative Writing, Physical Education, Psychology, Public Speaking, Anthropology, Art History, Acting, and Photography. However, the difficulty may vary depending on the institution and professor.
How can I find out if a class is easy at my college?
You can check online forums, ask peers, or read reviews on websites like Rate My Professors to get an idea of the difficulty level of specific classes and professors at your college.
Why should I consider taking easy college classes?
Taking easy college classes can help boost your GPA, give you a break from your core classes, and allow you to explore new interests. They can also provide a more relaxed and enjoyable learning experience.
What factors should I consider when choosing the easiest college classes?
When choosing easy college classes, consider your interests, the professor’s reputation, the workload, and the format of the class (online vs. in-person). These factors can help you select classes that will be manageable and enjoyable.
How can taking easy college classes benefit my academic journey?
Easy college classes can provide a GPA boost, help you fulfill elective requirements, reduce academic stress, and offer opportunities to explore new subjects. They can also enhance your overall college experience by providing a balanced and well-rounded education.
At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More
