Some college classes have the power to stick with you. I know you know what I mean. Whether it’s the professor, the atmosphere, or just the material in the class itself, we all have a mental list of courses that we’d recommend to people without hesitation. Here some of the most valuable college courses I’ve taken (so far) that were worth every cent.

1. Environmental Science

I learned so much in the class, it’s probably one of the most informative classes I’ve ever taken. This class went beyond discussing climate change and renewable energy. This class really put the impact our actions have on society and the environment in perspective. From factory farming and the dangers of too much methane in the atmosphere to fracking as a way to obtain natural gas, this class opened my eyes, allowing me to see how we tend to take our environment for granted.

2. Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology was one of the first college classes I took and it’s a class I still think about to this day. To me, the best part of this class was using the information we learned and applying it to modern day American culture. The books I read for this class resonated with me in more ways than one, coving topics and issues I never knew existed. I had no idea what to expect from this class, but it gave me more than I could have asked for.

3. Mass Communications and Society

While this class is a requirement for mass communications majors, it can be taken as an elective which is something I highly recommend. If you have ever been interested in the way media changes over time and the impact media has on society, this is the class for you. Honestly, this class covers media in all aspects whether it be TV, social media or just the web in general. The most valuable part of this class is that it gave me perspective when it comes to the media. This class made me a more media-literate person, something we should all strive to be.

4. Female Experience in America

When I signed up for this class, I had my reservations. While it was a lot of work, Female Experience in America had a large array of videos (along with readings) that were interesting and entertaining. For someone who isn’t quite sure what the women’s rights movement is or just wants to expand their horizon, this class is perfect. While the fight for women’s rights is far from over, this class did a great job of presenting the history behind women’s rights and the goals of the movement.

5. Graphic Programs in Mass Communications

Even though mass communications is in the title, you don’t have to be a mass communications major to take this class. While I am in the process of taking this course right now I would recommend it in a heartbeat. There is a whole world out there outside of MS Paint. Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator are great tools to have, especially in today’s society. There are so many opportunities to utilize your creativity in this class that you find yourself stepping outside of your comfort zone (see above).

Have recommendations of your own? Let me know in the comments!