I was a Chem Engr major at Lehigh. Everyone took distributionn courses. Required: two semesters English/lit (I had 2 mid-level courses due to AP credits), two history/foreign affairs, two economics, one social science. In addition to Chem E and Chemistry courses, we were required to take two semesters of physics, 3 semesters of calculus, statistics, differential equations, and I had an ecology course. We also had to take two mechanics courses, an electrical engineering course, a material science course, and computer programming. Very well-rounded technically with a smattering of liberal arts. Would have taken 5 years to fit in more. Yes, engineers could take more liberal arts courses, but...
When we talk about well-rounded for todays high tech world and international business and finance being key to much of what contributes to the national discussion and economy, I think it is the liberal arts majors who lack a diverse education.
What level of mathematics is required. I have relatives to completed B.A. degrees in the past decade, which did not require calculus or statistics. My wife was an English major back in early 1970s and did have 2 calculus courses.
Most liberal arts B.A. grads I've talked to have not taken a lab science course, or a physics course, or a real chemistry course. It's more Rocks for Jocks and Philosophy of Science type courses.
I don't have a good enough sample to give a true idea of how much economics most B.A. take. From those I've talked to, I'm guessing less than half.
The liberal arts/classics majors are sold as providing a well-rounded education, which prepares one for being a sound thinker and good citizen. In general they don't. They graduate student ill-equipped for modern society.
The biggest deficit I saw in my engineering curriculum was the lack of a language requirement at the B.S. level. I did have a year of college German, as did one of my best friends, but only because I began as a Physics major and he as a Chemistry major.
Since retiring, I've audited about a dozen liberal arts courses at our local mid-level liberal arts and science college. I thought they were uniformly well taught and broadened my perspective. Contrary to what I read in the Wall Street Journal and hear from the Trump administration, I witnessed zero attempts at indoctrination. Professors were all very respectful of a full range of student opinion. I believe the college stresses this.
