Throughout the College's history, its faculty has expected all students to pursue certain common patterns of study as well as complete a major or concentrated focus of study. The faculty believes that there are areas of knowledge and understanding, modes of appreciation, and kinds of skills that are of general and lasting significance to the life of the mind. General Education provides a critical perspective on the ideas, values, expressions, and experiences that constitute our culture. General Education also encourages respect for the integrity of thought, judgment, creativity, and tradition beyond the culture of contemporary America. In addition, the faculty encourages each student to do some study in a foreign language.

The faculty spent several years examining the College's General Education requirements and designed new requirements for students in the classes of 2011 and beyond. The new General Education requirements continue the tradition honoring breadth and depth of intellectual experience while placing greater emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and exploration. The new requirements are an integral and focal component of a Bates education, which also features study in a major and optional minor, and a senior thesis or other capstone experience.