To discuss the role and status of optional courses of general education in medical universities on theoretical and practical levels by the theory of “Center and Periphery” currently; to compare and analyze the classic modes of general education courses in Columbia University, Harvard University and the construction of optional courses in Fudan University, Nanjing University; to give the basic ideas for the design of optional courses of general education in medical universities in China: integrations of faculties, disciplines and majors, resources based on the design of universities at the top and the feedback of students from the bottom, as well as the tracking and improvement of quality continuously.