General Studies, A.S.

The General Studies degree program offers students the opportunity to explore their own educational and professional pathways and discover the benefits of life-long learning. The program offers students the widest range of electives available and allows students to tailor a program and explore a broad range of career or intellectual interests to suit their individual needs. In order to ensure program coherence, students will meet each semester with program advisors who will assist in course selection.

NOTE: Upon graduation, students may transfer to a 4-year institution, although some of the elective credits they have earned may not count toward the Bachelor’s degree. Students who intend to transfer or proceed beyond the 2-year degree may find the Liberal Arts & Sciences program better suited to their needs.

Students should consult with a counselor or academic advisor prior to enrolling in the General Studies or Liberal Arts degrees.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program the student should be able to:

1. Communicate effectively
   1. Display a command of the English language
   2. Utilize current communication technology
   3. Present ideas and information orally and in writing in accordance with standard usage
   4. Organize and present ideas and information (including those gained from research) effectively
2. Reason scientifically and or quantitatively
   1. Demonstrate understanding of mathematical and or scientific principles
   2. Apply these principles to the solution of problems in academic work and everyday life
   3. Interpret numeric information presented in graphic forms
   4. Apply scientific methods to the inquiry process
3. Think critically
   1. Read, analyze and understand complex ideas
   2. Use information technology appropriately
   3. Locate, evaluate and apply research information
   4. Draw inferences from facts
   5. Evaluate and present well-reasoned arguments
4. Develop a global perspective
   1. Recognize differences and relationships among cultures
   2. Recognize the role diversity plays in the development of the United States and in everyday social life
   3. Recognize the relationships among events and values in different eras
5. Demonstrate a clear connection among their elective choices and their personal, occupational, or academic ambitions

Courses may not fulfill more than one requirement.