General Studies (BS)
Admission Requirements
There are no specific admission requirements for this degree plan.
The Change Major Request form can be found under the Academic Progress tile on ULink.
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements* | 31 | |
* All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above). Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.
College/School Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Sciences Requirements | ||
| Electives in Natural and/or Social Sciences OR electives in Humanities (depending on the areas of focus) at 300 level or above | 6 | |
| WR Courses - two approved courses at the 300 level or above 1 | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 6 | |
Program/Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies Core Courses | ||
| GNST 303 | Introduction to General Studies | 3 |
| GNST 401 | General Studies Capstone - CUE, WR | 3 |
| Track Requirements (see Track Requirements tab) | 36 | |
For interdisciplinary tracks, courses must be taken across at least three listed disciplines. Related courses from other disciplines may be counted on a case-by-case basis. 2 | ||
| Credit for Prior Learning and/or Electives | 41 | |
The remaining 41 hours are completed through electives and/or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Students pursuing the CPL option complete GNST 305 Prior Learning Assessment (3 credit hours). Following faculty evaluation of the portfolio completed in GNST 305, students may be awarded up to 30 credit hours for prior learning in addition to the 3 credit hours earned upon successful completion of GNST 305. | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 83 | |
At least 50 of the total minimum hours required must be at the 300 level or above.
- 1
May be met by completing other required courses designated WR.
- 2
At least 24 hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 12 hours must be taken in A&S.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Culminating Undergraduate Experience (Graduation requirement) | ||
| Requirement fulfilled by completing the following: | ||
| General Studies Capstone - CUE, WR | ||
Interdisciplinary Tracks
Courses must be taken across at least three listed disciplines. Related courses from other disciplines may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the program director. Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours is required for each track.
Communication and Creative Expression
This interdisciplinary track explores the interconnectedness of communication and creative expression and their relevance to individuals and society. It is well suited for students working in or interested in communication, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, media, public service, and related fields, as well as those considering graduate study in the humanities and related disciplines. Track disciplines include Art, Art History, Communication, English, Comparative Humanities, and Theatre Arts.
A selection of sample coursework is provided below to indicate the breadth of the track and the courses that may be offered in an online modality; however, a total of 36 credits in the track's focus area must be completed to meet the track requirements so additional courses may be needed to meet the track credit hour requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 200 | Studio Art and Visual Culture - AH | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Introduction to Art - AH | 3 |
| ARTH 290 | Survey of Asian Art - AH, P2 | 3 |
| COMM 201 | Introduction to Communication Studies - SB | 3 |
| COMM 303 | Communication Technologies | 3 |
| ENGL 202 | Introduction to Creative Writing - AH, WR | 3 |
| ENGL 374 | Gender, Race, Sexuality in Children's Lit - AH, P1 | 3 |
| HUM 224 | Introduction to Film - AH, P2 | 3 |
| HUM 324 | Approaches to Film Interpretation | 3 |
| TA 207 | Enjoyment of Theatre - AH | 3 |
Health and Human Studies
This interdisciplinary track explores the scientific, social, and environmental dimensions of health and wellness. It is well suited for students working in or interested in healthcare, community health, wellness, and related fields. The track may also be tailored, in consultation with an advisor, to support preparation for selected graduate and professional health programs by incorporating appropriate prerequisite coursework. Track disciplines include Anthropology, Biology, Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
A selection of sample coursework is provided below to indicate the breadth of the track and the courses that may be offered in an online modality; however, a total of 36 credits in the track's focus area must be completed to meet the track requirements so additional courses may be needed to meet the track credit hour requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 260 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BIOL 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| GEOG 200 | Human Geography in a Changing World - P2, SB | 3 |
| PSYC 306 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 312 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 342 | Drugs and Behavior | 3 |
| SOC 325 | Sociology of Human Sexuality | 3 |
| SOC 340 | Mental Health and Illness | 3 |
| WGST 312/SOC 343 | Sociology of Women's Health | 3 |
| WGST/HSS 364 | Women's Health Issues - P1, SB | 3 |
Ethics, Justice, and Society
This interdisciplinary track examines ethical principles, social institutions, and contemporary issues in justice, governance, and public life. It is well suited for students working in or interested in government, public service, criminal justice, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, and related fields. Track disciplines include Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology and Urban and Public Affairs.
A selection of sample coursework is provided below to indicate the breadth of the track and the courses that may be offered in an online modality; however, a total of 36 credits in the track's focus area must be completed to meet the track requirements so additional courses may be needed to meet the track credit hour requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJ 200 | Introduction to Criminal Justice - SB | 3 |
| CJ 360 | Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| PAS 205 | Race, Color and Consciousness - P1, SB | 3 |
| PAS 305 | Legal Lynchings: A Survey of Race, Law, and the American Justice System | 3 |
| PEAC 325 | Peace, Justice & Conflict Transformation | 3 |
| PHIL 222 | Contemporary Moral Problems - AH | 3 |
| PHIL 323 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| POLS 315 | Race, Law and Politics - P1, SB | 3 |
| SCHG 305 | Hip-Hop and Social Movements - WR | 3 |
| SOC 206 | Social Justice - P1, SB | 3 |
| SOC 210 | Race in the United States - P1, SB | 3 |
Community and Public Service
This interdisciplinary track explores how culture, identity, and community shape the ways people understand themselves and the world around them. It is well suited for students working in or interested in community organizations, education, human services, advocacy, public service, and related fields. Track disciplines include Anthropology, Deaf Studies, Disability Studies, Humanities, Pan-African Studies, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
A selection of sample coursework is provided below to indicate the breadth of the track and the courses that may be offered in an online modality; however, a total of 36 credits in the track's focus area must be completed to meet the track requirements so additional courses may be needed to meet the track credit hour requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 201 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - P2, SB | 3 |
| ANTH/SCHG 333 | Globalizing Inequalities - WR | 3 |
| HUM 344 | Religion in the United States | 3 |
| PAS 227 | Survey of American Diversity | 3 |
| ITP 150 | Historical Perspectives on the Deaf Community | 3 |
| PAS 227 | Survey of American Diversity | 3 |
| PAS 314 | Black Psychology | 3 |
| PAS 317/HUM 377 | African-American Religion - AH, P1 | 3 |
| PAS 364/WGST 347 | Racism and Sexism - P1, SB | 3 |
| WGST 201 | Women In American Culture - AH, P1 | 3 |
| WGST/COMM 324 | Communication and Gender | 3 |
Global Studies
This track will allow you to explore global issues and perspectives and will prepare you to live and work in settings with diverse ethnic and cultural populations and to function more effectively as a member of an increasingly interconnected world. Track disciplines include Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, Classical and Modern Languages, History, Humanities, Jewish Studies, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, Linguistics, Pan-African Studies, and Political Science.
A selection of sample coursework is provided below to indicate the breadth of the track and the courses that may be offered in an online modality; however, a total of 36 credits in the track's focus area must be completed to meet the track requirements so additional courses may be needed to meet the track credit hour requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 203 | Archaeology of Human History - P2, SBH | 3 |
| FREN 201 | Continuing French Language and Culture I | 4 |
| FREN 250 | Introduction to the French-Speaking World - AH, P2 | 3 |
| HUM 105 | Humanities in Global Cultures - AH, P2 | 3 |
| HUM 351 | Survey of African Religion and Culture | 3 |
| JPST 310 | Japanese Culture Through Film - AH, P2 | 3 |
| JPST 312 | Japanese Popular Culture - AH, P2 | 3 |
| LALS 200 | Exploring Latin America - AH, P2 | 3 |
| LALS 310 | Introduction to Latin American Studies - P2, SB | 3 |
| SPAN 201 | Continuing Spanish Language and Culture I | 3 |
| SPAN 260 | Cultures of Latin America - AH, P2 | 3 |
| WGST 325/ENGL 373 | Women and Global Literature - AH, P2 | 3 |
Applied Natural Sciences
This interdisciplinary track explores how the biological, chemical, and environmental sciences contribute to understanding and solving real-world problems. Students integrate perspectives from multiple scientific disciplines while developing an understanding of scientific concepts and methods. It is well suited for students working in or interested in scientific, technical, environmental, laboratory, and related fields. Track disciplines include Biology, Chemistry, and Geographic and Environmental Sciences.
A selection of sample coursework is provided below to indicate the breadth of the track and the courses that may be offered in an online modality; however, a total of 36 credits in the track’s focus area must be completed to meet the track requirements so additional courses may be needed to meet the track credit hour requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 313 | Scientific Publishing - WR | 3 |
| CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 342 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| ENGL 303 | Special Topics: Scientific and Technical Writing - WR | 3 |
| ENVS 360 | Global Environmental Change | 3 |
| ENVS 571 | GIS and Water Resources | 3 |
| GEOG 355 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG 385 | Introduction to Programming for GIS and Spatial Data Analysis | 3 |
| GEOG 558 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GEOG 535 | GIS and Retail Site Analysis | 3 |
Dual Concentration Option
Dual Concentration
This track option allows students to combine two areas of study to create a personalized academic pathway aligned with their educational and professional interests. The track is well suited for students working in or interested in interdisciplinary fields or for those who have previously completed coursework equivalent to a minor and wish to build on that foundation. The Dual Concentration track may consist of two minors, two certificates, or a combination of one minor and one certificate. At least one minor or certificate must be housed in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Courses in the following minors and certificates are currently available online.
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology*
Communication
Criminal Justice
Diversity & Inequality
English Literature
Ethics**
Geospatial Technologies, Applied*
Humanities
Pan-African Studies**
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
College of Business
Accounting**
Business Administration
Economics
Marketing (occasionally)
Real Estate Marketing
College of Education & Human Development
Climate, Equity, & Opportunity in the Workplace**
Healthcare Leadership**
Human Resource Leadership**
Leadership & Talent Development
Sports Administration
School of Social Work
Social Work
Speed School of Engineering
Computer Science
*Can be completed online w/ department approval of substitutions
**Certificates
