General Studies
About the Program
Bachelor of Science Degree: 180.0 - 185.0 quarter credits
The General Studies program is designed for students who wish to gain a breadth of knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. In addition, general studies students focus on a particular area of interest by following one of the concentrations that exist in the program:
Individualized Studies
This is a concentration designed for individuals with a diverse college background and varied educational interests that cannot be captured in a single degree program. In consultation with their academic advisor, students select a specialization within the concentration according to their interests. Students have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of academic subjects through a generous amount of free electives. An attractive feature is that students can complete certificate programs en route to their BS degree.
Liberal Studies
The concentration in Liberal Studies provides a broad-based liberal arts education that increases one's appreciation of the world at large and lays the necessary groundwork for graduate study. All liberal studies students take courses in communication, art or architecture history, literature, philosophy, history, political science, psychology, anthropology/sociology, and liberal studies electives. The final 36 credits in the course of study comprise the student's concentration requirements. Students choose to concentrate in either humanities or social sciences. The humanities concentration usually appeals to students interested in focusing on the fine arts, foreign language, literature, or writing. The social science concentration is excellent preparation for graduate school (including law school), research, and careers in which one would deal extensively with people.
Physical Sciences
A concentration in Physical Sciences can lead to graduate school, careers in research and, with the selection of natural science courses, medical , dental, pharmacy, and veterinary school. Students take courses in the following areas: calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Faculty
The major in General Studies draws on the strengths of faculty teaching out of several departments, schools and colleges at Drexel University. Students take advantage of the University’s faculty in the areas of arts and humanities, social sciences, business, as well as science and technology.
Advising
Students in the BS in General Studies program are advised by an academic advisor (determined alphabetically by last name) who serves as an important resource to students as they progress and manage their educational and career goals.
Students receive one-on-one personal advisement to insure that educational and professional objectives are met within the course of study.
In addition, all the full-time faculty serve as advising resources on career exploration and opportunities. Due to the small nature of the General Studies program, a large majority of the students forge strong relationships with staff and faculty.
For more information on this major, visit Goodwin College's General Studies web page.
Individualized Studies Concentration
This is a concentration designed for individuals with a diverse college background and varied educational interests that cannot be captured in a single degree program. In consultation with their academic advisor, students select a specialization within the concentration according to their interests. Students have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of academic subjects through a generous amount of free electives. An attractive feature is that students can complete certificate programs en route to their BS degree.
| College Requirements | ||
| CAT 200 | Strategies for Lifelong Learning | 3.0 |
| GSTD 491 | Senior Project in General Studies | 3.0 |
| English and Speech Requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| Mathematics Requirements | ||
| MATH 181 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3.0 |
| MATH 182 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3.0 |
| MATH 183 | Mathematical Analysis III | 3.0 |
| Computing Requirement * | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Computing | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Database I | ||
| Web Development I | ||
| Computer Applications for Professionals | ||
| Creative Studies in the World Wide Web | ||
Additional computing course options, with Advisor approval | ||
| Upper Level Course Requirements | ||
| As students choose electives from the categories below, a minimum of 36.0 credits must be upper-level courses (typically 300-level and above). | ||
| Natural Science Electives | ||
| Students select 9.0 credits from the following: ANAT, BIO, CHEM, FDSC, NFS, PHEV, PHYS. Courses from other departments may be considered with advisor approval. | 9.0 | |
| Specialization Requirements | ||
| Students must complete 45.0 credits within an area of specialization. The specialization is a set of courses built around a cohesive area of study. An academic advisor must pre-approve the specialization. The specialization will not appear on the student transcript. | 45.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Requirements | ||
| Students must complete 36.0 credits in Liberal Studies, covering a range of subject areas in the humanities and/or social sciences: anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, history, philosophy, religion, literature and fine arts. (Arts history or appreciation courses, rather than applied courses.) | 36.0 | |
| Free Electives | 60.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
| * | Courses older than three years will not be transferred into the curriculum. |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Liberal Studies Concentration
A concentration in Liberal Studies provides a broad-based liberal arts education that increases one's appreciation of the world at large and lays the necessary groundwork for graduate study. All liberal studies students take courses in communication, art or architecture history, literature, philosophy, history, political science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and liberal studies electives.
The final 36.0 credits in the course of study comprise the student's concentration requirements. Students choose to concentrate in either humanities or social sciences. The humanities concentration usually appeals to students interested in focusing on the fine arts, foreign language, literature, or writing. The social science concentration is excellent preparation for graduate school (including law school), research, and careers in which one would deal extensively with people.
| College Requirements | ||
| CAT 200 | Strategies for Lifelong Learning | 3.0 |
| GSTD 491 | Senior Project in General Studies | 3.0 |
| English and Speech Requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| Mathematics Requirements | ||
| MATH 181 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3.0 |
| MATH 182 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3.0 |
| Computing Requirement * | 3.0 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Computing | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Web Development I | ||
| Database I | ||
| Computer Applications for Professionals | ||
| Creative Studies in the World Wide Web | ||
Additional computing course options, with Advisor approval. | ||
| Natural Science Electives | ||
| Students selct 9.0 credits from the following: ANAT, BIO, CHEM, ENVS, FDSC, FNS, PHEV, PHYS. Couress from other departments may be considered with advisor approval. | 9.0 | |
| Arts and Humanities Electives | ||
| Fine Arts (ARTH, MUSC, THTR) | 9.0 | |
| History (HIST) | 9.0 | |
| Literature (ENGL) | 9.0 | |
| Phillosophy (PHIL) or Religion | 9.0 | |
| Social Science Electives | ||
| Anthropology (ANTH) or Sociology (SOC) | 9.0 | |
| Communication (COM) or Writing (WRIT) | 9.0 | |
| Political Science (PSCI) | 9.0 | |
| Psychology (PSY) | 9.0 | |
| Africana (AFAS) or Women's Studies (WMS) | 3.0 | |
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Students must complete 36.0 credits within an area of concentration focusing on the humanities and/or social sciences. Courses must be upper level with at least 18.0 credits selected from one discipline. Social Science students are required to take CAT 360 Applied Organizational Research or SOC 250. | 36.0 | |
| Free Electives | 33.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
| * | Courses older than three years will not be transferred into the curriculum. |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Physical Science Concentration
The Physical Sciences concentration provides individuals with the opportunity to focus on coursework in mathematics and the natural sciences. The concentration can lead to graduate school, careers in research and, with the selection of natural science courses, medical , dental, pharmacy, and veterinary school. Students take courses in the following areas: calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics.
| College Requirements | ||
| CAT 200 | Strategies for Lifelong Learning | 3.0 |
| GSTD 491 | Senior Project in General Studies | 3.0 |
| English and Communication Requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 310 [WI] | Technical Communication | 3.0 |
| Mathematics Requirements | 9.0-12.0 | |
Select one of the following sequences: | ||
Mathematical Analysis | ||
| Mathematical Analysis I | ||
| Mathematical Analysis II | ||
| Mathematical Analysis III | ||
Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Calculus III | ||
| Computing Requirement * | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Computing | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Database I | ||
| Web Development I | ||
| Computer Applications for Professionals | ||
| Creative Studies in the World Wide Web | ||
Additional computing course options, with Advisor approval. | ||
| Historical Perspectives in Science | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| History of Science: Ancient to Medieval | ||
| History of Science: Enlightenment to Modernity | ||
| History of Science: Medieval to Enlightenment | ||
| Technology in Historical Perspective | ||
| Exploration in Technology and Gender | ||
| Philosophical Issues in Science | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Biomedical Ethics and Law | ||
| Biomedical Ethics | ||
| Philosophy of Technology | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Physical Science Requirements | ||
| Biology * | ||
| BIO 161 | General Biology I | 3.0 |
| BIO 162 | General Biology II | 3.0 |
| BIO 163 | General Biology III | 3.0 |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 161 | General Chemistry I | 3.0 |
| CHEM 162 | General Chemistry II | 3.0 |
| CHEM 163 | General Chemistry III | 3.0 |
| CHEM 164 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 2.0 |
| CHEM 165 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 2.5 |
| Physics | 9.0-15.0 | |
Select one of the following sequences | ||
Applied Physics | ||
| Applied Physics I | ||
| Applied Physics II | ||
| Applied Physics III | ||
Fundamentals of Physics | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics Lecture I | ||
| Physics I-A | ||
| Physics II-A | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics Lecture II | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics Lecture III | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory III | ||
| Physical Science Electives | ||
| Students must complete 27.0 credits of natural science electives. Courses must be upper level in biology, chemistry, physics or environmental science. | 27.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Electives | ||
| Students must complete 27.0 credits covering a range of subjects that may include: anthropology, economics, fine arts, history, literature, music philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, etc. | 27.0 | |
| Free Electives | 55.5 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0-189.0 | |
| * | &Courses older than three years will not be transferred into the curriculum. |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Co-op/Career Opportunities
A well-rounded education results in an enriched view of the world. Students majoring in General Studies find careers in diverse areas, taking skills they learn at Drexel to their future endeavors.
- The physical science concentration can lead to careers in scientific research.
- The liberal studies concentration can lead to careers or graduate study in the humanities or the fields that deal extensively with people.
- The individualized studies concentration is extremely flexible. Individualized studies students are generally self-directed and want a program they can tailor to their personal and professional interests.
Some General Studies students are already established in their careers and simply need a bachelor's degree to move into higher positions within their organizations and industries and/or to pursue a master's degree.
Goodwin College 's General Studies BS degree is designed for students planning to pursue graduate studies in professional areas such as law, dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary school.
Courses
GSTD 111 Learning Skills & Strategies 3.0 Credits
This course prepares traditional undergraduate students for the expectations and challenges of college life.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Freshman.
GSTD 150 Introduction to World Religions 3.0 Credits
This course introduces significant Eastern and Western religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are examined. Each religion is studied as a system of thought that constructs a worldview considering its origin, its sacred texts, the human condition, and the future eternity.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
GSTD 180 Special Topics in General Studies 1.0-4.0 Credit
Covers lower-level special topics of interest in General Studies. This course may be repeated for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 11 times for 12 credits
GSTD 210 Fact & Fiction in Film 3.0 Credits
This course focuses on the creative process of film storytelling using documented historical fact and artistic license of fiction. Factual material, reasonable opinions, and scurrilous rumors about well-documented historical events will be analyzed. Films about these events will be viewed, critiqued and analyzed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
GSTD 380 Advanced Special Topics in General Studies 1.0-4.0 Credit
Covers upper-level special topics of interest in General Studies. This course may be repeated for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 11 times for 12 credits
GSTD 399 Independent Study in General Studies 0.5-12.0 Credits
Provides individual study or research in General Studies under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GSTD.
GSTD 400 Practicum 3.0 Credits
Combines classroom theory with practical application at the student’s worksite. Requires students to demonstrate the ability to apply classroom learning to situations benefiting a corporation. Includes an orientation, proposals, reports on works-in-progress, and a portfolio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GSTD and classification is Senior.
GSTD 491 Senior Project in General Studies 3.0 Credits
The senior project covers planning and execution of a capstone project that integrates the academic and practical knowledge acquired in the student’s course of study. Students will complete a research proposal, a research project or an integrative portfolio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GSTD and classification is Senior.
