General Studies BS

Major: General Studies
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 180.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 24.0101
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9199

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Studies is the ideal degree completion program for self-directed students who desire a program they can tailor to their personal and professional interests. The program covers the fundamentals of a university education while allowing students to exhibit intellectual interest and discipline across a broad range of college-level coursework. A general studies degree informs employers of a graduate’s ability to think creatively when problem solving and work independently at a high level with a minimum of direction.

General studies students have more options for courses which apply to their degree requirements when they register for a given term. The flexibility to study subjects which have produced some of the greatest ideas, innovations and art in recorded history, can be both a personally and professionally rewarding benefit of a general studies degree.  

Designed for individuals with a diverse college background and varied educational interests that cannot be captured in a single degree program. Students have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of academic subjects through a generous amount of free electives.

The ability to include minors within the General Studies major can be of great value to working adults who are seeking advancement or a change in their employment. Adult learners looking to improve their earning potential often find that a degree makes them eligible for higher-level positions within their organizations or others.

The Goodwin General Studies degree completion program offers students an online option to make it as convenient as possible for working adults to take advantage of the opportunity to return to school and complete their college degree.

Advising

Students in the BS in General Studies program are advised by an academic advisor 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 ensure that educational and professional objectives are met within the course of study.

Additional Information

For more information on this major, visit Goodwin College's webpage.

Degree Requirements

This program is 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 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 minors en route to their degree.

College Requirements
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
GSTD 200Lifelong Learning Theory & Practice3.0
GSTD 491Senior Project in General Studies3.0
English and Speech Requirements
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
Mathematics Requirements
MATH 100Fundamentals of Mathematics3.0
MATH 171Introduction to Analysis A3.0
Computing Requirement **
Select one of the following:3.0
Computer Applications for Professionals
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 Electives62.0
Total Credits180.0
*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

**

 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 Program. 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.

Sample Plan of Study

4 year, no co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0COM 2303.0VACATION
MATH 1003.0MATH 1713.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
Free elective3.0PRST 2113.0Natural Science elective3.0 
Natural Science elective3.0Natural Science elective3.0Special elective3.0 
 12 12 12 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
GSTD 2003.0Free electives12.0Liberal Studies electives12.0VACATION
Special electives15.0Special elective3.0Special elective3.0 
 18 15 15 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Special electives18.0Free electives15.0Liberal Studies electives12.0VACATION
  Special elective3.0 
 18 15 15 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Free electives12.0Free electives15.0GSTD 4913.0 
Liberal Studies electives6.0 Free electives*6.0 
  Liberal Studies electives6.0 
 18 15 15 
Total Credits 180
*

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

4 year, 1 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0COOP 101*1.0VACATION
MATH 1003.0MATH 1713.0COM 2303.0 
Free elective3.0PRST 2113.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
Natural Science elective3.0Natural Science elective3.0Natural Science elective3.0 
  Special elective3.0 
 12 12 13 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
GSTD 2003.0Free electives12.0Liberal Studies electives12.0Special electives18.0
Special electives15.0Special elective3.0Special elective3.0 
 18 15 15 18
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEFree electives15.0Liberal Studies electives12.0
   Special elective3.0
 0 0 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Free electives12.0Free electives15.0GSTD 4913.0 
Liberal Studies elective6.0 Free electives5.0 
  Liberal Studies electives6.0 
 18 15 14 
Total Credits 180
*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

5 year, 3 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0COM 2303.0VACATION
MATH 1003.0MATH 1713.0COOP 101*1.0 
Free elective3.0PRST 2113.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
Natural Science elective3.0Natural Science elective3.0Natural Science elective3.0 
  Special elective3.0 
 12 12 13 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
GSTD 2003.0Free electives9.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Liberal Studies electives6.0Liberal Studies electives6.0  
Special electives9.0Special elective3.0  
 18 18 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Special electives12.0Free electives9.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Liberal Studies electives6.0Liberal Studies electives6.0  
 Special elective3.0  
 18 18 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Liberal Studies elective6.0Free electives15.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Special electives12.0Special elective3.0  
 18 18 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Free electives9.0Free electives9.0GSTD 4913.0 
Liberal Studies elective3.0Liberal Studies elective3.0Free electives8.0 
 12 12 11 
Total Credits 180
*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

Co-op/Career Opportunities

A well-rounded education results in an enriched view of the world. Full-time students majoring in General Studies find careers in diverse areas, taking skills they learn at Drexel to their future endeavors. The My College Guide website identifies many career opportunities for students majoring in General Studies.

Goodwin College's General Studies BS degree is designed for students planning to pursue graduate studies in various professional areas.

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.

Alumni of the General Studies program include professions as:

  • Senior Financial Consultant
  • Professional Digital Marketing Consultant
  • Rap Artist/Songwriter
  • Assistant University Registrar
  • Paralegal
  • Mortgage Consultant
  • Senior Project Manager
  • Bank Manager
  • Vice President, Technology
  • Pharmaceutical Consultant
  • Library Tech Specialist
  • NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability
  • General Manager
  • Realtor
  • Clinical Medical Assistant
  • Schedule of Classes
  • All Course Descriptions
  • Co-op
  • Academic Advising
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Fees
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