General Studies - Associate in Arts
GENS
This program may be completed at any campus, or may be completed fully online.
The General Studies degree provides students with the flexibility to build a broad-based major in the liberal arts and sciences. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, think critically, reason quantitatively, and draw on knowledge from many disciplines to understand themselves and the world. The General Studies degree is designed for students who desire to transfer to a four-year institution.
Note: Courses may require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.
Available Online: Students are able to meet program requirements with online courses. Visit the Online Learning and Technology for Students website for more information about online programs, the courses available online, and ways to be a successful online student.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Create written work that develops and expresses ideas and that addresses a given context and target audience.
- Communicate effectively via oral presentations, performances, participation in group work, and visual presentations.
- Identify, analyze, and apply evidence and ideas, question assumptions, and draw logical conclusions.
- Develop information literacy by locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and using information to accomplish a specific purpose.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and apply scientific principles, theories, and methods.
- Apply quantitative principles to solve problems and support arguments with quantitative evidence in a variety of formats (e.g., words, tables, graphs, equations, etc.)
- Demonstrate an understanding of global, cultural, and historical perspective.
- Function effectively in social and professional environments and make reasoned decisions based on ethical standards, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1010 | Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) | 3 |
| History Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Lab Science Elective | 4-5 | |
| Literature Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Elective | 3-4 | |
| Subtotal General Education | 31-33 | |
| Major Education Requirements | ||
| Electives (See courses from any instructional program) | 30 | |
| Subtotal Major Requirements | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 61-63 | |
Note: In selecting specific courses, students planning to transfer should consult with their Academic Advisor/Student Success Coach and/or a transfer advisor at the college or university to which they plan to transfer.
Transfer
Please meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Coach if you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree. Your Academic Advisor will help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university.
Check out the Joint Admissions Agreement if you are interested in transferring to Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island. The JAA program offers seamless transfer to RIC or URI with additional benefits. Transfer information, events, and articulations are available on the Transfer Center website.