General Studies - Overview

Thelma Schroeder
Director, Academic Advising

The new general studies program requires students to take 40 credits in general studies courses. Previously, students took 60 credit hours, but we have reduced this to 40. Research shows that having fewer required  credits benefits students by giving them opportunities to explore more courses in the students' personal interests. With fewer required courses, students can chose a major and a minor field to study.  Some students might even chose two majors or a major field and two minor fields. Because the 21st century world is more interdisciplinary, our graduates should have skills in more than one area.  Students will be able to pursue their interests with more elective courses.

All courses in the new curriculum emphasize skill development in critical thinking, language, and communication.  These abilities are the heart of every course students take.

The new General Studies curriculum includes three components:

• Freshman Foundation courses (4 courses, total 12 credits)  
• Integrated courses (5-6 courses, total 24 credits), including one service learning course           
• Capstone Experience (1 course, total 4 credits)