Aug 15, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog

General Studies (B.A.)


Go to Division of Professional Studies   for more information.

Department Contact:

Division of Professional Studies Dean: Dr. Julie Warnick
Division of Professional Studies Director: Dr. Sherri Link

Program Description 

The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies is a degree-completion program designed for adult students to maximize prior earned college credits and to complete fully online. This degree will allow students who desire a bachelor’s degree to complete it in an efficient and focused manner. Since this is a degree completion program, it is transfer friendly. There are three components of this degree: two minors that form the major; the core curriculum requirements, and free electives.  The general studies program allows a student to choose two minors that meet their background, interests, and goals. The student will then complete the core requirements and will have elective credits to round out the degree. Up to 98 credits can transfer into this degree with the last 30 credits completed through Saint Francis University. Twenty-one credits of upper level 300-400 courses need to be completed as part of the degree requirements.    

Student Learning Outcomes 

Through completion of the General Studies Program students will:   

  • Synthesize knowledge from two different disciplines to make well-reasoned reflections, ethical arguments, and conclusions.   

  • Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve a real workplace or community issue.  

  • Demonstrate effective presentation skills.  

Admission Requirements:

See Division of Professional Studies for admission criteria and information.

Capstone Requirement  

GEN 499 - General Studies Capstone  , offered online through DPS, every spring semester. To be completed within final two semesters of graduation.   

Course Description:    

The General Studies Capstone synthesizes the student’s BA in General Studies program and draws together their experiences, skills, and issues addressed. This capstone consists of research related to a work-place issue or project of the student’s choosing and approved by the course instructor, culminating with a final portfolio and presentation to an audience. Students complete the capstone during one of their final two semesters of their undergraduate program. Offered Spring.

Total Credits Required:

128 total credits  

Ethics (3 credits)**


** Students are required to complete a course in philosophy and ethics. At least one of these courses must be at the 200-level or above. Before enrolling in a 200-level course or higher in one discipline, students must first complete a 100-level course in the other discipline.

Philosophy (3 credits)**


** Students are required to complete a course in philosophy and ethics. At least one of these courses must be at the 200-level or above. Before enrolling in a 200-level course or higher in one discipline, students must first complete a 100-level course in the other discipline.

Major Requirements:(33-39 credits)


Select two minors. General Studies Capstone is required. Additional 300-400 level courses may be required to meet the upper-level 21-credit requirement SFU policy.  

 

  • Minor I from University Catalog 15-18 credits 

  • Minor II from University Catalog 15-18 credits 

  • Potential electives needed at 300+ level  

 

Free Electives: (43-52 credits)