The online A.A. General Studies program helps you develop a strong foundation of courses in general education. As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your professional interests and prepare you for transition to a bachelor’s degree program.
Credit Hours: 60 | | Tuition Cost
What is General Studies?
Enrolling in an General Studies program provides a platform for personal and academic growth, career exploration, and future educational opportunities. It can be an excellent choice if you value flexibility and want to keep your options open. This program helps you develop a strong foundation of courses in general education. As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your professional interests and prepare you for transition to a bachelor’s degree program.
Why Study General Studies at UNH College of Professional Studies?
- Exploration of Diverse Subjects: General Studies allows you to explore a wide range of subjects, providing a broad academic foundation. This can help you explore your personal interests and career goals and develop a well-rounded education.
- Flexible Curriculum: The A.A. General Studies curriculum is often flexible, allowing you to select from a variety of courses based on your interests and goals. This flexibility is especially helpful for students balancing work, family, academics, and other responsibilities.
- Transferability: Our A.A. General Studies program is designed to transfer smoothly to our bachelor’s degree programs. With an associate degree, you could be halfway through the requirements for a bachelor's program.
- Increased Employment opportunities: This degree focuses on developing skills that employers value, including critical thinking and communication skills.
- Customization: You can tailor your coursework to align with your interests or career goals, creating a personalized educational experience.
- Preparation for a Major: General Studies programs can serve as a stepping stone to various majors, providing you with a strong foundation before deciding on a specific field of study.
Course Highlights
- The Writing Process
- Critical Inquiry
- Persuasive Communication
- College Success Seminar
…and more!
Why UNH CPS?
- Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
- Available fully online with select on-campus courses.
- Affordable tuition.
- Nationally ranked online programs.
- About 89% of our students are transfer students. Making the most of your transfer credits is our specialty.
- Career advising is available to all students and alumni. We also extend this service to those considering their college options.
- Faculty who are subject matter experts and share their real-world expertise, helping you apply what you learn to your personal goals and career.
- We’re experts at assessing credit toward your undergraduate degree – not only from previous college coursework, but also for other college-level knowledge demonstrated outside the traditional classroom.
- Completion of our free, online application for admission
- High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Those wishing to continue their education may apply their 60-credit associate degree toward an 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Ask your advisor for details!
Curriculum & Requirements
The Associate Degree in General Studies offers a flexible pathway for students with diverse educational backgrounds or schedules. This program allows students to build on prior learning, explore a variety of disciplines, and create a general studies degree that aligns with their personal and career goals. Designed for students who want to explore their academic and professional interests before choosing a specific career path, the program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for success in a wide range of fields.
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDIS 410 | College Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| Elective | 2 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select 1 of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| General Studies Option Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| General Studies Option Course | 4 | |
| General Studies Option Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| General Studies Option Course | 4 | |
| General Studies Option Course | 4 | |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Degree Requirements
Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Major Requirements
A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major and Concentration coursework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in General Studies | ||
| IDIS 410 | College Success Seminar | 2 |
| General Studies Concentration | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Organize, draft, edit, and revise writing in order to communicate effectively.
- Engage in verbal and/or online interactions with others and use communication skills to influence others.
- Apply quantitative reasoning to real-world problems.
- Think critically to analyze information and craft informed arguments.
- Articulate the key concepts, methodologies, and applications of a concentrated area of academic and/or professional interest.
- Use key elements of career exploration to develop an integrated career and academic plan.
- Practice ways of thinking in and across areas of knowledge.
Your Prior and Current Learning Counts
Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.