General Studies (A.A.)

General Studies (A.A.)
Two woman on a computer

Earn Your Associate Degree

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.


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 in Arts in General Studies is designed to provide students a strong foundation of courses reflecting a general education foundation with the ability to explore their professional interests in preparation to transition in to a Baccalaureate program.

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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
IDIS 410 College Success Seminar 2
ENG 420 The Writing Process 4
COM 460 Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics 4
Elective 2
 Credits12
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
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480 Visual Communication 4
General Education Course 4
General Studies Option Course 4
General Studies Option Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
General Studies Option Course 4
General Studies Option Course 4
General Education Course 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits60

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

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.

ENG 420The Writing Process4
COM 460Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics4
COM 480Visual Communication4
CRIT 501Introduction to Critical Inquiry4
Select one of the following:4
MTH 402
Math for Our World
MTH 504
Statistics
MTH 510
Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression4
Total Credits32

 Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major and Concentration coursework.

Major in General Studies
IDIS 410College Success Seminar2
General Studies Concentration20
Total Credits22

Students will have the opportunity to:
 
  • 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.

Learn More