General Studies, BA

The bachelor of arts degree program in general studies is designed for adult learners with prior college experience but who lack a four-year degree. Under faculty advisement, the student will develop an individualized plan of study that does not duplicate any existing IUP major. The student’s plan of study must be based on a specific theme that incorporates basic, applied, and professional course work within a theoretical framework. At the time of application for degree candidacy or transfer from another institution, a faculty member will be assigned to assist with the plan of study before acceptance.

Liberal Studies: 43

As outlined in the Liberal Studies Requirements with the following specifications:

College Concentration (“Theme”): 30

Complete all requirements for a recognized minor or a concentration approved by an advisor, plus additional courses offered within the same academic college (1). No less than 15 of these credits should be 300-level or above.

Special Interest Area (“Cognate Area”): 12

With approval of an advisor, the student will select additional courses that focus on a particular need, interest, or specialty that complements the college concentration.

Free Electives: 35

Total Degree Requirements: 120

A minimum of 42 credits of advanced course work is required for graduation in the program.

Individually planned themes may not duplicate any existing degree programs that are otherwise available at IUP, nor may they be used to circumvent specific requirements within an existing major.

(1) An advisor may provide pre-approval for course work outside of the college if it’s closely related to the concentration. An example may be be an HOSP course in an ECOB concentration or an IFMG course in a NSM college concentration.