Liberal Arts And Science - General Studies

The Liberal Arts General Studies curriculum has a dual purpose:  it is designed to enable students to either transfer to a four-year college/university or explore other academic programs within SUNY Erie through open college electives.

Students interested in a flexible, exploratory course of study and the option of a self-structured curriculum may pursue Liberal Arts-General Studies. This program offers the student a course of study leading to an Associate in Science degree and an opportunity to experience courses in other curricula.

SUNY General Education Student Learning Outcomes

The SUNY General Education knowledge and skills areas and the three competencies now function as the basis for the Liberal Arts degree program outcomes. These General Education requirements are detailed in the academic information section of the college catalog.

Program Description

The General Studies curriculum is designed to provide the student with a flexible, exploratory course of study and the option of self-structured curricula without a prior commitment to either specific academic or vocational goals. It is offered day and evening on all campuses, as well as online as a distance learning program. Students may attend on a part-time or full-time basis.

This program serves the needs of students interested in transferring to four-year institutions by ensuring SUNY General Education requirements are fulfilled. The program is also ideal for the student who has an inquisitive mind and wishes to explore a variety of academic options. Graduates may find numerous entry-level positions available in banking, sales, real estate and health and human services.

An applicant for General Studies should contact a college admissions counselor. After notification of acceptance and receipt of placement test scores, the applicant is required to contact the General Studies department for course advisement.

Students matriculated in the General Studies program must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours in SUNY General Education courses.  SUNY requires that students earning an AA or AS degree complete core courses in 7 of the 10 knowledge areas. The 30 core credits required in the General Studies degree must meet this requirement. A minimum of 60 degree credit hours is required to graduate. After SUNY General Education requirements are met, courses may be taken in any college degree course for which the General Studies student qualifies for registration under guidelines established by college academic units or department.

College Success Skills (GS 111) should be taken in the first semester and Integrative Capstone (GS 299) should be taken in the last semester of coursework.