General Studies is a program for students who are adult learners, veterans, students who transfer to CT State, students who are exploring career and academic options, and lifelong learners. The General Studies Program is designed for students who seek a two-year degree for personal or career advancement. The breadth of the curriculum allows students to explore disciplines in all of our Schools of Study ; their chosen program code reflects an affiliation with one School to ensure that they receive advising that most closely aligns with their interests (GNST-AS-AH, GNST-AS-BH, GNST-AS-ET, GNST-AS-NH, GNST-AS-SM, or GNST-AS-SB).
The General Studies Program provides students flexibility in degree completion and maximizes the number of credits that are transferred to CT State. This program is designed to ensure that students develop strong communication skills, increase literacy and math skills, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in the sciences, social sciences, and the arts and humanities. General Studies students gain foundational knowledge in a variety of academic disciplines. The degree program is designed to give students the opportunity to explore knowledge from multiple perspectives. Students are challenged to become intellectually curious, aesthetically aware, and critically perceptive. The program gives students the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the workplace and the foundation necessary for lifelong learning and personal growth.
The general education curriculum and career education are dynamic and interactive components. They enrich each other by helping students to make career choices in keeping with their understanding of themselves and their world. Together, they provide the skills and perspectives that make possible the dignity of work and social contribution. They cultivate a framework of meaning, value, ethical purpose, and commitment that enrich every aspect of life. They foster an attitude of critical inquiry, curiosity, openness and wonder that enables a spirit of lifelong learning.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply skills necessary to think critically, write clearly, argue persuasively, and problem-solve effectively
- Demonstrate competence with current computer software applications used in the workforce.
- Demonstrate college level writing, oral communication, and critical thinking
- Recognize broader historical, cultural, global, and scientific perspectives
- Collaborate with culturally and intellectually diverse peoples
- Apply traditional research skills and digital technology to access, evaluate, and apply information ethically
- Define and analyze both personal and social ethical issues; understand the consequences of a decision or a course of action.
The General Studies program also offers flexibility as a basis for further study or career paths, however, its primary purpose is not for transfer. Students planning to transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting program should consider one of the Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts and Science, which is carefully designed to satisfy transfer requirements while offering students flexibility and variety in course work.