A.A./A.S. in General Studies
Earn your General Studies Degree at Empire State University
Our Associate in Arts or Associate in Science in General Studies is a 64-credit program that is a great option for students who have completed some college credits but have not yet earned a degree, as well as for students who are just beginning their college careers. This degree is also a good choice for students who want to develop strong foundational learning on their way to a bachelor's degree.
Of the 64 credits required to complete the program, up to 52 credits of advanced standing credit will be accepted, an exception to the university's regular residency requirement of 24 credits for an associate degree, with the remaining 12 credits to be completed in residence at SUNY Empire. Within the 64 required credits, students must complete at least 30 credits across seven of ten SUNY General Education areas, including at least three credits each in Mathematics and Basic Communication. The program must fulfill breadth, meaning that it covers diverse knowledge areas, and depth by which students may take multiple courses in one or more subject areas.
Students work with a mentor to individually design a degree plan that maximizes previously earned credits while completing university learning objectives. In order to graduate, students must have a degree plan concurred by the Office of Academic Review. Each degree plan must contain at least 32 credits designated as liberal studies. Students with between 32 and 48 liberal arts credits will earn an Associate in Science degree (A.S.), while those who earn more than 48 credits in liberal studies will earn an Associate in Arts degrees (A.A.). These credits may then become part of bachelor’s degree or certificate program for students who choose to continue beyond the associate degree.
Admission
The admissions requirements for the A.A. or A.S. in General Studies will be the same as current undergraduate admissions requirements. The program is an exception to the university's regular residency requirement of 24 credits for an associate degree, with students needing to complete a minimum of 12 credits at SUNY Empire.
A.A./A.S. in General Studies Program Requirements
This program allows for a maximum of 52 advanced standing credits with a minimum of 12 credits earned at SUNY Empire for a total of 64 credits.
Of these 64 credits, 30 must meet SUNY General Education requirements in a minimum of seven out of ten areas.
Students with a minimum of 48 Liberal Arts and Sciences courses will be awarded an Associate in Arts, while students with fewer than 48 but with a minimum of 32 Liberal Arts and Sciences courses will earn an Associate in Sciences degree.
Course List
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Advanced Standing |
52 |
|
Minimum Residency Requirements: |
|
|
Required Course #1: Elective or Gen Ed |
4 |
|
Required Course #2: Elective or Gen Ed |
4 |
|
Required Course #3: Elective or Gen Ed |
4 |
|
Total Credits |
64 |
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to fulfill all of the SUNY general education requirements in at least seven content areas, with a minimum of 30 credits.
- Students will be able to examine potential college-level learning completed outside of a traditional college setting which may be included.
- Students will have completed the requisite number of liberal credits (48 credits for the A.A. or 32 credits for the A.S.).
Tips for Mentors and Students
Students in the General Studies program may use this worksheet Associate Degree in General Studies Worksheet (login only).
Contact Us
Administrative Assistant for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Coordinator for Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Studies