The Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies degree requires the same general education requirements as the Bachelor’s degrees currently approved in the Ferrum College curriculum. In addition, it will require 26 hours of Exploratory or Prerequisite coursework. This will be described as “Electives in the program.” A total of 60 hours of coursework are required for the degree, with at least 25% of credits being earned through Ferrum College (no more than 75% accepted as transfer credit from other institutions). This degree is offered online and in a residential setting.
General Education Requirements
The General Education requirements are designed to provide students with a breadth of knowledge, skill, and understanding that will prepare them to perform successfully as well-informed citizens and professionals in their community, nation, and world. General Education courses also provide an enriching context for the in-depth study required in every major. All students, regardless of their major program of study, must complete the General Education requirements. Students who enter Ferrum College with an Associate’s Degree from an accredited college are exempt from the General Education requirements.
The General Education Curriculum
The General Education Curriculum is required of all Ferrum College graduates. It is composed of 30 credits divided into two main parts: Common Competencies (first-year courses 100 and 200-level courses), and Discipline Competencies (first year and beyond).
Core Competencies
The General Education Curriculum rests on a foundation of four “Common Competencies”: Written Communication (WC), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Global and Social Responsibility (GSR), and Oral Communication (OC). All students are required to take three (3) credits in each of these four competency areas as well as ENG-112. Additionally, all entering students with less than 24 credits are required to fulfill six (6) credits of Professional Development. This includes GWS-101 (or HON-101), FER-202 and FER-203. Those with more than 24 credits are not required to take GWS-101. Students transferring in with an Associate’s degree meet the Professional Development requirements. A listing of courses to fulfill these requirements can be found (here).
Discipline Competencies
Students select one course (3 or 4 credits) from each of the following categories: the humanities, history and fine arts (HHFA), the social and behavioral sciences (SBS), and the natural sciences and mathematics (NSM). Courses required in a student’s major may not be used to meet this requirement. A listing of courses to fulfill these requirements can be found (here).
Electives in the Program:
30 hours of Exploratory or Prerequisite coursework are required beyond the general education requirements.
Prerequisite coursework can be chosen based on an intended course of study for a future Bachelor’s degree major/minor program combination (e.g., a specific choice of MTH course to meet future course prerequisites or courses listed as “Required Core” or “Degree Specific Requirements” in majors or minors).
Total Credits: 60 credits
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