Who says you have to pick a specialty? Being a generalist can be a great thing. Leonardo Da Vinci was a generalist. So was Benjamin Franklin. NOVA's General Studies AS allows you to explore your interests and find your passion, while laying the groundwork for a career in any field.
NOVA’s A.S. in General Studies leaves students with a lot of options. Transfer to a four-year institution, increase your value to current or potential employers, or just keep on learning.
The A.S. in General Studies transfers to four-year schools with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program – but is dependent on which electives you choose.
Some colleges and universities do not allow General Studies degrees for guaranteed admission. Speak with an advisor to find the right transfer school for you.
Students are advised to work closely with the faculty and counseling staff for program and course scheduling. Electives should be chosen carefully to meet requirements of the transfer institution. The responsibility for proper course selection rests with the student. Students are encouraged to complete the A.S. degree before transferring. Some Virginia colleges and universities exclude General Studies graduates from participating in guaranteed admission programs.
| Two Years | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | |||
| ENG | 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| Choose One | |||
| ITE | 152 | Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications | 3 |
| CSC | 110 | Principles of Computer Science | 3 |
| MTH | 154 | Quantitative Reasoning OR Higher | 3 |
| 1 | Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab | 4 | |
| Choose One | |||
| SDV | 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| SDV | 101 | Orientation to (a Specific Discipline) | 1 |
| Total | 14 | ||
| 2nd Semester | |||
| 2CST | Elective | 3 | |
| ENG | 112 | College Composition II | 3 |
| 3HIS | Elective | 3 | |
| 4 | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| 1 | Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab | 4 | |
| Total | 16 | ||
| 3rd Semester | |||
| 4 | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| 5 | Open Electives | 9 | |
| 6 | Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | ||
| 4th Semester | |||
| 5 | Open Electives | 12 | |
| 6 | Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | ||
| Total credits for the Associate of Science = 60 | |||
| Two Years | Credits |
|---|---|
| 1st Semester | |
|
ENG
111
|
3 |
| Choose One | |
|
Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
ITE
152
|
3 |
|
Principles of Computer Science
CSC
110
|
3 |
|
Quantitative Reasoning OR Higher
MTH
154
|
3 |
|
Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab
1
|
4 |
| Choose One | |
|
SDV
100
|
1 |
|
SDV
101
|
1 |
| Total | 14 |
| 2nd Semester | |
|
Elective
2CST
|
3 |
|
ENG
112
|
3 |
|
Elective
3HIS
|
3 |
|
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
4
|
3 |
|
Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab
1
|
4 |
| Total | 16 |
| 3rd Semester | |
|
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
4
|
3 |
|
Open Electives
5
|
9 |
|
Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective
6
|
3 |
| Total | 15 |
| 4th Semester | |
|
Open Electives
5
|
12 |
|
Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective
6
|
3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Total credits for the Associate of Science = 60 | |
1 See physical and life science courses listed under General Education Electives. Electives should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution..
2 Select from the following: CST 100, CST 110, CST 126, or CST 229.
4 See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives. Students must choose courses from two of the three areas listed. Credit will not be applied if student takes two courses from the same area. Electives should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet requirements of the transfer institution.
5 See the list of Open Electives. If transfer to another college is planned, the elective courses should be selected based on the requirements of the transfer institution.
6 See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives. Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution
American Sign Language Career Studies Certificate
American Sign Language to English Interpretation A.A.S.
Art History Specialization
Communication Studies
Deaf Studies Specialization
English Specialization
General Education Certificate
International Studies Specialization
Liberal Arts A.A.
Professional Writing Certificate
Social Sciences A.S.
Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management Career Studies Certificate
Psychology Specialization
Public History and Historic Preservation Career Studies Certificate
Recreation Programming and Administration Career Studies Certificate
Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies Specialization
As a General Studies major, you have a lot of options. Talk through them with one of our advisors.
*Indicates Required Field