In this interdisciplinary major students may pursue broad interests and develop their own specialized programs when their interests are not congruent with established programs. The B.A. degree in General Arts and Sciences can be a terminal degree, or students can prepare for graduate school, professional school, or employment in business, government, or industry.

The Liberal Studies option provides the most flexible undergraduate degree program in the University except for the Bachelor of Philosophy degree. Students can use the Liberal Studies option to structure a program of study around their individual interests and career plans and can develop background in areas where Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, does not currently offer majors.

For further information and a complete list of courses, contact the head of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences.

For the B.A. degree in General Arts and Sciences, a minimum of 124 credits is required. A student enrolled in this major must earn at least a grade of C in each 300- and 400-level course.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem:1-2)

GENERAL EDUCATION: 46 credits
(See description of General Education in front of Bulletin.)

ELECTIVES: 18 credits

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: 24 credits
(See description of Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements in front of Bulletin.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 36 credits

COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (ALL OPTIONS): 12 credits

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (12 credits)
Select 3 credits in each of the areas of arts, humanities, science/mathematics, and the social and behavioral sciences (Sem: 1-8)

HUMANITIES OPTION: 24 credits

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (24 credits)
Select 24 credits in humanities from those listed under humanities in the Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements list, with at least 3 credits in each of three areas, including 15 credits at the 400 level (Sem: 1-8)

LIBERAL STUDIES OPTION: 24 credits

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (24 credits)
[15 of these credits must be at the 400 level]
In this option, the student shall submit a proposal to the adviser listing his/her choice of subjects beyond those required in the Supporting Courses and Related Areas category. In consultation with the adviser and the General Arts and Sciences program head, the student may choose from any B.A. course offering of the University. Option must be approved no later than the end of the sixth semester. (Sem: 1-8)

SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS OPTION: 24 credits

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (24 credits)
Select 24 credits in science/mathematics from those listed under science/mathematics in the Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements list, with at least 3 credits in each of three areas, including 15 credits at the 400 level (Sem: 1-8)

SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES OPTION: 24 credits

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (24 credits)
Select 24 credits in the social and behavioral sciences from those listed in the Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements list, with at least 3 credits in each of three areas, including 15 credits at the 400 level (Sem: 1-8)

The Pennsylvania State University ©1998

The University reserves the right to change the requirements and regulations listed here and to determine whether a student has satisfactorily met its requirements for admission or graduation, and to reject any applicant for any reason the University determines to be material to the applicant's qualifications to pursue higher education. Nothing in this material should be considered a guarantee that completion of a program and graduation from the University will result in employment.

Last Revised by the Department: Summer Session 1988

Blue Sheet Item #: 16-08-166

Review Date: 6/8/99 (General Education Update)