All programs have specific requirements described on the program page. Some common requirements that apply broadly across the university are described here.
General Education
General Education is the heart of the undergraduate experience. From the sciences to the arts and humanities, General Education at Penn State prepares students to thrive personally and professionally in our diverse global society. Through General Education, students acquire skills, knowledge, and experiences for living in interconnected contexts, making life better for themselves, others, and the larger world. As professions become more dynamic and career paths less predictable, the ability to place information into context through critical thinking and the ability to develop solutions to complex problems and make ethical decisions become essential skills for a resilient workforce. Creative and analytical practice prepares students of all disciplines to be resourceful in the application of their knowledge towards complex problem solving, and to communicate that knowledge in a variety of forms.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GENERAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements (9-24 credits)
Courses with a Bachelor of Arts attribute satisfy these requirements.
World Language (0-12 credits)
Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one world language in addition to English. This proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the Placement Policy for Penn State World Language Courses.
B.A. Fields (9 credits)
Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, World Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; world language credits in this category must be in a second world language in addition to English or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language). Credits must be selected from the list of approved courses.
World Cultures (0-3 credits)
Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the University Cultural Diversity (US/IL) requirement.
Other University Requirements
The First Year Engagement, Cultural Diversity and Writing Across the Curriculum requirements can be found on the Other University Requirements page.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
READ SENATE POLICY 82-20: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
READ SENATE POLICY 82-40: CUMULATIVE GRADE-POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENTS
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
READ SENATE POLICY 83-80: LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION
Bachelor of Humanities
Bachelor of Humanities degree majors are required to take 18 credits (referenced below). In addition, students are expected to complete credits required by their college and major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| HUM 300N | Interpretations in the Humanities  | 3 |
| HUM 400N | Expressions in the Humanities | 3 |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 1 course each from four different major/program offerings: | 12 | |
| AA, AMST, ART, ARTH, CAMS, COMM, CMLIT, ENGL, HIST, INART, MUSIC, PHIL, RLST, THEA, or courses from the School of Humanities (Penn State Harrisburg, the Capital College) approved list | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Bachelor of Philosophy
The Bachelor of Philosophy degree is the only one not offered through any college or school but rather on a University-wide basis. This degree allows students to plan their own programs, in conjunction with a faculty preceptor, within the framework of the academic program of the University. A description of this degree is found in the Intercollege-Undergraduate Programs section of this bulletin.