Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The Associate of Arts with a concentration* in General Studies program is intended to teach students about hard and soft sciences, technology, math, history and humanities. The curriculum is designed to develop students' analytical as well as oral and written communication skills. This program is available in a convenient online format, and courses incorporate individual study time, virtual class discussions and special projects. Classes are taken two at a time in a prescribed complementary format. The length of each course is nine weeks.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Perhaps you are a recent high school graduate who is unsure of your career aspirations and seek a nondescript, yet all-inclusive, emphasis. In contrast, you may already have a career and desire an educational foundation to strengthen your opportunities. Regardless of your background, applicants to University of Phoenix programs should have a high school diploma or GED.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Depending on your undergraduate experiences, you will complete one of two curricular tracks. Track A is for students who have earned 24 or more transferable credits. Track B is for those who have earned fewer than 24 credits. You must complete a total of 60 credits in order to earn the associate degree.

Track A

Communication Arts

• COM 150: Effective Essay Writing
• COM 220: Research Writing

Humanities

• CRT 205: Critical Thinking
• Students also complete one humanities course of their choosing

Mathematics

• Students select two classes from the following list:
  • MAT 116: Algebra 1A
  • MAT 117: Algebra 1B
  • MAT 205: Finite Mathematics

Science and Technology

• Students elect one science and technology course of their choosing
• Students elect one physical or biological sciences course of their choosing

Social Sciences

• ETH 125: Cultural Diversity
• Students also choose one social science elective

Additional Liberal Arts

• GEN 105: Skills for Learning in an Information Age

Interdisciplinary Studies

• Students take nine interdisciplinary studies classes of their choosing

Track B

Communication Arts

• COM 155: University Composition and Communication I
• COM 156: University Composition and Communication II

Humanities

• HUM 111: Critical and Creative Thinking
• HUM 176: Media and American Culture

Mathematics

• Students select two classes from the following list:
  • MAT 116: Algebra 1A
  • MAT 117: Algebra 1B
  • MAT 205: Finite Mathematics

Science and Technology

• SCI 162: Principles of Health and Wellness
• Students also take one science and technology course of their choosing

Social Sciences

• PSY 201: Foundations of Psychology
• ETH 125: Cultural Diversity

Additional Liberal Arts

• US 101: Introduction to University Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies

• FP 101: Foundations of Personal Finance
• Students take eight additional interdisciplinary studies classes of their choosing

Advanced Degrees

If you earn an Associate of Arts with a concentration in General Studies, you could go on to pursue a bachelor's degree. Taking part in a higher-level degree program could allow you to specialize in virtually any area of interest. It could also provide you with advanced research and writing skills.

Examples of bachelor's degrees that could be sought include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Communication and Technology

*Maryland residents completing this program will earn an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in General Studies.