Program: General Studies (A.A.) - South Dakota State University

2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 04, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jessica Lewis, Coordinator
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Wagner Hall 251
605-688-4723

Randi Anderson, Advisor
Pugsley Center 303M
605-688-5191

Program Information

The Associate of Arts degree in General Studies reflects SDSU’s Land-Grant mission through accessibility and student-centered education. The program provides a foundation of general education courses at the university level, supporting bachelor’s degree programs, lifelong learning, and entry-level careers. The program provides excellent undergraduate instruction and affords students’ the ability to shape their curriculum to meet personal and professional goals. The program strives to graduate students who are knowledgeable across a variety of fields. Graduates think critically and creatively, problem-solve efficiently, speak effectively, write clearly, and possess awareness of issues regarding diversity and inclusion.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the Associate of Arts in of General Studies will be able to:

Apply fundamental mathematical and scientific processes to break down complex problems into solvable sub-problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
Demonstrate knowledge of contributions made by individuals from diverse or underrepresented groups to one’s local, national or global communities. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
Communicate effectively in written and oral formats demonstrating critical or creative thinking. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
Analyze and compare scholarly sources to develop informed conclusions or judgments. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
Integrate available and reliable information to develop meaningful solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
Articulate the development of their academic or career goals. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)

Course Delivery Format

Coursework for the program is delivered at multiple locations including the Brookings Main Campus, online, or through an attendance center.

Requirements for General Studies Major: 60 Credits

Associate of Arts in General Studies

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: ENGL 101 - Composition I (COM) [SGR #1] Credits: 3 and ENGL 201 - Composition II (COM) [SGR #1] Credits: 3
Goal #2 Oral Communication: SPCM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech (COM) [SGR #2] Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 3-6*
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity: SGR #4 Electives Credits: 3-6*
Goal #5 Mathematics: SGR #5 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences: SGR #6 Electives Credits: 3-6*

*Three additional credits selected from approved list of courses for Goals #3, #4, or #6 to reach 24 System General Education Requirements for the Associate Degree.

Electives

Total Required Credits: 60

Summary of Program Requirements

Associate of Arts in General Studies
System General Education Requirements	24 Credit Hours
Electives	36 Credit Hours

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

General Studies (A.A.)