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

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 23, 2025

Students in a classroom.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jessica Lewis, Coordinator
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Lincoln Hall 123
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.

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

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: ENGL 101 - Composition I (COM) [SGR #1, HSDC] Credits: 3 and ENGL 201 - Composition II (COM) [SGR #1, HSDC] Credits: 3
Goal #2 Oral Communication: CMST 101 - Foundations of Communication (COM) [SGR #2, HSDC] Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 3-6*
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities: 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
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.)

General Studies (A.A.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, CloseOnline, CloseRapid CityClose