BA/BS in General Studies

Customize your education with Sacred Heart University’s General Studies major.

Our part-time or full-time bachelor's degree program is developed specifically for adult and transfer students who are interested in designing a challenging multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree curriculum. 

What will I study?

Students complete the 45 credit University Core Curriculum and a 36 credit emphasis in one of the following areas:

Humanities & Art
Art & Design; Communications; English; History; Media Arts; Foreign Languages & Cultures; Music; Philosophy; Religious Studies and Theatre Arts

Natural Sciences
Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Exercise Science; Health Science; Mathematics; Nursing and Physics

Social Sciences
Anthropology; Criminal Justice; Economics; Global Affairs; Political Science; Psychology; Social Work and Sociology

Business Studies
Accounting; Economics; Finance; Marketing; Management and Sport Management

12 of these credits must be at the 200-level or higher. A Grade of C or better is required for each class in the 36 credit emphasis.

Are there special admissions or degree requirements?

Candidates for the General Studies bachelor's degree must complete at least 120 credits. SHU will accept a maximum of 66 credits from a junior college and a maximum of 90 credits from a four year institution. At least half of the major must be completed at SHU. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required.

Why choose General Studies at SHU?

SHU’s General Studies degree meets a variety of needs, from finishing your degree to maximizing your transfer credits. This convenient degree program offers you convenient online, daytime, evening and Saturday classes at our Fairfield, CT campus. Part-time students have the opportunity to earn their degree fully online.

Earning your General Studies Degree from SHU prepares you to advance your career, and it will allow you to apply for and pursue an advanced degree in a variety of disciplines.

What is my career outlook once I have my degree?

A BA or BS General Studies degree in General Studies demonstrates your self-discipline and intelligence to work through a degree in a variety of subject areas. Upon completion of this degree, you’ll develop good judgment, problem solving and communication skills, which are highly desirable by potential and current employers.

By remaining adaptable and ready to learn new areas of expertise, you will be well suited for jobs in many fields, including sales, human services, management, business and communications, and many more opportunities exist depending on your chosen electives and previous experience.

Dual Degree Program Options for General Studies Majors

Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs make it easy for first-year students to move from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree.

Some programs need specific majors, but others are open to most fields of study. Apply as an incoming first-year student, and you can be accepted into both programs at once. Reach out to your admissions counselor to learn about your options.