Associate of Arts in General Studies
Explore, adapt, and build the foundation for wherever you're headed next.
Program Overview
The Associate of Arts in General Studies at Shawnee State University offers a flexible, student-centered path toward academic achievement. Designed to meet the needs of a wide range of learners—including recent high school graduates, transfer students, working adults, and military veterans—this two-year degree provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences.
Whether you’re looking to jumpstart your college journey, explore your interests before committing to a major, or apply prior learning toward a credential, the General Studies degree gives you the tools and flexibility to succeed. You’ll complete coursework in writing, communication, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities—developing essential skills that can transfer across careers and disciplines.
This program is offered both on campus and 100% online, making it easier to balance your education with work, family, or military obligations. For many students, it serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. For others, it stands on its own as a valuable credential that opens doors to career advancement.
No matter your path, the General Studies degree is a smart step forward—built around you.
How to Apply
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Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Pauley to begin the process
jpauley@shawnee.edu
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Submit online application & transcript
We’ll request the transcript from your high school for you.
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision & aid
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Degree
A.A.
Format
On-campus and online formats.
Length
2 years
Credits
60
Class Size
12:1
Location
Both on-campus and online
Start Date
6 entry points; next start date October 19
Why Study Associate of Arts in General Studies at Shawnee University
Your degree,your design. With 19 elective and concentration hours,you can tailor your coursework across multiple fields and explore your interests before committing to a major.
Learn on your schedule. The program is available 100% online or on campus,so you can build your education around work,family,or military obligations.
Prior learning counts. Military training,workforce experience,and previously earned college credit may all apply toward your degree,so you're not starting from zero.
Finish fast. Complete your associate degree in two years or less,with a clear path to keep going toward a bachelor's degree.
Affordable by design. Eligible students from Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky may qualify for SSU's Free Tuition Program.
The Associate of Arts in General Studies includes approximately 60 credit hours and offers a broad liberal arts foundation, including coursework in:
- English Composition
- Oral Communication
- Ethical Insight & Reasoning
- Human Behavior
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Literature, Art, and Culture
You'll work with an academic advisor to build a personalized course plan, including 19 elective/concentration hours you choose based on your interests and goals.
View the full curriculum and sample schedule in the Academic CatalogWhile the General Studies program is academically flexible, students are encouraged to take advantage of prior learning assessments, transfer in qualifying credits, and meet with advisors regularly to align coursework with career or transfer goals.
By the time you finish the program, you'll be able to:
- Communicate effectively in written and oral formats
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Understand and apply interdisciplinary knowledge across arts, sciences, and humanities
- Exhibit readiness for continued academic study or entry-level employment
Shawnee State University offers the Associate of Arts in General Studies in both on-campus and online formats, so you can complete your degree in the format that works best with your lifestyle and career goals.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Associate of Arts in General Studies Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The degree can be completed fully online or on campus.
It's ideal for students exploring career paths, returning adult learners, military veterans, or anyone with or without prior college credit.
Absolutely. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree in a wide variety of fields.
Program handbook
For more information on the academic requirements of the Associate of Arts in General Studies degree, view the Academic Catalog.
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Additional information about Shawnee State's accreditation status may be found at hlcommission.org.
