General Studies, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at Saint Louis University is a multidisciplinary liberal arts program that offers students an opportunity to study aspects of society and culture; sharpen comprehension, speaking and writing skills; and think critically.

Curriculum Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in general studies requires 120 credits and can be completed entirely online. This degree is flexible enough to be pursued by working adults.

Courses explore moral and ethical development, leadership and service, communication and technology, diversity and inquiry, completing the program with a capstone course. Students also have the option to take 12 credits in a chosen concentration.

Careers

A bachelor's degree in general studies covers the basics of a university education. It also shows employers that graduates can start something and finish it, have a thirst for knowledge, and can be trained in a variety of tasks.

For many professional careers, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for even applying for a job — a bachelor's degree in general studies fulfills that requirement. And some graduates have used their general studies program degree as a stepping stone to continuing education.

Admission Requirements

• Age: 22 years or older
• Work Experience: at least 3 years or the equivalent 
• Education: high school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
• Interview: successful completion of an admission meeting with an admissions counselor. This can be done over the phone or on campus
• Grade Point Average: min transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)

Admission Procedures

Step 1 — Complete Application

Complete the application for admission online at https://www.slu.edu/online. Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply for admission at least one month before the term in which they wish to enroll.

Step 2 – Request official Transcripts

Have official transcripts mailed directly from all previously attended colleges to:

School for Professional Studies
Attention: Admissions
3840 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108

Applicants seeking a degree or certificate who have not earned a bachelor’s degree must obtain official transcripts for all previous college course work. If students have never attended college or have less than 15 credits of transferable college credits they will need to provide official high school or GED transcripts.

Applicants seeking a certificate who have a bachelor’s degree need only provide an official transcript from their primary higher education institution or evidence of a high school diploma or GED.

Non-degree applicants only need to provide unofficial copies as needed for prerequisites.

Step 3 — Meet with Admissions Counselor

Contact an admissions counselor to discuss the status of the application and educational and career goals. Students may schedule an appointment to speak with an admissions counselor at the St. Louis campus or over the phone in certain instances. Appointments are available during business hours and weekday evenings.

A writing and/or math assessment test may be necessary during or shortly after the admissions meeting.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.   The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specially for new students.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Active Military and Veterans

Students may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $410 per credit for this program.  In addition, Saint Louis University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible students.

1. Graduates will be able to write in academic style, which includes making, organizing and supporting an argument.
2. Graduates will be able to analyze and apply qualitative or quantitative information for decision-making and problem-solving.
3. Graduates will be able to collaborate in a community of scholars to explore questions raised by the sciences and humanities.
4. Graduates will be able to explain how civilizations, religious communities, nations, or individuals can inform and be informed by values, ethics and spirituality.
5. Graduates will be able to apply an interdisciplinary approach to a social justice issue.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.

SPS Core Curriculum Requirements

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.