General Studies, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies offered through Saint Louis University's School for Professional studies is an interdisciplinary program, where you’ll learn ways of thinking and practical skills that align with the competencies employers demand in the 21st century. You'll explore the value of innovative reflection, inquiry and analysis, quantitative and financial literacy, leadership, ethical reasoning, and civic engagement. The B.A. in General Studies culminates in an integrative capstone course.

You will also select a Minor, Certificate, or Liberal Arts focus as part of your degree path. This additional feature allows you to deepen your expertise in one specialized area while also enhancing your broad-based interpersonal and leadership skills. 

As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 120-credit program offers working professionals like you a flexible option to meet your personal and career goals. With six accelerated, eight-week terms offered each year by SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time.

Careers

The bachelor’s degree in General Studies equips students with versatile skills that are highly marketable in a rapidly changing work environment. The degree empowers students to thrive in a diverse range of industries from financial services to health care to universities. The broad disciplinary training also gives students the opportunity to pursue graduate work in several different fields of study. 

For many professional careers, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for even applying for a job or earning a promotion. The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies can help students fulfill that basic requirement. It demonstrates that students have the perseverance, thirst for knowledge, and work ethic to complete a degree in several areas of academic inquiry.

Admission Requirements

• Age: 22 years or older (exceptions may be made)
• Work Experience: At least three years or the equivalent
• Education: High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
• Interview: Successful completion of a meeting with an academic coach (this can be done over the phone or on campus)
• Grade Point Average: Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended

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.

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Step 2 – Request Official Transcripts

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

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

Official transcripts may also be emailed directly to Eric Miller at eric.miller@slu.edu.

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 Academic Coach

Contact an academic coach to discuss the status of the application and educational and career goals. Students may schedule an appointment to speak with an academic coach on campus or over the phone/Zoom by calling 314-977-2330 or emailing sps@slu.edu.

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. Apply intellectual virtues in a variety of decision-making contexts.

2. Interpret texts and data through appropriate mediums of communication.

3. Formulate original, unorthodox solutions to a problem.

4. Employ historical perspective to explain the development of contemporary problems.

5. Explain how ethical reflection can enhance one’s ability to contribute to a common good.

6. Synthesize knowledge across disciplines to address complex problems.

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.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions please call (314) 526-2825 or email sps@slu.edu.