We recommend that students complete 60 credits before transferring into the program. Transfer credits from prior institutions are approved on a case-by-case basis in consultation with advisors, faculty, and the registrar. In addition to meeting General Education requirements and other degree requirements, students in the General Studies program complete courses in the following focus areas:
Humanities: 12 credits
Natural Sciences: 12 credits
Social Sciences: 12 credits
Arts: 12 credits
*Upper Level Courses
Primary Focus Area (concentration): 12 credits
Secondary Focus Area: 8 credits
LBS 3880/Capstone Proseminar: 4 credits
CAP4800/E Portfolio Capstone: 4 credits
*Students Choose from Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences or Arts courses and are required to declare a concentration in their Primary Focus Area in order to complete program requirements.
Students must earn a minimum of a C- in course work for upper level focus areas and Junior Seminar. Please note: Due to the broad array of courses in different disciplines, availability will vary on a semester by semester basis. Students should carefully consult with their advisor before registering for any classes. Some courses may be restricted to students in that major or minor, or may have prerequisites. This will be clearly noted in the course descriptions within the course search.
The following academic departments offer courses with the specified subject prefix that count as satisfying the required focus areas of study. Note: Additional courses may be available if you have equivalency to the listed prerequisites.
Liberal Studies (LBS) specified courses: LBS3020/The Power of Art, LBS3030/Decolonization and Arts Global Perspectives, LBS3031/Public Art and Civic Space
*Courses completed in these disciplines prior to declaring a major in General Studies will count towards the “art” requirement. NOTE: At Purchase, many courses in these departments are only available to students who declare the program as their major. General Studies majors may not be eligible to register for these courses. Please check the course search for up-to-date information about course prerequisites and restrictions.
