DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
General Studies, A.S. or B.A. (online)
Online General Studies Degree at Saint Francis University
Two Pathways, One Flexible Future
Saint Francis University offers two flexible, career-focused pathways in General Studies: The Associate of Science in General Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. Our General Studies programs are designed to meet learners where they are—whether you’re a high school student seeking a head start or an adult learner returning to finish your degree. Both programs are fully online, customizable, and built on Franciscan values that emphasize respect for the individual and service to others.
Program Snapshot:
Delivery: 100% Online
Admission Deadline: Multiple Start Dates Per Year
Flexible Structure: Stackable, Transfer-Friendly, Degree Completion
Customizable: Tailor coursework to personal interests or career goals.
Tuition: $485 per credit (25/26 Division of Professional Studies rate)
Scholarships & Aid: Ask us about our affordability initiatives, including Credit for Prior Learning, Employer Partner Discounts, and more.
Which program is right for you?
| Goal / Background | Best Pathway |
|---|---|
| I’m in high school and want a head start. | Associate of Science in General Studies |
| I want a 2-year degree to enter the workforce quickly. | Associate of Science in General Studies |
| I already have college credits and want to finish my bachelor’s degree. | Bachelor of Arts in General Studies |
| I want to customize my major to align with career or graduate school goals. | Bachelor of Arts in General Studies |
| I’m looking for a flexible online program with career-focused tracks. | Either, depending on credits |
Choose Your Path
What You’ll Learn as a General Studies Major:
The online Bachelor of Arts in General Studies program helps students integrate knowledge from two academic minors to address complex problems across various fields. As part of the curriculum, students complete a capstone project focusing on real-world workplace or broader community issues. Through this program, students also develop essential skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective presentation, preparing them for a wide range of professional and civic roles.
The online Associate of Science in General Studies program emphasizes the development of core academic competencies, including writing, research, and analysis. Students can tailor their education by selecting a focus area in business, healthcare, or STEM, allowing for a personalized and practical learning experience. The program also aims to enhance communication skills, promote self-care, and strengthen analytical thinking, laying a solid foundation for future academic or career pursuits.
Short-Term Credential, Long-Term Impact
The Associate of Science in General Studies
Flexible, interdisciplinary degree designed for:
- High school students in dual-enrollment or early college programs
- Adult learners returning to education or pursuing new career paths
- Students planning to transfer into a bachelor’s degree later
What Makes It Unique:
- Designed for online learners.
- Choose from 3 career-focused tracks
- Earn stackable credentials to build your future.
Program Overview
- 100 % online courses
- Foundational core coursework to build essential academic skills across disciplines
- Three specialized tracks (Business, Healthcare, or STEM)
- Enter the workforce in as little as two years.
- Stack credits earned in the A.S. into a bachelor's degree program at SFU.
Total Credits Required: 60-64 credits
Course Catalog - 25/26 | Plan of Study [links to come]
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Associate of Science in General Studies, students will be able to:
- Develop strong critical thinking, quantitative, and analytical skills
- Build effective oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrate commitment to holistic self-care (spiritual, emotional, physical, financial)
- Be prepared to enter the workforce or transition into a bachelor’s program
Finish your degree. Design your future.
The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Customizable degree-completion program perfect for:
- Adults with prior college credits but no degree
- Students seeking career advancement or graduate school preparation
- Anyone who wants a personalized academic experience aligned to their goals
What Makes It Unique:
- Designed for online learners.
- Choose two minors to build a customized major.
- Fast-track degree completion with up to 98 transfer credits.
- Capstone course connects your education to real-world applications.
Program Overview
- 100% online courses
- Designed as a degree completion option.
- Up to 98 credits may be transferred into the program.
- The final 30 credits must be completed through SFU.
- Customize the major by choosing two minors from the University catalog.
- Requirements include a standard core curriculum, generous free electives, and 21 credits at an upper-level (300–400 level).
- Complete a capstone course as a culminating experience.
Total Credits Required: 128 credits (up to 98 from transfer credits)
Course Catalog - 25/26 | Plan of Study (New program links coming soon)
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, students will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge across two disciplines
- Solve real-world workplace/community problems using critical thinking
- Demonstrate professional presentation skills
Career Outlook with a General Studies Degree
Both General Studies degree paths offer students the unique advantage of tailoring their education to align with their career goals, personal interests, and prior experience. This flexible approach equips graduates with a broad skill set that is highly valued across industries. Whether entering the workforce, advancing in a current role, or preparing for graduate study, General Studies graduates are well-positioned to adapt and succeed in today’s dynamic job market.
General Studies, A.S.
Graduates can pursue entry-level jobs across a range of industries or continue toward a bachelor’s degree—often at a lower cost and with time savings thanks to the transferability of credits. Graduates of the associate degree can pursue roles in:
- Business – e.g., teller, customer service rep, financial clerk, HR assistant
- Healthcare – e.g., public health aide, medical office assistant
- STEM – e.g., IT support, lab assistant, data entry roles
- Other sectors – including hospitality, nonprofit work, and administrative support
These are entry-level roles where communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary knowledge provide a competitive edge.
General Studies, B.A.
Graduates can pursue entry-level jobs across a range of industries or continue toward a bachelor’s degree, often at a lower cost and with time savings thanks to the transferability of credits. The B.A. in General Studies equips graduates for mid-level roles in fast-growing sectors such as:
- Business & Finance – e.g., operations coordinator, account manager, administrative supervisor, insurance underwriter
- Healthcare – e.g., health education specialist, patient services manager, program coordinator, community outreach lead
- STEM – e.g., technical project assistant, IT support coordinator, compliance analyst, environmental technician
- Other sectors – academic advisor, case manager, public information officer, grant assistant, policy aide, legislative assistant, workforce development specialist, public affairs coordinator
These roles often require interdisciplinary skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—core strengths developed through the B.A. in General Studies.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to help you succeed. Our team is happy to answer your questions, walk you through the application process, or just chat about your goals.
Reach out today — we’d love to hear from you!
Division of Professional Studies
professionalstudies@francis.edu
1-800-457-6300
Staff Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the General Studies Majors
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A General Studies degree offers a flexible, interdisciplinary approach to higher education. Students tailor their education to their interests and career goals by selecting specific tracks (for the AS) or minors (for the BA), combined with a strong liberal arts foundation.
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- AS in General Studies is a 2-year associate degree ideal for high school students earning college credit, or adults seeking an entry point into higher education.
- BA in General Studies is a 4-year bachelor’s degree designed as a degree-completion program for adult learners with previous college credits. It allows students to choose two minors and includes a capstone experience.
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Yes. Both the Associate of Science and the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies are offered fully online through the Division of Professional Studies, allowing flexible scheduling for working adults or high school students.
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These programs are designed with cost-conscious adult learners and high school students in mind. Students can apply transfer credits, CLEP, AP, and dual enrollment credits, helping reduce time and cost.
A General Studies degree offers a flexible, interdisciplinary approach to higher education. Students tailor their education to their interests and career goals by selecting specific tracks (for the AS) or minors (for the BA), combined with a strong liberal arts foundation.
- AS in General Studies is a 2-year associate degree ideal for high school students earning college credit, or adults seeking an entry point into higher education.
- BA in General Studies is a 4-year bachelor’s degree designed as a degree-completion program for adult learners with previous college credits. It allows students to choose two minors and includes a capstone experience.
Yes. Both the Associate of Science and the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies are offered fully online through the Division of Professional Studies, allowing flexible scheduling for working adults or high school students.
These programs are designed with cost-conscious adult learners and high school students in mind. Students can apply transfer credits, CLEP, AP, and dual enrollment credits, helping reduce time and cost.