General Studies, BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What is the study of General Studies?

The General Studies major curriculum will focus on upper division level courses, designed to integrate a student’s academic interest and skills.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

Western’s General Studies major provides a solid liberal arts education to prepare students for rapidly changing career opportunities in many different fields. It is designed for students whose interests cannot be served by Western’s established majors, and who want to focus their major studies across courses and departments to better meet their career goals or preparation for advanced levels of education.

How to Declare:

Step 1:
Schedule an appointment with the General Studies Advisor
During this orientation to the major you will be advised about the curricular requirements of the General Studies degree and assisted in selecting an academic focus and advisor.

Step 2:
Check your eligibility for the major:

  1. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate with General Studies
  2. Meet with a faculty advisor no later than 2 quarters prior to graduation (see Step 1).
  3. Check the Credit Evaluation web page (http://www.wwu.edu/depts/registrar/pdfs/degree_application.pdf) for deadlines to apply for graduation.

Step 3:
Check the General Studies website to keep current on upcoming advising sessions and events designed for General Studies majors.

Coursework

  • 35 upper division level credits in thematic areas requiring General Studies Advisor approval.
  • Examples of thematic areas include:
    • Social Sciences
    • Humanities
    • Sciences
    • Business
    • Health
    • Liberal Arts
  • 25 additional credits of electives at the upper division level in any area (including the thematic area)
  • All courses must be approved on the Plan of Study
  • 15 of the 60 credits are credits required after approval of General Studies Plan of Study
  • 10 credits maximum of internship or field experience may be included within the 60 credits.
  • Students are limited to no more than 40 upper division credits in any single academic department and students are limited to no more than 44 credits in courses taught in business (classes by the departments of accounting, decision sciences, finance and marketing, and management).
  • At least 50 percent of the credits used in the general studies major must be earned at Western Washington University.

Sample Careers

  • Manager
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Program Administrator
  • Project Administrator
  • Staffing Specialist
  • Case Manager
  • Sales

Department

Contact

Department Website:

http://www.wwu.edu/generalstudies/

Departmental Advisor:

Dr. Stephen Howie
CF 271
Stephen.Howie@wwu.edu
Phone: 360-650-2561