General Studies, B.S.

Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
School
School of Professional Studies

Learning Outcomes of the B.S. in General Studies

Because the foci of the two broad categories for their major course of study students can choose from are quite different, with the first designed to give the student a broad knowledge of the major Academic Divisions of Knowledge, while the second gives the student the opportunity to explore a more narrowly defined interdisciplinary topic, the two categories have different learning outcomes.

1. Academic Divisions of Knowledge.

Students will demonstrate:

  • An understanding of the distinctive aspects of each of the major Academic Divisions of Knowledge: the Natural Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Humanities.
  • An understanding of the relationship of the major Academic Divisions of Knowledge to each other.
  • The contribution each of the major Academic Divisions of Knowledge makes to Academic Knowledge as a whole.

2. Interdisciplinary Themes.

Students will demonstrate:

  • An understanding of the nature of an academic discipline.
  • An understanding of the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary study.
  • An understanding of the relationship between the disciplines chosen for the course of study.
  • Knowledge gained through the interdisciplinary study conducted for the major.
Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in General Studies requires a total of 120 credits, at least 60 of which must be in the Liberal Arts, 40 taken at Old Westbury, and 45 at the upper-division level. These are divided into three sets of courses:

1) Liberal Education Curriculum:

Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Guidelines for specific requirements.

2) The Major (40 credits):

  1. Students will design an individualized “Major Core” course of study in consultation with an advisor that is consistent with their professional development, career aspirations, and life goals. A curriculum contract will be established which will constitute the curriculum requirements for graduation.
  2.  At least 24 of the 40 credits in the Major Core must be at the upper-division level.
  3. The Major Core can be completed in one of two broad categories:
    1. Academic Divisions of Knowledge: Students will take courses in each of the major Academic Divisions of Knowledge: the Natural Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Humanities.
    2.  Interdisciplinary Themes: Course selection for this category will include courses in a minimum of two disciplines from one or more of the major academic divisions.
  4. Students must complete GS 5000, the General Studies Capstone Course, as part of their Major Core.

C. College Electives

Students will take additional courses to bring their total credits to 120.

D. Grades of D

A maximum of 2 courses with a grade of D, D+, or D- can be counted toward the major.