The General Studies major is available only to active-duty military personnel and certain others who conform to specific stipulations.

The general studies major allows students to draw from various disciplines that provide a body of knowledge appropriate to an identified area of interest (for example, an aspect of culture, a historical period, or a geographical location). The interdisciplinary approach emphasizes analysis and synthesis of diverse theory and practice.

The student who graduates with a Major in General Studies will be able to

• Understand and apply key concepts from chosen disciplines.



• Develop effective written and oral communication skills consistent with the chosen areas of study.



• Apply skills and concepts to problems of modern life.



• Define an approach grounded in the chosen disciplines and appropriate to the study of a specific topic, area, or theme.



• Develop effective skills in cross-disciplinary comparison, historical and critical analysis, research, and evaluation.



• Use computers for communication and research.



• Demonstrate information literacy through research and resource evaluation appropriate to the chosen area of study.

A degree with a major in general studies requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Coursework for the major in general studies includes 15 credits in each of two different disciplines or specific coursework for a particular curriculum as defined by UMUC. The general studies major requires prior approval. Unless the curriculum has already been defined by UMUC, students must submit a formal proposal explaining the focus and curricular objectives of the proposed course of study and identifying specific courses to satisfy those objectives. Students should consult an advisor about eligibility for the major and about the requirements and procedure for submitting a proposal.

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the Major in General Studies. Since some recommended courses fill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests required for MATH and WRTG courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or a foreign language course
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, or literature course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement

Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement

WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/writing requirement

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to satisfy the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to satisfy the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
or other course(s) to satisfy the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or WRTG 288 Standard English, Grammar, Usage, and Diction
or other writing course to satisfy the communications/writing or speech requirement

HUMN 351 Myth and Culture (3)
(recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses for the Major and Degree (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement

Coursework for the major, including: (30)

Δ 15 credits in first discipline (at least 9 of which are upper level)

Δ 15 credits in second discipline (at least 6 of which are upper level)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (46)

Total credits for BS in General Studies: 120