Undergraduate

General Studies

Explore a wide range of subjects while building a strong foundation in general education.

2026

Degree

Associate of Arts

Location

Online

Courses

14*

Credit

60 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The online Associate of Arts in General Studies at the University of New Hampshire offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore a wide range of subjects while building a strong foundation in general education. Designed for those seeking personal and academic growth, the program supports career exploration and prepares students for transition to a bachelor’s degree program.

Designed for flexibility, the 60-credit program is fully online and supports transfer pathways to our bachelor's degrees programs such as Individualized Studies.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is General Studies?

The Associate in Arts in General Studies is designed to provide students a strong foundation of courses reflecting a general education framework with the ability to explore their professional interests in preparation to transition in to a Baccalaureate program. This flexible program allows students to complete general education requirements and also take a variety of courses in a number of disciplines. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone for further academic study but it also fulfills many requirements for a number of employment options that require a general knowledge base.

Why choose General Studies at UNH College of Professional Studies?

This program allows you to explore your personal interests while fulfilling common general education requirements. The aim of this degree to is obtain a broad base of college-level learning while also providing students with flexibility, enrichment, and transferability to a bachelor's program if that is their goal. This degree is ideal for students who are new to college or are returning to college after an absence, or for those who know that they want to obtain a college degree but aren't quite sure what their specialty should be. We recommend working with our Career Advisor, Program Director, or Advising staff to help you work through your goals, regardless of what they may be!

Potential Career Areas

Administrative assistant
Office Manager
Customer service
Human resource representative
Sales
Paraprofessionals
Hospitality industry

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Associate Degree in General Studies offers a flexible pathway for students with diverse educational backgrounds or schedules. This program allows students to build on prior learning, explore a variety of disciplines, and create a general studies degree that aligns with their personal and career goals. Designed for students who want to explore their academic and professional interests before choosing a specific career path, the program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for success in a wide range of fields.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
IDIS 410	College Success Seminar	2
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
Elective		2
	Credits	12
Spring
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select 1 of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
General Education Course		4
General Studies Option Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
General Education Course		4
General Studies Option Course		4
General Studies Option Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
General Studies Option Course		4
General Studies Option Course		4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	60

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
Total Credits		32

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major and Concentration coursework.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in General Studies
IDIS 410	College Success Seminar	2
General Studies Concentration		20
Total Credits		22

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Organize, draft, edit, and revise writing in order to communicate effectively.
Engage in verbal and/or online interactions with others and use communication skills to influence others.
Apply quantitative reasoning to real-world problems.
Think critically to analyze information and craft informed arguments.
Articulate the key concepts, methodologies, and applications of a concentrated area of academic and/or professional interest.
Use key elements of career exploration to develop an integrated career and academic plan.
Practice ways of thinking in and across areas of knowledge.

Course Highlights

The Writing Process
Critical Inquiry
Persuasive Communication
College Success Seminar
…and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor's

Those wishing to continue their education may apply their 60-credit associate degree toward an 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Ask your advisor for details!

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

Related Programs

Individualized Studies: Humanities (B.A.)

Leadership (M.S.)

General Studies, A.A. - CPS, CPSO