Aug 11, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

General Studies, BA

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This program provides students with a broad education that permits them the freedom to take coursework in multiple academic disciplines but, at the same time, allows them to earn a concentration in one area of study. The degree consists of four separate sections. The first section of 40-41 credits is the university general education core. The core provides the broad general education that the university believes should be the foundation for all Shaw University students. The second component of the degree consists of a degree capstone course. The third section of the general studies degree is the 12-credit concentration. The final section of the general studies degree consists of 64-65 credits of free electives for students. These free electives serve multiple purposes. First, they enable the student to explore different discipline areas; an exploration that may lead to their changing their general studies degree to a specific discipline major or it may lead them to continue their general studies program with a specific concentration. Free electives also allow students who have chosen a concentration to complete any prerequisites that may be required for courses in that program.

General Education Core Requirements

Major Requirements

Must complete IDS 418 along with 12 credits from a specified discipline. 

Elective Requirements

64-65 credit hours of free electives.

Four-Year Course Distribution Plan

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Suggested Sequence of Courses

Freshman Year

First Semester
Semester Hours 16
Second Semester
Semester Hours 15

Sophomore Year

First Semester
Semester Hours 15
Second Semester
Semester Hours 15

Junior Year

First Semester
  • General Studies Discipline Course (3)
  • 300-400 level Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
Semester Hours 15
Second Semester
  • General Studies Discipline Course (3)
  • 300-400 level Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
Semester Hours 15

Senior Year

First Semester
  • 300-400 level Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
Semester Hours 15
Second Semester
  • IDS 418 (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (2-3)
Semester Hours 14-15

Total Credit Hours: 120-121

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