General Studies
Associate Degree, Specialized Diploma

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Why Choose NCC’s General Studies Major

Do you want to go to college but haven’t decided what to study? The General Studies program at NCC allows you to experience a broad variety of subjects, get a feel for the college experience and save thousands of dollars on general education courses. Study fully online or on our Bethlehem or Pocono campuses and prepare to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

 

Discover Your Passions and Academic Interests

Unearth subjects that excite you, engage in conversations that inspire you and find career opportunities that invigorate you at NCC. All you need to know to enter the General Studies program is that you want to learn--even if you’re not yet sure what you want to learn.

 

Prepare to Transfer

In the general studies major at NCC, you earn credits in many of the general education areas that four-year institutions require for all graduates. As you explore, you also uncover your passions—your academic advisor can help you select the courses that best match your growing interests.

 

Join fellow NCC graduates in transferring to respected institutions like East Stroudsburg University, Kutztown University, Moravian College, DeSales University, Cedar Crest College, Pennsylvania State University and Temple University.

 

Fully Online Option

Are you balancing school with your full- or part-time job? Do you have ongoing family commitments that make your days unpredictable? Is it difficult for you to get to campus? For all these reasons—and many more—we’ve made our general studies program available fully online, giving you maximum flexibility as you plan for your future.

 

What You'll Learn 

Uncover, develop and strengthen your talents for future academic and career success. The General Studies major allows you to learn about yourself, get a taste for a variety of academic subjects, increase your confidence and turn possibilities into realities.

You can apply your General Studies credits to another major at NCC, transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree or take what you learn here out into your professional and personal life.



Program Details

Semesters: 4

Credits: 61

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem | Pocono | Fully Online

Program Overview:

The AA in General Studies is the ideal choice if you know you want to go to college—you just haven’t quite decided what to study! To prepare for a four-year program and to help you explore the opportunities waiting for you, in the General Studies program, you can study English, communications, mathematics, business, social sciences, world experiences, information technology and so much more.

Semesters: 2

Credits: 28-30

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem | Pocono | Fully Online

Program Overview:

General Education courses are at the core of all two and four-year degree programs. Northampton's General Education Specialized Diploma allows you to complete these General Education courses, sometimes called “the generals,” at a fraction of the cost of the same credits at a four-year institution. Upon completion, you will be prepared to re-enter the workforce as a stronger candidate, continue your two-year degree at Northampton, or transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree.



Is a Major Required in the General Studies Program?

You do not have to choose a major to complete the General Studies program! Instead, we recommend you start honing your interests—with the help of your academic advisor, if you’d like—so you can take more courses related to your target four-year program.

Our core curriculum in the General Studies Program provides a strong background in social sciences that you can complement with electives in the arts, sciences, business, communication studies, diversity and global awareness.

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Career Opportunities

The General Studies program is a great way to launch your career, whether you carry your learning at NCC into a four-year bachelor’s degree program or go directly into the workforce. The AA degree prepares you for entry-level professional roles in sales, clerical services, banking or customer service.

  • Begin an Entry-Level Career
  • Transfer to 4-Year Institution

Student Spotlight

I have become more open with classmates and professors, have come out of my shell, and am better able to talk my ideas out, and open my mind to new possibilities.

Rebecca James, Alumni
Program Name

Rebecca James

Need Help Deciding?

Not sure if this is the right program for you? Take advantage of the resources we have available for students to help hone in on what path to pursue.


Connect with an Academic Advisor Contact a Career Counselor

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Next Steps

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