General Studies

Program Information

Students in the general studies create a self-designed major, using a framework based on Springfield College’s general education model and the student’s specific disciplinary interests. In consultation with a general studies advisor, students develop a unique program plan based on their interests. Components of the major include the general studies core and a disciplinary or multi-disciplinary specialization, providing students an opportunity for both breadth and depth of study. It is an excellent opportunity for students to design an interdisciplinary major, explore their own unique interests, and/or prepare for graduate school or a variety of careers.

Degree Information

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in General Studies

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Contact Information

For more information about the general studies major, contact: Judy Hartling at (413) 748-3379 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Curricular Requirements

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being.

For specific requirements, see the General Education Program - Traditional Undergraduate Students (40 - 46 credits) section.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

In addition to their General Education courses, students are required to complete the General Studies Core—a total of 24 credits of coursework designed to provide breadth of study. Courses must be selected from at least four of the categories below—with a minimum of three credits and a maximum of nine credits selected from any one category. The categories (based on the General Education Domains of Knowledge and Understanding) and the areas of study that generally fall within them are:

Arts and Humanities: art, communication, dance, drama, English, journalism, music, religion, and philosophy
Analytical and Natural Sciences: biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physical science, and physics
Social Sciences: business, criminology, economics, education, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, and youth development
International/Multicultural Studies: languages, cultural studies, and certain geography, history, religion, and philosophy courses.
Social Justice: courses identified on the Social Justice General Education menu
Physical Education and Health Studies: art therapy, exercise science, health, movement science, movement and sports studies, occupational therapy, physical education, physical therapy, physician assistant, rehabilitation, and sport and recreation management (PEAC, PEPC, and PEAI courses cannot be used in this category.)

B. Specialization Requirements

In addition to the General Education Program and the General Studies Core, students are required to complete a General Studies Specialization—24 credits of coursework in a disciplinary or multi-disciplinary area, designed to provide depth of study. The student will work with his or her advisor to plan and gain approval of the concentration. Depending on the coursework taken, students may also satisfy the requirements for one or more official minors.

C. Upper level coursework

Students in the general studies major must have at least 30 credits of coursework at the 200-level or above, inclusive of courses in General Education, the General Studies Core, the General Studies Concentration, and/or electives.

Academic Catalog