General Studies Major (GS), BA

Return to: Interdepartmental Programs

Adviser: Determined by the college of the primary concentration.

The colleges of Harding University cooperate to offer an interdepartmental Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies. The general studies major allows students to build their own program of study plan based on interests that may not be met by any single current major. Students interested in this major should contact the director of Academic Advising in the Center for Student Success, located in Student Center 236. The center will refer the student to the appropriate adviser from the college of the intended primary area. This plan requires the approval of the primary adviser, other academic advisers involved with the plan, and/or an academic administrator of the primary concentration area.

Graduation requirements include 128 hours with an overall GPA of 2.0, a 2.0 in the primary thematic concentration area (minimum 30 hours), and a 2.0 in the secondary thematic concentration area (minimum 18 hours). In addition, all University graduation requirements  apply, including completing and passing 45 hours of upper-level coursework (courses numbered 250 and higher at Harding). At least one 400-level class or an approved 300-level alternate that is designated by the academic adviser is also required. This requirement may be met with the capstone course within the college or department of the primary concentration. A minor is not required.

A summative experience is required as part of the BA in general studies. This summative experience may be fulfilled through existing primary or second major capstone courses, individual research project, practicum, internship or other suitable experience to be defined by the college of the primary area.

This program of study may not be used as a second major or degree, but can be used as a primary major for any major designated as “second major only. (e.g. Applied Spanish or Leadership and Ministry).

Courses from the Liberal Arts Program may not be used to meet primary or secondary concentration requirements. Courses used to meet primary or secondary concentration requirements cannot be used to meet secondary major requirements. Any developmental course obligations are considered to be leveling work.

Possible Areas of Concentration:

The various undergraduate academic colleges (and their academic departments) within the university define areas of concentration. A college may offer more than one thematic concentration; however, a class may only meet the requirement of either the primary or secondary area, not both. The college of the primary area provides advisers to work with students choosing to pursue the general studies major.