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Associate of Arts in General Studies

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Explore new fields, test perspectives, and gain practical experience in interest areas.

The Associate of Arts in General Studies degree provides a foundation of critical, creative, and reflective thinking that emphasizes the ability to communicate effectively within a variety of groups and contexts and focuses on self-insight and self-advocacy. This program is intended for those who are college capable but unsure of their precise interest.

This degree provides opportunities to explore new fields, test perspectives, and gain practical experience in interest areas.

The A.A. in General Studies includes the completion of the Landmark College general education program plus elective choices focused on an area of interest. Each student will choose an area of concentration to explore potential interests. An internship in this area of interest is strongly recommended.

The program culminates with the production of a portfolio that represents their work and learning to date and an essay that helps them to define their career and/or college aspirations. These assessments will help students navigate their next steps toward work or college programs.

Alumni Success Story

Patrick McKenna '14

Patrick McKenna '14

"Others have to read books to find out what an LD is. I am the LD.”

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Patrick McKenna '14

Learn more about the A.A. in general studies degree

  • A concentration focuses on an area of interest that a student wishes to explore. A concentration could include prerequisite coursework that articulates with a Landmark College bachelor’s degree.

    A completed concentration is noted on a student’s degree transcript and serves as further demonstration of a student’s intellectual persistence and dedication to a particular academic discipline. (See sections on concentrations for more information.)

    Landmark College offers eleven concentrations administered by academic departments within the schools as listed below. Details can be found on the A.A./A.S. Concentrations webpage.

    • Arts Concentration (Department of Fine and Performing Arts)
    • Business Studies (Department of Professional Studies)
    • Career Foundations (Department of Core Education)
    • Communication (Department of Professional Studies)
    • Computer Science (Department of STEM)
    • Creative Writing (Department of Core Education)
    • Education (Department of Core Education)
    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Department of Professional Studies)
    • Humanities (Department of Liberal Studies)
    • Natural Science (Department of STEM)
    • Psychology (Department of Liberal Studies)

  • To earn the A.A. in General Studies degree, students must complete 60 credits:

    • 34 major required courses
      • 3 major required credits
      • 31 major required credits that also count toward general education
    • 15 credits to complete a declared concentration
    • 11 credits of open electives

    General Studies Major Requirements: 34 credits

    WRT1011 Composition and Rhetoric (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    WRT1012 Research and Analysis (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    EDU1011 Perspectives in Learning (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    COM1011 Introduction to Communication (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    Mathematics Distribution Elective (as indicated through placement exam) (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    Natural Science with lab (Gen Ed): 4 credits
    Humanities (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    Social Sciences (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    Interpersonal Communication/Creative Expression(Gen Ed): 3 credits
    Quantitative Reasoning (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    EDU2061 Education & Identity: 3 credits

    Concentration: 15 credits

    A concentration focuses on an area of interest that a student wishes to explore. A concentration could include prerequisite coursework that articulates with a Landmark College bachelor’s degree. A completed concentration is noted on a student’s degree transcript and serves as further demonstration of a student’s intellectual persistence and dedication to a particular academic discipline. (See sections on concentrations for more information.)

    11 credits in Open Electives

  • Upon completion of the Associate of Arts in General Studies, students will be able to:

    • Draw on knowledge to engage ethically and responsibly in a diverse world.
    • Use and express critical, creative, and reflective thinking.
    • Communicate effectively within a variety of groups and contexts.
    • Demonstrate self-insight and a commitment to lifelong learning.
    • Create an action plan that defines a direction forward after the completion of the degree.

For more information, contact:

Photo of Alicia Beth


Katie Roquemore, Chair, Core Education Department
katieroquemore@landmark.edu
802-387-7105

Photo of Jill Hinckley


Jill Hinckley, Dean of School of Education, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
jhinckley@landmark.edu
802-387-6825

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