General Studies
Draft Version
This is a DRAFT catalog for review and advising purposes. Items in this catalog draft are subject to change until the catalog for 2024-2025 academic year will be officially published on August 19th, 2024. The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and this institution. Should changes in a program of study become necessary, those changes will be applied liberally by the institution while the catalog is in draft mode.
Director: Dr. Robert Prescott, Senior Associate Dean of LAS
The General Studies Program in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS G S) facilitates degree completion for students who have broad interests and who have already accumulated a significant amount of college course credit before matriculating to Bradley University. The student and faculty adviser design the program of study.
The program is inherently flexible and broad in scope. Students’ program of study is built upon coursework that they have previously completed. The breadth ensures that students have a well-rounded perspective that compliments career and personal goals.
The LAS G S program includes an Area of Focus that is comprised of courses within or across departments. The focus, whether disciplinary or topical, ensures appropriate depth in an academic subject area.
Students who complete the program will have a broad knowledge base that includes coursework in Liberal Studies (i.e., coursework in the sciences and humanities). Students will engage in analysis, interpretation, and the application of knowledge and methods to a professional setting through a capstone experience (LAS 301).
The program offers both the B.A. and the B.S. degree.
Entrance Requirements
The general studies degree is only available for new students or students who are returning to Bradley after at least a three-year absence.
Eligibility is restricted to new or returning students who have earned at least 60 college credit hours that are transferable to Bradley.
Transferring or returning students who meet the above requirements must declare the general studies degree (a) upon transferring or returning to the university or (b) prior to completing one semester at Bradley upon their transfer or return.
Transfer Admission Policy and Credit Hours: A maximum of 66 semester hours of credit will be accepted from accredited two-year colleges. Unlimited credit may be accepted from four-year institutions.
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a transfer admissions representative before enrolling in this degree program to ensure that is an appropriate fit.
Advising
The LAS Associate Dean of Engaged Learning is the academic advisor for students in general studies. A plan of the courses satisfying the Area of Focus requirements must be approved by the LAS Associate Dean of Engaged Learning. Departmental chair(s) will be consulted in the discipline(s) that constitute(s) the highest percentage of coursework in the Area of Focus prior to approval. The chair of the department(s) specified in the plan of courses will advise and pre-approve or assign a departmental faculty advisor who must pre-approve the Area of Focus plan of study. Departmental chairs are responsible for evaluating course transferability questions on a case-by-case basis.