Welcome to General Studies and Student Development
General Studies in Liberal Arts Program
Designed for students desiring a liberal arts education and for those who are planning to transfer to a four year institution to major in a liberal arts or education field.
General Studies in Science Program
Designed for students wishing to pursue a flexible plan in the area of mathematics or science, often with the intent of transferring to a four-year institution.
Student Development Courses
Focusing on a broad range of knowledge, skills, mindsets, and behaviors that support the learning and success of our students in school and in life.
The General Studies program at Austin Community College is intended to provide a framework of support and oversight for students seeking a broad-based education, often with the goal of transferring to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree.The General Studies program has the largest number of declared majors in the college, with 3200 students in General Studies, Liberal Arts and 3500 students in General Studies, Science, in the Fall Semester of 2014.
The program offers two degree plans. The General Studies in Liberal Arts is designed for those pursuing a major in the liberal arts or education, while the General Studies in Science is designed for students seeking a major in mathematics or science. The purpose of both programs is to provide students with a broad-based education and with college-level skills in reading, writing, communication, mathematics, critical thinking, and learning strategies.
The General Studies degree plans are designed to be flexible. Both are constructed around the Core Curriculum, thereby facilitating the completion of an associate’s degree while fulfilling the Core Curriculum requirements for transfer.
Core Curriculum
The purpose of the Core Curriculum is to provide the skills, knowledge, and perspectives that help define the educated person. Courses that are included in the Core Curriculum contribute to the acquisition of these skills, perspectives, and to a basic core of knowledge.
To earn an associate degree, you must fulfill certain core curriculum requirements. The core curriculum for transfer degrees is comprised of the 42 credit hours outlined below:
Core Curriculum Requirements:
| Subject Area | Required Credits |
|---|---|
| Communication | 6 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences | 6 |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture | 3 |
| Creative Arts | 3 |
| American History | 6 |
| Government/Political Science | 6 |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Component Area Option | 6 |
| Total | 42 |
Note: Transfer degrees include the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT).
Students planning to transfer to a four–year college or university are encouraged to obtain information about the course requirements for at least two possible majors of interest from their four–year college or university and choose their courses appropriately. Usually, a student must make a minimum grade of C in any required course in order for it to qualify towards a degree.
Both the General Studies in Science (AS) and the General Studies in Liberal Arts (AA) can be completed using the Z-Degree pathway.
This allows students to earn their degree entirely with zero-cost textbook classes. A Z-class is a class taught with openly-licensed high quality textbooks (known as Open Educational Resources) or other freely-available course materials that are accessible electronically on the first day of class.
These textbooks and course materials do not cost students any money. These zero-cost textbook sections are known as Z-classes. While this Z-degree pathway can be completed entirely with Z-classes, please note that not every course listed offers Z-classes at every campus.
Consult with an advisor to map out your Z-Degree pathway in General Studies.