General Studies - Associate in Arts

Header Image

Department

Apply TodayRequest Information

The General Studies degree provides students with the flexibility to build a broad-based major in the liberal arts and sciences. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, think critically, reason quantitatively, and draw on knowledge from many disciplines to understand themselves and the world. The General Studies degree is designed for students who desire to transfer to a four-year institution.

Note: Courses may require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

Available Online: Students are able to meet program requirements with online courses. See https://www.ccri.edu/online/ for more information about online programs, the courses available online, and ways to be a successful online student.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  1. Create written work that develops and expresses ideas and that addresses a given context and target audience.
  2. Communicate effectively via oral presentations, performances, participation in group work, and visual presentations.
  3. Identify, analyze, and apply evidence and ideas, question assumptions, and draw logical conclusions.
  4. Develop information literacy by locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and using information to accomplish a specific purpose.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of and apply scientific principles, theories, and methods.
  6. Apply quantitative principles to solve problems and support arguments with quantitative evidence in a variety of formats (e.g., words, tables, graphs, equations, etc.)
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of global, cultural, and historical perspective.
  8. Function effectively in social and professional environments and make reasoned decisions based on ethical standards, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.

Requirements

General Education Requirements
ENGL 1010 Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) 1 3
History Elective 3
Humanities Elective Select two courses 2 6
Literature Elective Any General Education English literature course 3
MATH Any General Education Math course 3
Science Select one Lab Science course listed below 4-5
Social Science Electives 6
General Education Elective 3-4
Subtotal 31-33
Major Education Requirements
Electives (See courses from any instructional program) 30
Subtotal 30
Total Hours 61-63
1

Those required to take College Writing (ENGL 1005) will then have to take Composition I (ENGL 1010). (College Writing (ENGL 1005) may be used as elective credit.)

2

In selecting specific courses, students planning to transfer should consult a CCRI adviser and/or a transfer adviser at the college or university to which they plan to transfer.

Science Options

ASTR 1010 The Solar System 4
ASTR 1020 The Stellar System 4
BIOL 1000 Cell Biology for Technology 4
BIOL 1001 Introductory Biology: Organismal 4
BIOL 1002 Introductory Biology: Cellular 4
BIOL 1005 Biology in the Modern World 4
BIOL 1007 Explorations in Biology 4
BIOL 2201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 2202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIOL 2210 Introductory Microbiology 4
CHEM 1000 Chemistry of Our Environment 4
CHEM 1010 Survey of Biomedical Chemistry 5
CHEM 1030 General Chemistry I 5
CHMT 1120 Chemical Technology I 6
GEOL 1010 Introduction to Geology - How the Earth Works 4
GEOL 1020 The Earth Through Time 4
OCEN 1010 Introduction to Oceanography (and OCEN 1030) 1 3
PHYS 1000 Conceptual Physics/Physical Science 4
PHYS 1030 General Physics I 4
PHYS 1150 University Physics I (and PHYS 1151) 3
1

Both required

 Total Program Credits: 61-63

1

63 total program credits if Science credits equal 5 and General Education Elective credits equal 4.

Transfer

Please meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Coach if you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree. Your Academic Advisor will help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university.

Check out the Joint Admissions Agreement if you are interested in transferring to Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island. The JAA program offers seamless transfer to RIC or URI with additional benefits. Transfer information, events, and articulations are available on the Transfer Center website. 

Where Opportunity Meets Affordability

Why Choose CCRI?

CCRI, one of New England's most affordable colleges, is now completely free for Rhode Island students heading straight from high school thanks to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship. For those pursuing a bachelor's degree, starting at CCRI can also lead to up to 30% discounted tuition at Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island upon transferring.

 

Rhode Island Promise
Rhode Island Promise

All Rhode Islanders coming right out of high school are eligible to pursue associate degrees at CCRI tuition-free.

 Joint Admissions Agreement
Joint Admissions Agreement

Looking for a bachelor's degree? Start your journey at CCRI and get up to 30% discounted tuition at RIC or URI when you transfer.

Our Services

We Are Here for You!

CCRI puts your success at the center of all we do. Staff from our Advising and Counseling, The Tutoring Center, Career Services, Benefits Hub, Financial Aid, Veteran Services, and the entire Division of Student Services is here every step of the way to help you reach your academic and career goals.

 

At One Stop we assist prospective, current, and former students, with a variety of processes including applying to college, checking financial aid status, turning in required documents, registering for classes, paying your bill, and more!

One Stop Student Services

The Advising Center offers a full range of services for CCRI students. These services include academic advising, career, educational and personal counseling services.

Advising Center

CCRI's Tutoring Center provides free in-person and online tutoring and academic coaching to help you achieve success.

The Tutoring Center

Career Services collaborates with and prepares our diverse student population to make well-informed career decisions through professional readiness, exploration, and work-based learning opportunities.

Career Services

The Benefits Hub offers students basic needs assistance grounded in respect, trust, and equity.

Benefits Hub

CCRI offers financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to further their education without such support. The Financial Aid Department is here to guide you through the process.

Financial Aid

The CCRI Veteran Services Office is committed to being a resource to all VA education beneficiaries.

Veteran Services Office

 

Community College of Rhode Island

Where Campus Life Comes to Life!

Beyond the Classroom

CCRI offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of events, athletic programs, and student clubs to keep you engaged and connected throughout your college experience.

Events Student Groups Athletics

Related Resources

Welcome to CCRI

Apply for Free Today!

We're excited about your interest in attending the Community College of Rhode Island! Whether you're looking to discover your career path, start or complete your college degree, or take classes to enrich your life, we look forward to having you join our community!

Apply for Free Today!   Request Info  

Top