Faculty of Social Sciences

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GENERAL STUDIES BA PROGRAM

The 15-credit Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies

Our unique General Studies BA program enables a student to pursue a more general pattern of studies than either a single or combined major allows. This program offers a broad exposure to courses from across  all of the Faculties at Brock University: Applied Health Sciences, Business, Education, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social Sciences. The BA in General Studies is available only as a 15-credit degree. The requirement for graduation with a BA in General Studies is a minimum 60 percent overall average on completion of the program requirements.

The  General Studies BA program is designed for students who wish to earn a university degree by taking courses from a variety of disciplines. Accordingly, there is no major, minor or area of concentration.  This degree may be of particular interest to part-time students because of the flexible course selection that it allows. Completion of this degree may lead to employment opportunities in a wide range of areas, depending on the specific courses that are chosen.

It is recommended that students who enter Brock University in the General Studies BA program take the following courses in Year 1:

  • one Humanities context credit
  • one Science context credit
  • one Social Science context credit
  • two elective credits

After successfully completing Year 1, students may either continue in the program or consider applying to major in a discipline of their choosing, if eligible.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GENERAL STUDIES BA PROGRAM

• A student may take no more than seven 100-level credits numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99.
• At least eight credits must be at the 200 level or above, and three of these must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above.
• Either one credit in a language other than English or one credit in Computer Sciences, Applied Computing, or Mathematics must be included.
• The majority of credits must be offered by Departments and Centres within the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• Students may select up to a maximum of five credits from each of two disciplines (including courses cross-listed with each discipline), with the exception of courses from the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Education, and Business. A student may take a maximum of five credits from any combination of designated Applied Health Sciences, Business, and Education courses (including courses cross-listed with that faculty.)

It is essential that students pursuing this degree develop a program plan in consultation with an Academic Adviser A variety of appointment options are available. To book an appointment you may contact an Adviser by emailing any of the following:
Faculty of Social Sciences:  dean.socsci@brocku.ca
Faculty Humanities:   www.brocku.ca/humanities/advising
Office of the Registrar:  www.brocku.ca/registrar/advising