Transfer Your Life Experience Into a Degree That Matters
Have you regretted not getting a college degree? Has not
having a college degree hampered your career? Do you question your ability to take college level courses? Do you have
specific goals for your life, but seem to lack the tools to achieve them? Where do you see yourself in
the future and what’s preventing you from getting there?
At IUP, we believe your life experience counts for a lot—even credit for an undergraduate degree. That’s one reason we created the
Department of Developmental Studies—for the mature adult who has career goals,
but needs a college degree to achieve them. Whether you’ve never taken one
college course or you took courses many years ago, our general studies
undergraduate programs are designed to carefully, under faculty advisement,
explore and develop an individualized plan of study.
Why General Studies?
Not everyone is alike, and not everyone’s interests can fit
squarely into a predesigned major or degree. General studies are actually about
being very specific with your program. Since it’s you and your advisor who will
be creating your degree, it can be designed to fit the future you have in mind.
The World Needs General Studies Majors
Life has a way of getting in the way of the best laid plans,
but that should not deter you from pursuing your goals. There are so many
people who, for various reasons, did not go to college or complete their
undergraduate degree, but who have so much to offer the world. The only thing
in their way is a degree. So, you are not alone when you enter the program. Like
your fellow general studies majors, you bring experience, a willingness to be
challenged and explore your options, a desire to accomplish your goals, and an
enthusiasm that comes with a renewed appreciation for education.
Expected Outcomes With an Undergraduate Degree in General Studies
We know you bring questions to the program, questions about
your capability, and questions about how to reach your goals. Whether you want an AA in General Studies or
a BS in General Studies, our faculty members are here to help you every step of
the way. Through carefully structured advisement, options for tutoring and
supplemental instruction, and workshops, you will be guided to make sure you
succeed.
For your BS in General Studies, design your plan
of study based on a specific theme, which incorporates basic and applied
coursework within a theoretical framework culminating in a senior-year
independent research project.
For your AA in General Studies, broaden your
base of knowledge with core liberal arts studies and 10 credits of electives.
The Department of Developmental Studies offers a
number of services to help traditional and nontraditional students, whether it
be supplemental instruction, walk-in peer tutoring, or the College Success
Workshop series.
The IUP Difference
College Undergraduate
Success Program (CUSP). If you are concerned about how you will adjust to
college life and you are a first-year student, CUSP may be just for you. This
pre-college program takes place the week before fall term and includes
enrollment in the one-credit course “Introduction to Higher Education” as well
as workshops, seminars, a common reading experience, tours, and other
informational and social activities.
The IUP Faculty. This program works because of the dedicated faculty members who are
specialists, who understand your situation, and who have a determination to
help you succeed.