Bachelor of
Liberal Studies

Frequently
Asked Questions





































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Frequently Asked Questions
about the Liberal Studies Program

(1)     How do I change my major to Liberal Studies?
(2)     Why do I need to schedule an appointment?
(3)     When are advisors available?
(4)     Why do you ask for my student number?
(5)     Do you respond to questions sent by e-mail?
(6)     Where is the Office of Liberal Studies located?
(7)     May I obtain an AA degree and then pursue a bachelor's degree?
(8)     Why get an AA degree if I plan to complete a bachelor's degree?
(9)     If I earn an AA degree, must I take part in commencement?
(10)   What can I do with a degree in Liberal Studies?
(11)   Should I major in Liberal Studies?
(12)   What is an "area of concentration"?
(13)   May I have more than one area of concentration?
(14)   Do I have to complete all of my courses on campus?
(15)   Can I obtain a degree by taking evening and weekend classes?
(16)   What is Academic Renewal?
(17)   Can I use the same course to satisfy more than one requirement?
(18)   Are there other rules that I should be aware of?
(19)   Why do Liberal Studies students need two advisors?
(20)   What is the "exit exam" or Academic Profile?
(21)   When and how do I apply for graduation?
(22)   What information do you have for transfer students?

(1)  I'm considering changing my major to the Associate of Arts (AA) or the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) degree program.  What's the first step?
Call (912) 344 2613 to schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Office of Liberal Studies.  You and the advisor will then review your transcript to see how the courses you have already completed satisfy particular AA or BGS requirements.  (You can begin this review on your own using the online curriculum sheets for the AA and BGS programs.)   If you decide to change your major, all you have to do is complete a Major Change Form and have it signed by a Liberal Studies advisor and an advisor in your previous major department.  BGS students attending the Brunswick Center at the College of Coastal Georgia may schedule appointments locally by calling (912) 264 7227.  AA students attending the Liberty Center may schedule appointments at the Fort Stewart Army Education Center by calling Dr. Jospeh Weaver at (912) 767 0819.  


(2)   Why do you encourage students to schedule appointments rather than simply drop by the office without notice?
Several reasons.  First, scheduling an advisement session at least a day or so ahead of time gives us time to review your transcript and update your curriculum sheet before we meet.  Second, by making a reservation, you help to assure that we won't be interrupted by students who have not made reservations.  Third, scheduling an advisement session guarantees that you will have enough time to ask questions and receive clear answers.  In short, we ask you to schedule an appointment so that we can serve you (and other students) as well as we can. 
 

(3)   At what times are advisors available for appointments?
Although most meetings with students are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, we can make arrangements to meet later in the evening or on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening if necessary.  Simply give us a call (912 921 5991) to set a convenient time.


(4)   Why do you ask for a phone number and a student number when I call to set an appointment?
We ask for your phone number just in case conflicts arise and we have to reach you to reschedule the appointment.  We ask for your student number so that we can retrieve your transcript and update your curriculum sheet before we meet--thus saving you some time.


(5)   Will you respond to questions sent by e-mail?
We certainly try to.  Send your questions to nordquist@mail.com or williape@mail.armstrong.edu .  It helps if you include your social security number (see question #4).  If the question turns out to be more complicated than expected, we may ask you to give us a call (912 921 5991) or to schedule an appointment.  BGS students attending the Brunswick Center may e-mail Dr. Gene Barber at hbarber@bc9000.bc.peachnet.edu . 


(6)   Where is the Office of General Studies located on the AASU campus?
The General Studies offices are located in suite 211 on the second floor of Solms Hall.   
 

(7)   Though I eventually intend to complete a bachelor's degree (in any major), may I first obtain an Associate of Arts degree?
Definitely yes.  In fact, most of our Associate of Arts (AA) students intend to continue their university work (regardless of major) after obtaining the AA degree.  Because the requirements for the AA degree mimic AASU's core curriculum (plus 18 hours of electives), it is usually possible to do this without taking classes that won't be required later on in your bachelor's degree program. 


(8)   Why should I bother to get an AA degree if I intend eventually to get a bachelor's degree (in any major)?
Students (particularly nontraditional students and those attending part-time) make this choice for a number of reasons.  In some cases, an AA degree can help individuals obtain a job or a promotion.  On a more personal level, the AA degree serves as both a mark of accomplishment and an incentive to keep working.   


(9)   If I earn an AA degree, will I be required to take part in commencement ceremonies?
No.  Though you will be invited (and encouraged) to participate in the commencement ceremony, you may decline the offer if you wish and still receive your diploma.


(10)   What can I do with a degree in General Studies?
Though not designed as a vocational program (see General Studies and the Liberal Arts), General Studies provides mature students with opportunities for professional advancement as well as personal enrichment.  Employers and graduate schools are generally more concerned with the appropriateness of the courses completed and a student's performance in those courses than with a particular degree label.  Many employers seek broadly educated individuals (particularly those who already have extensive work experience) for managerial or administrative positions.  General Studies graduates are employed in practically all fields, including business, education, public administration, public relations, sales, and social service.  A significant number of graduates continue in graduate programs in such diverse fields as business, counseling, education, law, medicine, ministry, and social work.  For more information, visit the General Studies EMPLOYMENT page.


(11)   Should I major in General Studies?
Ultimately, of course, only you can make this decision.  But keep in mind that the General Studies degree is particularly appropriate for mature students, especially those who already possess significant work experience.  If you are looking for a more sharply focused career-oriented program or if you have a profound interest in one particular academic area, then General Studies is probably not for you.  On the other hand, if you have withdrawn from another AASU program (for whatever reason) or remain unsure about what major to declare, don't presume that General Studies is your only option--or a "last resort."  Before making a decision, be sure to meet with academic advisors (in General Studies, the Advisement Center, and other departments on campus) as well as career counselors (in the Office of Career Services) to discuss the various opportunities available to you at AASU.    Some of Armstrong's most talented students have graduated from the General Studies program--students who welcomed the opportunity to combine their various academic interests in a single multidisciplinary program. 


(12)   What is an "area of concentration"?
You might think of the "area of concentration" as a miniature major within the Bachelor of General Studies program of study: a group of five or six courses in a single academic discipline.  Any minor approved by the University System of Georgia may serve as the area of concentration in General Studies, and the requirements for the area are identical to the requirements for the minor.  A list of some of the more commonly selected areas (along with current course requirements) is posted elsewhere on our web site.


(13)   May I have more than one area of concentration?
Officially, General Studies majors are required to complete only one area of concentration (and only one area is identified on your transcript), but in practice you may choose to complete two or even three areas by carefully selecting the courses in the electives category of the BGS degree program.  Indeed, AASU's General Studies program is remarkably flexible: you may, for example, combine an interest in economics (by making it your area of concentration) with an interest in  communications (by taking a number of communications courses as electives).  In short, the BGS program gives you the freedom and flexibility to design your own multi-disciplinary degree plan--a plan that allows you to satisfy your varied academic interests while preparing you for a wide range of professional opportunities. 


(14)   Do I have to complete all of my courses on campus?
No.  A combination of learning options--including independent study, credit-by-examination, distance learning classes, and on-campus instruction--is available for mature students.  Students with full-time jobs and family responsibilities often need flexibility in timing and pacing their learning experiences.  Up to one-fourth of the credit required for the BGS degree may be satisfied through successful completion of AASU-approved examinations and university-level independent study courses.  (For more information, contact Ms. Lynn Benson at AASU's Office of Testing Services.)  


(15)   Can I complete an AA or BGS degree by taking evening and weekend classes only?
Yes.  Core courses are offered on Saturdays in the fall and spring semesters, and a broad selection of lower- and upper-division courses is available in the evening. However, because not all areas of concentration are available in the evening, BGS students should consult with an advisor in the appropriate department (see question 18) before establishing a course of study.  (For more information about AASU's weekend program, contact Dr. Deanna Cross, Assistant Dean for Adult Academic Services.) 


(16)   What is Academic Renewal?
Students who enroll at Armstrong Atlantic State University after an absence from college (that is, from any college or university) of at least six years may be eligible for Academic Renewal--a policy whereby academic credit for previously completed course work is retained only for courses in which a grade of at least C or S was earned.  Retained grades are not calculated in the Academic Renewal GPA.  Once approved, the Academic Renewal GPA is used to determine academic standing and eligibility for graduation.  To be considered for Academic Renewal, call Dr. Deanna Cross at 961 3163 in the Office of Adult Academic Services to schedule an appointment.


(17)   Can I use the same course to satisfy more than one requirement?
No.  It is a Board of Regents policy that a single course may be used to satisfy only one area requirement.  For instance, if you pass Art History I (ARTS 2710), you may use this course to satisfy a requirement in Area C OR in Area F OR in the General Studies area for humanities--but you can't use the same course to fulfill more than one requirement.


(18)   Are there other rules that I should be aware of?
But of course!  Here's one rule that transfer students must heed: "To qualify for either the AA or BGS degree, a student must earn at AASU at least 30 semester hours of credit applicable toward the degree."   And here are a few more rules that all BGS students should be aware of: in order to graduate, a General Studies student must have completed no fewer than 39 semester hours at the 3000-level or above and no more than 27 hours in any single discipline (excluding courses taken under the General Requirements).  In addition, at least nine of the 18 hours in the General Studies section must be completed at AASU, and no more than two final grades of D are allowed in the General Studies section.  Complete requirements for the Associate of Arts and the General Studies degree programs are contained in the AASU Catalog and are posted elsewhere on this web site.


(19)  Why do General Studies students need two advisors?
Students enrolled in the General Studies program should stay in touch with two advisors: a General Studies advisor (to keep you informed about overall program requirements) and a faculty advisor in your area of concentration (to provide up-to-date information about the 15-18 semester hours of course credit required to satisfy your area of concentration).  Although basic information about some of the more common areas of concentration appears elsewhere on this web site, a faculty advisor in the appropriate area can provide helpful advice regarding which courses to take and when to take them.  Eventually, you will need signatures from both advisors before your graduation application can be approved.


(20)  What is the "exit exam" (Academic Profile) for AA and BGS students?
One of the graduation requirements for all AA and BGS students is an exit exam that all students take during their last semester before graduation.  Although, strictly speaking, you can't fail the test (it is an instrument used by AASU to evaluate the Liberal Studies Program as a whole, not individual students), neither can you graduate without it.  Information about the exam itself appears at the ETS Academic Profile web page; information about registering for the test and taking it at Armstrong appears at the Student Affairs Testing page.  If you complete the Academic Profile for an AA degree you will not be required to take the test again if you go on to complete a BLS degree. 


(21)   When and how do I apply for graduation?
Whether you are enrolled in the AA or the BLS program (and whether or not you intend to march in the commencement ceremony), you need to apply for graduation two full semesters before your anticipated date of graduation: schedule an appointment with a Liberal Studies advisor, complete the graduation application form, and deliver the completed form (along with the current graduation fee) to the cashier in the Administration Building.  If there are questions regarding your application, you (and your Liberal Studies advisor) will be notified by the Assistant Registrar.


(22)  I am a transfer student and have many more questions: what should I do?
Visit our web page for transfer students--and don't hesitate to give us a call (at 344 2613) to schedule an appointment: we'll be happy to answer your questions in person.




e-mail: richard_nordquist@armstrong.edu  03 Jul 2008