2024-2025 Catalog 
  
    Feb 04, 2025  
2024-2025 Catalog

General Studies (GNST-AA-UN), A.A.

Location(s): Ferris Main Campus


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Associate in Arts

The General Studies Program provides admitted university students who are deciding, or working toward acceptance into a desired program of study theopportunity to (a) enroll in courses needed for degree completion, (b) explore majors, minors and program concentrations, and/or (c) qualify for entry intoa preferred area of study. Admitted students receive structured support. The program also assists students with a probationary enrollment status. Studentsmeeting General Studies Program requirements are eligible for transfer to another academic program at Ferris State University.

Program Outcomes


  1. Students will identify and utilize campus resources to increase academic preparedness and success.
  2. Students will analyze and reflect upon their ability to better interpret, investigate, and critically evaluate and advocate ideas.
  3. Students will be prepared to successfully complete the program or meet the qualifications for a program change.

Admission Requirements


New Student Admission Requirements


  • 2.50 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale) (2.35 -2.49 with college approval)
  • Minimum Composite ACT Score of 12/SAT 900 (with college approval)

Transfer Student Admission Requirements


  • 2.0 College GPA

University Requirements - 36 to 38 Credits Required


First Year Seminar Requirement (FSUS 100 or Equivalent) - 0 to 1 Credit Required


All First-Time-In-Any-College Freshmen (FTIACs) must complete a one-credit FSUS 100  course, or its equivalent. Additional information and the definition of FTIAC for FSUS purposes can be found in the: Ferris State University Academic Affairs FSUS Policy

University General Education Requirements - 36 to 37 Credits Required


Courses in this section are required to satisfy the University General Education Requirements for an associate degree. The University General Education requirements can be found on the: Ferris State University General Education Requirements Webpage

Communication Competency - 9 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)


Quantitative Literacy Competency - 3 to 4 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)


Natural Sciences Competency - 6 Credits Required


Two courses are required with a minimum of 6 credits: must have at least one lab course.

Culture Competency - 9 Credits Required


Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines and have at least one 200 level or higher course.

Self and Society Competency - 9 Credits Required


Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines, have at least one 200 level or higher course, and at least one Self and Society Foundation course.

College Requirements - 24 Credits Required


Concentration - 24 Credits Required (Advisor Approval)


Choose one concentration.

Foundation of Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration (FIDS) - 24 Credits Required (or Equivalent)


Students who successfully complete the Foundations of Interdisciplinary Studies program requirements are eligible to pursue a program change. Students who have two or more developmental courses are required to take UNIV 101 . READ 176  is a required follow-up course for students placing in READ 175 . READ 176  is a required course for students with a Reading ACT score of 17 to 18, Reading COMPASS score of 75 to 80, Post-2016 Reading SAT score of 24 to 25, or a Post-2016 ERW SAT score of 430 to 450. READ 176  is strongly suggested for students with Reading ACT score of 19 to 20, Reading COMPASS score of 81 to 85, Accuplacer score of 76 to 84, or Post-2016 ERW SAT scores of 451 to 480.

Career Development Concentration (CRDV) - 24 Credits Required


Directed Studies Concentration (DIST) - 24 Credits Required


Students admitted under this concentration must complete UNIV 101  or DIST 100  during the first semester. Students who successfully complete UNIV 101  or DIST 100  and meet academic requirements may make a program change at the end of the semester. Students who complete UNIV 101  but do not make academic progress must complete DIST 100  in the following semester.

Notes


  • Students who return to the university after an interrupted enrollment, not including summer semester, must normally meet the requirements of the curriculum which are in effect at the time of their return, not the requirements which were in effect when they were originally admitted.
  • Credit Variance - Credits required may vary based on course placement, prerequisites, etc. If you have questions, contact your advisor.

Graduation Requirements


In order to graduate from Ferris State University, students must meet both University and Programmatic Graduation Requirements.

University Graduation Requirements


These are the minimum graduation requirements for an associate degree at Ferris State University:

  • All requirements as specified in the University Requirements section must be met.
  • A minimum of 60 credits must be earned.
  • A 2.00 or higher cumulative Ferris State University GPA is required.
  • A minimum of 15 credits must be earned from Ferris State University to meet the Residency requirement.

Programmatic Graduation Requirements


These are the additional graduation requirements mandated by the program:

  • All requirements as specified in the College Requirements section must be met.

Suggested Semester Layout - Foundation of Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration (FIDS)


Consult Advisor to Approve Your Customized Plan in MyDegree

First Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 11-13

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 12-16

Summer Courses


  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 6

Second Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15

Spring Courses


  • Culture Competency 200+ Credit Hours: 3
  • Natural Sciences Competency Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Self and Society Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 12-13

Summer Courses


  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 6

Suggested Semester Layout - Career Development Concentration (CRDV)


Consult Advisor to Approve Your Customized Plan in MyDegree

First Year


Total Credits: 12-14

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Summer Courses


  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 6

Second Year


Fall Courses


  • Self and Society Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Natural Sciences Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Culture Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective(s) Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 13-16

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 12-19

Summer Courses


  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 6

Suggested Semester Layout - Directed Studies Concentration (DIST)


Consult Advisor to Approve Your Customized Plan in MyDegree

First Year


Total Credits: 11-13

Spring Courses


  • Credit Hours: 1
  • Self and Society Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Natural Sciences Competency Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Culture Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 13-14

Summer Courses


  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 6

Second Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 13-16

Spring Courses


  • Culture Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Culture Competency 200+ Credit Hours: 3
  • Self and Society Competency Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective(s) Credit Hours: 3-6
Total Credits: 12-15

Summer Courses


  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Directed Elective Credit Hours: 3
Total Credits: 6

Contact Information


Shelly VandePanne
(231) 591-2360
[email protected]

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