Shawnee State University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree emphasises breadth and integrative learning. Students complete a core of liberal-arts foundation courses alongside a personalised programme of study in the humanities and related fields. Typical areas covered include literature, history, philosophy, ethics, cultural studies, communication, art and music appreciation, and introductory social-science or science courses to support a well-rounded education.

Structure and typical modules:

• General education core: composition and rhetoric, quantitative reasoning, natural science with lab, and social/behavioural science foundations.
• Humanities core: introductory and intermediate courses in literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies.
• Skills and methods: courses in critical thinking, research methods, oral communication, and digital literacy.
• Electives and concentration: guided electives allowing depth in areas such as literary studies, public humanities, ethics, or interdisciplinary cultural studies.
• Capstone or integrative project: a senior seminar, portfolio, or capstone research project that synthesises learning across disciplines and demonstrates applied communication and analytical skills.

The programme encourages experiential learning options such as internships, community-engaged projects, study-abroad or special-topic seminars to connect classroom study with practical experience.

Entry requirements

Shawnee State University considers applicants for the Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences from recent high-school graduates, transfer students and returning adults. Typical entry expectations include:

• A high-school diploma or recognised equivalent; for transfer applicants, an associate degree or transferable college credit is considered.
• Evidence of competence in English composition and college-level maths or quantitative reasoning, demonstrated by prior coursework or placement testing.
• Submission of official transcripts; additional documents such as a personal statement or a short academic résumé may strengthen the application, particularly for non-traditional or transfer students.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements by approved testing or prior study in English.

Because the programme is designed for flexibility, applicants with diverse backgrounds and work experience are encouraged to discuss transfer credit, prior learning assessment or customised pathways with an academic advisor.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BLA/General Studies and Humanities degree develop strong written and verbal communication, critical analysis, research and problem-solving skills that are valued across many sectors. Common career pathways include:

• Education and training: positions in teaching support, adult education, academic advising or preparation for teacher certification.
• Communications and media: roles in writing, editing, public relations, content development and social-media management.
• Non-profit and public service: community outreach, programme coordination, grant writing and advocacy.
• Business and administration: human resources, project coordination, customer relations and operations roles that value critical thinking and communication.
• Further study: alumni often pursue postgraduate degrees in fields such as library and information science, law, public administration, humanities disciplines or education.

The university’s career services and internship programmes support students in translating liberal-arts skills into practical workplace experience and professional networks.

Why study at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University offers a personalised and accessible learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who focus on teaching and mentoring undergraduates. The General Studies and Humanities pathway provides flexibility for students balancing work, family or changing academic interests, while still delivering a coherent curriculum that emphasises communication, critical inquiry and civic engagement.

Students benefit from on-campus resources such as academic advising, library collections, tutoring, and opportunities for applied learning in the region through internships and community partnerships. The university’s transfer-friendly policies and recognition of prior learning help students accelerate degree completion and shape a programme tailored to their career and personal goals.