Associate of Arts in General Studies

Earning a degree while working full-time or raising a family has never been more possible. Here’s why adult students are thriving and reaching their goals at SNU:

• Classes take place one night a week, entirely online or a combination of both.
• Students focus on one class at a time to ensure true mastery and prevent overwhelm.
• You can earn up to 12 hours of college credit for previous professional and technical training.
• Students study alongside other adults in similar stages of life.
• Instructors with vast amounts of industry experience guide students through courses.
• Textbooks are delivered directly to your door at the beginning of each class.
• A dedicated student success advisor guides students through the duration of your studies.

A professional with an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree can obtain the necessary skills to decide on a career path service-oriented or sales with the ability to think critically, understand processes, and interact positively with people.

Individuals should get an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree because it is a gateway degree built by personal design and an entrance into other academic degree plans.

CEOs, service industry, and customer service-focused organizations will hire administrative assistants, sales associates, and customer service representatives.

Customer-focused and service-oriented industries will prepare a person for hire with an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree.

The average salary for jobs in the General Studies field is an annual salary of about 50,000.

The SNU Associate of Arts in General Studies program is unique because it is designed with the student's input to guide their interests and future.

Students can expect commitment from the staff and instructors of the Associate of Arts in General Studies program to support and guide their educational journey with the expectation that the learner will contribute ample time to engage in the program. The staff and faculty at SNU will pray, uplift, and contribute to developing Christlike disciples that will positively affect the community and their families.

The Associate of Arts General Studies degree program costs vary according to the number of courses taken. Consulting with advisors upon enrolling will provide knowledge of the cost analysis.

Networking opportunities exist online, and while job placement is not currently offered, there are multiple opportunities for in-person networking at SNU career fairs, the annual Women in Leadership Symposium, and SNU's monthly Business and Leadership Network.

Prospective students should complete an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree at SNU because they have the opportunity to grow their skills and development, learn in a Faith-based environment with support, and enter industries that serve others.

Credit hours: 3

Credit hours: 3

Credit hours: 3

A beginning course which stresses that communication is an essential element of human existence. Basic communication theory, interpersonal skills, and public speaking skills are addressed. 

Credit hours: 3

This is an introductory course providing computer experience in a wide variety of application software. Its purpose is to help the student increase confidence on a computer while facilitating a broad range of possibilities which may be used throughout their college and professional life. Applications include word processing, electronic spreadsheets, presentation software and desktop publishing. 

Credit hours: 3

A one semester course in which students are introduced to how a Christian perspective creates and deepens meaning in cultural, personal, social, and aesthetic issues; how to evaluate moral and ethical choices in light of sound interpretations of Christian scriptures, Christian traditions, and the Wesleyan theological perspective; and how Christians operationalize that analysis through active stewardship and service. 

Select 1 of the following. 

Old Testament Literature and Life 

Old Testament Literature and Life is a General Education course. Its purpose is to identify the basic knowledge of the Bible - story line, main characters, books, great chapters, and teaching, and develop skills in understanding and communicating their meaning - that is expected will be known by all members of the SNU community of faith. This course is the product of the conviction of the SNU Faculty that a working knowledge of the Bible is essential for the fulfillment of the University mission to build responsible Christian persons. (3 Credit Hours) 

New Testament Literature and Life 

New Testament Literature and Life is a sophomore level, General Education course. Its purpose is to identify the basic knowledge of the Bible - story line, main characters, books, great chapters, and teaching, and develop skills in understanding and communicating their meaning - that is expected will be known by all members of the SNU community of faith. This course is the product of the conviction of the SNU Faculty that a working knowledge of the Bible is essential for the fulfillment of the University mission to build responsible Christian persons. (3 credit hours) 

Select 1 of the following. 

Educational Foundations of Teaching Practice (3 Credit Hours) 

The course, Educational Foundations of Teaching Practice is a study of historical and current educational philosophy, theory and practice regarding the development of the teaching profession. In addition to the historical context, current aspects of teaching and the role of the teacher in effective classroom instruction and management will be explored and examined, with practical information that will assist those individuals who desire to pursue careers in classroom teaching.  Lecture, problem-solving/case study, video review, and discussion formats will be utilized.

SPECIAL NOTE:  This course will NOT qualify under Professional Education requirements for a traditional teacher education program.

Educational Psychology (3 credit hours)

This course is designed to introduce the teacher candidate to psychological principles and theories to demonstrate how this information can influence teaching decisions for maximum learning in the classroom. The course addresses the differentiated classroom through multiple developmental theories and instructional strategies related to diversity, and acknowledges ethnic, gender and special education needs. The course also provides information related to interpreting and understanding standardized tests for the purpose of improving the teaching-learning process and providing teacher candidates the opportunity to incorporate appropriate assessment strategies.

Social Problems (3 credit hours)

A systematic analysis of some of the significant social problems of our world today, emphasizing the contributions which social science can make toward the understanding of these problems.

Sociology of the Family (3 credit hours)

A study of the origin, development, functions, and problems of a basic social institution of our culture, the family. The effect of modern social and economic conditions on contemporary family life are reviewed.

Juvenile Delinquency (3 credit hours)

An overview of the US Juvenile Justice System with an emphasis on the history and development of philosophical approaches to juvenile delinquency. Examination of theoretical paradigms, current issues, and social problems.

Select 1 of the following. 

Introduction to the Holocaust (3 credit hours)

This course seeks to engage learners in a critical consideration of the moral and religious and theological implications of Nazi German’s “war against the Jews,” the intentional and calculated destruction of some six million European Jews (accompanied by the enormous suffering and losses experienced by other “undesirable” groups) which is referred to as the Shoah, or Holocaust.

The Modern World, 1500-present (3 credit hours)

This course offers an overview of the development of human civilization from the Atlantic Revolutions to the present. It will analyze social, political, economic, moral, and ideological foundations important to the development of today’s global society.

Diversity in the Workplace (3 credit hours)

This course is designed to expand the student’s understanding of diversity within organizations, including cultures that are not derived principally from the European experience. A comparative perspective allows students to explore key racial/ethnic groups as well as protected classes of individuals. The goal of the course is to cultivate insight and respect for diversity by requiring students to explore a world quite different from their own.

Cultural Anthropology for the Ministry (3 credit hours)

This is a survey of the cultures of our world with a special look at non-western societies. The course will provide tools for more effective intercultural communications as well as giving us a mirror in which to see our own cultural groups more clearly.

Introduction to World Religions (3 credit hours)

Introduction to World Religions gives learners an introduction to some of the major world religions like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism, and briefly covers the tenets of faith of Zoroastrianism and Jainism. This course surveys the basic beliefs and practices of these religions. It is designed to help the learner be aware of other religious traditions in our community and so be better informed of the religious melting pot around us.

Intercultural Communication (3 credit hours)

An introduction to the communication, which takes place when people of different cultures interact. This course surveys differences in cultures, which can create obstacles to understanding and communication and offers suggestions for dealing with these obstacles.

Credit hours: 30

Choose 10 elective courses that are 3 credit hours each.