General Studies

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)

College is place to explore. Try new things. And get a taste of the options. Selecting a major that will define your future is a big decision, especially when there are 100+ options. With the General Studies path, you can complete the first two years of a bachelor’s program and transfer when you make your final choice.

Courses

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.

Semesters

Courses

Credits

Legend# Credits
Program-specific courses
General courses

Fall 2026

Spring 2027

Fall 2027

Spring 2028

Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring or summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.

Curriculum Notes

Most bachelor-degree programs require at least one history course. A World History I and/or II (HIS 116, HIS 126) will satisfy that requirement as well as the diversity requirement.
A World History I and/or II (HIS 116, HIS 126) will satisfy that requirement as well as the diversity requirement.

Detailed Major Requirements

Flexible Curriculum

Foundational Academic Preparedness

Transfer Friendly Degree

Facilities: The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College

Take hands-on learning to the next level. Explore your creativity. Collaborate with others. Bring your ideas to light. Tomorrow is in the making. The makerspace is a workshop where you can collaborate with students, faculty, and staff, or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career.

Launch Virtual Lab Tour

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Career Services: Support throughout your journey

Career Services offers a host of support services to help you hone in on your passion. Unsure which major best aligns with your goals? By taking an online career assessment, you can explore your interests and see where they lead. Career Services will support you through all phases of your journey from the selection of your major to finding the perfect job.

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Scholarships

As a Individualized Programs of Study student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 111 scholarships.

5 Program-related scholarships

106 Additional scholarships

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Penn College News: Real World Ready

April 15 service to honor sociology faculty member

April 10, 2023

A memorial service will be Saturday, April 15, for Douglas M. Sherry, a part-time sociology instructor at Penn College, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 57. Among…

History professor serving as AP history exam’s chief reader

October 10, 2022

A Pennsylvania College of Technology professor is serving as the chief reader for the World History: Modern Advanced Placement exam. As chief reader, Craig A.

Students earn Innovation Engineer Blue Belt credential

June 02, 2021

Twenty-seven Pennsylvania College of Technology students received Innovation Engineering Blue Belt certification following their successful completion of all…

Gallery exhibit invites students' personal reflection

March 25, 2021

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Faculty alum tapped for captivating PSU podcast

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A podcast sharing the compelling professional and personal journeys of Penn State alumni has engaged Jennifer R. Wahl, a Pennsylvania College of Technology…

Educator presents at Penn State artificial intelligence conference

February 22, 2021

A Pennsylvania College of Technology social sciences instructor shared her expertise at a recent conference exploring current challenges in global education and…

Day's headlines readily – and relevantly – fuel classroom discussion

September 26, 2019

To assess Penn College students' perspective on the day's news – developments as fresh as the Washington, D.C., impeachment drama unfolding concurrently with…

Three alumni honored at Penn College commencements

May 18, 2019

Pennsylvania College of Technology presented honors to three alumni during Spring 2019 commencement ceremonies, held May 17-18 at the Community Arts Center,…

‘Working Class: Helping & Healing’ premieres March 21

February 06, 2019

The latest episode of a locally produced, award-winning public television series emphasizes the importance of caring individuals who provide for the health and…

Economics professor presents at state conference

October 09, 2018

Abdul B. Pathan, professor of economics at Pennsylvania College of Technology, presented a paper at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Economics…

Internship: Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your know-how in the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life: Lead and put your skills to the test

Student Government Association (SGA)

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Study Abroad: Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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More Information

Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.

Required Laptop Computer

Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Unless otherwise specified by your major, MacBooks and other Apple products are not recommended for coursework.
Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor (recommended).
ARM based processors are not recommended.
16+ GB RAM (recommended). 
250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
The laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
The laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
Extended support agreement, including accidental damage protection (recommended).
Power bank suitable for your laptop (recommended).

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

The curriculum is flexible; students select courses based on the requirements of the four-year college to which they plan to transfer. (We recommend that students identify the college to which they plan to transfer as soon as possible.) A faculty advisor works with each student to design a course sequence that best meets the student's future plans.

Program Review Executive Summary

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page in our Course Catalog for general requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.