General Studies

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)
General Studies student

About this program

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.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

Flexible Curriculum

Foundational Academic Preparedness

Transfer Friendly Degree

Featured

Technology & Society

This course analyzes of the interaction of society, culture, and technology while emphasizing industrial transitions and evaluating implications for the arts, ideology, popular culture, and social structure.

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Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Science Elective (SCI)
  • Math Elective (MTH153 or Higher) (MNS)
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Science Elective with lab (SCL)
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP)
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP)
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Math Elective (MTH151 or Higher) (MMM)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition II (ENL121)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (SPC101) or
  • Interpersonal Communication (SPC201) or
  • Fundamentals of Small Group Communication (SPC102)
The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College
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.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Student Government Association (SGA)

Student Government Association (SGA)

Let your voice be heard! Attend the next meeting to learn what’s new or consider running for a senate seat. 

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Career Services
Support throughout your journey

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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Penn College News
04.10.2023

April 15 service to honor sociology faculty member

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 the survivors is his wife, Laura M. Dickinson, an associate professor of English-composition.

10.10.2022

History professor serving as AP history exam’s chief reader

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.

06.02.2021

Students earn Innovation Engineer Blue Belt credential

Twenty-seven Pennsylvania College of Technology students received Innovation Engineering Blue Belt certification following their successful completion of all modules within the Principles of Innovation course at the college. The course teaches the fundamentals of innovation, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving and stimuli for effective innovation.

Gain global experience
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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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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More Information

View general transfer information

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.

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.

  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair