GENERAL STUDIES

DEFINED

General Studies offers a variety of Areas of Concentrations (not to be confused with Programs of Study) that students can follow in order to later transfer their credits to a four-year institution. Upon completion of the requirements for a General Studies degree (depending on the Area of Concentration selected), students will be awarded either an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree in General Studies.  Although students can focus on specific areas of concentration within General Studies, General Studies Areas of Concentration should not be viewed nor treated as programs of study. Rather, they are designed specifically to allow students to transfer into senior level colleges and are aligned to match requirements as outlined within the STARS agreement.  Because General Studies has Areas of Concentration opposed to actual Programs of Study, the college does not guarantee that all course requirements under specific Areas of Concentration (within General Studies) will be offered, particularly under Area V listings. In fact, based on availability of course offerings under Area V, General Studies students do have the option of transferring with less than 60 hours of credit or take additional courses (needed to graduate) at another accredited college to be applied towards your graduation requirements at Lawson State Community College. Always seek advisement, however, prior to any decision that may affect your graduation. 

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UNDERSTANDING GENERAL STUDIES:

Under General Studies, students wishing to tailor their education to a specific Area of Concentration for transferring purposes can do so by selecting an area of concentration (degree plan to follow) and by completing and following a STARS Guide (which is a guide that helps you to determine which are the correct courses to take for transfer purposes (towards your four year degree.   For more information on how to select a general studies area of concentration (degree), what a STARS Guide is, and how complete a guide, click on the icons below.

How to Craft a General Studies Degree Plan to Match Your Area of Concentration?

Lawson State recommends that you declare an area of concentration (a major area of study) as soon as possible.  It is important.  As you continue your studies in college, the sooner you declare a specific general studies major (i.e., Education, Biology, Pre-Nursing, Psychology, etc...), the better, for different schools have different requirements under the specific areas (Areas I-V).  Hence, declaring an area of concentration early, is important so you can avoid taking classes that are not within your area of concentration.  Simply complete a STARS Guide and follow the degree options under Area V.  Areas I through IV are standard courses all General Studies need to take. 

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What is STARS (College Transfer) Program?

Click the STARS icon below to find out more about the STARS Program and then click on the "Get the Guide" icon to review all College Transfer Options and select/find your area of concentration of choice.

         

For Specific General Studies offerings at Lawson State,
view the  LSCC Catalog    

        

           
                                

NOTE: 

Area V listing may be limited based on enrollments with specific degree plans.  See your advisor for more information.

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Understanding General Studies Areas:

There are five areas under the General Studies —Area I, Area II, Area III, Area IV and Area V.

AREA I - Written Composition (6 SH)

Effective written communication skills are essential in a literate society. Minimum requirements include at least 6 semester hours in written composition.

AREA II - Humanities and Fine Arts (12 SH)

Study in the humanities addresses the ability to deal with questions of values, ethics, or aesthetics as they are represented in literature, philosophy, religion, and the arts, and is fundamental to general education. Minimum requirements include at least 12 semester hours in humanities with a minimum of 3 semester hours in literature*, 3 semester hours in the arts, and the remaining semester hours from the humanities and/or fine arts. In addition to literature, disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy, religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music, theatre, and dance.
*As a part of the General Studies curriculum, students must complete a 6 semester hour sequence either in literature (Area II) or history (Area IV).   

AREA III - Natural Sciences and Mathematics (11 SH)

Study in the natural sciences and mathematics emphasizes the scientific method and applies quantitative or inductive reasoning. Minimum requirements include at least 11 semester hours with at least 3 semester hours in mathematics* at the precalculus algebra level or Finite Mathematics level unless otherwise specified and at least 8 semester hours in the natural sciences which must include laboratory experiences.  Disciplines in the natural sciences include but are not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.  *Some mathematics courses are offered for 4 semester credit
hours. Only minimum semester requirements are indicated. 

AREA IV- History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences (12 SH)

Study in history and the social and behavioral sciences deals primarily with the study of human behavior, social and political structures, and economics. Minimum requirements include 12 semester hours with at least a 3 semester hours course in history* and at least 6 semester hours from among other disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. *As a part of the General Studies curriculum, students must complete a 6 semester hour sequence either in literature (Area II) or history (Area IV).The Maximum total for AREAS I-IV is 41 Semester Hours

AREA V - Pre-Professional, Major, and Elective Courses (19-23 SH)

Area V is designated for courses appropriate to the degree/major requirements of the individual student (it may also include electives*). *Some institutions may include courses in wellness or physical education and other required courses they deem necessary/important for their graduate.  At Lawson State, all students are required to take CIS146 (Computer and Information Systems), and two PE (Physical Education) along with their other required Area V courses (within their chosen area of study).  Thus, it is of utmost importance to view the LSCC catalog as well as your STARS Guide to determine the appropriate Area V courses to take.  Failure to compare your LSCC catalog (degree plan) with your STARS Transfer Guide could lead to you taking courses at Lawson State that your transferring college will not accept.  Hence, check both (LSCC catalog and STARS Guide), and see your Advisor if you have additional question. 

Important Note:  Area V Offerings and Limitations on Offerings

Area V offerings are specific to enrollment and student demand.  Meaning, if you select a major that is not heavily populated, the Area V offerings (for that degree) may be limited as well.  What to do in such circumstances: (1) Talk to your advisor to see if the course can be added to the current or upcoming schedule;  (2) Speak with  the Department Chair  to find out if you can take the class as an independent study (keep in mind that all Independent Study opportunities must be approved); and (3) take the class at a different college via online or traditional means and have the class(es) transferred back to Lawson State and apply towards your degree here; (4) transfer less than 60 hours to your selected transfer college/university, and take the remaining Area V classes at your new college.  Once done, transfer the credits back to Lawson State and earn your two-year degree.

GRAND TOTAL for AREAS I-V: 60-64 SH

Note: For institutions requiring 120 semester hours for graduation, the maximum allowable hours for transfer from a community college into a four-year baccalaureate degree program will be 60 semester hours.