Bachelor of Arts Degree Structure

Curriculum Structure of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree

• Core Requirements

  • Fundamental courses required for all B.A. students.
  • Typically includes introductory courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • May also include writing and communication skills courses.

• Major/Concentration

  • Students choose a specific field of study, such as:
    • English
    • History
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Political Science
  • Usually requires a set number of credits in advanced courses within the chosen discipline.

• Electives

  • Students can select courses outside of their major to explore additional interests.
  • Offers flexibility to tailor the degree to individual goals and career aspirations.
  • May include courses in other disciplines or interdisciplinary studies.

• General Education Requirements

  • Courses intended to provide a broad educational foundation.
  • Often includes:
    • Arts and humanities
    • Social and behavioral sciences
    • Natural sciences
  • Aims to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural literacy.

• Capstone Project or Thesis

  • Some programs may require a final project or thesis to demonstrate mastery of the subject.
  • Typically involves research, writing, and oral presentation skills.

• Internship or Practical Experience

  • Opportunities for hands-on learning in the field related to the major.
  • Enhances employability and real-world application of academic concepts.

• Credit Requirements

  • Generally requires around 120-130 total credits for graduation.
  • A specific distribution of credits across core, major, and elective courses.

• Duration

  • Typically completed in four years of full-time study.
  • Part-time options may extend the duration.

This structure ensures a well-rounded education while allowing for specialization in a chosen field.

Curriculum Structure of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree

• Core Requirements encompass fundamental courses necessary for all B.A. students, laying the foundation in areas like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Writing and communication skills courses are often included in core requirements to enhance proficiency.

Major/Concentration

• Students select a specific field of study, allowing in-depth knowledge in areas such as English, History, Psychology, Sociology, or Political Science.
• A set number of advanced course credits within the chosen discipline is typically required for completion.

Electives

• Elective courses enable students to explore interests outside their major, fostering personal and professional growth.
• This aspect of the curriculum provides flexibility, allowing students to tailor their degree toward individual career aspirations and interdisciplinary studies.

General Education Requirements

• General education courses aim to provide a broad educational foundation in subjects like arts, humanities, social, and behavioral sciences, and natural sciences.
• These courses focus on developing critical thinking, effective communication skills, and cultural literacy among students.

Capstone Project or Thesis

• Some programs may necessitate a capstone project or thesis, showcasing students' mastery of their subject area.
• This requirement typically involves research, writing, and oral presentation, integrating various skills learned throughout the program.

Internship or Practical Experience

• Opportunities for internships or practical experiences enable students to engage in hands-on learning relevant to their major.
• Such experiences not only enhance employability but also bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world applications.

Credit Requirements

• A Bachelor of Arts degree generally requires completion of 120-130 total credits for graduation.
• This includes a specific distribution across core, major, and elective courses to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.

Duration

• The standard duration for completing a B.A. is four years of full-time study, with part-time options available that may extend the overall timeline.