Associate of Science in General Education
4-week Courses
Start sooner and finish faster with our innovative course design.
Year-Round Enrollment
Our admissions team reviews applications year-round.
240K+ Alumni Worldwide
Become a member of NU’s global community.
Earn a General Education Degree and Expand Your Intellectual and Professional Opportunities
Are you ready to broaden your horizons, expand your knowledge, and develop your skill set? The Associate of Science in General Education program will allow you to gain writing & mathematical skills and explore subject matter disciplines such as humanities, information literacy, science, and social science. Within the curriculum, you will address the cultural diversity of contemporary society and focus on writing & speech communication. Students will also explore mathematical and other formal systems to develop abstract reasoning abilities and take a course in informational literacy.
The program focuses on core competencies that address the soft skills a person needs in the workplace. These soft skills include, but are not limited to writing, oral communication, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and critical thinking.
The AS in General Education program serves as a feeder program to many scientific tracks and pathways such as a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, public health, clinical science, and radiation therapy.
Why National University’s Associate of Science in General Education Program?
- Hands-On Learning in the Essentials of Education. With new writing and speech skills, and a better understanding of science, mathematics, humanities, and multicultural environments, you’ll have a firm foundation for communicating, learning, and decision-making in all aspects of life and work.
- Designed for Working Professionals. Our associate in general education program offers asynchronous and online course formats that fit the busy schedules of adult learners with convenient four-week courses, monthly starts, and year-round enrollment.
- Tools for Life and More Advanced Studies. The focus on communication fundamentals combined with a broad range of math, science, humanities, and cultural subjects prepares you for a lifetime of personal growth, self-development, and greater possibilities for further education.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Associate of Science in General Education Degree and Course Requirements
To receive the AS degree in General Education, students must complete at least 90 quarter units, 18 of which must be taken in residence at National University. Of the 90 units required, 78 must fall into the areas of General Education as listed below. A list of courses for each category can be found in the General Education section of the Catalog under General Education for Bachelor Degrees. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general elective courses may be taken to fulfill the total unit requirement for the degree.
The General Education Program consists of a minimum of 78 quarter units. Of the 78 units, students must complete at least 4.5 units at the upper-division level and 4.5 units in diversity-enriched coursework. A plus [+] indicates a diversity-enriched offering.
Students are urged to meet English and Mathematics requirements as early as possible in their college studies to avoid serious difficulties in other coursework. Refer to the section on Undergraduate Admission Procedures for specific information regarding application and placement evaluation.
AREA A: English Communication (Minimum 13.5 quarter units)
AREA B: Mathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning (Minimum 9.0 quarter units)
AREA C: Information Literacy (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
AREA D: Arts, Humanities & Languages (Minimum 9 quarter units over at least 2 areas)
AREA E: Social & Behavioral Sciences (Minimum 13.5 quarter units)
AREA F: Physical & Biological Sciences (Minimum 18 quarter units required)
AREA G: Lifelong Learning & Self Development (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
AREA A-G: General Education (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
Specializations
Associate of Science in General Education, Concentration in Spanish
Through this concentration, students can improve their Spanish language skills and their marketability in various professions. The coursework focuses on increasing students’ spoken and written fluency and their cultural competency for working with Spanish-speaking populations.
Learn MoreWith an emphasis on communication, math, and science, National University’s Associate of Science in General Studies degree prepares you for a lifetime of personal development, greater possibilities for more advanced education, and jobs that require a solid foundation in language and science fundamentals.
Career Opportunities in the General Education Field
- Medical assistants, technicians, therapists, and record specialists
- Computer support specialists
- Preschool teachers and teaching assistants
- Paralegals and legal assistants
Employers of General Education Graduates
- Hospitals, private clinics, and other care providers
- Computer support centers
- Public and private education providers
- Law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies
National University has always been dedicated to meeting the needs of working adult learners. While earning your degree is important to your future, you don’t need to put your life on hold to do so.
The Associate of Science in General Studies degree can be completed 100% online, so you can study when and where it’s most convenient for you. You will engage with faculty weekly and participate in discussions with faculty and classmates on threaded online discussion boards. Quizzes and exams are completed online, and you can submit your papers or homework directly to your professors through the online portal.
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this program, you’ll be able to demonstrate:
- A capacity for responsible citizenship in a diverse society
- Skills for self-development that contribute to lifelong learning
- Literacy in written and oral communication
- Information literacy skills in developing research projects and presentations
- Awareness of past and present human and cultural diversity
- The ability to identify ethical issues raised in different disciplines
- Scientific and quantitative literacy skills in appraising information and solving problems
- The ability to use the elements of critical thinking to analyze issues, solve problems, and make decisions
- The ability to work successfully in a team
Admissions
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
4 WEEK COURSES
Why Choose National University
- Four-Week Courses
- 190+ Degree Programs
- Online or In Person
- Year-Round Enrollment
- Military Friendly
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
-Francisco R., Class of 2016
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Frequently Asked Questions
The growing medical services sector is always in need of technicians and assistants with foundational training in the sciences. Your career path could include a variety of nursing, pharmaceutical, radiological, or patient care opportunities, as well as teaching assistant, computer support, or paralegal professions.
General education studies provide essential self-development skills in literacy, math, science, and humanities that form a foundation for lifelong learning. These studies also help prepare students with the fundamentals necessary for more advanced education.
The Key Grant Scholarship
Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.