Saturday, April 30, 2005
Students could get six hours credit for work or life experience.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University will offer a bachelor of general studies degree beginning this summer.
"The long overdue addition to our degree options will provide a new avenue for current or former students, including working adults, to accomplish the dream of attaining a college degree," said Jane Kestner, who will initially direct the program. She is the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The degree will appeal to people who began college, completed significant course work, but didn't complete their degrees; those with two-year degrees; transfer students from junior or community colleges who didn't gain entry into programs they originally sought; adults for whom a college degree would lead to career advancement; and students who had their college career interrupted for work or other reasons, Kestner said.
Curriculum choices
The degree would allow students to play an active role in determining the curriculum that best suits their academic, career and personal goals, she said.
The degree also will offer the possibility of earning six hours of college credit for learning due to work or life experience.
The program requires 124 credit hours for completion, with a concentration area of at least 48 hours from a minimum of two disciplines.
It also calls for a capstone course, designed to provide an opportunity for practical learning in a primary concentration area and can be fulfilled by an internship, a written thesis or a lab experience.
At least 20 students per year will enroll in the program, Kestner estimated.