General Requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree
The associate of arts degree contains a balanced program of liberal arts education without orientation to a particular major or minor. Requirements for the degree include 60 semester credit hours and the designated competencies as listed below. These requirements can usually be met in two years of full-time study. General Education Entry/Transfer levels apply to students seeking an associate of arts degree.
Goal Area 1 - Communication: 8 credits
Inquiry Writing Seminar (GES 160) and one of the following courses:
- Basic Communication (COM 110)
- Basic Communication Skills (COM 164)
- Introduction to Creative Writing (ENJ 110A)
- Reporting (ENJ 120)
Goal Area 2 - Critical Thinking: 4 credits
Physiology of Wellness (GES 141) or Introduction to Wellbeing (GES 140) and one of the following:
- How Learning Works: Keys to College Success (GES 107)
- Introduction to Healthcare (CHL 110)
- Introduction to Logic (PHI 125M)
- Sustainable Living (ENS 205L)
Goal Area 3 - Natural Sciences: 8 credits
Any D-tagged Laboratory course and 4 credits from any of the following departments/programs: biological sciences, chemistry, environmental science, neuroscience, and physics and engineering or Physiology of Wellness (GES 141)
Goal Area 4 - Mathematics: 4 credits
Any M-tagged Mathematics course
Goal Area 5 - History & Social/Behavioral Science: 8 credits
- Any U-tagged World Cultures course
- Any L-tagged Contemporary Western Life and Thought course
- American Politics and Government (POS 100)
- Christianity & Western Culture (GES 130)
- Introduction to Anthropology (ANT 200)
- Introduction to Comparative Politics (POS 205)
- Introduction to Psychology I (PSY 101)
- Introduction to Psychology II (PSY 102)
- Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101)
- Socioeconomic & Justice Issues (SOW 240)
Goal Area 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts: 8 credits
Introducción a la Biblia (BIB 102) or Introduction to the Bible (BIB 101) and 4 credits from any of the following courses:
- Any A-tagged Artistic Experience course
- Any Bible (BIB) course)
- Any 200-level Theology (THE) course
- British Literature (ENJ 102)
- How Stories Change the World: How to Read & Why (ENJ 100)
- Humanities I: Greco-Roman Through Middle Ages (GES 145) and Humanities II: Renaissance and Reformation (GES 147)
- Introduction to the Creative Arts (GES 125)
- Introduction to Digital Media (DES 105)
- Introduction to Ethics (PHI 110)
- Topics in American Literature (ENJ 103)
Electives: 20 credits.
Additional Requirements
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.
- At least 28 of the last 35 credits must be taken at Bethel.
- One January session course.
- Taken at Bethel:
- Upon completion of program, participation in commencement ceremonies is expected.
- Participation in commencement ceremonies is permitted for students who have not completed all graduation requirements provided they have no more than seven (7) credits by the end of the fall term of the next academic year. For December commencement, courses must be completed by the end of the spring term of the same academic year. Policies regarding residency for particular courses apply.