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More Flexibility with Liberal Arts and General Studies

Liberal Arts and Sciences: A Strong Foundation for Transfer and Beyond

Do you like to solve problems and explore new ideas? Are you interested in the latest scientific discoveries, great works of literature or understanding human thought and behavior? Have you ever wondered about the philosophical, historical or artistic traditions of your own society or other cultures? Do you like to express yourself through writing, speaking or the arts? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the A.A. or A.S. degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences may be right for you.

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Exposure to the academic disciplines within the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree programs provides students with the broad foundational knowledge needed to move directly into the workforce or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university.

Liberal Arts Curriculum

Both the A.A. and A.S. degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences offer a broad range of courses – in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts. The general education core curriculum is an integral part of every CT State degree program and the specific course options provided within the Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees will also fulfill the general education requirements of many four-year institutions.

View Programs: A.A. Degree
View Programs: A.S. Degree

Plan to Transfer

Students who are planning to transfer are encouraged to meet with their Guided Pathways Advisor or program coordinator to discuss how courses transfer to other institutions. More information on the transfer options available can be found in the Transfer Services portion of the website. Students who plan to transfer to one of the four Connecticut state universities or Charter Oak State College may want to consider the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) transfer pathway degrees rather than the Liberal Arts and Science degree program.

Liberal Arts Degrees

With an increasing number of students looking to continue their studies and receive a bachelor’s degree, many will start their coursework at CT State because of its high-quality instruction, and more affordable tuition and fees. CT State has developed excellent relationships with neighboring college and university partners to ensure that graduates are able to transfer the maximum number of credits.

What’s the difference between the A.A. and the A.S. degrees? The Liberal Arts and Sciences program offers both an associate in art (A.A.) and an associate in science (A.S.) degree. The curriculum for both degrees is quite similar, but the A.S. degree is a bit heavier on math and science courses and the A.A. includes a foreign language requirement. If you are thinking of transferring to complete the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in a major such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, or pre-med, the college’s Liberal Arts and Sciences associate in science degree program will prepare you well. If you are thinking of transferring to complete the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in a major such as anthropology, English, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, a foreign language or pre-law, the college’s Liberal Arts and Science associate in art degree program would be a great fit.

General Studies: Flexible, Convenient and Affordable

Did you know that students over the age of 25 increased 42% on college campuses in the past 20 years? Are you a working adult with important commitments such as work, career, military, family and children, or all the above, who would like to enroll in college? Are you juggling the competing demands with a plan to succeed? Then consider a General Studies A.S. degree.

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General Studies Curriculum

Working adult learners place a high priority on course flexibility. They want courses to fit with their life and work schedules, and 88% of working adult learners place a priority on access – a college that is close to home and offers classes at times that support their full schedules. The General Studies program is the most flexible degree program available, offering general education courses and open electives that encourage students to enroll in classes that fit with current or future career plans. If transfer is part of your plan, nearly two-thirds of students who graduate from CT State with an associate in science degree in General Studies successfully transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

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Pathways to Success

If you have recently graduated from high school or have college credits that you’d like to transfer to CT State, the General Studies program may also be your program of choice. General Studies is a concentration that is appropriate for transfer, for employment and for a self-designed independent course of study. General Studies students are active learners in the sciences and the arts. The general education requirements of the program provide the foundation for a liberal education.

Application Information

CT State is an open admissions institution, with the exception of the college’s selective healthcare programs. An application for admission is required of all new students, and all students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid at www.fafsa.gov. Completing the FAFSA is also the first step in determining eligibility for free tuition.

Find out more about upcoming enrollment events by visiting our Enrollment Events calendar.

More information about the steps for admission can be found at: https://ctstate.edu/admissions-registration/how-to-apply

Whatever your plans, CT State is committed to preparing our students to succeed in the classroom, in the workplace and beyond.

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Last updated: July 23, 2025 | 2:35 pm