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General Studies

Not sure what you want to do yet? SMC is the perfect place to go while you figure it out!

Get a start on your degree while saving thousands with a degree in general studies from Southwestern Michigan College.

About the General Studies Degree

Since almost every degree has the same basic requirements, you can save money by taking those general education and prerequisite classes at SMC while you explore your interests and refine your goals.

The general studies degree can be used as up to the first two years of nearly any bachelor’s degree. It offers a broad base in the foundational courses required by every degree and also leaves room for plenty of electives, so you can explore the fields that interest you while also making progress toward a degree.

While you’re here, advisors in the Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC) can work with you to help you discover the careers that best fit you. You can change majors at any time, so if you find your calling, you can switch to that field when you’re ready.

Courses transfer well to most universities, and you can work with your SMC advisor in conjunction with an advisor at your intended school to adapt your degree plan for transfer. You’ll also have the option to complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement, an agreement between community colleges and participating universities that improves the transfer of a core block of classes. Learn more about transferring here.

SMC offers two general studies degrees, the Associate in Arts (AA) and the Associate in Science (AS). Choose the AA degree if your interests lie in the arts, soft sciences or humanities. Choose the AS degree if your interests lie in math, engineering, or the hard sciences.

What You’ll Learn/Courses and Curriculum

View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Arts in General Studies.

View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Science in General Studies.

What Can I Do With a General Studies Degree?

The associate in arts and associate in science in general studies degrees are designed to be used as the first two years of a four-year degree. Graduates with this degree may transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in nearly any field.

Bachelor’s Degree Option

Earn a bachelor’s degree on our Dowagiac campus through our partnership with Ferris State University. Many SMC programs are designed to transfer into Ferris programs, saving you time and money.

Learn more about Ferris at SMC programs here.

Entrance of SMC with Students who are taking Ferris State University classes

Transfer Anywhere

SMC is a high-transfer institution, meaning that many of our students successfully transfer to four-year schools. Credits transfer readily to most schools, and graduates have gone on to top universities, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and more.

SMC is part of the Michigan Transfer Agreement, an agreement between community colleges and participating universities that improves the transfer of a core block of classes.

Learn more about transferring here.