If you are not fully ready for college based on SAT/ACT scores and/or
high school grades, yet you remain determined to achieve a degree,
Gannon’s general studies program can help you reach your academic
potential. As a general studies student, you will have the opportunity
to receive developmental assistance in preparation for admission
to one of the degree-granting colleges at the University. Gannon
provides curriculum, support services and a learning environment
that enables committed students to succeed.
Students in the program receive personal and academic support
and guidance from the program coordinator. The coordinator’s
primary role is to assist students through frequent individual contact
and counseling. Students in the program also meet weekly for a
group seminar. Gannon admits a limited number of students to
this program, which allows the program coordinator ample time
to address the needs of each student individually.
Program Facts
- Out of all general studies freshmen, 69 percent have transitioned into degree-granting colleges of the University.
- An average of 64 percent of each general studies freshman class has earned a C average or better at the end of the first semester.
- The general studies program is uniquely designed to further the University’s mission by fostering holistic development of all students through opportunities for personal growth, and by contributing to
the intellectual development of each student.
- The program helps motivate
and empower students with the knowledge that they are capable of college work, and inspires them with confidence in their ability
to become contributing members of their community, society
and church.
General Studies
Curriculum
All general studies students enroll in First Year Seminar (self development), a two-credit study skills, personal growth and career/life planning course. The course is designed to improve study skills, encourage self-identification of strengths and weaknesses and provide career counseling and clarification.
Program Duration
Students remain in the general studies
program for a minimum of one semester
or a maximum of three semesters.
To apply for acceptance to one of the
degree-granting schools of the University,
students must achieve a minimum grade
point average of 2.0 (C average). They
must also demonstrate competency in
courses related to the specific program for
which they are applying. Some programs
have additional requirements. Students
will be informed of these requirements
during their meeting with the program
coordinator at Orientation. Students may
request to enroll in their academic major
after achieving the prescribed grade point
average, demonstrating competency in
related courses and being recommended
by the program coordinator, with final
approval from the Dean. This may occur
as early as the end of the student’s first
semester, but must occur by the end
of the third semester.
The general studies program is designed
to enable students to complete degree
requirements within the standard time
frame for their major. Bachelor’s degrees
may be completed in four years. However,
some students may take longer based on
their needs and the length of time spent
with the program. Course requirements
and sequencing of the program in which
the student intends to major may also
affect graduation dates. Most students will
graduate with their class; others are not
expected to take more than an additional
semester or two.
Campus Activities
The purpose of the general studies
program is to develop the skills necessary
to ensure academic success and make
college a positive experience. Therefore,
students should consider the time
commitment involved when deciding to
participate in extracurricular activities
such as athletics, campus organizations
and fraternities or sororities while
enrolled in general studies.