Associate of Arts in General Education
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Finish in 8 months
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Year-round enrollment
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Take the first step in your National University Journey
Earn a General Education Degree and Expand Your Knowledge and Opportunities
Degree:
Associate of Arts in General Education
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
A well-rounded education is vital for living a more rewarding life, and in preparing you for further study in a major field of specialization. National University’s Associate of Arts in General Education program provides the building blocks for your intellectual growth with instruction on English and mathematical skills, as well as the humanities, information literacy, science, and social science disciplines.
Your general education curriculum will begin with a focus on writing and speech, then expand to develop your abstract reasoning capabilities through courses in mathematics and informational literacy. Finally, you’ll explore the natural sciences, humanities, fine arts, language, and the social and behavioral sciences. Throughout many of these courses, the instruction will include an examination of the human condition in a multicultural society.
Pursuing an associate of arts in general education is an opportunity for discovery and self-improvement on its own, but it also serves as an introduction to and foundation for areas of study you may want to explore further. It prepares you for a more insightful, rewarding life, whether you aspire to additional education or not.
Why National University’s Online General Education Program?
- Hands-On Learning in the Essentials of Education. With new writing and speech skills and a better understanding of mathematics, the sciences, and multicultural environments, you’ll have a firm foundation for communicating, learning, and decision-making in all aspects of life and work.
- Designed for Working Professionals. Our program offers asynchronous and online course formats that fit the busy schedules of adult learners with convenient four-week courses, monthly starts, and year-round enrollment.
- Tools for Life and More Advanced Studies. The focus on communication fundamentals combined with a broad range of math, science, humanities, and cultural subjects prepares you for a lifetime of personal growth, self-development, and greater possibilities for further education.
Degree Requirements
To receive the AA degree in General Education, students must complete at least 90 quarter units, 18 of which must be taken in residence at National University. Of the 90 units required, 69 must fall into the areas of General Education as listed below. A list of courses for each category can be found in the General Education section of the Catalog under General Education for Bachelor Degrees. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general elective courses may be taken to fulfill the total unit requirement for the degree.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
The General Education Program consists of a minimum of 69 quarter units. Of the 69 units, students must complete at least 4.5 units at the upper-division level and 4.5 units in diversity enriched coursework. A plus [+] indicates a diversity enriched offering.
Students are urged to meet English and mathematics requirements as early as possible in their college studies to avoid serious difficulties in other coursework. Refer to the section on Undergraduate Admission Procedures for specific information regarding application and placement evaluation.
AREA A: English Communication (Minimum 13.5 quarter units)
AREA B: Mathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
AREA C: Information Literacy (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
AREA D: Arts, Humanities, & Languages (Minimum 18 quarter units in at least 2 areas)
AREA E: Social & Behavioral Sciences (Minimum 13.5 quarter units)
AREA F: Physical & Biological Sciences (Minimum 6 quarter units)*
*Note: one science lab is required
AREA G: Lifelong Learning & Self Development (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
AREA A-G: General Education (Minimum 4.5 quarter units)
Concentration in Business Administration
This concentration is designed for students enrolled in the Associate of Arts degree to provide a broad base of introductory business related disciplines. Students completing this degree and concentration are prepared for entry-level positions in business and/or articulation into a bachelor’s degree program in business.
Requirements for the Concentration
8 Courses
Intro to Quantitative Methods
4.5 Quarter Units
Key mathematical and statistical concepts useful for understanding business problems and making informed decisions with the right tools are introduced. Concepts relate to numbers, formulas, linear equation models and descriptive statistics. Applications focus on personal decisions and decisions within businesses in the areas of finance, discounts, pricing, interest rates, loans, insurance, investment, payroll and taxes. Microsoft Excel is the software used in this class. MNS 205 and MTH 210 are the primary quantitative courses required for MNS 407. Students who have taken college algebra or calculus (MTH 215 or MTH 220) are exempt from this course.
Principles of Microeconomics
4.5 Quarter Units
In this course, students will study the price system, market structures, and consumer theory. Topics covered include supply and demand, price controls, public policy, the theory of the firm, cost and revenue concepts, forms of competition, elasticity, and efficient resource allocation, among others.
Principles of Macroeconomics
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides an examination of aggregate economic activity. It includes a study of aggregate supply and demand, the monetary and banking systems, aggregate economic accounting, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, macroeconomic policy, and economic progress and stability, among other things.
Financial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of basic accounting theory and the application of accounting principles, this course includes the recording and summarization of business transactions in the form of financial statements under the rules of generally accepted accounting principles. (GAAP). It is designed for students who have little or no prior knowledge of financial accounting. This course corresponds to Principles of Accounting I at other colleges.
Managerial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
This course is an overview of the use of financial accounting and cost accounting data for the design and preparation of reports to aid management in organizing, directing, controlling, and decision-making functions. The topics include the fundamentals of cost accounting, budgeting, and responsibility accounting for cost and profit centers.
Business Finance
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
This course is a survey of the basic principles and concepts used in the financial management of a business enterprise addressed from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Topics include money and capital markets, financial management of working capital, capital budgeting and fixed asset management, cost of capital, and short-term and long-term financing by means of debt and equity capital.
Legal Aspects of Business I
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of contracts, sales, agencies, personal property, commercial paper, and associated topics. Emphasizes prevention of litigation and liability arising from business operations.
Prin. of Mgmt & Organizations
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduction to the roles of managers and the vision, mission and goals of organizations. Investigates management theories and explores the four primary functions of managers: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Covers issues related to human resource management, organizational structure and behavior, creative problem solving, effective communication, and the management of teams, change and innovation.
Concentration in Criminal Justice Administration
This concentration provides students with an introduction to the criminal justice system. Students who complete this degree concentration are prepared to move directly into intermediate-level positions in criminal justice and/or articulation into a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice.
Requirements for the Concentration
5 Courses
Students are to choose five courses from the following six options listed below:
Introduction to Policing
4.5 Quarter Units
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the role of the peace officer in American society. The course will examine the steps in selecting candidates for the position of police officer, the complexity of the enforcement requirement, the challenges that face peace officers each day, the limitations placed on peace officers by all three branches of government at both the state and federal levels.
Corrections
4.5 Quarter Units
An introduction to the field of corrections and the corrections continuum. Topics include contemporary theories of punishment, corrections and rehabilitation, local, state, federal and military confinement facilities and community alternatives to incarceration.
The Juvenile Offender
4.5 Quarter Units
A study of the nature and control of juvenile delinquency. Examines patterns of delinquent behavior, factors of causation, juvenile law and the juvenile justice system. Students also learn policies and procedures in treatment and prevention.
Courts & the Judicial Process
4.5 Quarter Units
A study of concepts and theories regarding the utilization, organization and management of the judicial process. Critically reviews the issues of fair trial, speedy trial, free press, calendar control, judicial responsibility and new technology. Students analyze the roles of the legal actors, problems of lower, trial and appellate courts and the distribution of judicial powers.
Criminal Law and Procedure
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of jurisprudential philosophy and case study of common law and statutory crimes. Discusses historical development, theory, principles and functions of criminal law. Also covers elements of due process, rule of law and the role of the constitution in protecting rights.
Criminal Evidence
4.5 Quarter Units
A study of the elements of criminal law as applied to various theories of criminal evidence to enhance understanding of the various issues facing prosecutors, criminal justice practitioners and law enforcement agents. This course will explore the application of evidentiary issues and its relationship to investigations and criminal conduct.
Concentration in Spanish
Through this concentration, students can improve their Spanish language skills and their marketability in various professions. The coursework focuses on increasing students’ spoken and written fluency and their cultural competency for working with Spanish-speaking populations.
Total Requirements for the Concentration
4 Courses
Virtual Study Abroad 4.50
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.
Virtual exploration of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are immersed in the target language through interactive communicative tasks as they engage in an online journey through cultures and communities of Latin America and Spain. Designed to develop cross-cultural competence and appreciation of the diversity of contemporary and past ways of life in these regions.
Spanish for Professional Comm
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.
Students hone professional communication skills in Spanish. Integration of speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice into job-related tasks performed in the target language. Cultural learning focused on workplaces in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as cultural sensitivity within the workplace in the US. Options provided for students to tailor their learning to their chosen future profession.
Elective Courses in Spanish
1 Course
Students will need to select at least one course in Spanish from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.
Film and Culture
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 303; SPN 304
Films and documentaries from and about the Spanish-speaking world serve as the basis for lectures, discussions, and class projects. Diverse topics will be explored along with a range of socio-cultural issues. This course also introduces strategies of cultural analysis. All coursework will be in Spanish, with some theoretical readings in English.
Spanish for the Work Place
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides English-speaking students the necessary tools for communication with Spanish speakers in the work place.
Elective Courses in English
1 Course
Students will need to select one elective course in English from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.
Cross-Cultural Communication
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the basic cultural differences generally encountered in the workplace. Special emphasis is given to cross-cultural communication in the workplace.
Latin American Studies
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduction to Latin American history and culture focusing on diversity of Latin American societies and their multicultural heritage. Topics include colonialism and indigenous societies, growth of plantation and mining economies, enslavement of Africans, struggle for independence, distribution of political power, recurrence of popular rebellion, and artistic and cultural life.
U.S. Latino Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Examination of important representative works by U.S. Latino writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
Literature of the Americas
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
This course will provide students with a hemispheric perspective to the study of the literatures of the Americas. The readings will come from a variety of prominent 20th century U.S. and Latin American literary texts. All works will be read in English translation.
Concentrations
Associate of Arts in General Education Concentration in Spanish
Through this concentration, students can improve their Spanish language skills and their marketability in various professions. The coursework focuses on increasing students’ spoken and written fluency and their cultural competency for working with Spanish-speaking populations.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- $44,023 avg. salary (USA)
- 240,959 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Administrative Support
- Data Entry
- Office Supply Management
- Invoicing
- Office Equipment
- Travel Arrangements
- Accounting
Top companies hiring for this role
- Npower (Nonprofit)
- TJX
- Marriott International
- Best Buy
- State Of Texas
- Sodexo
- University of California
- Food Service Managers
- $55,414 avg. salary (USA)
- 45,088 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Restaurant Operation
- Food Safety And Sanitation
- Restaurant Management
- Marketing
- Food Services
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
- Inventory Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Taco Bell
- Domino's Pizza
- Arby's
- Burger King
- Kentucky Fried Chicken
- Sonic Drive-In
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Sales Managers
- $134,000 avg. salary (USA)
- 55,729 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Sales Management
- Selling Techniques
- Business Development
- Sales Prospecting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Strategy
Top companies hiring for this role
- AutoZone
- Marriott International
- Hilton
- Wolters Kluwer
- Carter's
- US Foods Holding
- Amazon
- Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
- $65,587 avg. salary (USA)
- 76,816 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Auditing
- Lean Manufacturing
- Workflow Management
- Housekeeping
Top companies hiring for this role
- State of Florida
- Whole Foods
- Tyson Foods
- Amazon
- GAF Materials Corporation
- The Brock Group
- Chipotle
- Administrative Services Managers
- $106,282 avg. salary (USA)
- 24,933 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Office Management
- Accounting
- Billing
- Accounts Receivable
- Finance
- Accounts Payable
- Administrative Support
Top companies hiring for this role
- CBRE
- University of California
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Genesis HealthCare
- Life Care Centers of America
- Morgan Stanley
- United Surgical Partners International
- General and Operations Managers
- $100,934 avg. salary (USA)
- 373,566 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Inventory Management
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
- Project Management
- Finance
Top companies hiring for this role
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Buckle
- Walmart
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Menards
- Sonic Drive-In
- Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- $63,231 avg. salary (USA)
- 169,636 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Office Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Invoicing
- Billing
Top companies hiring for this role
- Ross-Shire Engineering
- Ross Stores
- Edward Jones
- Public Storage
- TJX
- O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Michaels
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Demonstrate skills for self-development that contribute to lifelong learning.
- Demonstrate literacy in written and oral communication.
- Apply information literacy skills in developing research projects and presentations.
- Demonstrate a capacity for responsible citizenship in a diverse society.
- Demonstrate awareness of past and present human and cultural diversity.
- Identify ethical issues raised in different disciplines.
- Demonstrate scientific and quantitative literacy skills in appraising information and solving problems.
- Demonstrate the ability to use the elements of critical thinking to analyze issues, solve problems, and make decisions.
- Demonstrate the ability to work successfully in a team.
- Demonstrate creative thinking in expression or problem solving.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online and In-Person
Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.
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Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
The growing business and education sectors are always in need of team members with foundational training in communications and business. Your career path could include a variety of bookkeeping, accounting, or computer support opportunities, as well as teaching assistant and paralegal professions.
General education studies provide essential self-development skills in literacy, math, business, and sciences that form a foundation for lifelong learning. They also help prepare students with the fundamentals necessary for more advanced education.
With an emphasis on literacy, math, business, and the sciences, National University’s Associate of Arts in General Studies degree prepares you for a lifetime of personal development, greater possibilities for more advanced education, and jobs that require a solid foundation in communication, math, and business fundamentals.
Career Opportunities in the General Education Field
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Computer support specialists
- Preschool teachers and teaching assistants
- Paralegals and legal assistants
Employers of General Education Graduates
- Business, government, and non-profit accounting departments
- Computer support centers
- Public and private education providers
- Law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies
National University has always been dedicated to meeting the needs of working adult learners. While earning your degree is important to your future, you don’t need to put your life on hold to do so.
The Associate of Arts in General Education can be completed 100% online, so you can study when and where it’s most convenient for you. You will engage with faculty weekly and participate in discussions with faculty and classmates on threaded online discussion boards. Quizzes and exams are completed online, and you can submit your papers or homework directly to your professors through the online portal.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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